Did you know that nearly 15% of people driving in the United States ignore their check engine light?
It doesn’t take much to troubleshoot car problems, but you must attend to them quickly.
If you want to save money and time, you should learn how to fix a few simple things.
Keep reading if you want to learn how to diagnose car problems and fix them yourself!
1. Chipped Paint
One of the most common car problems involves chipped and scratched paint.
If you just got a new car or just want your current one to maintain good condition, you need to get a few items to diagnose car problems. Each time you drive your car, you risk gravel from expanding the chipped area, this can lead to blistering and rust if it goes on for too long.
The first step to repairing your car is to clean the area that is damaged. You can use wax or grease remover and try to create a smooth surface. Carefully dab small amounts of touch-up paint and follow the instructions for the second coat.
It typically takes about 30 days for the paint to fully cure and adhere to the vehicle. After this period, you can wax the area to help blend it with the rest of the paint.
2. Dimmed & Fogged Headlights
When headlights aren’t properly wired or their wiring is corroded, it can impact your visibility.
You can open the headlight panel on your vehicle and remove the electrical connector. While you are disconnecting it, check for signs of damage and ensure that it’s clean. Depending on what you see from the inside, you may need to replace your bulbs with more efficient styles or replace the connector wire.
Always remove the screws and bolts so you don’t break anything. You may also want to clean up any rust to prevent screws from getting stuck. Adding grease can help lubricate the screws and preserve their durability.
3. Low Oil Levels
If you want to avoid having a broken-down vehicle on the side of the road, you should monitor your oil levels.
Most people wait until their oil light appears to get it changed, which is okay if you don’t procrastinate. Once the oil light appears, you should turn off the engine, grab a towel, and open the hood. The dipstick will show you how much oil you have left and the conditions it’s in.
Check your vehicle manual to ensure that you purchase the right kind and amount of oil. When you feel like you’ve added enough, use the dipstick again to see where it lines up. Monitor your oil levels for a few days to ensure it isn’t burning too fast or leaking.
4. Car Won’t Start
If your car isn’t starting, you likely have an issue with your battery.
Try not to flood your engine when you hear the clicking sounds, but can’t get the vehicle to run. If it’s cold outside, you may need to warm up the battery by turning the key to START for about 5 seconds and then turning it off again for a few minutes. Repeating this process can help your battery come to life if it’s just cold.
When your battery is dead, you’ll need to get it charged in your garage. You can also jump your battery by connecting it to another vehicle that’s running.
Sometimes, vehicles won’t start because the battery is dirty. A quick trick you can do is remove your shoe and tap the bottom heel on each battery terminal. If the vehicle starts up immediately after tapping your shoe, you should clean the posts and terminals.
5. Slow Windows
Becoming a self-taught mechanic has never been easier, especially with all of the helpful tutorials online.
You can fix slow-moving windows that are causing you frustration during commutes. Fixing the speed of the window is important since it can also prevent further damage and more significant repair costs.
The best way to repair slow windows is with dry Teflon spray. This aerosol spray goes on as a liquid, but it dries as a slippery powder to help the window glide better. Do your best to align the nozzle with window channels and start spraying to loosen the gears and pieces.
After the solvent dries, which takes a few minutes, you can use the button to lower and raise the window.
6. Stuck Hood Latch
No matter how much you learn about car diagnostic issues, you won’t get far if your hood is stuck.
If the hood of your vehicle gets exposed to dirt, water, or salt, it can make the hood stick. This can be frustrating when you need to change the oil before heading to work or are running late.
Aerosol rust sprays can penetrate through the seams and help you open your hood. You may need to spray and let the solution sit for about an hour. After you get the hood open, you should get in the habit of frequently greasing the hood, especially before winter.
7. Tire Pressure Issues
There’s nothing scarier than seeing your tire pressure light come on while you’re driving down the freeway.
There are a few causes that could be impacting your tire pressure. Running over something, hitting a curb, and temperature changes can all change pressure levels.
If your rims are bent or scratched, you may want to consider buying replacements. You can check sportcompactwarehouse.com for a variety of styles that are suitable for your vehicle. When the tire rims get damaged, the tire may not fit and properly seal, causing air pressure changes.
Don’t be Afraid to Diagnose Car Problems Yourself
If you want to learn how to diagnose car problems, you must know what signs to watch out for.
Whether your tire pressure, oil, or engine light comes on, you can handle each issue with confidence. You don’t have to pay premium prices and take the time to schedule an appointment to fix your vehicle. The more that you learn about how to fix your car, the longer you can make it last and you’ll trust it on the road.
If you want to learn more about repairing your car, check out our blog for the latest content!