Being a car owner comes with a wide range of advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, cars give you flexibility and convenience, but on the other, they require a lot of maintenance and repairs.
If you have been a vehicle owner for quite some time, you will know that a car comes with an initial warranty lasting about three to four years. You don’t have to contribute a cent to your auto repairs and service maintenance for the first few years of ownership.
However, as soon as the service warranty expires, that’s when the brunt of car ownership comes into play. Annual repairs on a vehicle can add up to thousands of dollars. Some people choose to conduct several DIY repairs to reduce out-of-pocket spending on their car’s maintenance.
If you are interested in DIY repairs in your vehicle, here are five auto repairs you can do on your own.
Exhaust System Replacement
Upgrading your car’s exhaust system can be incredibly beneficial. It can improve overall engine functioning, decrease your carbon footprint and add to the image and value of your car.
Replacing your exhaust system DIY style requires the right tools and specialized knowledge. You can choose to replace your car’s exhaust system either by welding or without.
If you want your car to look and feel more sporty, you can install the Camaro exhaust system. The benefits of upgrading your exhaust will improve the car’s horsepower, remove dirty air from the engine while allowing more air intake, and thus improve the engine power.
Replace Your Brake Pads
Replacing worn-out brake pads is perhaps the most critical DIY auto repair you will conduct. Worn-out pads pose many threats to collisions and accidents, especially in foggy or rainy weather.
The replacement process is quite simple. You will need first to remove your tires which will require tools like a jack and a set of wrenches. Once you have removed the tires, you will slide the old pads out, clip the new ones in, and then tighten the clips with fasteners.
Battery Replacement
Another essential car DIY process you may have to conduct is replacing your old battery. Car batteries are crucial as they provide electrical power to several components in your car, but most importantly, they help your car’s engine start when you turn the ignition.
Car batteries are essential to a car’s mobility and overall functionality. Without a properly functioning battery, you can lose the electrical power capacity, thus needing a jump start.
It is important to note that a flat car battery signifies something else being amiss. Some electrical wiring may cause drainage of your battery, thus affecting its ability to provide electrical power. To locate the source of the drainage, you will need to conduct an electric circuit test.
Oil Changes
The engine is the most expensive component of your vehicle. Regular oil changes enormously improve the health and functionality of your car.
Some benefits of changing the oil in your car include improved engine efficiency, components longevity, increased mileage, cooling engine components, and a reduced carbon footprint.
One of the essential benefits of changing the oil is that it protects your engine from corrosion build-up and decreases the amount of wear and tear – thus saving you from expensive repairs from engine breakdowns.
When changing the oil in your car, you will need a racket, wrench, and funnel. You will also need something to drain the old oil into, and a drain pan works perfectly for this. This ensures that there are no spillages, and thus you will need minimal clean-up.
Windshield Wipers Replacement
Windshield wipers are often overlooked when conducting DIY repairs. This is because the need to use them only arises in certain weather conditions. However, it is crucial to have working wipers as you never know when that need will arise.
Wipers keep the windshield clear during rainy or foggy weather, thus improving the driver’s visibility and control of the vehicle. Worn-out, broken, or bent wipers pose a significant threat to you and other drivers.
To replace the wipers is very simple. You will need to unfasten the old blades, hook or slide in the new ones, and finally finish off by securing them with a screwdriver.
Without the proper maintenance, cars can be a costly liability to have. Although a service plan works well to offset certain costs over a three to four-year period, you will need to maintain it if you plan on keeping your car for more years.
However, there are several DIY procedures that you can do to protect your car from facing mechanical breakdowns and thus save yourself a lot of time and money. Remember, though, to effectively conduct repairs and maintenance on your vehicle. You will need adequate repair tools and equipment.
Purchasing the equipment will significantly limit the need for a professional service mechanic and will be more cost-effective in the long run.
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