All tracks
Know your car
Auto Repair Basics
Simple maintenance and troubleshooting you can do in the driveway — plus guidance on when a job is too big to DIY.
Lesson 1
Change Your Oil
Drain old oil, swap the filter, and refill.
Tools you'll need
- Jack & stands
- Wrench
- Oil filter wrench
- Drain pan
- Funnel
- New oil & filter
When to call a pro: See a mechanic if the drain plug is stripped, oil is milky (coolant leak), or the oil light stays on after refilling.
Workshop
Change Your Oil quiz
1. How often is a basic oil change usually recommended?
2. Why replace the oil filter too?
Answer all questions
Lesson 2
Replace Brake Pads
Swap worn pads to restore safe stopping power.
Tools you'll need
- Jack & stands
- Lug wrench
- C-clamp
- Socket set
- Brake cleaner
- New pads
When to call a pro: Go to a shop if the brake pedal feels spongy, the rotor is deeply scored, or the ABS warning light is on.
Workshop
Replace Brake Pads quiz
1. What's a sign your brake pads need replacing?
2. Why use jack stands — not just a jack?
Answer all questions
Lesson 3
Jump-Start a Car
Safely start a dead battery with jumper cables.
Tools you'll need
- Jumper cables
- Donor car
- Gloves
- Battery terminal brush
When to call a pro: Replace the battery if it won't hold a charge, is bulging/cracked, or is more than ~4–5 years old.
Workshop
Jump-Start a Car quiz
1. Which cable connects first?
2. Where should the final black (-) clamp go?
Answer all questions
Lesson 4
Rotate Your Tires
Even out tire wear by moving tires to new positions.
Tools you'll need
- Jack & stands
- Lug wrench
- Torque wrench
- Chocks
When to call a pro: Get an alignment if the car pulls to one side or tires wear unevenly after rotation.
Workshop
Rotate Your Tires quiz
1. Why rotate tires?
2. What tool tightens lug nuts to the right spec?
Answer all questions