service your own car Page 26

You can service your own car, but do it properly or you’re just cosplaying a mechanic with oily hands. Basic jobs like oil and filter changes, wipers, bulbs, and air filters are fine if you follow the service schedule and torque specs, use quality parts/fluids, and keep detailed receipts. For new‑car warranties in Australia, manufacturers must honour servicing done by a qualified independent mechanic — DIY by the owner may not count as “qualified,” so logbook stamps and warranty claims can get sticky. Safety items (brakes, airbags, high‑voltage hybrids/EVs) are best left to pros unless you actually are one. If the car’s in warranty, consider a licensed tech for logbook services and do the simple stuff between intervals. Your future self — and the next owner — will thank you for neat records and a clean sump plug.