Car repairs can be overwhelming. As women, we are often told that we should leave the work to a mechanic or professional. However, you are better off if you know how to handle basic car maintenance. It can be empowering, and save time and money. Mastering these 10 car repairs will help you avoid costly trips to the shop and give you more control over your vehicle’s upkeep.
1. Changing a Flat Tire
Changing a flat tire is something everyone should learn to do. Because it is something that can happen unexpectedly, it is best to be prepared. To perform a tire change, make sure your car is on a flat surface. You’ll also need a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench in your vehicle. Loosen the lug nuts on the tire before you lift the car up using the jack. Then, remove the flat tire. You can practice this in a controlled environment so that you are ready when an emergency arises.
2. Replacing Windshield Wipers
Knowing how to replace your windshield wipers will keep you from unnecessarily spending money at the shop. Windshield wipers are necessary for good visibility, especially in inclement weather. The good news is that most wipers come with instructions. Generally, you’ll lift the wiper arm, unclip the old blade, and then snap the new one in place. It’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual to make sure you are buying the right size. It is also a good practice to replace your windshield wipers at least once a year, or whenever you notice they’re not doing their job.
3. Checking and Refilling Engine Oil
Oil is critical to the performance and longevity of your vehicle’s engine. You can check the oil levels by pulling out the dipstick. Wipe it clean, reinsert it, and then pull it out again. This will show you where your oil levels are. If you find that it is below the recommended level, you can add oil. Knowing how to do this will prevent engine damage and it can help you avoid some seriously expensive repairs down the road.
4. Replacing a Car Battery
Learning how to replace a car battery yourself can save you a lot of heartache. Batteries are typically not that expensive, with most ranging from $100 to $160. You can save yourself a lot of time and money by knowing how to replace it yourself. Remove any clamps holding the battery in place and lift it out. You put the new battery in its place and reconnect the cables. Make sure everything is tight and in place. Oftentimes, you can trade in your old battery for a little extra cash too.
5. Replacing Headlight Bulbs
When your headlights aren’t working properly, it can be a safety hazard. While it might seem like a tough job, replacing your headlights is easier than you’d think. Your owner’s manual will be able to tell you what the correct bulb type is. To change it out, you’ll open the hood and pinpoint where the headlight assembly is. It’s typically near the front bumper. You’ll remove the old bulb by twisting it out or releasing a clip. Then, you replace it with a new bulb. Try to avoid touching the glass with your hands. The oils in your skin can shorten its life. Be sure to test your new headlights before closing the hood to make sure they’re working.
6. Changing the Air Filter
Having a clogged air filter can reduce your car’s overall fuel efficiency. While car repair shops often charge a pretty penny for this task, it is pretty easy to DIY. Your air filter box is usually near the engine. You can open it by releasing the clips or screws. Then, you simply remove the old filter and replace it with the new one. Then, put the lid back on the airbox. It is recommended that you change the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. This is one of those simple repairs that can improve your car’s performance with just a few minutes of work.
7. Fixing a Blown Fuse
A blown fuse can be the culprit for a number of problems. You might notice that your radio or light suddenly stops working. This could be a problem with a fuse. Replacing this is a fairly easy task. You just need to find the fuse box. It is normally under the dashboard or hood. Your owner’s manual will be able to help you identify which fuse is related to the problem you’re having. Take the blow fuse out with a fuse puller or tweezers. Then replace it with a new fuse that has the same amperage. Keeping spare fuses on hand can help you be prepared.
8. Refilling Windshield Washer Fluid
Like replacing your windshield wipers, everyone should also know how to refill your washer fluid. This is a super simple task. Pop the hood and locate where the windshield washer fluid reservoir is. Unscrew the reservoir cap and pour the fluid in until it reaches the fill line. It’s a good practice to check the windshield washer fluid and other car fluids before heading out on a long trip, especially during the colder months.
9. Repairing Minor Paint Scratches
Scratches in the paint of your car can cause rust if it isn’t addressed promptly. You’ll want to clean the scratched area thoroughly. Then, use a touch-up pen or a scratch repair kit to fill in the scratch. You can then buff the area lightly with a microfiber cloth, which helps it blend with the rest of the paint. Additionally, you can add a clear coat to protect the area that you repaired. While it is a quick fix, it will help prevent further damage to the car and will save you from an expensive trip to the body shop.
10. Replacing Brake Pads
Keeping your brakes in tip-top shape is crucial for safety, but replacing this part can be costly. Learning how to do it yourself can help you save money. You’ll need to lift the car and remove the wheel to access the brake caliper. (See our list of tools you’ll need to repair your car.) After you’ve removed the caliper, you can pull out the worn-out brake pads. Then, you just put the new ones in their place and put everything back where it was. Be sure you test the brakes to make sure everything is working well and continue to check the thickness of your brake pads for safety.
Empower Yourself with Essential Car Knowledge
Knowing how to perform these 10 car repairs will increase your confidence when it comes to handling issues with your vehicle. You won’t need to rely on a mechanic for these fixes and it can be empowering. Not only will these DIY repairs save you money, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing you are prepared for unexpected car problems.