Where it's begin

I have no formal automotive education, but I'm a DIY enthusiast, for better or worse. I work a typical office job and have the space, time, and a skosh of money to repair our vehicles. Certainly less that it would cost to have a mechanic at Midas do the work. The main barrier to working on cars, for me, is the lack of the appropriate tools. My wallet hates me for it.

I feel that with resources available on the web to call on, basically any typical car maintenance is within the grasp of anyone with the gumption to attempt it, given time and tools at hand. There are thousands of YouTube videos about working on cars, and lots of YouTube channels dedicated to the subject. More than likely, there are videos dealing with a specific issue on your particular model. Online forums and communities exist for many popular autos as well. Other resources can give you insight into how cars operate mechanically and help troubleshoot problems. Much of the knowledge is applicable to any make or model. Cars haven't changed much in over 100 years. They're still four-wheeled conveyances powered by an engine. The engines have changed and the way they connect to the wheels might have changed, but the physics haven't.

Today, I changed the oil and oil filter, the fuel filter, and the air filter on my car. And rotated the tires. It took various wrench sizes, a floor jack, and scuffed knuckles. Also that pleasant combo of oil and gas, which somehow the smell soaks into the hands and doesn't wash out for a few days...

The biggest pain was the fuel filter. It's an in-line filter that connects on either side of the fuel line with quick-connect fittings. Trouble was, the fittings get stuck, and it's a tight fit under the car in that place anyway. Some automotive yoga poses later, it worked.

Today's vehicle was a 2006 Ford Mustang 6-cyl.

Looking forward to checking the brakes on a 1989 Buick LeSabre wagon...