Vehicle maintenance and repair jobs do not have to be given to a mechanic. Sometimes, it’s more convenient to do it yourself; you need to follow expert instructions and have the necessary tools. It is a great way to save money and time. Here are five DIY basic car repairs. Time to get your hands a little bit dirty!
- Brake Replacement
This is one of the most straightforward DIY car repairs. It is not only simple but also relatively cheap. You can change the worn items in your car’s brake system. If you’ve drum or disc brakes, you can save a ton of money doing the brake replacement yourself. Usually, a mechanic can charge between $250 and $500 per axle to install rotors and new pads in a vehicle with disc brakes. It is even costlier if your car brakes use more sophisticated materials such as carbon-ceramic. Meanwhile, in the comfort of your home, you can carry out brake replacement by yourself for a cost of $125 to $500. The process of replacing a brake pad involves removing the old brake by sliding it out and then clipping the new brake pad in a secure position with fasteners.
- Tire Maintenance
This is very important because it affects your fuel efficiency, car safety, and all-round performance. You can check its pressure with a pressure gauge if you suspect a flat tire, though you do not need any special knowledge. Usually, a gas station provides services to fill your tire with air, but it is something you can do yourself. More minor tire punctures can be fixed with puncture repair tool kits priced between $10 to $20. They have all you need to cover your flat tire. It is essential to get a lug wrench and a good tire jack to rotate your tires. It is advisable to do these every six thousand miles or six months. You will also need a stable jack to raise your vehicle safely. All these can be done without any special knowledge.
- Changing Air Filters
A cabin air filter will remove dust and debris from your vehicle’s HVAC system. At the same time, an engine air filter will prevent contaminated air from entering your car’s engine. Changing your engine air filter for every 30,000 to 45,000 miles is advisable. You have to gently remove the bolts that keep the filter’s housing secure, remove the old filter, put in the new filter. This is the same process to change a cabin air filter.
- Changing a radiator
Radiators may sometimes leak. If this happens, locate the leak and plug it in a hose. You can also use a leak sealant liquid product. This helps to stop inaccessible leaks or small leaks by coating the radiator.
- Oil Change
This is pretty straightforward. You do this with a funnel, wrench, and racket. Consider replacing the vehicle’s oil filter while changing the oil. Good synthetic oil may cost between $20 to $30, but your mechanic may charge twice the cost.