Do you feel like there is no better feeling than to do something yourself instead of relying on others? Maybe it’s a move away from home or buying your first car or truck with your own money. It may also be doing your own auto repairs on your vehicle. It’s a tough thing to learn something new, but when you learn something and apply it successfully, you’ll never rely on someone again. There’s a certain feeling of accomplishment that comes with it.
Do it yourself repairs on any vehicle will save you money and lays to rest the uncertainty that the repair was actually done right. If you don’t mind getting a little dirty, there are still plenty of minor auto fixes that you can perform in a short amount of time with some basic and inexpensive tools. Are you ready for some easy auto repairs? Then let’s begin.
EASY AUTO REPAIRS WITH BASIC TOOLS
Chances are there are only a few things that will go wrong over the course of the time you own your car or truck. Remember we are not covering major repairs we are covering simple repairs to save you money and time away from your vehicle. The more complicated repairs we recommend taking your vehicle to your local certified mechanic or auto repair shop.
Windshield Wiper Replacement – Sometimes when you take your vehicle into the auto repair shop or the auto dealership for a “free” oil change, they will tell you that windshield your wipers need to be replaced. This is quite possibly the simplest of all repairs. Check your owners manual for the proper size for each windshield wiper blade and do it yourself to save the cost of labor your mechanic will charge you. Be sure to check for the proper size and installation details in your owners manual and on the package of the new wiper blades you purchase.
The best tip we can provide is to give yourself some “extra time” to complete this repair because it may seem more difficult the first time you perform the repair. Mostly, it is because some replacement windshield wiper blades come with extra parts or fittings to ensure a tight fit across multiple makes and models of vehicles. Also, make sure you insert the left on the left and the right wiper on the right wiper blades. We know this sounds basic but, many vehicles have two different sizes of wiper blades.
Tools Required: Screwdriver
Changing A Tire – This is probably the most common fix a person may encounter. However, you will be surprised by the number of people who have no clue how to go about it. It’s very simple, but you must be careful where you park is level ground in order to complete this repair. Use a jack and place it underneath a sturdy part of the vehicle. Generally behind the wheel or middle bars. Loosen the bolts, put the tire on, tighten halfway, let the vehicle down, tighten the rest.
When you perform this repair, be precise and as careful as possible. One aggressive jerk or wrong move can make the vehicle slam to the ground creating more of a problem. Be very cautious and safety conscious. Here is the best tip we can possibly give you. If you do not feel comfortable attempting this repair, don’t. Take time to learn from someone who does, or do it in the presence of someone with experience with this repair.
Tools Required: Tire Jack, Lug Wrench – Usually Included in Vehicle’s Trunk
Exterior & Interior Lights and Fuses – If you open the door and notice a light bulb has burned out, don’t worry, you got this. Most vehicles have an owners manual that will take your step by step instructions on replacing any light bulb on your vehicle. To avoid losing a screw or washer, be sure you have a magnetized screwdriver with the specific size you will need for the repair.
Say you replace the light bulb with a brand new light bulb but the light doesn’t turn on don’t worry. It may be just a fuse which is an easy fix with a plastic fuse remover and the right fuse. Check your owner’s manual for the location and type of fuse you will need. Take a quick trip to your neighborhood auto parts store to purchase the fuse and a plastic fuse remover.
Tools Required: Magnetized Screwdriver, Plastic Light Fuse Remover
Battery Charging or Replacement – You won’t often come across issues when it comes to batteries. However, when you do, it is either simply not enough power left, you may have corrosion built up, wires have gone bad, etc. If you do not have enough power in your battery, or if you can feel it dying, quickly take it to your local auto parts store and have them re-charge it for you. It’s very affordable and fixes the issue. If your battery has corrosion built up, you need to have it professionally cleaned or a quick tip is to pour a drink with acid (Soda) on it. It eats away at the corrosion and restores your battery to its original form. If your wires go bad, go to your local mechanic or automotive store and purchase a set. It’s a simple installment and will save you money in the end.
Tools Required: Box-end Wrench or Crescent Wrench, Rubber Mallet, Corrosion Prevention Spray (to spray the terminal connections and prevent corrosion).
EASY AUTO REPAIR WITH ADDITIONAL TOOLS NEEDED
Oil Change – This is something that everyone should know and how to do it. Depending on the oil and the vehicle, you will need an oil change every 3 months, be sure to check your owners manual. To do it yourself, always keep a box of oil in your garage so that you can do it whenever the time comes. No need to schedule an appointment. All you have to do is get underneath the vehicle when its propped up, place an oil drain pan underneather the engine oil pan, loosen and take off the drain plug to get the old oil flowing out. Next, take off the oil filter [you may need an oil filter wrench] and put on the new one. When the old oil is down to a drip, tighten it by hitting the box-end wrench with the rubber mallet. Now, just put the new oil in. You just saved money, time and gained experience. 3 in 1 win!
Tools Required: Oil Filter Wrench, Box-end Wrench or Crescent Wrench, Rubber Mallet, Oil Drain Pan.
Dashboard Lights– Whenever a dashboard light comes it does not mean we need to take our vehicle in for repairs to a mechanic. These lights create awareness and sometimes worry us a bit much. They also entice you to listen to every little creek or squeak your car makes. Sometimes making you paranoid. Don’t worry, it’s normal. All you need to do to be for sure of the problem is to insert an engine code reader to your fuse box to diagnose the problem. You can buy a code reader at your local hardware or auto store. After you attach the code reader, just wait for it to diagnose the problem and then it should point out the exact issue or issues. Most of the time the dashboard light comes on to warn us of routine maintenance, or a part check or replacement.
Tools Required: Engine Code Reader, Screwdriver
THE FINAL AUTO REPAIRS
We appreciate you taking time in reading this article and hope these do-it-yourself auto repair tips will save you time and money. If your vehicle has over 200,000 miles or is beyond repair, don’t be shy. Complete the Cash for Cars Canada cash offer form or call us to sell your used car or truck today.
