DIY Car and Truck Repair FAQs
Doing your own car or truck maintenance and repairs not only saves you money, but it provides freedom to do things on YOUR schedule and eliminates spending hours of your day at busy service centers or dealerships. Plus, you'll know things were done right which is sometimes hard to find these days!
Some of the most common general maintenance items are also some of the easiest.
• Oil Changes
• Tire Rotations
• Engine Air Filter Changes
• Cabin (HEPA) Air Filter Changes
• PCV Valves
• So Much More!
What tools will I need?
To start, your going to need at least a basic mechanics tool set. This will consist of sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, wrenches and more. Here are some examples available on Amazon.
What Type of Floor Jack Should I Get?
If you're going to get under your vehicle, you're going to need a floor jack. I tend to go to our long reach 3 ton the most and I found these options on on Amazon.
What Are Jackstands? A MUST for Safety!
You absolutely cannot lay under a vehicle safely without jackstands. Don't even think about it!
Jackstands are sturdy supports that will be placed under structural areas of cars and trucks to safely support them while performing service and repairs. Here is short video that will show the difference between 3 ton and 6 ton jackstands.
Cars can generally be serviced well with 3 ton units, but I have found the 6 ton jackstands to be most useful. Trucks and SUVs will definitely have to have 6 ton stands. Here are some options available on Amazon.
What is a Repair Manual?
Repair manuals are detailed documents that will provide instructions for service and repair procedures. Think of it as a DIY road map for your vehicle. These are searchable documents that allow you to pinpoint the exact information you need to get started. Part locations, fluid capacities, torque specs, service sequences and more will be very valuable to have. This will also provide a BIG boost in confidence!
Find your repair manual here.
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