Maybe you’re sick of paying professionals to do small jobs, or maybe you just want to test your own limits. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of car repairs that you can actually do without a professional’s help. This article will keep you informed on easy car maintenance you can do yourself, so you save a bit of time and money.
Changing the Air Filter
This is a common job that’s usually left to professionals, but there is no need for it to be that way. Changing your air filter is a simple replacement job. Find the box under your hood with the air filter inside of it. Unclasp the old filter, then simply put the new air filter in and clasp it back down. If you want to be safe, blast some compressed air into the slot to blow out any leftover debris
Testing Your Coolant
For this task, you’ll need a tool called a voltmeter. Other than that, though, this is quite simple. Set the voltmeter to its lowest DC setting and put the positive end of it into your coolant. Put the negative probe on the same area you’d put the negative clasp when jumping your car, then simply rev the engine to around 2000 RPM. Look for a reading around .4 volts or higher. If your reading gets that high, it’s time to swap out the coolant.
Cleaning Your Headlights
When your headlights get foggy, it’s not just annoying—it’s dangerous as well. You don’t have to get new headlights just because they have gotten a little dinged up. Headlight restoration kits cost next to nothing at auto parts stores, and they will instruct you on the simple process of sanding and buffing your lights back to normal.
Making Modifications
For the true car enthusiast, modifying your car with new parts is a must. If you’re just starting out, this can seem like a daunting task. You would be surprised how simple it is to install new headlights, window covers, or shock absorbers. Even replacing bigger car parts such as your bumper or fenders is often as easy as taking the old one off and putting the new one back in that same place. Minimal tools are required for most car modifications.
These are only a few of the easy car maintenance tasks you can do yourself. It can be intimidating to work on your own car, especially if you’re new to it, but there are plenty of easy checks and replacements you can still do on your own.