Cars are pretty amazing inventions, and new models are released each year with some cool new features. Each part of a vehicle is important, and it needs to be taken care of to avoid the car falling into disrepair. Most cars need an annual tune-up and check, but there are certain little fixes that don’t need to be done by a mechanic. Learning how to do simple repairs can save a lot of money, and most of these repairs can be done with items found around the home or in the garage.
All it takes is a bit of elbow grease, and getting to know your car inside and out. Scroll through some of these easy repairs, and prepare to save some serious dollars the next time your car needs a quick repair.
Have The Right Diagnostic Tool On Hand
Many people don’t know this, but mechanics actually have a tool that they use to diagnose exactly what is wrong with a car. This handheld machine is called an auto code reader.
They can be purchased at most hardware stores and have a cord plugging into the vehicle’s computer system. Once plugged in, it will pinpoint where and what the issue is, making it easy to know if you can fix it yourself or head over to an auto shop.
Replace Windshield Wiper Blades
Every vehicle needs windshield wipers. As soon as the rain starts pelting down, drivers know they need to turn on their windshield wipers in order to see the road more clearly. The wiper blades do wear out over time, and should be replaced once they stop wiping quite as well.
Swapping out the blades for new ones is easy, but be sure you have the right blades, and read the installation instructions beforehand.
Make Sure The Spare Tire Is Accessible
Some spare tires are kept on the back of a vehicle’s door, while others are kept in the trunk, and in some cases, even under the car itself. Spare tires kept under the car can sometimes get stuck due to the corrosion of the metal encasing the tire.
To avoid a situation where you can’t get your spare tire out when you have a flat, be sure to oil the surrounding metal parts around it on a regular basis.
Get Rid Of A Harsh Idling Sound
Over time, vehicles can go from a nice soft purr to a harsh rattling sound while in idle mode. This sound can be a bit grating to listen to, and it indicates that a certain valve needs to be checked.
The EGR valve may be the culprit for the harsh sound, and ensuring that it is clean may just make your vehicle purr again. Throttle body cleaner is what is needed here, so be sure to have some on hand.
Leaky Gaskets
Vehicles are complex machines, and most of the parts are covered up by the body of the vehicle. If something goes wrong with one of the valves, it does need to be investigated.
For example, a leaky valve can cause all sorts of mayhem, but it doesn’t take more than an hour to really fix this. It does require a leaky gasket cover, but this can be found at your local hardware shop quite inexpensively.
Check Out The Sway Bar End Links
It is inevitable that you will go over a speed bump or hit the curb at some point in your driving career. Anything that bumps a or jars a vehicle can create issues for the sway bar links.
Knowing how to fix this takes a bit of finesse, and you will need to adjust the stabilizer bushings and the bar end links until they are in working order again. This one is best done with the help of a YouTube tutorial.
Clean Up Dimming Headlights
Just like normal light bulbs found in your home, car headlights can begin to dim over time and eventually go out. Dimming headlights do not necessarily mean that the headlights need to be replaced, but instead could indicate that the connection between the headlight and the vehicle might be interrupted.
Use some dielectric grease to improve the connection, and if that doesn’t make the lights brighter, it is time for a replacement.
How To Replace Headlights
If the connection continues to be faulty, or the headlights themselves show a gray film over them, it is time for some new headlight bulbs.
When it comes time to buy some new headlights, just make sure you purchase ones that are the right size for the vehicle, and have the legal brightness level and color. They are easy to install, and require very few tools to get the job done. No mechanics necessary.
Unstick A Power Antenna
Power antennas are one of those items most people don’t think about very often, that is until they stop working. Sometimes that antenna can get stuck, which means a few key replacements are in order.
There are two things that might need replacing in order to get this working again. The first, is a motor that has burned out, and the second, is the mast that holds it upright. Both of these can be done with minimal effort if you watch the right tutorial.
Horn Not Honking?
A car without a horn is not a safe vehicle to be driving around. Horns need to be in working order, and when a horn stops working it is time to pinpoint what the problem is. Sometimes it is a fuse issue, which is a quick fix.
Check the fuse box in your vehicle, and if a fuse has blown out, just replace it. A fused jumper can also be used if the fuse doesn’t need replacing. Replacement fuses only cost a few dollars.
DIY Headlight Cleaner
Many companies sell different fluids to clean headlights with, but there is one in your bathroom that works just as well. A tube of toothpaste doesn’t only clean teeth, it also cleans headlights.
Spread a thin layer of the teeth cleaner on your headlights, and let it sit for a minute. Then, wipe it away, and prepare to be amazed by the now clean headlights, which sparkle just like your teeth after a good brushing.
Get To Know Your Screws
Just like furniture, vehicles have a number of screws drilled in them to make all of the parts stay together. Sometimes these screws can begin to strip though, and if they are not removed before this happens, it can make removing them later on quite difficult.
If a screw needs replacing, grab a Phillips screwdriver, and an allen key, and start unscrewing it. The screw should come out, and it can then be replaced.
Time To Replace The Thermostat
One of the coolest things about vehicles is that most of the components inside of them can be replaced. This increases their longevity. Thermostats need to be replaced on occasion, and it might look like a job for a professional but it’s really not.
As soon as a car stops heating, or has the opposite problem, overheating, it is time to replace the thermostat. Simply install a new one and all of your heating problems should be fixed.
Where Is The Windshield Washing Fluid Going?
Sometimes no windshield wiper fluid sprays out, and that can be a bit concerning. Where is the fluid? In some cases, the fluid has run out and it just needs to be refilled. In other cases, the fluid may be leaking into the car, and that needs to be stopped.
Pop open the hood of the car, and have a look around for anything that might be covered in fluid. This will help to pinpoint where there might be a hole that needs to be patched up.
Time To Clean The Air Intake System
As you drive, your vehicle circulates air from outside to the inside of your vehicle. This is one of the ways it helps itself from overheating. Sometimes the intake system can become full of dust and other gunk that stops air from circulating.
When this happens, the system needs to be cleaned thoroughly, and this can be done with a range of DIY air system clean out kits. These are much cheaper than bringing the car into the shop.
Power Door Locks Not Unlocking?
It can be pretty annoying when the power door locks all of a sudden stop unlocking. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but the main one is usually to do with the actuator.
This car doodad can be replaced, which is usually why the locks have stopped working. A quick stop at a hardware store, and you will be ready to replace this and have your car door locks working in no time at all.
Broken Wheel Studs
Not all care repairs go according to plan, and sometimes accidents happen. One of the most common occurs when it comes to lug nuts. Lug nuts need to be tightened, but if they are over tightened they can break.
This only really happens if a torque wrench isn’t used. Avoid breaks and always use the correct tool for the job, otherwise it could cost you quite a few dollars to get your own mistakes fixed.
Blowing A Fuse
Have you ever experienced all of the lights going out in your home? This happens when a fuse or fuses have blown in the fuse box. The very same thing can happen in a vehicle, but on a much smaller scale.
As soon as electricity is involved, fuses need to be examined, and a blown fuse is a quick fix. Just pop out the old fuse, and replace it with a new one. It is as easy as that and only takes a minute.
The A/C Needs Some TLC
Hot summer days call for the A/C on full blast, especially if you have vinyl or fabric seats. Being sweaty and sticking to your car seats is not exactly a fun experience. To make sure that A/C is always working, give it a tune-up each year.
It needs to be recharged, and a recharge kit will have it working in no time. It will ensure all of the lines are clear, and that cool air can flow as soon as you need it.
Spark Plugs Need Changing
Like most of the components in a vehicle, spark plugs also need to be switched out for new ones on occasion. Spark plugs are important because they help vehicles get the best gas mileage possible.
As soon as spark plugs start to go, that gas mileage changes and it is time for them to be replaced. All you need is your tool box and some new plugs and you should be able to change them in no time at all.
Serpentine Belts
For anyone who is not as car-savvy as a mechanic, a serpentine belt change might sound a bit scary. However, it really shouldn’t be, as these snakelike belts are found in most vehicles, and need to be changed out once in a while.
Most vehicles have automatic belt tensioners, which will tighten the new serpentine belt once installed.
Spruce Up Wheel Covers
Over time wheel covers and rims can look a bit rusty or dirty. First off, get rid of the rust with a specialized rust cleaner.
Then, grab some paint for metal in a shade of your choice, and paint the wheel covers. This will give them a facelift and make them look brand new again. It is also a lot cheaper than buying new covers altogether.
Time To Replace Those Struts
Replacing struts yourself might sound a bit daunting, but it can save some serious dollars. As soon as you hit the 80,000 mile mark, it is time for some new struts.
Struts themselves cost a few hundred dollars, but to get them installed and purchased through a mechanic can cost almost a thousand dollars. Learn to replace them yourself.
Goodbye Dented Fender
Fender benders are nobody’s idea of a fun time, and replacing a dented fender can be pricey. However, replacing it yourself is relatively easy as it is just some body work.
You will need a pair of helping hands to hold the new bumper in place while you attach it, but you will save hundreds of dollars doing it yourself.
Unstick A Hood Hatch
Hatches can get sticky if they aren’t well maintained with a rust penetrating spray. That means a hood hatch or a trunk hatch might stop opening as easily as you would like.
To fix this, make sure to always spray something with a liquid that can break up rust, and make latches move easily once more. This is a good thing to do every few months or so.
Unstick A Trailer Hitch
A trailer hitch with a ball might look indestructible but even these are subject to some wear and tear. More specifically, they can get stuck, which means the ball won’t be moveable the way it needs to be to pull a trailer.
If this is a problem, grab some trusty rust penetrating spray and an air hammer. You will need to spray the mechanism, and carefully chip away all of the rust.
Add Some New Engine Coolant
There are many different fluids which need to be replaced or topped up in a vehicle. One of these is engine coolant. To remove coolant you will need an air-powered tool to eliminate any air pockets.
Once this is done, you can add some new coolant, and your engine will start to purr once more. Your wallet will also thank you for the DIY hack.
Always Tighten Oil Filters Carefully
Oil filters are one of those things that often get tightened a bit too much. When this happens, you don’t want to wrench at it, as this may cause oil to spurt all over the place.
Carefully use a sandpaper covered band-type wrench and unscrew the oil filter. It should grip on to it just enough that it will begin to turn.
Remove Rusty Bolts
Rusty bolts are a real pain to remove. Once the rust has formed, they really don’t want to turn, and like to remain firmly in place.
That is okay though, some trusty rust penetrating spray, and an air hammer can get those bolts moving in record time. Nothing lasts forever and that includes rusty bolts that don’t want to move.
Help Windows Glide Up And Down
As soon as winter rolls around, and it starts raining or snowing, water can get into the area where windows glide up and down.
This can cause some damage to the window, and needs to be avoided. Make sure to spray a silicone lubricant into the window crevices, as this will keep them gliding up and down without any damage.