By learning to work on your own car, you can realistically save yourself over $100 an hour — the same rate many repair shops charge. I use simple methods such as an official mechanics manual, YouTube videos to watch others do the same repair, and finding OEM parts on eBay for major savings.
How much money can you save working on your own car?
I recently replaced both front wheel bearings on my Kia Sportage. I diagnosed the issue using AI and some simple Google searches. I called a local shop and was quoted over $1,000 for the job. Repair shops charge well over $100 an hour for labor, plus they upcharge on the parts. I personally rather keep that money in my own pocket. The great part about doing repairs yourself is that you’re mainly paying for your time and the cost of parts. Many specialty tools can even be borrowed for free from AutoZone.
Is working on your own car more realistic today?
Working on your own vehicle today is easier than ever. With the amount of information and technology available, most repair jobs can easily be researched online. My go-to source is my official Kia Sportage mechanics manual, which I bought on eBay years ago for under $15. It walks you step by step through diagnostics and repairs. The most useful parts are the diagrams, images, and bolt tightening torque specs.
I’ll usually watch YouTube videos of someone doing the exact repair on the same vehicle I own before starting the job. As someone with no mechanical background, it definitely took me longer at first to complete repairs like brakes and rotors, alternators, starters, CV axles, and more. But over time, you start learning from repetition. Now I can do many repairs from memory and only refer back to the manual for torque specs.
The best part is the savings and the knowledge you gain. It may seem intimidating at first, but after a while it starts to feel natural. I’m not looking to rebuild an engine or transmission anytime soon, but for most repairs I don’t mind jumping in and learning as I go. The feeling of accomplishment after finishing a repair yourself is hard to beat and honestly more valuable than the money saved.
Do you need expensive tools to work on your own car?
If you start slow, the startup costs are actually pretty low compared to the amount of money you can save. A basic mechanics tool set is a great starting point. A decent 200+ piece set can usually be found for around $100. Harbor Freight is also a great place to buy a floor jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, and vehicle ramps without spending a fortune.
The other important tool is a torque wrench so you can tighten everything to the correct specifications. Those basic tools alone can get you started for under $300. As you continue doing repairs and saving money, you can slowly add tools that make life easier, like a high-impact torque wrench.
For specialty jobs, like replacing wheel bearings, I usually borrow the tools for free from AutoZone. That alone can save hundreds compared to buying tools you may only use once or twice.
Is DIY car repair safe?
Thankfully I have a garage where I can work on my vehicles safely and stay out of the weather. I always use jack stands and wheel chocks anytime the vehicle is lifted. Since I follow the same official manual a Kia mechanic would use, I honestly feel safer working on my own vehicle because I know exactly what is being done.
Watching others perform the repair on YouTube beforehand also helps a lot and makes the process feel less intimidating. I don’t know if every repair shop is following the exact torque specs required by the manual, but I know I am.
Of course mistakes can happen. I’ve broken parts before or stripped bolt heads during repairs, but I’ve always fixed the issue properly afterward. I like knowing exactly what was touched and having confidence the job was done right.
Why are repair shops so expensive?
Repair shops have a lot of overhead costs they need to account for, including employee wages, building rent, insurance, expensive lifts, and professional tools. Shops also usually aren’t hunting for deals on parts the way I do.
eBay has become my go-to place for finding new OEM parts at major discounts. Sometimes I can find the exact same OEM part for a third of the price compared to what a repair shop would charge, and some shops may not even use OEM parts depending on where you go.
On top of that, repair shops also upcharge on parts for their time and profit. When you combine labor costs with marked-up parts, the final bill adds up fast. If you’re just getting started, I also put together a full guide here: How Much Money Can You Save Working on Your Own Car?
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