Maybe I’m having a quarter life crisis, but I want to learn some DIY car maintenance. Fortunately, I’m in a position where my family really could get by with one car, and my partner’s old car, a 6th gen Ford Fiesta, mostly sits unused.
I figure that this might be the best opportunity for me to learn some new skills. I have to force myself to take occasional errands in this car just so it doesn’t rot in the driveway, so I’m pretty sure I can take my sweet time with any project I start on it. I’d like to think I have some mechanical aptitude and have half a clue on how basic systems work on a car. I already do some really basic stuff - air filters, wiper blades, windshield washer fluid.
What are some basic projects that I should look into? What are some essential tools to have on hand that may not be too obvious?
I’d say oil change, engine and cabin air filter change, spark plugs (once you feel comfortable and have done other stuff/as needed). It really depends, you’ve got a car that had a bunch of engines made for it so there might be specific stuff. Best way to figure out what might be needed/doable is probably car forums. There’s likely one for the fiesta.