Car owners can save hundreds of dollars over time by performing routine maintenance themselves. By changing oil, replacing air filters, and even reusing old fuses for their vehicles' electrical systems, drivers could potentially save hundreds of dollars over their lifespans. Before undertaking any DIY fixes yourself, always put safety first. Some repairs can be dangerous without proper preparation or equipment.
1. Change the Oil
Maintaining an adequate supply of engine oil is essential to its proper operation, and can easily be accomplished using just a few simple tools such as a drain pan, funnel and car oil of appropriate type. Before beginning, make sure the oil temperature has warmed to where your dipstick registers an approximate reading between the minimum and maximum lines. Wipe off and remove your dipstick to see if any additional oil needs to be added to your car. Simply take off the old filter, open up the oil fill cap and fill with manufacturer-recommended amounts before replacing and wiping up any spilled oil before driving! In addition, make sure that all hoses and belts are being checked while the engine is running!
2. Change the Air Filter
Your car's engine relies on clean air for proper functioning. Over time, the air filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust, pollen and other debris which restricts airflow - changing out with a new one can restore performance, increase fuel economy and prevent premature wear on your engine. Before beginning, allow the engine to cool before donning gloves to protect yourself against burns or nicks. Locate the air filter - often an unassuming black plastic box about the size of a breadbox located beneath your hood; your owner's manual should provide guidance as you locate and open its cover, undo any clips or screws and remove the old filter.
3. Change the Battery
Dead batteries can be an extremely irritating car problem to face. But with an extra one in the trunk, swapping out one battery for the other should only take minutes! Before beginning, be sure to wear protective work gloves and eye glasses. Batteries contain sulfuric acid electrolyte solutions which may burn skin or produce flammable hydrogen gas; additionally, disconnecting your battery will reset clocks, radios and other features so be mindful when disconnecting it. If you're unfamiliar with this kind of DIY project, it's wiser to hire an expert than try your luck at doing it on your own. Be mindful that DIY repairs could invalidate any warranties associated with your vehicle if performed by non-experts.
4. Change the Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are key components in maintaining optimal combustion for engine operation. Over time, however, spark plugs may wear out and replacing them can be an easy and straightforward process. Your vehicle requires special tools for DIY car repairs. However, this task should be one of the easier DIY efforts if you use an appropriate socket and ratchet combination; simply ensure the engine has cooled off before beginning work and disconnect its battery to avoid unexpected shorts. To change plugs, disconnect and unscrew all spark plug wires or coil connectors before loosening and unscrewing each plug carefully to avoid cross-threading or applying too much force; doing so could damage its new threads. Before reinstalling each new one, apply a light coating of anti-seize lubricant so the threads grip more securely on their new homes.
5. Change the Tires
Maintaining your car yourself can save money and give you a sense of pride. But some repairs should be left up to professionals, such as replacing burnt-out headlights or making sure that tire pressure is correct. An affordable tire pressure gauge should always be present in your car and should be checked regularly to prevent low tire pressure from being dangerously reduced fuel efficiency. Furthermore, rotating your tires every 8,000 to 12,000 miles will help even out tread wear and improve handling while replacing brake pads once per year should also be easy and can cost under $20 per axle.
6. Fix a Scratched Paint Job
Light scratches in your car's paint job can often be easily remedied using touch-up paint and a buffer or polisher; however, deeper ones often require professional assistance as they expose metal underneath and require more extensive repair than just sanding and painting.
Clean the Scratched Area
Start by thoroughly washing the affected area to eliminate dirt and debris from its surface. Be sure to wait until all moisture has dissipated from this phase before proceeding with further steps. Apply a primer matching your vehicle's paint color directly over the damaged area and let it dry completely before adding touch-up paint and blending it in with the remainder of the job.
7. Fix a Flat Tire
If your tire suddenly goes flat, remain calm and remember that most cars come equipped with an emergency spare tire. If not, keep a tire repair kit, jack, and lug wrench handy in your trunk for when something does happen. Before beginning to jack your vehicle up, find a safe spot free from traffic where you can work safely with your jack and raise the car while loosening its lug nuts with precision. Check your tire for foreign objects or holes, listening for air escaping from it. If it becomes punctured, install a rope plug before driving it to a shop for inspection - don't forget to carry reflective triangles and roadside flares for safety!
8. Fix a Dead Battery
One of the most frequent auto issues is a dead battery. Although this can be very embarrassing and challenging to fix, if you know what steps to take it can be relatively straightforward and simple to resolve. Before beginning any battery repair or refurbishment task, be sure to wear work gloves and safety goggles. Batteries contain sulfuric acid electrolyte solutions which may burn your skin as well as produce highly inflammable hydrogen gas that could prove lethal in an instant. Start by loosening the nut and bolt that hold the terminal cable clamp onto the negative (black) battery post, being careful to not touch this cable with its positive (red) battery terminal attached. Next, disconnect this black terminal and connect it to an unpainted metal spot on your vehicle as grounding for effective grounding.
