DIY Car Maintenance on a Budget

Maintaining your car doesn’t have to mean expensive trips to the garage. With a little time and effort, you can handle many essential car maintenance tasks yourself, saving money while keeping your vehicle in excellent condition. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced car owner, these practical DIY car maintenance tips will help you look after your car on a budget in the UK.

1. Check and Top Up Fluids

Your car relies on several essential fluids to run smoothly, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Checking and topping up these fluids regularly can prevent costly repairs and improve performance.

How to Do It:

• Locate the dipstick for engine oil, pull it out, wipe it clean, and insert it back to check the level. If it’s low, add the recommended oil type.
• Check the coolant reservoir and top it up with a mix of antifreeze and water if needed.
• Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the bonnet and ensure the fluid is between the ‘MIN’ and ‘MAX’ marks.
• Fill up the windshield washer reservoir with a good-quality screenwash.

Recommended Products: Castrol GTX Engine Oil, Prestone Coolant, Comma DOT 4 Brake Fluid, Holts Screenwash.

2. Check and Maintain Tyres

Proper tyre maintenance improves safety, fuel efficiency, and handling. Regularly checking tyre pressure and tread depth can help you avoid expensive replacements.

How to Do It:

• Use a tyre pressure gauge to check pressure and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
• Inspect tread depth using a 20p coin; if the outer band is visible, replace the tyres.
• Rotate tyres every 5,000-7,000 miles to ensure even wear.

Recommended Products: Ring Automotive Digital Tyre Inflator, Michelin Tyre Tread Depth Gauge.

3. Replace Wiper Blades

Clear visibility is crucial for safe driving. Worn-out wiper blades can cause streaking and reduce effectiveness in rain.

How to Do It:

• Lift the wiper arm, press the tab to release the old blade, and slide in the new one.
• Test the blades with the washer fluid to ensure they work properly.

Recommended Products: Bosch Aerotwin Wiper Blades.

4. Change the Air Filter

A dirty air filter reduces engine efficiency and increases fuel consumption. Replacing it regularly ensures optimal performance.

How to Do It:

• Locate the air filter housing (usually a plastic box near the engine), open it, and remove the old filter.
• Insert a new air filter and secure the housing back in place.

Recommended Products: Mann-Filter Air Filter, K&N High-Performance Air Filter.

5. Keep Your Car Clean

Washing your car regularly prevents rust and preserves the paintwork, especially in the UK’s unpredictable weather.

How to Do It:

• Use a two-bucket method: one for soapy water and one for rinsing.
• Wash with a soft sponge, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a microfiber cloth.
• Apply wax every few months to protect the paint.

Recommended Products: Autoglym Bodywork Shampoo, Turtle Wax Hard Shell Wax.

6. Check and Maintain the Battery

A faulty battery can leave you stranded, but regular checks can extend its lifespan.

How to Do It:

• Inspect battery terminals for corrosion and clean them with baking soda and water.
• Check voltage using a multimeter (12.6V+ is a healthy reading).
• If your battery is over four years old, consider replacing it.

Recommended Products: Halfords Battery Terminal Cleaner, Exide Premium Car Battery.

7. Change Spark Plugs

Spark plugs play a vital role in engine performance. Replacing them at regular intervals improves fuel efficiency and reduces misfires.

How to Do It:

• Locate the spark plugs (refer to your manual), remove them using a spark plug socket, and replace them with new ones.
• Ensure the correct gap using a feeler gauge.

Recommended Products: NGK Spark Plugs, Laser Spark Plug Socket Set.

8. Inspect and Maintain Brakes

Your brakes are the most critical safety component of your car. Regular inspections help prevent costly repairs and ensure safety.

How to Do It:

• Remove the wheel and visually inspect the brake pads. If they’re less than 3mm thick, replace them.
• If you hear squeaking or grinding, check for worn brake discs.

Recommended Products: Ferodo Premier Brake Pads, Pagid Brake Discs.

Conclusion

By handling basic DIY car maintenance yourself, you can save hundreds of pounds each year while keeping your car in excellent condition. With the right tools and budget-friendly products, you can confidently maintain your vehicle and avoid costly garage visits. Regular checks and small repairs go a long way in prolonging your car’s lifespan and ensuring a smooth, safe drive.