It requires time and money to have our cars maintained and serviced, yes even basic car maintenance tasks. Whether it is the air filter or the radiator flush, everything needs to be inspected and replaced periodically.
Each time we notice something unusual in our vehicle, we head right away to a nearby car repair shop or a mechanic. That’s totally fine, of course, but what if the lines are long, and you can’t wait?
In this post, you will be amazed to find out that you can fit various car parts, such as brake pads, fuel filters, or even spark plugs without spending bucks and wasting time on long queues.
We will point you to various platforms where you can get free tips on how to fit car parts yourself and get basic car maintenance tips to help you.
5 Best Platforms to Get Free Car Maintenance How-to Guides
1. YouTube Videos on Vehicle Maintenance
(In my opinion, the best resource for visual aids on almost anything, from popping a Chrysler 300C bonnet to hot-rod engine fits)
In today's world, where everything has become digital, you can learn anything on the digital platform and be good at your skills. So, if you want to fit car parts yourself, YouTube can be helpful and within fingertips’ reach.
There are videos on most car part fitting and maintenance procedures, for example, how to install or repair side mirrors, clean fuel filters, and so on.
For a good example, a common fault in an LS LT Ford Focus is the petrol flap falling off. It is installed in a very unconventional way – but don’t worry because there are probably fifteen or twenty videos like this one to show you exactly how this job can be done in 10 minutes or so.
2. Online Automotive Forums
The Internet works as a boon when we consider the useful information that it provides. You can learn from the people who already have been in your shoes and put their experiences on various online forums.
There is ample information on multiple websites, e.g., Champion Auto parts. They help you with a vast number of problems such as installing an engine air filter, changing the oil filter, installing a battery, installing a taillight bulb, and removing or installing spark plugs.
From small to major problems, these forums help you in finding the solution to fit your car parts. There’s no need to call a mechanic for small problems – all you need to do is scroll through their pages.
3. People Who Drive the Same Vehicle as You
It is always good to take advice from someone who knows what you’re dealing with and has the same experience. For example, you need to change the air filter of your car. For this purpose, you can always hop onto someone who has the same car model.
Each specification and feature of both of your vehicles are the same. So why not take their advice?
4. Local Wrecking Yards
It's funny, when you call a local wrecking yard, the first thing you say to the parts interpreter is, “I'm looking for a part for a (make and model).” Then an experienced parts interpreter could probably guess the exact part you need as they have likely received the same request one hundred times before!
Your spare part interpreters know exactly what I'm talking about, so make the most of that opportunity.
Local wrecking yards are the places where people go to sell or buy automobile parts daily. Calling local wrecking yards for advice can be very helpful, and when it comes to common car issues, these guys are hands down the best in the biz.
5. Google
What is it that Google doesn’t know? Whether you’re looking for solutions related to DIY car maintenance, home renovation, or your daughter’s homework, Google is the go-to resource.
With the increased use of the Internet, Google always has an answer to every problem. There are numerous websites containing articles, blogs, and other content regarding vehicle maintenance, from installing a headlight bulb to installing a cabin air filter, you’ll find it on Google.
Of course, Google only lists the websites, so you get to choose your reference. CarPart Au, for instance, has devoted a blog section to provide answers to basic car maintenance questions, advice about car maintenance schedules, and how-to guides about replacing car parts like ignition coils, air filter, and a hundred more parts that you can DIY.
Conclusion
So, if you’re excited about DIY ways to do the tasks in your car maintenance checklist – and I tell you there’s a whole lot you can do – these free resources will be most helpful.
You’ll master the skills in no time, and you won’t need to go to a mechanic to install a mirror or replace headlight bulbs – isn’t that empowering?
Check out our blog for how-to guides and hacks!