Your automobile is one of your most vital possessions. Odds are, if you’re going somewhere, you’re going there in your car, truck, or van.
For this reason, you need to ensure that it’s properly maintained and taken care of. While you could take care of your automobile by taking it into a repair shop, it’s a lot less costly to just repair your automobile on your own.
You may not realize it, but there are quite a few small repairs that you can make to your car to keep it running smoothly. They require minimal amounts of tools and repair knowledge, and can be done in a fairly timely manner.
Here are 10 simple DIY auto repair tips you can try.
1. Replace Spark Plugs
Though it’s a rare occasion that spark plugs need to be replaced, when the issue does arise, it’s a fairly simple one to rectify.
The vast majority of modern spark plugs are designed to last for around 100,000 miles of travel. However, it’s still a good idea to check them around every 40,000 miles to ensure that they’re still going strong.
If you ever do have to change your spark plugs, you’ll need just one tool: a spark plug wrench. This wrench will cost no more than $20; a very low price when you compare it to the $200 you’d probably have to spend at a repair shop.
2. Change Your Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers have a tendency to get worn down fairly quickly when compared to other automobile components. This is particularly true if you leave them running after moisture has left your windshield.
For this reason, they’re going to need to be replaced every once in a while.
There is no reason to get your wipers replaced at a repair shop. The task can be easily carried out by you. Any pack of windshield wipers you buy will tell you exactly how to get the job done.
Looking for the right size wipers? This guide can help you.
3. Headlight Bulb Replacement
If you keep your automobile for any longer than a couple of years, its light bulbs are going to burn out. Fortunately, you don’t have to go into a repair shop to get them replaced.
All you have to do is look at your vehicle’s owner’s manual to figure out what type of bulb is needed. Once you’ve obtained this bulb, you can install it by following the directions in your owner’s manual.
4. Use Tire Plugs
A flat tire doesn’t always necessitate getting a new one. There are cases in which you can save the tire by plugging or patching it. For DIY purposes, you’re best off using plugs.
This does require either removing the tire or raising it so that you can get underneath it, but once you’ve done so, it’s a pretty simple process.
Looking for a detailed guide to help you plug a tire? This one is as good as any.
5. Replace Stripped Screws
Automobiles are intricate entities. To keep all of their components in the correct places, they make use of a number of screws.
The problem with using screws, of course, is that they sometimes strip.
If you ever strip one of the screws in your car, it’s vital that you remove it as quickly as possible so that it can be replaced. You’ll need an electric or hydraulic drill, but it’s still more affordable than taking your car to a repair shop.
6. Change Your Battery
An automobile without a battery is, to put it simply, completely useless. For this reason, you need to monitor the power of your car’s battery regularly.
Most car batteries are designed to last around 4 or 5 years. Their exact estimated duration will typically be denoted somewhere on their exterior. Of course, there are cases in which batteries can die out before their time.
To change a car battery, all you need are a couple of wrenches. Simply remove the battery’s cables and then reattach those cables to the new battery.
7. Change the Air Filter
Changing the air filter in your car is an extremely quick fix. In most cases, it necessitates opening the hood and unscrewing a couple of covers. Once the covers are removed, you can remove your old filter and replace it with a new one.
Altogether, this shouldn’t cost any more than around $30. This is a far cry from the $200 that you would spend getting it replaced by a repairman.
8. Change Brake Pads
Another DIY auto repair task you can undertake is the changing your brake pads. While this is not the most simple of repairs, it’s a lot easier than you might realize.
To change your brake pads, you’ll need lug wrenches, standard wrenches, and a pair of pliers. You’ll also need something to raise your car off the ground so that you can remove its tires.
After you’ve raised your car, you’ll need to remove a few key items. Then you can apply the new brake pads, and reassemble the wheels. There are tons of guides online to help you with this task.
9. Change Your Oil
Park Mazda in Alberta would agree that there’s nothing too difficult about changing a car’s oil. It can be done with an oil filter, an oil pan, and a variety of wrenches. Once you have these tools, all you have to do is elevate your car in some way.
From there, you can use one of many online DIY auto repair videos to help you through the process.
Changing your own oil will allow you to avoid unscrupulous repairmen who are perpetually keen to tack on additional fees.
10. Touch Up Your Windshield
Every now and then, your windshield will come into contact with falling hail, a flying stone, or some other destructive object. These objects can leave small chips and cracks in your windshield.
Fortunately, these chips and cracks can be repaired fairly easily.
The easiest way to repair them is by making use of a windshield repair kit. These kits are available at auto shops and online retail stores for very affordable prices, allowing you to fix your window in a timely and inexpensive manner.
Learn More About DIY Auto Repair
If you’re looking for more information about DIY auto repair, you can find it here at Motor Era.
Our site has information on everything from car components, to maintenance estimates, to detailing, and more.
Have any questions? Contact us!