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52% of Americans Can’t Do This Basic Car Maintenance Task (Can You?)

Car owners who don't know how to do this simple maintenance procedure are throwing away hundreds of dollars a year.

By Jarret Hendrickson

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated July 22, 2025

Knowing how to change the oil, a tire, or a battery is the foundation of car maintenance. But shockingly, many American drivers do not feel confident that they can handle some basic tasks.

A recent FinanceBuzz study surveyed 1,000 adults across the United States, and the results revealed that a surprising number of car owners can't even change a tire.

Understanding basic auto maintenance tasks is key to making smart car owner moves and saving money on your vehicle. Read on to find out how your skills compare to the average American and why you could potentially save hundreds of dollars annually.

Less than half of drivers said they can do this useful skill

According to the FinanceBuzz study, less than half of the drivers we surveyed said they can change a tire themselves. Considering that this is one of the most basic aspects of car maintenance, it might be shocking that only 48% say they could do it.

That means a staggering 52% of drivers surveyed would be left in a sticky situation if they were to get a flat tire.

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What the findings show

The survey reveals that in the case of a roadside emergency, many Americans would struggle to care for their vehicle properly. Not only that, but it means that ultimately, drivers would be spending money on this task at an auto shop instead of saving by doing it themselves.

Although 80% of the drivers we surveyed said they were confident with more basic skills like putting air in their tires, and 78% of them said they could replenish their windshield wiper fluid, the study found that the majority of drivers are not confident doing larger DIY car maintenance.

Other skills that drivers struggle with

Drivers struggle with other auto maintenance skills, too. The survey found that only 36% of respondents can perform an oil change on their own, and only 13% of those surveyed could recognize the "check brakes" warning symbol. Only 54% could identify the "tire pressure" warning symbol, as well.

Finally, a whopping 73% of drivers stated they would need someone else to replace their vehicle's spark plugs, while 55% said that they cannot replace their engine's air filter on their own.

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The importance of knowing how to conduct basic maintenance yourself

Drivers looking to cut down their automotive maintenance costs could easily save themselves money by doing their own oil changes and changing their own tires.

It's recommended to change a car's oil every 5,000 miles (or six months). Auto shops typically charge $75 to $100 for this service. That means drivers who know how to perform an oil change can save themselves $150 to $200 annually.

Similarly, they get a flat, roadside assistance can get expensive. It can cost anywhere from $75 to $600 if insurance doesn't cover it. That's a lot of money to pay for a relatively simple maintenance task.

How to get started

Drivers who want to save money by staying on top of their car's routine maintenance can use resources like Google and YouTube to brush up on their automotive knowledge.

For instance, YouTube has plenty of helpful videos and tutorials that clearly explain how to change a tire step-by-step.

Additionally, car owners can even rent the tools that they need to perform basic vehicle maintenance instead of buying them.

Bottom line

Drivers who understand how to perform basic car maintenance tasks, such as tire changes, can potentially save hundreds of dollars each year.

However, even properly maintained vehicles are still vulnerable to accidents. After a crash or collision, understanding the limits of their insurance coverage can help drivers get their vehicles back on the road quicker.

The FinanceBuzz survey found that this was a problem area for many car owners. Only 52% of the drivers surveyed had complete confidence that they knew what their insurance limits were. Knowing these can be crucial, because drivers who understand their coverage limits, as well as what they do and do not need, can compare auto insurance rates and potentially save themselves a tidy sum on car insurance.

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Author Details

Jarret Hendrickson

Jarret Hendrickson is a FinanceBuzz writer who got his start in the personal finance space while in college at San Francisco State University. He ghostwrote a column on the best grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment spots offering discounts for students on a budget. The money he saved using these deals paid for nearly every tank of gas during his college years.