Can you service your car yourself?

Can I Service My Car Myself?

The answer to the question “Can you service your car yourself?” is yes, you can. However, it is generally not recommended. While it may be tempting to save some money and do the work yourself, it is important to note that it could be a potentially hazardous activity. Additionally, it can be difficult to know if you are doing the job correctly or if any mistakes have been made. It is much safer to leave car servicing to qualified mechanics as even the simplest of tasks can have adverse effects, which can ultimately cost you more time and money.

Why It Isn't Recommended to Service Your Car Yourself

Servicing your car yourself can be a time-consuming process. If something is not done correctly, you may be compromising the safety of your vehicle, not to mention the added costs of hiring a qualified professional to fix the problem. Even something as simple as changing the oil or checking the tire pressure can result in major consequences if not done correctly. Not paying attention to the details and not having the correct tools to carry out repairs can mean that your car is not running as well as it should, which in turn can lead to far higher running costs.

How Often Should I Replace My Spark Plugs?

Spark plugs are designed for an average lifespan of between 10,000 and 20,000 miles. The actual mileage will depend on the type of car you own and how you drive, but as a rule of thumb, it is good practice to replace your spark plugs every 80,000 to 100,000 miles. When spark plugs get too old, they can affect the performance of the car due to a build-up of carbon deposits on the spark plugs. This then leads to misfires within the engine, resulting in a loss of power and fuel economy.

Do You Have to Get Your Car Serviced at the Dealership?

No matter whether you own a new or used car, you don't have to take it to a dealership for servicing. That said, if the manufacturer's warranty still covers you, it is important to take it to an accredited dealer to ensure the warranty remains valid. The same applies for when purchasing new parts for your vehicle, as these should also be from the official dealer or authorised garage. If you do intend to service the car yourself, make sure that you keep all your receipts and paperwork just in case.

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

This common maintenance task–which involves swapping the position of each tire–is one you shouldn’t ignore. Tire rotation helps to promote even tread wear, which assists with stability, steering control and braking efficiency. Every 8,000 to 10,000 miles is the recommended interval for tire rotation. Bear in mind that tire rotation is affected by several factors, including the kind of vehicle, road conditions and even your driving style. Additionally, there are a few other tire maintenance tasks to consider, such as checking and replenishing tire pressure and visually inspecting tires for signs of excessive wear or damage.