For many of us, cars are an indispensable part of our everyday commute. However, like all other things, car can fail you at crucial times, stressing on the importance of auto maintenance and repair. While it pays to get your vehicle checked every now and then, here are a few, basic car repairs that you should be able to manage on your own when need arises.
1. Changing Oil
You need to regularly check and change your car’s oil to prolong the life of your engine. This is a basic step that every auto owner should know about.
The basic steps include:
- Locate the oil drain plug of your car
- Drain the old oil in a drain pan
- Close the plug
- Fill the new oil
If you’re still confused, there’s nothing you can’t learn from a DIY tutorial.
2. Changing a Flat Tire
Learning how to change a flat tire can be a lifesaving skill! The good news is, it’s simple enough to manage yourself. Here’s how:
- Use a jack stand to lift the car off the ground
- Loosen lug nuts with a wench
- Remove the tire
- Replace with spare tire
- Wench the lug nuts back on, tightly securing them
And you’re good to go.
3. Changing Spark Plugs
Spark plugs wear out every 10, 000 miles but they are super easy to fix on your own.
- Locate the spark plugs
- Remove the spark plug wire
- Remove the old plug wire
- Insert the new wire
- Plug the wire back
4. Changing Car Battery
Every on us has witness our car battery giving up on us during the most crucial times. However, you can use these simple steps to fix it at home:
- Remove the covering from the battery
- Disconnect the negative cables
- Move the clamp away from the battery post
- Disconnect the positive cable clamp
- Remove all screws
- Replace the old battery with the new one
- Reconnect the cable clamps
5. Remove Scratches from Paint
These tiny scratches can diminish the appearance of your precious vehicle. You can solve the problem of minor dents at home:
- Assess the depth of the scratch
- Begin by gently sanding the scratch
- Clean the area
- Apply rubbing compound
- Wash the area
- Wax the area to seal the repair
6. Replace a Headlight or Taillight
A broken headlight or taillight does not only look bad but is also considered illegal. Fortunately, in case you damage yours, you can replace it yourself:
- Remove the screws that connect the headlight or taillight to the bracket
- Disconnect the electrical connector
- Remove the faulty bulb
- Replace it with a new bulb
- Plug the connector back and replace the frame
These simple tips will help you save time and money running to a mechanic. However, you should always avail the services of a professional car repair shop that can help provide auto body shop, auto paint and auto dent repair services.
