How to Repair Your Vehicle (Basics)
- Method 1 Looking for Signs of Common Problems Download Article. Look for cracks or leaks in the hoses. ...
- Method 2 Solving Electrical Issues Download Article. Jumpstart a car with a dead battery. ...
- Method 3 Replacing Parts Download Article. Put on your spare when you have a flat tire. ...
- Method 4 Changing Fluids Download Article. Drain and replace the coolant. ...
Full Answer
Should I Fix my Car or buy a new one?
As new and used vehicle transaction prices continue to hit record highs, many owners are asking themselves: “Should I fix my car ... a hasty car purchase. Generally speaking, it is almost always less expensive to repair a car than buy a new one.
How to evaluate the cost of repairing your car?
- Ongoing maintenance costs over the remaining life of the equipment
- The impact any repair would have on productivity and quality
- Costs incurred from the equipment downtime
- Health, safety, and environmental costs that come with equipment breakdown
- Training costs for a new piece of equipment
- Disposal costs
- Installation costs
How to fix your car for pennies?
Why Buy A Beater Car?
- Helps You Save Money. Beater cars are not only cheap to purchase but they’re also cheap to run. ...
- Less Financial Burden. Research shows about 85% of passenger vehicles are financed. ...
- Require Little Care And Maintenance. ...
- Good For Learners. ...
- Easy Insurance. ...
How do I learn to fix a car?
- Meet the Expert: Rick Muscoplat, gearhead. I volunteer on several auto repair Q&A sites, helping DIYers diagnose and repair their own vehicles.
- Diagnose the Problem. ...
- Learn the Lingo Before Posting Your Question. ...
- Learn How to Do the Repair. ...
- Get the Best Deal on Parts. ...
- — Rick Muscoplat, Contributing Editor. ...
How can I start repairing my own car?
0:046:365 Reasons Fixing Your Own Car Will Change Your Life - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you do it yourself you know you're using quality parts as an example even if you take your carMoreIf you do it yourself you know you're using quality parts as an example even if you take your car for a simple thing like an oil change to an oil change joint.
What are the three C's of vehicle repair?
When it comes to finding a reliable auto repair shop, what matters most? According to a recent AAA survey, people said they look for the 3 C's – confidence, cost and convenience – when deciding where to go for routine car maintenance.
What are the easiest things to fix on a car?
10 Easy DIY Car Repairs and Maintenance Projects to Save You MoneyBrake Pads. Brake pads can cost between $35 and $150. ... Battery. Battery replacement is a simple process. ... Oil Change. You change your oil with a racket, wrench, and funnel. ... Spark Plugs. ... Windshield Wipers. ... Headlight/Tail Light Bulbs. ... Tire Maintenance. ... Air Filters.More items...•
How do I learn basic car repairs?
But here are some tips to learn the basics of car repairs:Tinker on an Old Clunker. Pop the hood and get your hands dirty! ... Meet Car Enthusiasts. Cars are a hobby for some people. ... Visit the Auto Parts Store. ... Watch Car Repair Tutorials. ... Pick Up a Car Manual. ... Take Classes to Become an Auto Mechanic.
How can I become a good service writer?
Communicate Effectively One of the key responsibilities of a Service Writer/Service Advisor is to effectively communicate customer needs to service technicians. First and foremost, they must be able to clearly explain to your customers what repairs should be performed and why – without confusing them.
How do I write a service repair order?
2:508:38HOW TO WRITE A BETTER REPAIR ORDER - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe cause is your documentation. Of what you did to diagnose the problem. You need to include theMoreThe cause is your documentation. Of what you did to diagnose the problem. You need to include the research path. Whether you looked at tech tips or TSB. Stuff like that you also need to document.
What are 10 basic car repairs you should know?
10 Basic Car Repairs Everyone Should KnowChanging oil. ... Changing a flat tire. ... Changing spark plugs. ... Removing scratches from paint. ... Changing a car battery. ... Replacing a headlight or taillight. ... Replacing wipers. ... Replacing air filters.More items...
Is fixing a car hard?
Repair, however, is not as simple as falling into a new engine (which, in itself, is a difficult procedure). Depending on the amount of mileage racked up on your old engine, you may need to replace some of the connecting parts which have also accumulated mileage, such as the transmission.
Is it hard to fix your own car?
Even if you aren't an expert on cars, you can accomplish most basic maintenance and repair work on your own. Replace a worn distributor cap, for instance, to maintain the car's electrical power. With a few basic tools, the fuel filter and air filter are also easy to swap out to ensure your car continues to run well.
What skills should mechanics have?
Auto mechanics must develop skills in areas like problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail. Mechanics don't need a postsecondary degree, but many complete non-degree training programs at a technical school. Auto mechanics need dexterity to complete their jobs.
How do I start learning about cars?
10 Great Ways to Learn About CarsStart out easy. ... Dig a little deeper and watch TV programs where people actually fix and/or modify cars, such as Wheeler Dealers. ... Check out enthusiast forums for any particular make and model you love. ... Your local public library. ... Make YouTube your new best friend.More items...•
How can I learn auto mechanics online for free?
0:080:46Car Mechanic Training - Free Online Course with Certificate - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRun enroll in this car mechanic training course from allison. And learn to identify the differentMoreRun enroll in this car mechanic training course from allison. And learn to identify the different components of your car's engine electronics.
Which of the three Cs stands for understanding the reason that there is a fault?
Technician B says that in the 3 Cs, "cause" stands for understanding the reason there is a fault.
How does accurately documenting the three C's information benefit your dealership?
It communicates to the technician just how to diagnose and drive the vehicle to duplicate the concern. It is also a starting point for the repair. It can save a lot of excessive diagnosis time that the manufacturer has been bugging you about. It increases the chance to get the vehicle fixed right the first time.
What does an automotive shop foreman do?
As an automotive shop foreman, your duties are to supervise daily operations at an automotive shop. This means that you hire and train new staff, oversee maintenance services, and help the owner or general manager order parts and maintain the appropriate stock of inventory.
When should the service technician check for technical service bulletins?
The best practice of a technician is to always check TSBs prior to starting a job. It would be costly (and embarrassing) to replace a $500 ignition module only to learn that the OEM published a TSB for a corroded ground wire.
What are the basic car repairs?
Here are 10 basic car repairs you should know. 1. Changing oil. You need to regularly check and change your car’s oil to ensure smooth running of the vehicle and to prolong the lifespan of its engine. Changing your car’s oil is one of the most fundamental DIY skills you should have for car maintenance or repair.
How to replace a faulty spark plug?
The steps include: locating your spark plugs, removing the spark plug wire, removing the faulty spark plug, inserting the new spark plug in its place, and putting the wire back. You’re done! Make sure to watch a tutorial before you do it yourself.
How to loosen lug nuts?
Basic steps involve loosening the lug nuts (with a wrench), using a jack stand to lift the car off the ground, removing the lug nuts (and subsequently the tire), placing the spare tire on, wrenching the lug nuts back on, lowering the car, and finally making sure the lug nuts are tight. Simple. 3. Changing spark plugs.
How to replace brake pads with new ones?
Basic steps involve loosening the lug nuts of the wheels, jacking the car up, removing the wheels, removing the slider bolts, removing the older brake pads and replacing them with new ones, and putting the slider bolts and the wheels back on securely . You should be particularly careful if you’re using replica wheels. This is another simple DIY that can save you some money!
How to drain oil from a car?
Basic steps involve draining the oil by removing the oil drain plug, unscrewing the oil filter and emptying it, putting the oil filter and drain plug back, removing the oil filler hole cap, and pouring fresh oil. Nothing you can’t learn from the tons of tutorials available online!
Why do you need to change brake pads?
Changing brake pads. The brakes are one of the most important elements of your vehicle for ensuring your safety while driving. Many car accidents result from brake failures, so your car’s brakes always need to be in perfect condition. Thankfully, changing the brake pads can be as easy as changing a flat tire.
How often do spark plugs wear out?
They are the tiny devices inside the cylinder that create sparks to ignite the gasoline, ultimately powering your vehicle. But they do wear out every 10,000 miles or so. The fix is actually quite easy.
GETTING READY TO DIY
Before you try and tackle a new task, it's important to consider your safety. Vehicles are heavy, parts can be extremely hot, batteries are corrosive, engine fluids can be under high pressure, and some liquids have dangerous fumes or pose a fire hazard.
Beginner Level Repairs
Pro mechanics go to school for years, and they have all kinds of fancy garage gadgets and resources to diagnose nearly any vehicle made. They're helpful when you absolutely need it, but a basic set of tools above and an enthusiastic attitude will get you 80% of the same results as a pro, with a few other bonuses:
Wash & Wax
After that oil change, you might have noticed your vehicle is filthy. There's a proper process here, too, so you can effectively de-filth it without wasting time or making it worse. It's time to refresh the vehicle's exterior. Check out these articles for tips:
INTERMEDIATE REPAIRS
Brake pads and rotors are critical components of vehicle safety, but they're also a great DIY learning task for the intermediate wrencher. From brake fluid basics to servicing every component in the brake system, here's everything you need to know before working on your brakes:
EXPERT REPAIRS
Your engine's precise timing is kept by either a belt or a chain. On vehicles with timing chains, the chain typically lasts the entire life cycle of the vehicle. Not so with timing belts — these belts need to be replaced at about a 60-100k-mile interval, and a failed timing belt can have catastrophic consequences.
MODIFICATIONS
No matter how much horsepower your vehicle has, you probably want more. There are several easy solutions here, in the form of aftermarket parts that can increase the horsepower and torque of almost every vehicle ever manufactured. The usual suspects here are:
What's Next?
That's it! We're all set to get wrenching on your ride. The first step, after bookmarking a few projects for later, is to check out all the great deals your local Advance offers.
What is the lifeblood of a car?
Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle's engine. If your engine's oil level is properly maintained and the oil and filter are changed at the recommended intervals engines can last an amazingly long time. Your car's other fluids—including brake fluid, antifreeze, and diesel exhaust fluid—need to be maintained and occasionally replaced as well. Here's everything you need to know about how to maintain your vehicle's oil supply and its other key fluid levels.
How long do tires last?
It's easy to take your car's tires for granted. Today's rubber lasts for tens of thousands of miles and rarely fails, so tires don't need to be top-of-mind. But understanding how and why to keep them properly inflated, when they should be rotated, and how to change them safely should you have a tire failure out on the road is knowledge every driver should be armed with.
Do you have to be a certified mechanic to maintain a vehicle?
Don't be afraid of the word "maintenance." You don't have to be a certified auto technician, have a vehicle lift in your garage, or own a tool chest full of expensive wrenches to handle the simple tasks that will keep your vehicle running reliably and safely for years to come.
Can you add stuff to your car?
If you're the kind of person for whom a car is more than just transportation, or someone who needs their car to carry the gear it takes for adventures, there's no end of stuff you can add to your ride. You can accessorize your vehicle to transport your bikes and boards or even give you a place to crash for the night.
Is driving a car complicated?
Driving a car is complicated. That 's why companies that have spent billions developing cars that drive themselves—and have yet to perfect them. Knowing how to drive safely in snow and on wet, slippery roads, how to parallel park, or how to use high beams politely—and all of the other things it takes to be a good driver—takes time and experience to learn. We have some shortcuts for you here born out of our extensive experience driving and testing automobiles in all kinds of conditions.
Should I take defensive driving classes?
If you're a new driver, we recommend taking more than just the standard driver's ed classes. If at all possible, we encourage parents to send their kids to a defensive-driving course where they can get experience with accident avoidance techniques—including how to use anti-lock brakes—in a safe track environment.
Do you need tools to check fluids?
For simple things, like fluid checks, you won't need tools. But once you start taking care of your vehicle, you'll be surprised at what you can accomplish by following simple directions like those in these accompanying how-to stories. And as you get more adventurous you can try a couple of the more advanced operations that do take a few tools. Doing it yourself will save you money as well.
What to replace when restoring a car?
Replace any belts, hoses, or wires that are wor n. From drive belts to radiator hoses and spark plug wires, your car depends on engine accessories to run. When dealing with a restore, keep in mind that these components may be aged and worn. You should take a careful inventory of what needs to be replaced and replace it.
What does it mean to restore an old car?
If a restore is on your mind, just understand that it means repairing and revitalizing all parts of the car from the paint to the engine. Careful searching can often help you find a car with some systems/cosmetics intact.
How deep should tires be to fix a leaking tire?
If they are flat try filling them up with air. If they do not hold you might be able to patch the leaking tires. If not you’ll need to replace them. The tread should be at least 2/32” deep, but 4/32” is recommended.
How to clean a seat on a car?
Start by taking out your seats. This is usually done by removing the four bolts on the runners that attach the seat to the floor and then lifting the seat out. Even if no repair is needed this will allow you to give the seats and the interior deep cleaning. Inspect the seats.
What to do if you have a cut in your car seat?
If there are any cuts or gashes in the upholstery, you can try to repair them. If they are large or you have multiple damages, your seats may need to be reupholstered.
How to hide a hole in a car floor?
1. Evaluate the condition of the floor. An easy way to disguise floor problems is to use a nice-looking floor mat. Make sure you look underneath any mats, seats, or other hiding places for floor damage. On the end, a hole in the floor will mean welding a patch, priming, and painting inside your cab.
What does it mean to fix a dent in a car?
Almost always, fixing a dent will mean grinding off the existing paint, pulling the dent, filling it with body filler, priming to protect the metal, and then repainting the panel. ...
