Maybe I'm having a quarter life crisis, but I want to learn some DIY car maintenance. Fortunately, I'm in a position where my family really could get by with one car, and my partner's old car, a 6th gen Ford Fiesta, mostly sits unused.
I figure that this might be the best opportunity for me to learn some new skills. I have to force myself to take occasional errands in this car just so it doesn't rot in the driveway, so I'm pretty sure I can take my sweet time with any project I start on it. I'd like to think I have some mechanical aptitude and have half a clue on how basic systems work on a car. I already do some really basic stuff - air filters, wiper blades, windshield washer fluid.
What are some basic projects that I should look into? What are some essential tools to have on hand that may not be too obvious?
These were roughly what I was thinking of. Definitely would need two more jack stands to make tire rotation not a pain in the ass.
Fortunately we only get 1-3 snows a season where I live, but an inpact driver does seem like a swell upgrade for the future.
I sent my husband - mechanic, hydraulic tech, & industrial fab - this thread and asked if he had suggestions, and he said:
Noted: will be sure to stock a healthy fear and respect for the 2000-something lb machine :)