DIY Car Maintenance Jobs Anyone Can Do
Many believe that the DIY, fix-it philosophy to life is being slowly phased out. There was once a time when self-repairs regarding clothing, furniture and household appliances were the done thing. However, considering the ever-rising cost of living and attitudes towards sustainability, we may be seeing a societal resurgence of this ideology.
When it comes to cars, large-scale DIY repair jobs can be tricky business. For mechanical novices, the prospect of getting your hands oily by tinkering with an engine may seem unsettling. Still, there are many small auto maintenance jobs that even the most mechanically inept car owner can undertake.
Windscreen Wiper Replacement
The good news about windscreen wiper blade replacements is that it’s just about the quickest and easiest job you could take on. Wiper blade rubber receives wear and tear due to regular use and sun/heat exposure, so every 6-12 months, it’s worth replacing them to ensure crystal clear vision. Most commercial wipers are designed for a universal fit and won’t set you back much.
Bulb Replacement
Driving in the dark with one headlight out may seem safe enough, but it could see you issued with a hefty fine. Although changing bulbs can be a fiddly job, it mostly depends on your car. For some models, changing a bulb is a relatively straightforward process - for others, it may involve removing other components to access the bulb itself.
Oil Change
Every car is different, but as a rule of thumb, it is advisable to perform an oil change every 3,000-6,000 miles. As engine oil ages, it breaks down and becomes dirty, affecting your car’s functionality. Regular fresh oil will increase your car’s performance by providing adequate lubrication to the engine’s moving parts. An oil change is a simple process that involves a few tools and around 45 minutes of your time.
Air Filter Replacement
To promote a healthy air-fuel balance, you want to avoid dirty, clogged air filters. A filter in need of a replacement will allow contaminants into the engine, causing it to perform poorly. Check your car’s manual to locate the housing of your air filter - if you notice that the pleats are thick with dirt, it may be time for a change.
Paintwork Touch-Ups
Over time, your car may be subjected to a few bumps and scrapes. As a result, your paintwork may be looking a little shabby, but a complete respray could set you back thousands. Aside from the monumental cost, is a total respray necessary? Perhaps not when you can easily remove scratches and touch up your paintwork with a little elbow grease and a small amount of the correct paint.
Tyre Change
Every car owner should know how to change a tyre. It’s one of those jobs that everybody will have to do at least once in their lives. You may have kitted your ride out with smart aftermarket wheels, but they won’t be much use if you’re stranded with a puncture. You may be happy to wait for the recovery service, but nevertheless, it is advisable to carry a spare tyre and ensure you know how to fit it.
Headlight Restoration
Clear, fully functional headlines are essential for safe nighttime driving. You can clear up cloudy or yellowed headlights using standard commercial window cleaner or soap and water. If the fogginess persists, you can apply an abrasive substance like toothpaste or baking soda to gently buff away any stubborn dirt with a microfibre cloth. You can also purchase specialised polishing products from auto retailers to fix UV damage.
Brake Pad Replacement
If you’re new to the world of auto repairs, brake pads are a job you may want to leave to the expertise of your mechanic. However, it is possible to attempt this job once you feel confident enough to do so. Old brake pads wear out over time, potentially affecting your stopping distance. Persistent, squeaking, squealing and grinding are all signs that your brake pads may be wearing thin, requiring replacements.
Battery Replacement
Old, worn-down car batteries can pose several safety and reliability issues. Your battery may need replacing every 3-5 years, which is the average length of most battery guarantees. You can purchase new car batteries online, and with the correct tools, the replacement process will be fairly easy to tackle.