Man with Broken Car on a Road

Did you know that the check engine light repair costs averaged $357 nationally in the United States in 2018? While this accounts for a 10% decrease compared to 2006, general car repair costs in the U.S. are still high. Luckily, not all repairs require a specialist.

A car can cause you unimaginable frustrations when it comes to constant repairs. All vehicles are susceptible to wear and tear over time, which means that the need for repairs increases with usage. Whether it’s your first car or you are a veteran on the road, these DIY car repairs options can help you save big on car maintenance.

Read here for more on DIY car repairs you never knew you could handle. 

1. Air Filter 

Most cars require a new air filter every 12,000 miles on the road. It’s also advisable that you replace your car’s air filters every 12 months regardless of the distance covered. Considering a mechanic to handle your filter replacement needs may cost you more time and money.

Does your car require urgent air filter replacement? You don’t need any tools to do this simple repair at home. It will only cost you about $10 and 10 minutes to complete this DIY procedure.

First, you need to locate your air filter. This is often under the hood of your car in a black rectangular box. In most cars, the black rectangular boxes have metal clips on each side.

You can consider your owner’s manual if the air filter is not traceable. Then open up the chasing and keenly observe how the air filter fits, including the sides the air filter faces. 

You should then proceed to remove the air filter and insert the new one. Ensure that the fitting is in the same way as the old filter. Always remember to close the metal clip after replacement.

2. Changing the Car’s Oil 

Cars require an oil change every 3,000 miles. This is among the most important rituals you can’t afford to ignore. The good thing is that this is among the DIY car repairs you can handle at home. 

You should take note that DIY oil replacement can get messy. So ensure you are dressed for the task. Once you buy the new oil, these few steps can help you complete the oil change. 

The first step should be to locate the single bolt under the engine. Most people prefer to use cramps or a car jack to ensure they have adequate room to access this bolt. Once you locate and undo the latch, proceed to drain the old oil.

You should then locate the oil filter within the engine. It’s advisable to change the oil filter when replacing new oil. The next step should be to remove the old filter and replace it with the new one. 

You may also consider replacing the drain bolt to be on the safe side. Once done, you can then proceed to pour in the new oil. Remember to check under the drain bolt to ensure that there are no leaks. 

3. Replacing Spark Plugs 

You need to consider replacing your spark plugs every 30,000 miles. This may vary depending on the type of car and the years of usage. Nonetheless, spark plug replacement is among the DIY car repairs you can handle. 

You only need a ratchet, spark plug socket, and 12″ socket extension to do this. If you’re keen enough, it will take you 30 minutes and $15 to replace spark plugs.

You can start by locating the spark plugs, which should be easy. Spark plugs are attached to thick rubbery wires. The number of sockets may vary depending on the cylinders in your car.

There’s a need to exercise caution when removing the wires from the plugs. You must not remove all the cables in one go. It’s important to pay attention to the order with which the spark plugs are set. 

The spark plug socket and the extension can be useful in removing the first spark plug. You should then use a wrench to tighten the new spark plug. 

Don’t over tighten the plug but rather consider a snug fit. Once you are done, you should re-attach the plug wires, and you are good to go.

Are you looking for an automotive eCommerce company that can provide you with automotive product details on parts such as plugs and help you order the best repair parts? Look no further.

4. Battery 

Your car’s battery is at the center of your car’s efficiency. If your battery is dead or there are issues with the wiring, you might be at odds trying to jump-start your car times on end. 

Battery maintenance can be a 20-minute DIY procedure. It will cost you around $5 to undergo the process once you have all the tools. Wrenches, corrosion-removal fluids, and wire brushes are handy tools during this process.  

First, you need to remove your battery terminals. This should be straightforward. You must always consider removing the negative terminal first. You should then clean the area around the posts with a mixture of baking powder and water. 

The wire brush is a handy option during this process. You should then use pure water to rinse the area and then use a rag to dry the posts. It would also help to replace the battery terminals to ensure that the posts are in perfect condition. 

If the battery is dead, you can install the new battery after ensuring that posts are corrosion-free.

5. Changing Brake Pads Is Among the Easy DIY Car Repairs

You probably imagine that this is a reserve of highly experienced mechanics. But replacing your brake pads is among the easy DIY car repairs that shouldn’t bother you. All you need is a wheel lug wrench, pliers, basic wrenches, and a car jack.

New brake pads are worth $40 on the higher side. Once all is set, you should begin by removing the wheel, and then take off the hardware. Next, you need to pull out the worn-out brake pads and replace them with new pads.

Changing all the four brake pads should not take you more than an hour, even if it’s your first time.

6. Replacing the Windshields

Until you realize how easy it is to replace your windshield wipers at home, you might assume that this is a reserve for the experts. But replacing your car’s windshields is easier than you can imagine. You don’t need any tools to repair your windshields wipers, and you only need to part with at least $20.

Within 15 minutes you can replace your windshields by hand. First, you should remove the old blades by lifting them. Observe how the old blades connect to the metal arms before going further. 

You can locate a tab in the underside of the wiper, which may be useful in the process. Once this is complete, you should proceed to attach the new blades. You must exercise caution, not to bend the wiper arms or to scratch the windscreen.

Your Routine Car Repair Procedures Shouldn’t Cost You a Leg and an Arm

Cars can be an expensive investment if you must call in a mechanic each time a minor need for repair emerges. Before ringing your dealership, you need to consider these six DIY car repairs. It will cost you way less if you learn how to deal with such minor fixes.

All you need is a trusted online platform to give you accurate product data. You can then proceed to order any car part you need fast and easy. 

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