Maintaining your car at home can save you time and money while giving you the satisfaction of doing the work yourself. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of changing your car’s oil and filters, along with the essential vehicle repair tools and supplies you need to get the job done right. We’ll also provide links to useful YouTube videos and a detailed table of the best places to buy tools in Australia, the U.S., the U.K., and Canada.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why You Should Do Car Maintenance at Home
- Tools You Need for Car Service at Home
- Oil Change Tools
- Filter Change Tools
- Steps for Changing Car Oil at Home
- Steps for Changing the Air Filter
- Average Prices of Car Repair Tools
- Best Places to Buy Tools in Australia, U.S., U.K., and Canada
- Conclusion
Introduction
Performing your own car service at home, like changing oil and air filters, is easier than you might think. With the right car repair tools kit and a bit of guidance, you can keep your vehicle in top condition without the need for a professional mechanic. In this blog, we will discuss the tools to fix a car at home, step-by-step instructions, and recommended videos for better understanding.
Why You Should Do Car Maintenance at Home
There are many reasons why car owners prefer to do their own vehicle repairs:
- Cost Savings: Professional oil changes and filter replacements can be expensive, especially with labor costs. By doing it yourself, you save money on service fees.
- Convenience: Rather than booking an appointment and waiting at a repair shop, you can perform the service whenever it suits you.
- Understanding Your Vehicle: Maintaining your own car gives you a better understanding of how it works, and it’s a great way to learn valuable skills.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DIYer, this guide will help you perform basic car services such as oil changes and air filter replacements.
The right tools are essential for performing any type of vehicle repair at home. Below are some vehicle repair tools and supplies you’ll need to change your oil and air filters, along with a table of prices and where to buy them.
Oil Change Tools
To do an oil change at home, you’ll need the following tools:
| Tool | Use | Average Price (USD) | Average Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Socket Wrench Set | Loosening the drain plug | $20 – $50 | $25 – $70 |
| Oil Filter Wrench | Removing and installing the oil filter | $10 – $30 | $15 – $40 |
| Oil Drain Pan | Collecting old oil during the oil change | $10 – $25 | $12 – $35 |
| Funnel | Pouring new oil without spilling | $5 – $10 | $7 – $15 |
| Gloves | Protecting your hands from oil and dirt | $5 – $15 | $7 – $20 |
| Jack and Jack Stands | Lifting the car for access to the oil pan | $40 – $100 | $60 – $120 |
| New Oil and Oil Filter | The oil and filter specific to your car model | $30 – $70 | $35 – $85 |
Air Filter Change Tools
For changing the air filter, you will need:
| Tool | Use | Average Price (USD) | Average Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screwdriver Set | Opening the air filter compartment | $10 – $25 | $15 – $30 |
| New Air Filter | Replacing the old air filter | $15 – $40 | $20 – $50 |
These basic tools make it possible to perform regular oil and air filter changes on your vehicle at home.
Changing the oil in your car is one of the most important aspects of regular vehicle maintenance. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary car repair tools kit such as a socket wrench, oil filter wrench, drain pan, funnel, and the correct amount of oil for your car model.
Step 2: Prepare Your Car
- Park your car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
- Jack up the car using a jack and jack stands to safely elevate the front of the car.
- Make sure the car is securely supported before you go underneath.
Step 3: Drain the Oil
- Locate the oil drain plug under your car and use your socket wrench to loosen it.
- Place your oil drain pan underneath to catch the old oil.
- Once all the oil has drained, replace the drain plug and tighten it.
Step 4: Remove the Oil Filter
- Use your oil filter wrench to unscrew the oil filter.
- Be prepared for some oil to spill when you remove the filter.
- Clean the area around the oil filter with a rag.
Step 5: Install the New Oil Filter
- Before installing the new oil filter, apply a small amount of fresh oil to the gasket to ensure a proper seal.
- Screw the new filter into place, hand-tightening it.
Step 6: Refill with New Oil
- Using a funnel, pour the recommended amount of oil into your car’s engine.
- Check the oil level using the dipstick to ensure you have added the correct amount.
Step 7: Dispose of Old Oil
- Be sure to dispose of the old oil responsibly. Many auto parts stores and service stations will recycle used oil for free.
Useful YouTube Videos for Oil Changes:
Changing your car’s air filter is another simple task that improves engine performance and fuel efficiency. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Locate the Air Filter Compartment
- Open the hood of your car and find the air filter box. This is usually a black box located near the front of the engine bay.
- Consult your car’s manual if you have trouble finding it.
Step 2: Open the Air Filter Box
- Use a screwdriver to open the clamps or screws holding the air filter box in place.
Step 3: Remove the Old Air Filter
- Take out the old air filter. If it looks dirty or clogged, it’s time for a replacement.
Step 4: Insert the New Air Filter
- Place the new air filter into the air filter box, making sure it fits snugly.
Step 5: Close the Air Filter Box
- Secure the air filter box by screwing the lid back into place.
Useful YouTube Videos for Air Filter Changes:
Average Prices of Car Repair Tools
To help you find the best deals on vehicle repair tools & supplies, here is a breakdown of average prices in Australia, the U.S., the U.K., and Canada for commonly used tools for oil and filter changes.
| Tool | Australia (AUD) | United States (USD) | United Kingdom (GBP) | Canada (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Socket Wrench Set | $25 – $70 | $20 – $50 | £15 – £40 | $30 – $60 |
| Oil Filter Wrench | $15 – $40 | $10 – $30 | £8 – £20 | $15 – $35 |
| Oil Drain Pan | $12 – $35 | $10 – $25 | £5 – £15 | $12 – $25 |
| Funnel | $7 – $15 | $5 – $10 | £3 – £7 | $5 – $12 |
| Screwdriver Set | $15 – $30 | $10 – $25 | £10 – £20 | $15 – $25 |
| Jack and Jack Stands | $60 – $120 | $40 – $100 | £30 – £70 | $50 – $120 |
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Best Places to Buy Car Repair Tools in Australia, U.S., U.K., and Canada
Here are some of the best stores to buy affordable car repair tools in different countries:
In Australia:
- Supercheap Auto: Supercheap Auto
- Bunnings: Bunnings
In the United States:
- AutoZone: AutoZone
- Harbor Freight Tools: Harbor Freight
In the United Kingdom:
- Halfords: Halfords
- Machine Mart: Machine Mart
In Canada:
- Canadian Tire: Canadian Tire
- Princess Auto: Princess Auto
Performing your own car service at home, including oil and filter changes, is a rewarding experience that saves both time and money. With the right vehicle repair tools and a little guidance, you can keep your car running smoothly without visiting a mechanic. By investing in a quality car repair tools kit and following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a DIY car maintenance pro.
Make sure to always check your car’s manual for specific details and use the right tools to fix a car at home. Don’t forget to watch the recommended YouTube videos for additional visual guidance, and purchase your vehicle repair tools & supplies from trusted retailers to get the best deals. Happy servicing!