4-Do the Work Yourself

Speaking of taking the DIY approach, there are some repairs that you really can do yourself, regardless of your abilities. Whether it's the basics like being able to check your own fluids, replace your own fuel and air filters, and change your own oil, or (slightly) more advanced repairs and maintenance like replacing your own brakes, rotors, and even changing your own fluids, learning to do your own work will save you hundreds—perhaps thousands—of dollars, and once you start you'll wonder why you ever let anyone else do the work for you. Obviously, the first step to doing your own work is to believe you can do it. Like our friends at Jalopnik have said, "Stop being a coward and fix your own damn car." Then, make sure you have a place to do the work that's nice and flat where you can jack the car up, or a place you can get the car in the air safely to work on it. Make sure you have a good jack and a jack stand (and/or wheel ramps), and the right tools for the job you want to do. Our guide to getting started with your own car repairs is a must-read, as is this list of repairs anyone can do from Jalopnik. Then, check out this list of things better left to professionals, so you don't spend a ton of money and time "fixing" something you actually shouldn't meddle with. Give yourself some time, get a few tools, and soon you—like me—can move out of the world where you just paying someone else to do everything and waiting hours or days for the privilege. With time, you'll find yourself in a bright new future where you can change your own oil in minutes instead of waiting for hours, or replace your own brakes instead of spending hundreds for someone to hold your car all day for a job that takes about an hour.