There was a time when almost every man knew how to fix things on his car by messing around with it. Today’s cars are more complicated and full of technology, which makes the idea of working on it seem scary. Most guys take their car to the shop when it breaks down or just needs some maintenance.
Even though many modern people don’t have the time, patience, or skills to do major auto repairs (though with the right planning and process, it might be easier than you think), there are still plenty of basic maintenance tasks that any man, no matter how handy he is, can do himself.
If you want to start working on your car yourself, Ridhiman Das lists 5 things that even someone who has never worked on a car before can do. Not only do they not need any experience, but they also don’t need anything more than basic hand tools, and in some cases, they don’t even need any tools.
1. Changing out the wiper blades
Why DIY?
Changing wiper blades is a very easy thing to do. The wiper blades are on the outside of the car, so they are easy to reach. Also, instructions on how to change the wiper blades are usually printed on the package, which can be bought for $5 to $15 at any local auto parts store. There is no need for tools, but some people use pliers. The whole job won’t take more than five to ten minutes to finish. Overall, if you change your own wiper blades, you will save time and money.
When to change out:
Most wiper blades should be changed every six months to a year. But you should check your wiper blades every few months, and especially when the seasons change. The part of the windscreen wiper that usually wears out over time is the rubber part. If there are streaks on the windscreen or if you can see cracks, bending, or splitting in the rubber part, it may be time to get a new one. Weather like ice and snow can make the blade weak and cause it to bend. So, if the blade isn’t touching the windscreen or is making a lot of noise, it’s time to get a new one.
Wiper blades are sold by how long they are. You can check your owner’s manual, measure the blades yourself, or ask for help at a nearby auto parts store. Some cars have blades on the passenger side that are bigger than the ones on the driver side. So, when you measure yourself, you should get the length of both sides.
Keep your windscreen in good shape. Clean your windscreen often to keep bugs, dirt, and grime from getting stuck on it. To see possible dangers on the road, you need a clean windscreen. Try a windscreen water repellent to see better when the weather is bad.
Don’t forget to clean your back window. Many vans and SUVs have a wiper on the back windscreen, so don’t forget to replace it, too. It’s best to change all of the wiper blades at once.
Fill up the window washer fluid. Check to see if your car has fluid to clean the windscreen. If there is fluid in the system but it doesn’t work, find the sprayer nozzles. Check for a blockage caused by dirt and other things. Use a needle or a thumbtack to unclog things. Check the washer fluid tank and tubes for leaks, too. If you can’t fix the problem yourself, take your car to a mechanic.
2. Diagnosing Fuses
Why DIY?
It’s not hard to check and change fuses in a car. Everything is written on the cover of the fuse box. Also, the colours of the fuses show how many amps they can handle. Getting to the fuse box is the hardest part. You can look up the year, make, and model of your car in the owner’s manual or on the Internet. Many cars have two fuse boxes, which can be found in a panel under the dashboard, in the boot, on the side of the dashboard, under the back seat, or under the bonnet. You can buy fuses for a low price, and many cars have extras in the fuse box. This job can be done in less than ten minutes.
When to change out:
Why do we use fuses? What makes them go? First of all, there are fuses for a wide range of things in your car, like the horn, radio, and lights. Fuses let electricity flow through them, and when that flow gets too strong, fuses can blow. If one of your car’s parts stops working all of a sudden, it could be because a fuse blew.
Tools Needed:
Flashlight (For better visualisation) (For better visualisation)
Screwdriver
Voltmeter, Multimeter, or a light for a car
Fuse puller or needle-nose pliers
Replacement fuses
3. Changing Lights
Why DIY?
Changing a light in your car is a lot like changing a light bulb in your home. Even though there are a few extra steps, changing a car light is still a cheap and easy process. The job won’t take you more than ten minutes. You might only need a screwdriver, some gloves, and some pieces cloths.
When to change out:
Like any other part, car lights will burn out and need to be replaced at some point. If your headlight or taillight is out, it is dangerous and you could get a ticket. It also makes it harder to see because it makes less light. The inside edges of the car’s roof and doors are also lit up. These lights inside the car let you see in the dark. Before they need to be replaced, car lights can work for up to two years.
Don’t forget about your other lights. Your car has more lights than just its headlights, taillights, and cabin lights. Don’t forget that you may also need to replace the fog lights and licence plate light.
Both lights should be changed at the same time. It is important to replace both headlights at the same time so that the car looks balanced and even. This makes sure that your two lights both give off the same amount of light. It also tells you when to change the lights, so you don’t have to change one before the other.
When handling, wear gloves. Wear gloves when you handle halogen light bulbs, because the oils on your skin can make the bulbs less bright or even break them.
4. Changing the air filter in the engine
Why DIY?
Replacing the engine air filter, like many of the other Car Maintenance DIY tasks, will save you money and time waiting at an auto repair shop. At the auto parts store near you, it’s easy to find an air filter that fits your car. The whole thing will take you no more than fifteen minutes. Also, you don’t need any tools, but you might need a screwdriver.
When to change out:
Your car’s engine air filter is like its lungs. It keeps bugs, dirt, dust, and other things from getting into the engine. Every 25,000 miles, this part should be changed because it gets old, brittle, and dirty. The engine air filter should be changed more often if the car stops and starts a lot or if it often goes on roads that are not paved. Keeping the engine air filter in good shape is important for getting good gas mileage, engine performance, and speed. The spark plugs, which are important for starting your car, could be damaged by a dirty air filter.
Helpful Tips: Old versus New Models. In older cars, the round, bulky housing is made of plastic or metal. On the other hand, the engine air filters in newer cars are housed in square or rectangular compartments.
5. Changing Engine Oil
Why DIY?
This task may not save you a lot of money, but it is easy and will save you time driving to and from the mechanic. It is also an important part of keeping a car in good shape, so it must be done. Even though it doesn’t save you much money, you should always know how to change your oil. Most of the time, this job takes about 30 minutes. But it may take more time the first time you do it.
When to change out:
There is a light on the dashboard that shows oil pressure. Instead of relying on this system to tell you when you need an oil change, you should look at your car’s manual or ask the company that made your car. Depending on how you drive and what kind of oil you use (conventional, synthetic, or high mileage), the time ranges from every 3,000 miles to every 10,000 miles or more. If you drive in extreme temperatures, stop-and-go traffic, take a lot of short trips, or pull a trailer, you need to change your oil more often.
Tools Needed:
Latex gloves
Oil filter
Oil filter gasket
Oil spanner set for engine (including oil filter wrench)
Funnel
Drain pan
Jack/Jack stands
Jar made of plastic (for used oil)
Car maintenance is important because there are many parts that need to be taken care of regularly. If you can spare a dollar or two, it will help a lot. Car maintenance is important if you want your car to last as long as possible and run smoothly. Your car is an important way to get around, so it has to be reliable. Hence, learn the above mentioned tips to keep your car always ready!