10 DIY Car Maintenance Tasks Every Pakistani Can Do at Home

Task 1: Checking and Topping Up Engine Oil

Difficulty: Very Easy | Time: 5 minutes | Tools: Clean rag

Park on level ground. Wait 10 minutes. Locate dipstick. Pull, wipe, reinsert, pull again. Read level. Add correct grade through filler cap if below MIN.

Task 2: Replacing Air Filter

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 10–15 minutes | Tools: Screwdriver

The air filter box is a large plastic box connected to engine intake. Open clips/screws, remove old filter, insert new one matching orientation. Close and secure. Labour saved: Rs 500–1,000.

Task 3: Replacing Windshield Wipers

Difficulty: Very Easy | Time: 5 minutes | Tools: None

Lift wiper arm. Press release tab at hook and slide old blade off. Click new blade on until it locks. Done. Labour saved: Rs 300–600.

Task 4: Checking Tyre Pressure

Buy a digital pressure gauge (Rs 800–1,500) and check monthly. Every petrol station has air. Use door jamb sticker pressure — not tyre sidewall maximum.

Task 5: Cleaning Battery Terminals

Disconnect negative first, then positive. Brush corrosion with baking soda solution. Dry. Apply petroleum jelly. Reconnect positive first, negative last. Labour saved: Rs 500–1,000.

Task 6: Replacing Cabin Air Filter

Usually behind the glove box. Open, remove old filter, insert new one. Improves AC efficiency and reduces dust entering cabin. Labour saved: Rs 500–1,000.

Task 7: Topping Up Coolant

ONLY when engine is cold. Find translucent reservoir. Add pre-mixed coolant or distilled water to bring between MIN and MAX marks.

Task 8: Replacing Spark Plugs

Remove ignition coil/wire, unscrew plug with correct spark plug socket, thread in new plug by hand first, tighten to spec. Replace all plugs at once. Labour saved: Rs 500–1,500.