Do It Yourself

Car Maintenance How-Tos

Simple, step-by-step maintenance jobs you can do yourself, with the tools, parts, and time each one takes.

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Most useful

How to Change Your Engine Oil

Drain, filter, refill, and verify the level without damaging the engine or making a mess.
How to Check and Set Tire Pressure

How to Check and Set Tire Pressure

Find the correct PSI, check tires cold, adjust each tire, and catch leaks early.

Beginner 5 to 10 minutes
How to Jump-Start a Car

How to Jump-Start a Car

Connect jumper cables in the right order, avoid sparks near the battery, and know when to stop.

Beginner 10 to 20 minutes
Before You Start

Three rules for working on your own car

  • Work safe. Chock the wheels and use jack stands, never a jack alone, before you get under any car.
  • Use the right spec. Check your owner's manual for the correct fluids, torque figures, and part numbers.
  • Know your limit. If a job needs tools or experience you do not have, a shop is cheaper than a mistake.

Know the car before you turn a wrench

Read the full model review for the common problems, service intervals, and parts your car actually needs.

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