Top 5 Do it Yourself Auto Repairs

Written by: Joe McCann

Hello everybody and thanks again for checking in on this month’s auto blog. It’s a new year and for many of us that means a new start. Like everyone, I usually find myself slightly bloated and a little light in the checkbook after the holidays. With Christmas behind us and tax season right around the corner I’d like to discuss some of the easy DIY automotive repairs anyone with a basic set of tools can handle.

Many people today open the hood on their beloved vehicle and are completely overwhelmed. There’s hundreds, if not thousands of wires. Hoses that go God knows where, and dozens of warning signs, that in many cases are written in either Japanese or Korean. So, for someone who doesn’t know the coolant overflow tank from their windshield washer tank, I can completely understand why someone would be deathly afraid to attempt any kind of auto repair by themselves. Luckily there are a few things that even someone with a modest set of tools and a bit of knowledge can handle, and hopefully save some money along the way.

• 1. Oil Change. Changing your oil on a regular basis is without a doubt the easiest way to prevent premature engine problems. If you’re able to do it yourself, you’ll be able to save hundreds of dollars throughout the lifetime of the vehicle. Draining the oil and replacing the filter is quite possible one of the easiest repairs you can do at home. There are a couple handy hints to remember when attempting to change your own oil however.

1. Always remember to lift the vehicle in a safe manner, and always remember to have a quality set of jacks to support the weight of the vehicle.
2. Make sure the drain plug has a gasket and seal on it before reinstalling it. If the gasket or seal are no longer on the drain plug, you will notice a small leak accumulate over time.
3. Never over tighten a drain plug.
4. When replacing the oil filter. ALWAYS remember to check to see if the old seal has been removed before installing the new filter.
5. Always use the manufacturers recommend type of oil.

• 2. Air Filter. When it comes to replacing your air filter, the internet can be your friend. In almost all cases most manufactures make replacing the air filter relatively easy.
• 3. Spark Plugs. Before replacing your spark plugs, check the recommend service table that is usually printed in your owner’s manual. Today’s vehicles are equipped with platinum tipped plugs and have the ability to last well over 100,00 miles. If you’re experiencing a drivability issue and you’re under the 100k mark, spark plugs are rarely the culprit. 

1. When removing a plug, if it doesn’t want to loosen, LEAVE IT!! To this day, I still have nightmares about broken spark plugs.
2. Always make sure the new plug is going into the cylinder head straight and you haven’t cross threaded the new plug
3. Try and use an OEM plug if possible. Any parts store can help if you have any questions. 

• 4. Brake lamp bulbs. Replacing most brake lamp bulbs is simply a matter of a couple screws and about 5 minutes of time. Again, just like your air filter, if you have any questions. The internet can be a close ally
• 5. Car battery. In most cases replacing your vehicle’s battery is a simple repair. Many manufactures today install the battery underneath the rear seat or in other places around the car. It’s best to consult the owner’s manual if you have any questions.

1. Always buy a quality battery. The difference between a value brand battery and a premium may be as much as $40.00, but no one likes getting out to their car when it’s minus 10 and windy only to find out there 2-year-old battery turned into a brick of ice.
2. Just like spark plugs, always make sure you haven’t cross threaded the bolts.
3. Always make sure the cables are good and tight. A poor connection at the battery can cause problems down the road.

Knowing the difference between a DIY job and something that is better left to the professionals, is also a good bit of knowledge to have. Most of the time your wife’s brother’s cousin, who used to be the towns best motorcycle mechanic, isn’t qualified to remove the cylinder head on your wife’s Equinox. The best way to save money and your marriage, is to know the difference between a job you can handle at home, and a job best left to a qualified technician. Hopefully this information was helpful and if you have any questions regarding these DIY tips or anything else. Feel free to call McCann’s Garage at 752-8359.