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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.