4 Car Repairs You Should be Doing Yourself

At Capital City Auto Auction, we understand the value of saving money. All cars require maintenance, and that’s especially true for used cars. But some repairs don’t NEED a professional mechanic.  

The nearest car repair to you is you! There are jobs you can learn and do yourself. I’m not talking about rebuilding your engine from scratch (but people do that too), or putting a car lift in your garage (probably people do that too).

I’m talking about do-it-yourself car repair like how to change your oil, your air filter, your spark plugs, and your brake pads. 🚘

1. Change Your Oil

One of the simplest and most recommended car repair jobs. Most of us head over to the many oil change shops scattered all over Sacramento. 🔧

But you could save a bit of money every 5,000-7,500 miles by learning how to change your oil. You simply need to find out what oil is right for your car, then get a drain pan, a funnel, and fresh oil. 🛢️

You find your oil filter and drain plug first. Put the drain pan underneath and remove the plug. Let the oil drain, then replace the plug and take out the filter. Install the new filter and use the funnel to replace the oil.

Here’s a quick video on changing your oil.

Potential savings: $35 - $75 every 5k miles

2. Replace Your Air Filter

Replace your air filter every 12,000 miles or so. If you drive where there is sand, dirt, or dust (like heading out to the San Francisco bay, or east to the Sierra Nevada) consistently blowing around, then replace it more frequently. All that dust and dirt can eventually hinder the engine’s performance and reduce its efficiency.

Locate the air filter housing and remove the cover. Take out the old filter and put it in the new one. Replace the cover and fasten it securely. It’s actually pretty simple once you know what to do.

A quick tutorial in replacing an air filter.

Potential savings: $50 - $100

3. Change Your Spark Plugs

Basically, you need spark plugs to ignite your combustion engine. Replace your spark plugs every 30,000 miles or as recommended by your car's manufacturer.

To change your spark plugs, pop the hood of your car, use a spark plug socket tool to remove the old plugs and put the new ones in. Make sure the new plugs are tightened to the correct torque.

Click here for a video tutorial.

Potential savings: $115 - $200

4. Replace Your Brake Pads

You use your brakes a lot, right. (Right?) 😀 Change brake pads every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on driving habits and conditions - how often you brake and how hard you brake.

Admittedly, this is the toughest of the 4 DIY auto repairs. But, it can save you the MOST money. 💰

First, remove the wheel and locate the brake caliper. Use a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston, remove the caliper bolts and slide the caliper off. Remove the old brake pads and replace them. Reinstall the caliper and wheel, and make sure the brake pedal feels firm before driving.

A quick tutorial on replacing brakes.

Potential savings: $115 - $300 per axle.

What are the cheapest cars to repair?

In conclusion, these four DIY car repairs are far easier than many other repairs and can save you money on labor. However, if you're not comfortable, or don’t have the time, don’t try and hope for the best. Safety first. Take your car to a professional mechanic.

Capital City Auto Auction is open to dealers ONLY, and we have a great selection of donated vehicles. Stop by! 👋