Save $150-300+ per year by doing simple maintenance tasks at home. Here's what to try and what to leave to the pros.
The DIY Opportunity
The average car owner spends $600-800 per year on routine maintenance. You can cut that by 50-70% by doing basic tasks yourself.
Good DIY candidates:
- Oil changes
- Air filter replacement
- Cabin filter replacement
- Wiper blade installation
- Battery replacement
- Tire rotation
Leave to professionals:
- Brake work
- Timing belt replacement
- Transmission service
- AC repair
- Engine diagnostics
Task 1: Oil Change
The most common DIY task. Takes 30-45 minutes once you've done it a few times.
What You Need
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Oil (5 quarts synthetic) | $25-35 |
| Oil filter | $8-15 |
| Drain pan | $10 (reusable) |
| Socket wrench | $15 (reusable) |
| Jack and stands | $50 (reusable) |
Total first-time cost: About $100 (includes tools) Subsequent cost: $35-50 vs $60-80 at a shop
Steps
- Warm up the car (2-3 minutes)
- Lift and secure the vehicle
- Locate drain plug and oil filter
- Place drain pan, remove drain plug
- Let oil drain completely (5-10 minutes)
- Remove old filter, install new one
- Replace drain plug
- Add new oil (check owner's manual for amount)
- Run engine, check for leaks
- Check oil level on dipstick
Tips
- Watch a YouTube video for your specific car first
- Use the correct oil weight (check owner's manual)
- Don't overtighten the drain plug
- Dispose of old oil at auto parts stores (free)
Task 2: Air Filter Replacement
The easiest DIY task. Takes 5-10 minutes.
What You Need
- New air filter ($15-25)
- That's it
Steps
- Open hood, locate air filter box
- Unclip or unscrew the box
- Remove old filter
- Clean any debris from the box
- Insert new filter
- Close the box
Shop cost: $40-60 DIY cost: $15-25 Savings: $25-35 every 15-20k miles
When to Replace
- Every 15,000-30,000 miles (check manual)
- More often in dusty conditions
- When it looks dirty or clogged
Task 3: Cabin Air Filter
Just as easy as the engine air filter. Makes a big difference for air quality.
What You Need
- New cabin filter ($15-30)
Steps
Most cabin filters are behind the glove box:
- Open glove box
- Release the stops that hold it open
- Remove the old filter
- Note the airflow direction arrow
- Insert new filter with arrow pointing correct direction
- Reassemble glove box
Shop cost: $50-80 DIY cost: $15-30 Savings: $35-50 every 15-20k miles
Task 4: Wiper Blades
Possibly the easiest DIY task. Takes 2-5 minutes.
What You Need
- New wiper blades ($15-30 per pair)
Steps
- Lift wiper arm away from windshield
- Find the release tab on the blade
- Slide old blade off
- Slide new blade on until it clicks
- Lower wiper arm gently
Shop cost: $40-60 installed DIY cost: $15-30 Savings: $25-30 per replacement
When to Replace
- Every 6-12 months
- When you notice streaking or skipping
- After a harsh winter
Task 5: Battery Replacement
Moderately easy. Takes 15-30 minutes.
What You Need
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| New battery | $100-200 |
| Socket wrench | $15 (reusable) |
| Wire brush or terminal cleaner | $5 (reusable) |
Steps
- Turn off the car and remove keys
- Locate the battery
- Remove the negative (black/minus) cable first
- Remove the positive (red/plus) cable
- Remove the battery hold-down
- Lift out old battery (heavy!)
- Clean terminal connectors with wire brush
- Place new battery, secure hold-down
- Connect positive cable first
- Connect negative cable last
Shop cost: $180-250 installed DIY cost: $100-200 Savings: $50-80
Important Notes
- Always disconnect negative first, connect last
- Batteries are heavy (30-50 lbs)
- Most auto parts stores test batteries free
- Old batteries can be recycled (some stores pay you)
Task 6: Tire Rotation
Moderate difficulty. Requires lifting the car safely.
What You Need
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench or impact wrench
- Torque wrench (recommended)
Rotation Pattern
Front-wheel drive: Front tires go straight back, rear tires cross to front
Rear-wheel drive: Rear tires go straight forward, front tires cross to back
All-wheel drive: Check owner's manual (varies)
Steps
- Loosen all lug nuts slightly while car is on ground
- Lift one corner, place jack stand
- Repeat for all corners
- Remove wheels and rotate per pattern
- Install wheels, hand-tighten lug nuts
- Lower car
- Torque lug nuts to spec in star pattern
Shop cost: $30-50 DIY cost: Free (if you have tools) Frequency: Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Where to Buy Parts
Best Options
Advance Auto Parts
- SpeedPerks rewards program
- Same-day pickup
- Regular sales and coupons
AutoZone
- Free battery testing
- Free check engine light diagnosis
- Loaner tool program
RockAuto
- Lowest prices online
- Huge selection
- Ships nationwide (plan ahead)
Amazon
- Fast shipping
- Price comparison easy
- Check reviews carefully
Tip: Check prices at multiple stores. Prices vary significantly for the same parts.
Tools to Buy
Starter Kit ($100-150)
| Tool | Cost | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Socket wrench set | $25-40 | Oil changes, battery |
| Floor jack | $30-50 | Lifting vehicle |
| Jack stands (pair) | $30-40 | Safety |
| Drain pan | $10 | Oil changes |
| Funnel | $5 | Adding fluids |
| Torque wrench | $25-40 | Lug nuts |
Nice to Have
- Ramps (easier than jack for oil changes)
- OBD2 scanner ($20-50, reads error codes)
- Work gloves
- LED flashlight
Safety Rules
Never skip these:
-
Use jack stands. Never work under a car held up only by a jack.
-
Set parking brake. Also chock wheels if on a slope.
-
Wear eye protection. Especially when working under the car.
-
Let the engine cool. Hot oil and coolant cause burns.
-
Disconnect battery. When working on electrical components.
-
Know your limits. If something seems wrong, stop and get help.
Annual Savings Breakdown
| Task | Shop Cost | DIY Cost | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil changes (3/yr) | $240 | $120 | $120 |
| Air filter | $50 | $20 | $30 |
| Cabin filter | $60 | $20 | $40 |
| Wiper blades | $50 | $25 | $25 |
| Tire rotation (2/yr) | $80 | $0 | $80 |
| Total | $480 | $185 | $295 |
When to DIY vs Hire Out
Good for DIY
- Tasks with no specialized tools required
- Tasks you can watch on YouTube
- Tasks with low consequences if done wrong
- Tasks with simple undo options
Hire a Pro
- Anything involving brakes
- Timing belt or chain
- Transmission work
- AC system (requires special equipment)
- Anything you're not comfortable with
Getting Started
Week 1: Watch 2-3 YouTube videos about oil changes for your specific car.
Week 2: Buy the supplies and attempt your first oil change. Budget extra time.
Month 2: Try an air filter or cabin filter change.
Month 3: Replace wiper blades when they start streaking.
As needed: Battery replacement, tire rotation.
The Bottom Line
DIY maintenance isn't for everyone, but if you're willing to learn:
- You'll save $200-400+ per year
- You'll understand your car better
- You'll catch problems early
- You'll have more control over parts quality
Start with easy tasks like air filters and wipers. Work up to oil changes. Leave complex repairs to professionals.
Last updated: January 2025
