Many people have been driving since they were in their teen years. For most, it is nearly impossible to envisage a time without a car. In a manner, they exemplify a part of our lives. But like other machines, automobiles are bound to fail us from time to time.

I am pretty sure you understand the stress of your car breaking down when you need it most. Well, what if I told you that several automobile problems have simple solutions you can learn to do yourself? 

Below, we have listed five need-to-know tips if you have never fixed your car before, including:

Changing Oil

Lubricant makes sure your car’s engine runs seamlessly and lasts for long. As a car owner, you have a mandate to check your car’s oil engine levels often.

Changing a car’s engine does not need the supervision of a professional. In fact, it is one of the fundamental skills that any vehicle owner must possess.

Changing your automobile’s oil encompasses several steps. First, you need to eliminate the drain plug. Secondly, take off the screw and empty the oil filter. After that, put the plug back into its former position, take out the filler-hole cap then put in clean, unused oil. The process is that simple.

Jumpstart a Vehicle

Jumpstarting a car does not demand specialized training to jumpstart a car. Any car lover can perform this easy task and save on the mechanic expense.

It is crucial to jumpstart a vehicle if its battery dies. All you need is another car whose battery has a similar voltage to yours. The great thing about most vehicle owners is that they are always ready to assist one another to solve such an issue. The first step is linking a jumper cable from a Good Samaritan’s battery to yours. While doing this, make sure that both cars are switched off.

Replacing a Flat Tire

Tires are the most critical parts of an automobile. And they can go flat every so often. But replacing a flat tire does not have to be a serious issue, and it can be a lifesaving skill to know.

This basic procedure entails loosening lug nuts using a wrench, deploying a jack stand to elevate the vehicle off the ground, and taking the lug nuts and, consequently, the tire. Then mounting the spare wheel on, screwing back the lug nuts, letting down the vehicle, and lastly, ensuring the lug nuts are properly mounted and tight.

Mounting Another Set of Brake Pads

The brakes are recognized among the vehicle’s most crucial components because they ensure the driver, the passengers, and the lives of other road users are protected. Most road carnage results from brake failures; hence, your vehicle’s brakes should always be in great shape. Fortunately, altering your vehicle’s brake pads is as easy as changing a flat tire.

Simple steps entail loosening the wheels’ lug nuts, jacking the vehicle up, taking out the wheels, taking out the slider bolts, getting rid of the used brake pads, changing them with new ones, and mounting the slider bolts and the wheels back on safely. However, you should take caution if you are utilizing identical wheels. This is another simple DIY, which a guy who has never fixed a car before needs to know.

Changing a Vehicle Battery

Batteries are inclined to die at the most inconvenient locations. If you are far away from the human population, your best bet would be to contact a repair shop with an Austin car mechanic or call a tow truck. But if you are at home and your battery shows signs that it might demand replacement, the DIY procedure is quite simple.

The procedure involves: taking out any covers from the dead battery, detaching the negative cables, moving the clamp away from the battery post, repeating this step for the positive cable clamp, taking out all screws, replacing the dead battery with a brand new, and lastly reconnecting the clamps. Ensure you label the cables before taking them out.

Final Thought

This article shows that you do not have to attend a class to carry out the fundamental vehicle maintenance and repair. The tips listed above can come in handy and save you cash, which you would otherwise spend on a mechanic.