Motoring jobs
Car
Beginner car jobs: bulbs, wipers, tyres, fluids, a safe jump-start, a stone chip, a cabin filter, and what a warning light means. Brakes, airbags, steering, the fuel system, work under the car, and EV high-voltage parts are a no — find a garage.
Your call
What is a go, and what is a no
The guides in this section are for careful beginners, with the car on its wheels and the handbook to hand. Do not take on brakes, airbags or SRS, steering or suspension, the fuel system, high-voltage parts on a hybrid or electric vehicle, or anything that means working under the vehicle without proper ramps or axle stands. If you are unsure, find a garage.
Would rather not DIY? Each guide has a way to find a local garage, with a short hiring checklist for your country.
The jobs
Guides in this section
Replace a headlight or brake-light bulb
Match the bulb, swap it carefully, and know when the unit needs a garage.
Read guide →Replace wiper blades
A short job if you match the size and the fitting.
Read guide →Check tyre pressure and tread
How to check pressure and the legal minimum tread where you live.
Read guide →Top up screenwash, oil and coolant
A cold-engine check of the easy levels, and when to stop.
Read guide →Jump-start a flat battery
A safe jump-start, and when a hybrid, EV or damaged battery is a no.
Read guide →Touch up a stone chip or scratch
A small paint repair if the metal is sound.
Read guide →Change a cabin air filter
A glovebox or under-bonnet swap on many cars.
Read guide →Dashboard warning lights
Which lights mean stop now, and which can wait for a garage.
Read guide →