We all have monthly budgets to keep our daily lives running smoothly, but one of the things we often forget is to keep enough set aside for car repairs and maintenance.
There’s nothing worse than receiving a high invoice from a mechanic and not having the extra money to pay for it.
But, while some issues require a professional, there are many car problems you can tackle yourself. Here are some DIY auto repair tips you need to know that can save you some serious cash.
1. Changing Your Own Brake Pads
It may sound like a daunting task, but changing your own brake pads is a simple, inexpensive DIY auto repair project.
All you’ll need to get this job done properly is a wheel lug wrench, a few other basic wrenches, and a jack.
Remove your wheel, take off the hardware, and remove the worn pads. Once you’ve done that, push in the caliper piston, place the new pads and replace the hardware. This job can be done in under an hour.
2. Changing Your Battery
Avoid those stressful mornings of jumper cables and push-starts. Changing your own battery is a simple job that you can do at home.
Go to an approved auto battery store and buy your replacement battery. A new one should last you at least 4 to 6 years.
You’ll need a basic set of wrenches to get the job done. Remove the negative cable first when taking your old battery out, and place that same cable last when installing the new battery.
3. Replacing Your Windshield Wipers
Having trouble seeing through the streaks on your windshield on a rainy day? Then it’s time for a new set of windshield wipers. This must be one of the easiest DIY repair jobs for your vehicle.
It only takes a few minutes to replace the wipers on your vehicle yourself. And if you get stuck, replacement wipers generally come with instructions in the packaging.
4. Changing Your Spark Plugs
Changing out your spark plugs is one of the easiest home repairs you can do on your vehicle, and knowing when to change them is half the job.
The only special item you’ll need for this job is a spark plug wrench. This is a lifetime purchase, so once you’ve got this tool you’ll never need to buy a new one.
You’ll want to make sure that your work area is clean for this job, as dropping a spark plug onto the sand or a dirty surface area is never a good idea.
5. Replacing a Tail Light or Headlight
If one of your lights is out, it’s time to replace it. Remove the old bulb and take it with you to the store when you go to purchase replacement bulbs to ensure that you get the correct piece.
Don’t touch the glass of the bulb with your bare hands, especially if they’re covered in engine grease.
DIY Auto Repair Success
Auto repair shops will usually charge for a full hour even if the job only takes a few minutes. Besides that, there’ll also be a profit margin added to the parts required. Choosing to go with DIY auto repair can save you hundreds of dollars each year, so good luck with your DIY auto repairs!
If your engine light is still on, head on over to our engine light fixes section to see our checklist.
