How to Repair Your Car Yourself ?

If you want to cut your automotive budget, know that there are different channels for car repairs. You can even carry out some maintenance and repair tasks yourself… but not all!

Indeed, certain repairs must be performed by professionals because they are very complex and require in-depth technical knowledge.

So how do you know if you can fix certain issues yourself?

What problem are you fixing?

Identifying the source of the issue

Before you start repairing your car, you need to know what’s causing the problem!

You’ve probably noticed that modern cars are increasingly packed with electronics. Electronic control units are everywhere—from cabin comfort systems like air conditioning to safety systems such as ABS and airbags.

You’ll often find it difficult to pinpoint the issue without plugging a car diagnostic scanner into your vehicle’s OBD port

Multibrand diagnostic scanner: which one for your car?

There are many models of diagnostic scanners, suited for both professionals and individuals.

When considering a purchase, ask yourself: “What will I use it for?” If you plan to diagnose multiple makes, such as Ford, BMW, or Renault, we recommend choosing a multibrand scanner.

But if you only need to diagnose a single make, you can opt for a manufacturer-specific scanner. However, you may change vehicles or help friends in the future—so choosing a multibrand scanner from the start can save you from reinvesting later.

Mechanical parts you can repair yourself

If your car breaks down, you should first check whether the repairs are simple—oil change, air filter replacement, oil filter change, etc.—or if they involve safety-critical components like brakes.

Also, depending on the repair, the required tools may not be accessible to everyone (a vehicle lift, for example).

Where to buy parts for your car repairs

For certain repairs, you’ll need new parts to replace the faulty ones. You can buy these parts from garages, specialty stores, or online.

To significantly reduce costs, more and more motorists are buying used car parts found online. Many platforms specialize in used parts, offering components at up to 50% less than standard workshops. From shock absorbers and clutch kits to brake pads, you can find everything you need.

Typically, these parts are either produced by the OEM (Renault, Citroën, Ford, BMW, etc.) or replicated by independent manufacturers. You don’t need to be an expert to choose the right parts.

For more on car repair options