Instead of going around looking for some certified dealership to trust with your car, it is better to do the basic repair yourself. This will save you a great amount, besides, spending money on something that can be done at home garage won’t be worth it.
If we look at the other side, with all the global pandemic conditions going on, some people are going on road trips rather than flying to avoid the risk, and other cars are just parked idle in the garage as people are working from home. While everyone is opting to do their car maintenance, we have shortlisted some basic “do it yourself” car repair tips.
Let’s drive into it.
Make Use Of Technology
In this world of online, everything is available on the internet. There is nothing you can’t find there. When we can spend most of our time watching random videos on Facebook or YouTube, then why not watch something informative as well? There are DIY car repair tutorials up on the internet that can be very informative for you. Get some benefits out of the social sites that don’t only provide entertainment but are also helpful in many ways. The things you will learn there will not only help you big deal but also save your money from getting spent on something that is in your hands if you will put aside your laziness and get to work with the required tools.
Check Or Change Lights
It is suggested to check all the lights of your car every two weeks. Check to see if your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals (indicator) are properly working. Have someone look for the taillights if they are working, while you test them, as you won’t be able to check that yourself. If any of the lights are not working, you can change them yourself, it’s not a tricky task at all. As there are a variety of bulbs that fit in different cars, not every bulb in the store will fit your car headlight, so you must take the burned bulb to the store to pick the right one. And make sure not to touch the bulb without any gloves on, as you have been working with the car repair there might be a chance of oils on your fingertips that can react with the bulb straight away as you touch it and will burn it immediately.
Here are some steps to take while changing your headlight bulb:
- Search and locate the bulb holder
- Remove the wires and the old bulb
- Clean the socket and install a new bulb and you are done!
Check out some new LED lights for your car.
Examine The Tire and Tread
It is important to check the tread levels on your tires now and then. It does not matter even if they are all-weather or snow tires, they need to be checked. Because, it usually goes unnoticed, but our tires start to wear off in summers and we don’t do anything for it till winter when they get all worn out which causes you some major problem and even worse can happen, having you change your tire.
Here are some other symptoms of tire issues:
- Cracking or bulging
- Scalloping
- Feathering
Buying a tire gauge will be wise as you’ll inspect the tire tread at home without paying for it, and going to a repair center for absolutely nothing. You can check for any issue with the tire, if there is any you must need to see the mechanic as soon as possible.
Check The Engine Fluids
It is advised to check for your car’s fluid every month. Make sure when you check for it, the car should be on a flat surface, because only then it will show the accurate level of the engine oil, and the fluids should be filled up to the brim.
Check the oil in your engine, the power steering fluid in your steering wheel, the brake fluid in your brakes, and the windscreen washer fluid in your windshield washers. Your car must be working and at operating temperature to test your transmission fluid.
Some cars have clear tanks that hold liquids, while others have gauges or dipsticks that can be pulled out to check the levels and color. Always refer to your user manual for directions, and check for fluid leakage around and under your car, which could indicate an issue with the vehicle.
Check Battery Health
Checking the battery health every once in a while is also essential, especially before taking off on a long road trip. Buying a voltmeter or battery tester for your use is also advised.
Wiping off any mineral build-up from the terminal of the battery, keeps the battery clean. Make sure the terminals of the battery are all tightened up.
The average battery lasts three to five years. You’ll need an adjustable wrench or ratchet to remove the positive and negative battery cables, as well as the brace holding it in tight so that you will be able to change it yourself. After that, replace the old battery with the new one and reconnect.