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On the other hand, 70% of #CarTok videos about car maintenance were found to be helpful for drivers – showing that home car maintenance is a lot more approachable for the average Joe.

How risky can DIY car repair really be?

Naturally, there’s a massive difference between doing your own oil change and attending to a major issue. But where we’re talking about those big DIY car repairs or replacements, there are a few important risks to consider.

First, there’s the risk that the problem might not be completed properly, leading to further issues, wear and tear or unsafe driving. Nearly a fifth of the vehicle owners in the mycar Tyre & Auto research said they handle complex tasks themselves such as brake pad replacements or brake system maintenance, which can be dangerous if completed incorrectly. Elements like suspension or steering are obviously vital to safety, so experience is going to be pretty important in these areas.

There’s also the risk that home car repairs could void your car insurance. Insurers will sometimes void claims if there have been undisclosed modifications to a vehicle, for example. And if there’s a lack of clear service or repair documentation, this could also affect your sales price if you decide to sell your car.

Finally, DIY car maintenance accidents do sometimes cause serious injuries and deaths. The ACCC sent out a caution about this a few years back, stating that around 120 Aussies had died as a result of DIY car maintenance accidents since 2000. Of those, most involved not properly lifting or supporting a vehicle while working under it. So if you are DIY-ing, take the time to do it safely!

Preventative maintenance can still save serious $$$

There’s definitely some simple car maintenance that can be done at home and help you get the best value out of your ride. And Australians are pretty good at this: the mycar research shows that 77% of vehicle owners have been performing some form of car maintenance themselves. Checking tyre pressure and fluid levels regularly is a great start, and changing things like windscreen wipers and headlight bulbs can help save money too. At the next level up there are oil changes, air filter changes and so on.

Of course, it’s really satisfying to be able to service or fix your car yourself, and plenty of Aussies work on their cars because they love to do so. It’s just good to know your limitations, and recognise when to trust the experts. When it comes to the big things like brakes, steering or suspension, just make sure whoever is working on your car knows what they’re doing. That’s the key to DIY that’s smart and not sketchy.

Value matters when it comes to buying a car, too

If you’re in the market for a second-hand car, there are a few steps you can take to save money and avoid unnecessary costs, such as checking for a service history and making smart use of used car finance to suit your needs. Carma makes both of these things easy, so it’s an ideal place to start your search for a pre-loved car. What’s even better: every car has been checked over in detail by mechanical experts, and comes with a 3-month warranty. Get searching today!