10 Car Maintenance Tasks You Can
Do Yourself (and Save £££)

 

Webuyurcar.co.uk Blogs

Owning a car in the UK can be expensive — MOTs, insurance, fuel, ULEZ charges, you name it. But there’s one area where you can genuinely cut costs: basic car maintenance. You don’t need to be a mechanic or have a garage full of tools. With a bit of know-how and some elbow grease, you can save hundreds of pounds a year by doing simple tasks yourself.

Here are 10 easy car maintenance jobs you can DIY — even if you’re a total beginner.

 

1. Change Your Engine Oil and Filter

Why it matters: Keeps your engine running smoothly and prevents costly damage.

What you’ll need: New oil, a filter, a wrench, and a drip tray.

How often: Every 5,000 to 10,000 miles (check your owner’s manual).

Savings: £60–£150 per service.

 

2. Replace Air and Cabin Filters

Why it matters: Dirty filters reduce performance and air quality.

Tools needed: Usually just a screwdriver or your hands.

How often: Once a year or every 12,000–15,000 miles.

Savings: £20–£50 per filter.

 

3.Change Headlight and Indicator Bulbs

Why it matters: Faulty lights = MOT failure and a possible fine.

Tools: Gloves and possibly a screwdriver.

Pro tip: Use LED bulbs if compatible for longer life.

Savings: £10–£40 per bulb change.

 

4. Check and Top Up Fluids

• Coolant
• Brake fluid
• Windscreen washer fluid
  Why it matters: Keeps the car safe and efficient.
  Cost: Fluids are cheap and widely available (Halfords, B&Q, etc.).
  Savings: £20–£60 compared to garage top-ups.

 

5. Replace Windscreen Wipers

Why it matters: Poor visibility can be dangerous — and illegal.

Tools: None, most wipers snap on/off.

When to do it: If they squeak or smear.

Savings: £15–£30.

 

6. Check and Clean Your Battery

Why it matters: Corrosion can lead to poor starting or failure.

Tools: Baking soda, a brush, gloves.

Check for: White corrosion around terminals and loose cables.

Savings: Potentially £100+ if it prevents a non-start situation.

 

7.  Check Tyre Pressure and Tread

Why it matters: Saves fuel, improves handling, avoids fines.

Tools: Tyre gauge (from £5), tread depth gauge (20p coin works).

Legal limit: 1.6mm minimum tread across ¾ of the tyre.

Savings: Avoid £2,500 fine per tyre!

 

8. Tighten Battery & Terminal Connections

Why it matters: Loose terminals cause poor starting or electrical faults.

Tools: A spanner or socket set.

Tip: Always tighten the negative terminal last.

Savings: Avoids call-out charges for breakdowns.

 

9. Clean Your Car (Properly)

Why it matters: Protects paint, prevents rust, retains value.

DIY vs. Hand Wash: Hand car washes cost ~£10–15 each.

Tip: Wax every few months to protect the finish.

Savings: £100+ a year.

 

10. Reset Service Indicators (Where Applicable)

Why it matters: Keeps the dashboard clean and avoids confusion.

Tools: Your owner’s manual or a quick YouTube search.

Savings: Garages sometimes charge just to do this!

 

BONUS TIP: Build a Basic Tool Kit

• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Jack and axle stands
• Tyre pressure gauge
• Work gloves
  Total cost: under £75 — and it’ll pay for itself in no time.

 

Final Thoughts: A Little DIY Goes a Long Way

You don’t need to overhaul your engine to save money. Just learning how to do the basics puts you ahead of most drivers — and could save you hundreds every year.

Plus, you’ll build confidence and a better connection with your car — and that’s priceless.

Got a driveway DIY win or a tip to share? Drop it in the comments below — let’s help each other save £££!

Article posted on: 28 August 2025. Author: Megan

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