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.
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
Find the correct PSI, check tires cold, adjust each tire, and catch leaks early.
How to Jump-Start a Car
Connect jumper cables in the right order, avoid sparks near the battery, and know when to stop.
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.