Lykkers, let's be honest—once we've got our own car, that joy quickly meets the reality of maintenance costs. These days, labor fees for even small repair jobs like replacing a lightbulb or an air filter can cost more than the parts themselves.

So, what can we do? Many of us are discovering that some car care can be done right at home. Not only does this save money, but it also gives us peace of mind and a sense of achievement. Let's walk through what we need and how we can take care of our car like pros.

Must-Have Tools in the Trunk

First off, we need to be prepared. Besides the basic tools that come with the car, it's smart to add a few more to our kit:

• A 12V electric air pump with a pressure gauge. These cost about 150–500 RMB online. Remember to only use it while the engine is running so the battery doesn't get drained.

• Tire repair tools—avoid using chemical tire sealants because they can damage your wheels. Instead, go for rubber plug kits or mushroom nail kits. The rubber plug is easy to use, but you'll still need to visit a repair shop later. The mushroom type lasts longer but takes a bit of practice.

• A 12V car wash pump (preferably one with a water bucket). Two buckets of water can wash the whole car—even if we're out in the wild, as long as there's water, we're good. Again, keep the engine on during use.

• For outdoor lovers: pack a tow rope, a folding shovel, and a couple of wooden planks. But remember—don't use an automatic car to tow another one, especially CVT models, or you might end up with a broken transmission.

• And if you like to DIY, get a jack stand or two. This makes it safer to go under the car if needed. Just never crawl under a car when a wheel is off unless it's properly supported!

Easy Replacements You Can Do

Let's talk about what we can actually change ourselves—and save a bunch doing it.

• Light bulbs, air filters, and cabin filters: These parts are simple to swap and cost much less online. For example, a cabin filter costs around 30–50 RMB, but a shop might charge you up to 200 RMB for the same job.

• Engine oil and oil filter: Buy big-brand oil only! If you reuse the oil plug gasket, smooth it with sandpaper first to prevent leaks. If it still leaks, wrap it with plumbing tape—it works and handles high heat. Also, apply some oil to the filter's rubber ring for a better seal.

• Brake pads: They're easy to check and change. Just be sure to buy good-quality ones. Regularly grease the caliper pins so your brakes work smoothly and last longer. For drum brakes, a bit of sanding helps clean them up.

• Coolant: Pouring new coolant in is simple. Check the level often with a flashlight. If it drops, it might be due to a worn gasket under the radiator cap. A small cutout from a bike inner tube can do the trick.

• Spark plugs: Unless they're damaged, they usually last long. If you do change them, get a proper spark plug socket and be careful not to drop any screws into the engine bay.

• Transmission oil: You can use a pump to change the oil instead of jacking up the car. It's safer and easier. Keep in mind that a single change only replaces half the oil, so it's good to do it again a week later.

More Handy Tricks to Know

Let's not forget the little things:

• Always use a socket wrench for high-torque tasks to protect the bolts.

• Loosen your wheel nuts before jacking up the car; otherwise, the wheel will spin in the air.

• Some brake jobs need special tools to push pistons back into the caliper.

• If your car uses a fuel tank cover wrench to reach the fuel filter, make sure you have the right tool.

• When the engine's off, don't use electrical stuff like lights or stereo—this drains your battery fast.

• To extend your battery life, drip a little motor oil on the terminals to stop corrosion.

Bonus: Let's Talk Fuel and Noise

Think your car drinks too much fuel? Check the tank size—bigger tanks usually mean higher fuel use, not necessarily better mileage. And if your wipers start squeaking, it might not be the blades—it's probably dirt on the windshield. Give it a thorough clean before buying new ones. Same with weird engine noises—sometimes it's just loose items like coins or CDs vibrating inside the cabin.

Let's Keep Rolling Smoothly

Lykkers, we don't need to be mechanics to take better care of our cars. With a few tools, some time, and the right attitude, we can handle a lot on our own—and feel proud doing it. Plus, it saves us the trip, the hassle, and most importantly, a ton of money.

Have you ever tried fixing or checking something on your car by yourself? What's your favorite DIY car hack? Let's chat in the comments—we're all here to learn from each other!