It might seem unusual to consider car maintenance as a personal project, but this experience has been one of the most hands-on and rewarding problem-solving challenges I’ve faced. Owning a car means taking responsibility for its upkeep, and instead of relying on expensive dealership repairs, I decided to learn how to do it myself.

I purchased a used manual 2010 Mazda 3 with 104,000 miles, aiming to keep it running smoothly for another 100,000. The car required several immediate repairs, starting with shock and strut replacements. After being quoted $1,400 at an alignment shop, I realized I could save a significant amount by doing the work myself. I sourced the necessary parts for just $250, a fraction of the cost, and prepared to tackle the repair on my own.

The Repair Process and Challenges

What I initially thought would be a quick three-hour job quickly turned into a 12-hour battle against rusted bolts, tight clearances, and seized components. Removing the old shocks and struts was much more difficult than expected, requiring penetrating oil, breaker bars, and sheer determination. Some bolts were so rusted in place that they were impossible to remove by conventional means, forcing me to use a Dremel to cut them out. This presented another challenge—I had to cut precisely without damaging the surrounding rubber bushings, as any mistake could cause further issues.

Additionally, I didn’t have access to a car lift, so I had to jack up the car and work in extremely tight spaces with low clearances. This made every step of the process significantly harder and more frustrating. On top of that, I had to hammer out the stuck components, which took an exhausting amount of time and effort. By the end of the day, I was completely drained, but seeing the new suspension finally installed made all the struggle worth it.

Upgrading the Sound System

While fixing the car’s mechanical issues, I also decided to improve the audio system, as the front speakers were old and distorted. The original speakers had been worn out over time, producing poor sound quality with noticeable buzzing at certain frequencies. I replaced them with higher-quality aftermarket speakers, immediately improving clarity and bass response.

To enhance the overall sound quality, I also installed sound deadening material inside the doors. This helped to reduce road noise and vibrations, creating a much more immersive listening experience. The installation process required removing the door panels, carefully applying the deadening material, and reassembling everything without breaking any clips. The effort was worth it—the difference in sound isolation and quality was night and day.

Replacing the Spark Plugs

After upgrading the sound system, I moved on to performing a spark plug replacement to ensure the engine was running at peak efficiency. The old spark plugs had significant carbon buildup, which could lead to misfires and reduced performance. I opted for high-performance Ruthenium HX from NGK spark plugs, which offer better longevity and fuel efficiency compared to standard copper plugs.

The process was straightforward but required precision—removing the old plugs, ensuring the correct gap spacing, and carefully installing the new ones without overtightening. After replacing them, I immediately noticed a smoother idle and improved throttle response. This small but essential upgrade helped maximize the car’s reliability and fuel economy, further extending its lifespan.

Lessons Learned and Future Plans

Fixing my own car has not only saved me money, but it has also deepened my mechanical intuition and troubleshooting skills. I’ve learned how to research problems, source the right parts, and handle unexpected challenges, all of which are valuable skills in engineering and real life. This project has inspired me to take on more DIY car maintenance, including addressing sun damage on the roof and hood, replacing worn-out engine mounts, and possibly upgrading the brakes. What started as a way to save money has turned into a new passion, proving that hands-on experience is the best way to learn.