15 Easiest DIY Auto Repairs
Whether you have savings to spare or you're struggling to make ends meet amid the COVID-19 pandemic, adding costly car repairs on top of your expenses is not ideal. It's a good thing you don’t have to take your car to the shop for every repair job.
Save time and money with DIY auto repairs. It eliminates the need to visit your mechanic, which means you don't have to worry about gas and consultation costs, among other expenses. Doing the task yourself is also handy, given the stay-at-home orders due to the pandemic.
Below is a comprehensive list of the easiest car repairs that you can DIY. Note that the exact time of each repair depends on several factors, such as your automotive DIY skills and your vehicle’s year, make, and model. If you want a more accurate labor time estimate of your application, consult a repair database.
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(Headlight, Tail light, etc.)
(Serpentine belt)
PCV Valve Replacement
Shop Cost: $65-$90 (Labor: $45-$60, Part: $20-$30)
DIY Cost: $20-$30 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $45-$60
The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve draws and directs crankcase gases into the intake manifold to prevent them from creating excessive pressure or escaping into the atmosphere. A faulty PCV valve can cause several problems, including an illuminated check engine light, engine oil leaks, oil consumption, stalling, and rough idling.
Most experts recommend replacing the PCV valve every 35,000 to 60,000 miles. Save up to $60 when you DIY.
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Tools: Usually, no tools are required
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Time: 5 to 30 minutes
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Skill: Easy
Cabin Filter Replacement
Shop Cost: $70-$105 (Labor: $35-$45, Part: $40-$60)
DIY Cost: $40-$60 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $30-$45
The cabin filter keeps dirt, dust, and other debris from getting into the passenger compartment via the heating and ventilation air intake. If it gets clogged, the airflow from the climate control system may diminish. The filter also helps keep the evaporator core clean to prevent the growth of microbes that lead to musty odors.
Automakers often recommend replacing the cabin air filter alternately with the engine air filter, approximately every 40,000 miles. Save up to $45 when you DIY.
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Tools: Usually, no tools are required
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Time: 5 to 30 minutes
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Skill: Easy
Air Filter Replacement
Shop Cost: $60-$85 (Labor: $30-$40, Part: $30-$45)
DIY Cost: $30-$45 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $30-$40
The air filter, which is located in the air intake system, prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine while also promoting airflow. It gets dirty and clogs over time. A severely congested air filter can contribute to drivability issues, such as stumbling, rough running, and diminished fuel efficiency.
The replacement interval of an air filter varies depending on the vehicle and its typical driving conditions. Experts recommend replacing every 40,000 miles approximately. Save up to $40 when you DIY.
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Tools: Usually, no tools are required
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Time: 5 to 20 minutes
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Skill: Easy
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Shop Cost: $60-$90 (Labor: $30-$35, Part: $30-$55)
DIY Cost: $30-$55 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $30-$35
A windshield wiper blade draws liquid off the glass, giving drivers a clear view of the road in foul weather. Certain weather conditions and wear and tear can damage, tear, or crack it. If a windshield wiper blade no longer removes moisture effectively (e.g., leaving streaks or missing large patches), then it is time to replace it.
Replacing a windshield wiper blade is one of the easiest car repairs to DIY. Save up to $35 when you DIY.
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Tools: Usually, no tools are required
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Time: 5 to 20 minutes
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Skill: Easy
Battery Replacement
Shop Cost: $290-$300 (Labor: $40-$55, Part: $250)
DIY Cost: $250 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $50
When you turn the key, the battery starts supplying electrical power to the starter motor to crank the engine. It must be replaced once it is considered "dead," which means it no longer has enough charge to power your vehicle. If the engine cranks slowly or not all when you start it, it may be time to look for a replacement.
There is no specific replacement interval for batteries. However, some factors can affect their longevity, including how often you start your vehicle, the climate in your area, and how you maintain the starting and charging system. Save up to $50 when you DIY.
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Tools:
- Protective gloves
- Ratchet, sockets, and extensions
- Safety glasses
- Wrenches
- Note: The tools needed will vary by vehicle.
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Time: 15 minutes to an hour
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Skill: Easy
Ignition Coil Replacement
Shop Cost: $200-$280 (Labor: $55-$70, Part: $145-$210)
DIY Cost: $145-$210 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $55-$70
The ignition coils send high-voltage electricity to the spark plugs. The signs of a failing ignition coil include an illuminated check engine light, an engine that stalls or runs poorly, diminished fuel economy, and increased emissions.
Although ignition coils are designed to last the life of the vehicle, that doesn’t always happen. If one or more of your car’s ignition coils fail, you’ll want to fix the problem right away to prevent damaging other parts of the vehicle, such as the catalytic converter. Save up to $70 when you DIY.
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Tools:
- Ratchet, sockets, and extensions
- Safety glasses
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Time: 10 minutes to an hour
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Skill: Easy
Oil Change
Shop Cost: $30-$200 (Labor: $40-$50, Part: $100-$120)
DIY Cost: $100-$120 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $80
The oil lubricates and cools vital internal engine components. Due to its purpose, it naturally breaks down and gets contaminated over time, thus requiring replacement. The oil breaks down faster if you frequently take short trips, which means the engine doesn’t reach its operating temperature regularly.
Regular oil changes are essential in preventing internal engine damage. Automakers typically implement model-specific guidelines regarding oil changes. Save up to $80 when you DIY.
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Tools:
- Fluid catch pan
- Jack and jack stands
- Oil filter wrench
- Ratchet, sockets, and extensions
- Tarps, cardboard, or newspaper
- Torque wrench
- Safety glasses
- Note: The tools needed will vary by vehicle.
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Time: 20 minutes to 1 hour
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Skill: 3
Spark Plug Replacement
Shop Cost: $200-$600 (Labor: $130-$165, Part: $60-$95)
DIY Cost: $60-$95 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $140-$505
Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine using high voltage electricity from the ignition coils, setting off the chain-reaction that powers the vehicle. Their failure can disrupt your engine's performance. On top of an illuminated or blinking check engine light, poor gas mileage, rough running, power loss or surging, and excessive cranking time may indicate spark plug issues.
You should replace the spark plugs at the interval suggested in the vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. This information can be found in your owner’s manual or supplemental service booklet. They must be replaced immediately once they are worn out. Save up to $505 when you DIY.
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Tools:
- Ratchet, sockets, and extensions
- Spark plug gapping tool
- Spark plug socket
- Safety glasses
- Torque wrench
- Note: The tools needed will vary by vehicle.
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Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
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Skill: Average
Fuel Filter Replacement
Shop Cost: $120-$160 (Labor: $75-$95, Part: $45-$70)
DIY Cost: $45-$70 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $75-$90
Tucked between your car's engine and fuel tank, the fuel filter serves as a screen in the fuel line. It keeps dirt, debris, and rust particles from contaminating the fuel injectors. The symptoms of a dirty, clogged, or defective fuel filter include engine misfires, stalling under strain, poor idling, lack of engine power, and difficulty in starting the engine.
The fuel filter becomes less permeable over time. Most automakers recommend changing it every 40,000 to 80,000 miles. If your vehicle runs on diesel, you may need to change its fuel filter more frequently as this fuel type is less refined than gasoline. Save up to $90 when you DIY.
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Tools:
- Appropriate size flare nut wrenches and/or fuel line disconnect tool
- Fluid catch pan
- Jack and jack stands
- Safety glasses
- Note: The tools needed will vary by vehicle.
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Time: 30 to 1.5 hours
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Skill: Easy
Light Bulb (Headlight, Tail Light, Etc.) Replacement
Shop Cost: $115-$150 (Labor: $45-$60, Part: $70-$90)
DIY Cost: $70-$90 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $45-$60
There are several light bulbs throughout your car, such as the headlight, tail light, and interior lights. They have different types based on their purpose and location. For instance, there are three types of headlights: halogen, LED, and xenon.
Dimmed, flickering, damaged, or defective light bulbs must be replaced immediately, not only to ensure proper lighting but also to comply with road regulations. Fortunately, replacing a faulty light bulb is one of the easiest and cost-efficient DIY auto repairs. Save up to $60 when you DIY.
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Tools:
- Ratchet, sockets, and extensions
- Safety glasses
- Screwdrivers
- Note: The tools needed will vary by vehicle.
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Time: 15 minutes to 1.5 hours
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Skill: 3
Drive Belt / Serpentine Belt Replacement
Shop Cost: $110-$140 (Labor: $60-$75, Part: $50-$70)
DIY Cost: $50-$70 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $60-$70
Also known as a drive belt, the serpentine belt typically provides power to the power steering system, air conditioning system, water pump, and alternator. It loops across a complex system of pulleys to power these parts. The symptoms of a failing serpentine belt include physical damage, loss of power steering, electrical systems failure, squealing or whining noises, and an overheating engine.
The replacement interval of a serpentine belt varies based on the vehicle. Save up to $70 when you DIY.
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Tools:
- Ratchet, sockets, and extensions
- Safety glasses
- Serpentine belt tool or breaker bar
- Note: The tools needed will vary by vehicle.
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Time: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
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Skill: Easy
Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement
Shop Cost: $275-$600 (Labor: $95-$120, Part: $180-$185)
DIY Cost: $180-$185 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $95-$415
The brake pad and rotor help control your car's speed and momentum, making them crucial components of a modern vehicle's braking system. They vary based on their material and structure. Brake pads come in organic, ceramic, and semi-metallic, while rotors come in flat, vented, drilled, and slotted forms.
Due to their close-knit functions, the brake pad and rotor are typically replaced at the same time. Save up to $415 when you DIY.
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Tools:
- Breaker bar
- C-clamp or disc brake spreader
- Fluid extractor or suction gun
- Jack and jack stands
- Large screwdriver or pry bar
- Ratchet, sockets, and extensions
- Wrenches
- Safety glasses
- Torque wrench
- Note: The tools needed will vary by vehicle.
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Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
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Skill: Easy
Transmission Fluid Service
Shop Cost: $185-$210 (Labor: $95-$120, Part: $90)
DIY Cost: $90 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $120
The transmission fluid helps keep the vehicle's transmission’s internal parts cool and lubricated. However, it breaks down over time, which can eventually cause transmission failure. You should always service the transmission fluid at the interval suggested in the vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. This information can be found in your owner’s manual or supplemental service booklet.
The transmission fluid service process may vary based on the vehicle. To ensure ideal results, it must be performed according to the automaker’s recommendations. Save up to $120 when you DIY.
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Tools:
- Clean rags
- Fluid catch pan
- Jack and jack stands
- Longneck funnel
- Ratchet, sockets, and extensions
- Safety glasses
- Tarps, cardboard, or newspaper
- Torque wrench
- Note: The tools needed will vary by vehicle.
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Time: 1 to 2 hours
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Skill: Average
Coolant Exchange Service
Shop Cost: S95-$120 (Labor: $95-$120, Part: $15-$35)
DIY Cost: $15-$35 (Parts only)
DIY Savings: $80-$85
The coolant, which prevents corrosion and helps maintain the optimum temperature of the engine, tends to break down over time. It must be changed regularly through a coolant exchange service. The service involves completely removing the old, dirty coolant from the system and replacing it with new coolant.
Most automakers recommend performing the coolant exchange service regularly, approximately every 30,000 to 100,000 miles. Consult the vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to determine the service interval for your vehicle. Save up to $85 when you DIY.
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Tools:
- Air compressor
- Cooling system vacuum fill tool
- Fluid catch pan
- Jack and jack stands
- Pliers
- Screwdrivers
- Tarps, cardboard, or newspaper
- Note: The tools needed will vary by vehicle.
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Time: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
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Skill: Easy
Radiator Hose Replacement
Shop Cost: $150-$170 (Labor:$80-$100, Part: $75)
DIY Cost: $75
DIY Savings: $95
The radiator hoses provide a pathway for coolant to flow in and out of the radiator, helping to keep the engine cool. It has various types, including the universal radiator hose and the molded radiator hose. Coolant leaks, low coolant levels, and overheating may indicate a faulty radiator hose.
How often the radiator hose needs replacement varies depending on the vehicle. Save up to $95 when you DIY.
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Tools:
- Air compressor
- Cooling system vacuum fill tool
- Fluid catch pan
- Jack and jack stands
- Pliers
- Screwdrivers
- Safety glasses
- Tarps, cardboard, or newspaper
- Note: The tools needed will vary by vehicle.
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Time: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
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Skill: Average
Spend less, save time, and stay safe with these DIY car repairs. To maximize the budget benefits of the task, use the CarParts.com in-site fillers to find a high-quality replacement part that’s compatible with your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
Before you start, make sure you have the right tools and protective equipment on hand. Ensure your workspace is equipped with excellent lighting, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher in case of emergencies. If you don't have a garage and are conducting repairs outside, remember to wear your face mask.
Finally, don't put off essential repairs, especially if the issue is interfering with your vehicle's performance. Fix it as soon as possible to ensure a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
