Watch Free Videos Online to Save Money on Car Repairs and Maintenance

Taking your car to the auto shop is like getting dental work done. Many people avoid it for as long as they possibly can.

But when it comes to visiting a mechanic, the pain isn’t physical. It’s financial. A recent survey of 2,000 car owners, conducted by Cooper Tires, found that about 40% have put off going to an auto repair shop because of fears that they won’t be able to handle the cost of the service.

With the average annual cost of car repairs about $1,000, it’s no wonder. But you can’t just close your eyes and wish auto problems away. Avoiding car issues can end up making the situation worse — and costlier.

Performing regular maintenance jobs and minor repair jobs yourself can save money on the upkeep of your car. After all, a chunk of your auto shop bill isn’t the price of parts and equipment (save with coupons) — it’s the price of the mechanic’s labor.

But if you’re a novice when it comes to working on cars, where do you start?

If you learn best by watching someone do a task, you may find that auto repair and maintenance videos can help.

You can find a variety of free instructional videos on YouTube posted by skilled auto enthusiasts. One YouTuber who goes by the name Chris Fix has dozens of videos and 3.7 million subscribers. He offers detailed explanations on performing a variety of auto jobs, like how to change your spark plugs and how to change your brake pads and rotors.

Other popular YouTube channels for auto work include Scotty Kilmer and Eric the Car Guy. You can also just search YouTube for specific jobs to do on your particular vehicle.

Some auto supply retailers and auto repair shops also have free instructional videos on their websites. The videos will likely include a sales pitch, but you can ignore that if you plan to purchase parts or equipment elsewhere.

AutoZone has a video library that will teach you maintenance jobs like how to change your headlight and how to flush and fill your cooling system. Meineke has videos that will teach you how to change a tire, how to change your oil and how to jump-start your car.

When it comes to doing your own auto work, your skill set and comfort level really come into play. Learning how to do maintenance work and minor repairs shouldn’t replace your need for a trusted skilled mechanic who’ll handle any major work that needs to be done.

Having auto knowledge also won’t replace your need to have savings set aside in case of major repair jobs or emergencies. That way, the next time your “check engine” light goes on, you won’t break a sweat.

Need help growing your savings? Here are a dozen ways to get you on the right track.

Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.