DIY Car Repair Tips for Common Problems in 2024

Maintaining your car and handling minor repairs yourself can save you time and money. Taking the time to learn these skills will not only enhance your abilities, but will also ensure that your vehicle remains in top shape. Here are some DIY tips for common car problems you may encounter:

1. Change tires

• Required Tools: Spare tire, jack, tire wrench.
• pace:
  1. Stop the vehicle safely and apply the parking brake. Make sure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface.
  2. Before lifting the car, loosen the nuts slightly.
  3. Use a jack to lift the car until the flat tire is off the ground.
  4. Remove the nut completely and remove the flat tire.
  5. Install the spare wheel and tighten the nuts by hand.
  6. Lower the car and fully tighten the nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.

2. Replace the wiper blades

• Required Tools: New wiper blades.
• pace:
  1. Lift the wiper arms away from the windshield to avoid damage.
  2. Press the tab on the wiper blade and slide it off the hook.
  3. Slide the new wiper blade onto the windshield until it clicks into place.
  4. Gently lower the wiper arm onto the windshield to prevent damage.

3. Change the engine oil

• Required Tools: New oil, oil filter, wrench, oil pan.
• pace:
  1. Warm up the engine to thin the oil, making it easier to drain.
  2. Position the oil pan under the drain plug and carefully remove the drain plug.
  3. Allow the old oil to drain completely into the oil pan.
  4. Replace the drain plug securely and remove the old oil filter.
  5. Install a new oil filter and fill the engine with the recommended amount and type of new oil.

4. Replace the air filter

• Required Tools: New air filter.
• pace:
  1. Locate the air filter housing under the hood and open it.
  2. Remove the old air filter, paying attention to its orientation.
  3. Insert the new air filter in the same orientation and close the housing securely.

5. Fix minor electrical problems

• common problem: The fuse is blown and the light bulb is burned out.
• pace:
  1. Fuse blown: Use your car’s manual to locate the fuse box and replace the blown fuse with a fuse of the same rating.
  2. Burnt out light bulb: Identify the faulty bulb (headlight, taillight, or indicator). Open the bulb housing, remove the old bulb, and install the new bulb.

6. Battery maintenance

• Clean terminal: Keep battery terminals clean and free of corrosion. Use a mixture of baking soda and water to remove any buildup and ensure a good connection.
• Check Fees: Use a multimeter to check the battery voltage. A fully charged battery should be around 12.6 volts. If the battery does not hold a charge, it may need to be replaced.

7. Replace brake pads

• Required Tools: New brake pads, jack, tire wrench, socket set.
• pace:
  1. Lift the car and remove the wheels to access the brakes.
  2. Remove the caliper to expose the brake pads.
  3. Replace the old brake pads with new ones, making sure they are aligned correctly.
  4. Reinstall the calipers, replace the wheels, and lower the car.

8. Repair coolant leaks

• Required Tools: Coolant, leak sealant.
• pace:
  1. Find the source of the leak, probably a hose or radiator.
  2. Use a leak sealant as a temporary solution to stop the leak.
  3. Refill coolant to ensure engine runs cool.

9. Repair minor scratches

• Required Tools: Scratch remover, microfiber cloth.
• pace:
  1. Clean the scratched area to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Apply the scratch remover to a microfiber cloth and rub the scratch in circular motions.
  3. Wipe off excess product and buff the area to restore shine.

10. Maintain tire pressure

• Required Tools: Tire pressure gauge.
• pace:
  1. Check tire pressure regularly, especially before long drives.
  2. Inflate or deflate your tires as needed to maintain the recommended pressure for optimal performance and safety.

11. Repair a damaged rearview mirror

• Required Tools: Replace mirror, screwdriver.
• pace:
  1. Remove the broken mirror carefully to avoid damaging the housing.
  2. Install the replacement mirror using the provided screws, making sure it is securely fastened.

12. Replace the cabin air filter

• Required Tools: New cabin air filter.
• pace:
  1. Locate the cabin air filter compartment, usually located behind the glove box.
  2. Remove the old filter and insert the new one, making sure it fits tightly.

13. Adjust the headlights

• Required Tools: Screwdriver.
• pace:
  1. Park the car on a level surface facing a wall to check the alignment.
  2. Use a screwdriver to adjust the headlight beam to the correct height and alignment for optimal visibility.

By mastering these basic maintenance skills, you can keep your car in good shape and avoid frequent visits to the repair shop. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can greatly extend the life of your vehicle and improve your driving experience.

By following these tips, you can make an informed decision when buying a used car and take care of common maintenance tasks, keeping your vehicle in good condition and ensuring smooth driving on India’s various roads. This will not only save you money but also allow you to better manage your vehicle. Happy driving!