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?

  • LaGG_3 [he/him, comrade/them]
    ·
    8 months ago

    Oil change? Tune up? Tire rotation? Brakes?

    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.

    Do you already have an impact driver to go with your socket set? Even a low-end one will make your life so much easier, especially if you live in an area that salts the roads for ice control

    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.

    • the_itsb [she/her, comrade/them]
      ·
      8 months ago

      I sent my husband - mechanic, hydraulic tech, & industrial fab - this thread and asked if he had suggestions, and he said:

      I think your reply was good and others have made some good suggestions.

      I would make the firm point that a solid respect for safety before doing anything is the single most important thing to keep in mind. No job is worth the loss of a body part. Get a solid pair of jack stands and floor jack before attempting anything that requires lifting the car off the ground. Have good eye protection on, and always pay attention to where the force of your hand is going to move when you are breaking free a fastener.

      • LaGG_3 [he/him, comrade/them]
        ·
        8 months ago

        Noted: will be sure to stock a healthy fear and respect for the 2000-something lb machine :)