Replacing the battery is a simple process. The oil is changed with a racket, a wrench and a funnel. I spoke with Richard Reina, CarID's training director, about some of the easiest car repairs you can do at home. You can find most of the spare parts on CARiD or similar sites, plus lots of instructional videos and fact sheets that will ensure you have the help you need every step of the way.
I also spoke to several mechanics, including a family member who has more than 20 years of experience repairing cars. He, like many other experts, insisted that, with preparation, you can save a lot of time and money on repairs. I'm surprised how many people are going to get a workshop to replace the battery, as this is by far the easiest of all DIY repairs. A battery will last 4 to 6 years, so you should be able to find out when the current battery is ready to be replaced.
Almost all batteries have a date stamped on them, so look for this if you want to be sure. If you do, you could be stranded with a dead battery, and that's dangerous for many reasons. Buy a good quality oil filter and the best oil you can afford from your local supplier (this could be an automotive specialist or a retail store). In addition to the cat holders and a connector, you'll need an oil filter wrench and a drain tray.
You only have to buy them once and they will last you for decades (my father-in-law has been using the same drain for 20 years). You can find videos online that show you oil changes in a variety of different vehicles. As Richard Reina points out, the days of oil changes every 3,000 miles are behind us. Today, vehicles can often go 10,000 miles between oil changes.
There is an episode of the iconic television series Frasier that shows Niles and Frasier Crane attending an automotive workshop. The first lesson is how to change the spark plugs. It is one of the easiest home repairs you can do, although nowadays it is very rare that you have to perform this service. In modern cars, long-lasting spark plugs can maintain precise space for 100,000 miles.
However, it's still wise to check them every 30,000 to 40,000 miles, just to be sure. You know the frustration of having your car break down when you need it most. Well, what if I told you that some of the most common causes of car problems have easy solutions that you could learn to fix yourself? Here are 10 basic car repairs you should know about. There's a reason why “wheels” is slang for “car”.
This is because tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. And you might not like them from time to time. However, changing a flat tire doesn't have to be a big deal, and in fact, it could be a lifesaving skill. Most of us know what spark plugs are and what they do.
They are the small devices inside the cylinder that create sparks to ignite the gas and ultimately power the vehicle. But they wear out every 10,000 miles or so. Actually, the solution is quite easy. Brakes are one of the most important elements of your vehicle to ensure your safety while driving.
Many car accidents are due to brake failure, so the car's brakes should always be in perfect condition. Fortunately, changing brake pads can be as easy as changing a flat tire.
