Let’s be honest—owning a car isn’t cheap. But the good news is, you don’t need to rely on expensive dealerships for every little thing. There are plenty of common parts you can replace yourself with just a bit of time, some basic tools, and the right know-how.
In fact, by doing it yourself, you could save hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars each year.
Here’s a list of 8 everyday car parts that are easy to DIY, even if you’re not a pro mechanic.
1. Wiper Blades: A 5-Minute Fix That Saves You Big
Wiper blades wear out faster than most parts—typically every 6 to 12 months, especially in harsh weather.
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Dealership cost: $50–$100+ per pair
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DIY cost: Often less than half that
Swapping them is as simple as unclicking the old blade and snapping in a new one. No tools, no stress.
💡 Practical Tip: If your wipers are streaking or skipping, it’s time. You don’t need to wait for rain to find out—they should glide smoothly even on dry glass with washer fluid.
2. Cabin Air Filter: Breathe Cleaner Air, Pay Less
This small filter keeps dust, pollen, and fumes out of your car’s cabin. Most drivers forget about it, but changing it every 12–24 months keeps your A/C working better and your air cleaner.
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Dealership cost: Often $60–$120
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DIY cost: $15–$40
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Bonus: You can choose filters with activated carbon for extra odour protection.
💡 Experience Suggestion: If your car smells musty or airflow seems weak, check the cabin filter—it might be clogged with dust or leaves.
3. Engine Air Filter: Keep Your Engine Breathing Easy
Your engine needs clean air to run efficiently. A dirty air filter means less power and worse fuel economy.
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Replace it based on driving conditions—more often if you're in dusty or rural areas.
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Be careful not to pick overly thick or dense filters—they can restrict airflow and hurt performance.
💡 Practical Tip: Hold the filter up to a light. If you can't see light through it, it’s time for a change.
4. Light Bulbs: Don’t Wait for a Fine or a Frown
From headlights to brake lights to licence plate bulbs, most car bulbs are cheap and easy to replace—and if one goes out, it’s often a DIY-friendly fix.
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Start by identifying which bulb is out
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Remove the housing or cover
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Match the bulb type (check the owner’s manual or existing bulb)
💡 Experience Suggestion: Some bulbs are harder to reach than others. Start with an easy one—like a plate light—before tackling headlights tucked behind bumpers.
5. Dash Cam: Better Safe Than Sorry
A dash cam can save your bacon in a traffic dispute or insurance claim. Dealerships often charge a premium, but the hardware is usually identical to what you can buy online.
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Install with a fuse tap or use a 12V socket
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Secure the wiring neatly around the windshield and dash
💡 Practical Tip: Look for models with loop recording and parking mode. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get solid video quality.
6. Windscreen Washer Fluid: Don’t Overpay for Water
Let’s be real—some washer fluids are basically just coloured water. If you live in warmer areas, even tap water is fine in a pinch.
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Northern regions: Choose washer fluid with a low freezing point
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DIY cost: Online options are much cheaper than dealership refills
💡 Experience Suggestion: Add a splash of concentrated washer fluid to tap water for better cleaning performance and streak-free glass.
7. Child Car Seats: Don't Fall for the “Genuine” Label
If you’ve got kids, a child seat is essential—but don’t be fooled by so-called “genuine” branded options from dealerships.
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Many are rebranded generic seats with big markups
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As long as the seat meets your country’s safety standards, you’re good
💡 Practical Tip: Look for Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754 or similar equivalents depending on your region.
8. Floor Mats & Boot Liners: Easy Upgrade, Big Price Gap
These don’t affect your car’s performance, but they make cleaning easier and keep your interior looking sharp.
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Dealerships often resell generic mats with a fancy logo
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You can buy tailored-fit options online for a fraction of the cost
💡 Experience Suggestion: Use rubber mats in wet or muddy seasons—they’re easier to hose off than carpet.
🔧 Final Thoughts
Maintaining your car doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With some basic DIY skills and a bit of confidence, you can replace common wear parts yourself—saving money and learning more about your vehicle in the process.
This guide is brought to you by KakaAutoParts.com.au.
We stock high-quality wiper blades, filters, bulbs, dash cams, and more—specially selected for DIYers across Australia.
Visit our store for great prices, fast shipping, and friendly support.
Got a DIY win to share? Join our community forum and connect with fellow car lovers today!
