Five Car Repairs You Can DIY

For some motorists the idea of getting technical with their car is a frightening proposition. However, while in many cases complicated car maintenance work is best left to the professionals, not every job needs to entail a time-consuming and costly trip to the local garage.

In fact, to get started in vehicle DIY there are only three things you need: motivation, a manual and the right tools!

Choosing high quality tools over a budget set from the local supermarket should set you in good stead; both for your first attempt at DIY and any future projects you may want to dip your toes into. Recommended brands of tools include Snap-On, Drapper and Teng Tools. This is for both the quality of the materials and manufacturing processes as well as the results the tools can attain. In fact, Teng Tools are so confident in the quality of their goods that each tool they sell comes affixed with a lifetime guarantee.

So once you’re equipped with everything you need, here are five quick and easy car repairs you can try out at home:

Replacing an Air Filter

The filter box assembly is located just on top of the engine, making it easy to both find and access. All you will need to do is remove the cover (this may require one tool – a screwdriver) and replace the filter.

If you can’t find the filter box, refer to your cars manual in order to locate its position.

One point to note when replacing an air filter: ensure that you reseal the cover properly and that any screws are fully tightened.

Replace a Light Bulb

Replacing a light bulb in your car is essentially the same as replacing one in the home: simply push the bulb in and twist in order to remove and replace the bulb.

However, you may need that screwdriver again. This is simply to remove and replace any protective lenses.

Replace Your Wiper Blades

Replacing wiper blades is a very simple process that requires no tools and no previous experience or expertise. While wiper blades are usually manufactured to simply snap into place by hand, you can usually find instructions on the packet should you need them.

Changing Your Engine Oil and Filter

While in years gone by changing your oil and filter could be a somewhat tricky task, modern engines have been redesigned to make the process much easier.

The capacity of your engine and the type of oil needed will vary between vehicles; however your owner’s manual should state exactly what’s needed and the amount of oil to be used.

This task is where those tools are really going to come in handy. You will need an oil filter wrench, a combination wrench, a drain pan and a funnel. It’s also advisable to keep your hands protected with a pair of latex gloves.

Replace a Fuse

Replacing a fuse in your car is essentially the same as replacing one in the home. The location of the fuse box can be found in your owner’s manual and the fuse should be labelled in order to clearly mark the circuit.

You will need a fuse puller in order to complete this task, however most vehicles will come affixed with one. A torch or flashlight might also be useful if you are working in dull light.

The above five tasks are merely a summary of the easiest ways to execute maintenance work on your own vehicle while avoiding paying excessive and unnecessary fees to local garages. Once you’ve mastered the above all you need is the right tools, instructions and a little more courage to take it a step further. Who knows, before long you could be changing your brake-pads, bleeding the brakes or even changing the clutch!

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of Toolorders. James is a keen motorist and enjoys working on his own car.