5 do it yourself Car Fixes
Anyone who has ever taken their car into a service center knows that it will probably be an expensive trip. One third of the final cost consists of the actual parts used, and the rest of the expense is labor. The good news is that with the help of the local auto parts store, and with a little practice, some of the simpler problems can be fixed at home.1. One of the easiest fixes on the car involves the necessary fluids. Antifreeze, oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and even windshield washer fluids are all necessary and relatively easy to replace once you know where to look. Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual to find out where these are located under the hood, what specific products are recommended, and what the proper amounts are. When it comes to oil changes, remember to change the oil filter along with the oil, and always keep the old oil for recycling.2. Batteries are something that normally do not need replacing all that often, but when they do it will be obvious. Take the old battery out and take it to the nearest auto shop or parts store to have it tested. If it is beyond saving, buy a new one that meets the vehicles specifications. Turning in the old battery normally provides a discount on the new one. Make sure to replace the battery by connecting the positive first and then the negative connection. When taking out the old battery look for any leaks of battery acid and avoid getting it on skin or clothing.3. Blown tail lights, headlights, and even interior lights are relatively easy to fix. Refer to the owner’s manual before buying new bulbs or check out the reference book at the auto parts store. If lights still do not work, check the owner's manual for the location of fuses. These are also relatively easy to replace once you know where to look and may be the cause of any number of electrical malfunctions.4. Windshield wiper blades are very important and do need to be changed usually about every six months. These are clearly marked in their packages for various vehicles and are listed in the on site reference book. They are fairly simple to snap into place.5. Under inflated tires are not only dangerous, they reduce the car’s gas mileage. The air pressure should be checked periodically and topped off to the tire’s specifications. If the tire continues to lose air, it should be taken in to have the leak sealed, or the tire replace. Tires do need to be rotated every few thousand miles to avoid excessive wear on any particular tire. Those that are handy at tire changing and good at keeping track of which tire went where, can take care of this at home as well.Doing a few of the necessary fixes on the family vehicle can save more than a few dollars throughout the years, and it isn’t as difficult as it may seem.
