When it comes to upkeeping and restoring your vehicle, it’s easy to drop your car off at the local repair man without thinking twice. What a lot of people don’t realize is that there are many small repairs and maintenance tasks that can be completed with a few tools, and the will to learn in the comfort of your own garage. While you aren’t expected to know how to fix your entire car, it’s helpful to know a few tricks and tips to keep you driving – and more importantly, driving safely. Below is a list of parts you can check and change from home.
Before fixing anything, it’s important to make sure you have the correct set of tools for easy repairs. Your at home repair kit should have ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, a pry and breaker bar, pliers, a socket set and a c-clamp. Don’t let the list overwhelm you, you can find an affordable, basic mechanics tool kit on Amazon for less than $45.
OIL AND FILTER
Your vehicle requires an oil change about every 5000 miles. You can do this at home with a filter wrench, and a quick read through your vehicle’s manual. Save yourself some cash and a trip to the maintenance shop.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Your average wiper blade needs a replacement about once a year. And while a quality set of wipers cost anywhere from $7 to $20, and take less than ten minutes to install, many drivers are uninformed of how simple the change can be. We suggest YouTube for endless amounts of tutorials.
FLUIDS
There are 5 particular fluids to top-off regularly when it comes to engine maintenance. While your oil tank will require a dipstick for checking, your coolant, brake, power steering and windshield fluids sit in clear containers which allow for easy filling. If you notice you are having to top-off any of your fluids at a quicker rate than normal, consider taking your car in to check for any leaks.
TIRES
Have you noticed your car is burning through gas at a quicker rate than normal? Is it veering to one side while driving? Does it take you a little longer to come to a complete stop? These could all be a result of low tire pressure. Even if the warning light isn’t lit on your dashboard, your tires could still be under-inflated. While the task may seem daunting, the only tools you need for this quick fix is a pressure gauge.
Caring for your vehicle, while it may not be the most fun task to complete, is essential for both smooth and safe driving. Before running off to your maintenance person, we highly recommend trying these four jobs at home. Of course, if your at-home tune up requires more than your toolkit can dish, give your most trusted body shop a buzz as soon as possible. If your inside problem turns into an outside one, don’t hesitate to give our professionals a call – we’re always here to help!