Search the Community

How I Save Money by DIY-ing My Car Servicing (And Why You Can Too!) My journey into car DIY started way back in 2001 when I was a university student in Australia. I bought my first car, a trusty Suzuki Swift, for just $2,500. It was ever-reliable and ran like a dream, but as a student on a tight budget, I needed to find ways to cut costs without cutting corners. Friendly chats at car accessory shops pointed me to YouTube and online forums, and I realized—why not try servicing my car myself? That one decision changed everything. Since then, I've serviced every car I've owned. Today, I drive a humble Mitsubishi Attrage, and even with the ever-increasing costs of car servicing from authorized dealers and workshops, I’m able to keep things affordable by doing most of the work myself. Here’s how I save money and why you might want to give it a shot too: Learning the Basics is Easier Than You Think Back then, I was a total newbie with no clue about what went under the hood. But online tutorials, YouTube, and car forums became my go-to teachers. Step-by-step guides made everything from oil changes to air filter replacements feel doable. These days, it’s even easier to learn! There’s an endless supply of beginner-friendly resources for every car make and model. Tools like socket sets, oil wrenches, and car jacks are one-time purchases that pay for themselves after a couple of DIY jobs. I jack up the vehicles with a bottle jack and rest them on jack stands https://s.shopee.sg/9pOzui9VFg Tools that I find very useful Socket set: https://s.shopee.sg/30YfmOL0C1 Smaller sockets with wide/long reach can be useful for adjusting belt tension. Also ensure the socket set has the correct size for your car lug nuts. Mine has 21mm which I have several so its useful. I also use a longer bicycle handlebar for leverage. Lexus engine oil : $28.50 4 Litres (Change every 10k) https://s.shopee.sg/4VNLc06yLl My car's (attrage oil filter), change every 10k https://s.shopee.sg/gAl0LNLQ8 $4.25 Pads : https://s.shopee.sg/9KSjKQQ2R6 Cause the Perodua viva uses the same brake pads Its about $20 Change very 30-50k (Depends on wear/tear and guide of 4mm left) Cabin Air Con Filter About 10-20k depends on "dirtyness" Usually I air blast away and plonk back in : $8++ https://s.shopee.sg/7pdvXn239g Engine Air Filter every 20k or so... but every 10k I take out to brush and air blast : https://s.shopee.sg/6Kp7lAVXtY. Aboout $8-10 Car drive belt (Every 50k or so) : https://s.shopee.sg/8KaC944b1k Disc rotor (I changed around 110k) https://s.shopee.sg/2qFFb8udGb Oil Filter wrench https://s.shopee.sg/20g8br4bKE The Savings Add Up! An oil change at a workshop can cost $100 or more, depending on the car. Doing it myself costs a fraction of that, and I know exactly what goes into my engine. Over the years, the money I’ve saved has been put to better use—whether it’s for family, hobbies, or upgrading my tools! The Joy of Ownership Beyond the financial savings, there’s a sense of pride and satisfaction that comes with maintaining your own car. It’s also a great way to understand your vehicle better. Plus, it’s fun! If you’ve never tried it before, start small—replace your air filter, swap out your spark plugs, or change a headlight bulb. You’ll be surprised how achievable it is. Why Not Give It a Try? Alas.... all these joy of changing fluids for an ICE car may come to an end in 2030. Any other DIY service enthusiasts pls feel free to contribute.

for mid size toyota cars? any workshop to recommend? looking to change pads and maybe rotors. any brands of pads to recommend? want something grippy, Noise, dust, fast wear is ok. Had wanted to order from overseas but cannot be sure that it would fit.

Need to change brake pads for my Altis soon. Normally go to Riverview in AMK for servicing, but am staying in Bt Batok. Don't feel like travelling all the way to AMK to change brake pads. Any workshop in the West area to recommend ? Am looking for original Toyota brake pads. Thanks in advanced.

this morning saw an ad abt C&C giving free brake pad checks for Mits/Kia cars. Anyone tried this before? Really free?

Best Local engineered/ designed Big Brake Kit by reputable award winning Garage - Dynamics Mechanic. Quality Made in Taiwan. Founder of Force is a designer - Force brakes are made not in terms of performance only, BUT styling. FORCE big brake kits is currently the Top selling local braking system in Singapore, with more than 30sets sold locally and oversea. It's HOT and as compared to renowned brands, the pricing is much more reasonable and you will save 50%-200%. Ask yourself this question - Why pay more for the same performance? and why pay more for something not as stylish as Force BBK ? Highly recommended by Sgcarmart : - Click here to read Car Advice Reviews BMW 1series Turbo on Force Ice Frost Blue Big6 BMW 1series Turbo on Force Ice Frost Blue Big6 for 400% increase in braking power Powerful rides - Alfa Romeo / Turbo Veloster on Force BBK Force bbks are professionally installed by Certified Experienced Mechanic Dynamics Mechanic - The Brake Specialist in town - With all the world renowned Brake Pads brands in the workshop. We got all the Major Brands Big Brake Kit brake pads refill Mercedes V6 on Force BBKs Powerful ride on Force BBKs - Ride of Fazrul Nawaz (lionXII) Tailored Made rear Big Brake Kit with Handbrakes retaining Kit Alfa Romeo 159 for front and rear Force BBK Colors and Styling - Over 200 combinations of colors with designer assistance for your choice At Dynamics Mechanic Garage - The Only Boutique Garage in Singapore At the Show Case in DM National Hero LionXII Fazrul Nawaz Endorsed and Choose Force for his Safety and Handling Turbo Charged WRX on Lime green Force BBK (mid6 Pots) Turbo Charged WRX on Lime green Force BBK (mid6 Pots) BMW 325I on Force BBK Big6pots - Sultan Gold color Have it Plain black? Beauty too Fierce Black with red logo on Honda Civic We hold the BEST local brand Brakes in SINGAPORE. Get Forced today! Award winning Drift Machine S13 on Force BBK - Front and Rear For more informations :- Look for Force Founder - DM Albert 9850 4444 Check us out at : www.facebook.com/forcebbk

Brake Rotor Disc (slotted) and Mu Spec ( Technology by Project Mu) brake pads for Honda Civic TyreR Dynamics Mechanic Garage - The well known Brake Specialist We cater well for Braking System replacement, stock braking system parts are available in DM (Dynamics Mechanic) for all car makes. All new replaced braking system will be calibrated and tested for safety. EAST BRANCH Call us at 63416164 (Synergy@KB. 25 kaki bukit rd 4. #01-36) NORTH WOODLANDS BRANCH Call us at 6363 5112 ( 184 Woodlands Industrial Park E5 #01-03/04 )