DIY Car Repairs

10 Car Repairs That Don’t Require a Mechanic

We buy hundreds of inoperable cars every year and most of these cars are junk or inoperable because they were just too expensive to repair or they just weren’t properly maintained during their life time which led to these costly repairs. It’s important to make sure that you keep you vehicle in top shape. However, if you are on a budget, you may be hesitant about taking your vehicle to a mechanic for tuneups and repairs. The good news is that some of the most common issues with your vehicle can be done right in your garage or drive way.

Here are 10 car repairs that don’t require a mechanic:

1). Adding oil to your vehicle

Oil is important in protecting your engine’s parts. Therefore, you don’t want to drive around with old oil or a low oil level. You can certainly change your oil on your own with ease but before doing so be sure to follow some important safety steps before you get started:

• Never check your engine’s oil while the vehicle is on
• Wait until the vehicle has been off for a couple of minutes before changing the oil
• Be sure to safety dispose of old oil

2). Replacing a headlight or a taillight

For safety reasons, you want to make sure that all of your exterior lights are in working order. You can purchase any headlight, foglight or tail light bulbs at your local auto parts store or online. Replacing the lights, on your vehicle, can be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Be sure to test the lights, in your driveway, before you go on your next drive to keep you and your assets safe.

3). Replacing an air filter

Your vehicle’s cabin air filter is responsible for maintaining healthy breathing conditions inside your vehicle. A clean filter can also improve the performance of your vehicle. Typically, the air filter will need to be changed every 30,000 miles. You can purchase a new air filter at an auto parts store or online and install it in a couple of minutes.

4). Repairing minor exterior damage

Exterior scratches can be annoying, especially if you really care about the appearance of your vehicle. If you have a small scratch on your vehicle, then you can purchase a scratch repair kit from your local auto parts store or online. This DIY repair can potentially save you hundreds of dollars versus going to a body shop.

If you have chipped paint, you can also find paint repair kits that allow you to handle the work yourself. Be sure that the paint that you purchase matches the exterior on your vehicle.

5). Replacing your battery

Replacing a battery is pretty easy. All you need to do is get a new battery from the auto parts store, remove the old battery and install the new battery. Installing the new battery should only take a couple of minutes. After you have installed the new battery, you will need to safely dispose of the old batter. Some auto parts stores will dispose of your old car battery for a small fee.

6). Fixing a chipped windshield

You don’t want to drive around with a chipped windshield. The chip in the windshield could obstruct your view. Also, that small chip can lead to a larger crack over time. If the chip on your windshield is small enough, then you can purchase a windshield repair kit and fix the issue yourself. Be sure to clean the area around the windshield chip before you get started. Also be sure to carefully read the instructions on the windshield repair kit for bets results.

7). Mending seat damage

If you have been driving your vehicle for long enough, then your seat will begin to wear down. Small scratches and rips can really make the interior of your vehicle look old. Therefore, you will want to do something about it. The good news is that there are a number of car seat repair kits that allow you to mend your vehicle’s seat damage. This can save you lots of money versus going to a repair shop.

8). Replacing a side mirror

Have some damage to your side mirror? It’s important that you have your side mirror fixed as soon as possible. On most vehicles you will be able to replace your side mirror pretty easily. You may have to order your side mirror from the manufacturer. Once you get the part, you should be able to install it in less than an hour.

9). Adding coolant

You don’t want to get stuck on the side of the road with an overheated or a frozen engine. Therefore, you will want to know how to add coolant to your vehicle. Be sure to check that you are using the right antifreeze for your vehicle. You can check your vehicle’s owners manual or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.

10). Window stripping

The weather stripping on your vehicle’s windows ensures that water and other debris doesn’t get inside your vehicle. Over time, the weather stripping may get worn and will need to be replaced. You can buy the weather stripping yourself and handle the repair pretty easily.

Mechanic costs VS DIY cost comparison

Maintaining and repairing your car without the mechanic

While there are some more complex repairs that will require a mechanic, you can handle the little issues yourself. If you have any questions about any repair work, be sure to do some research online. If you feel that the repair work may be too much for you, then go ahead and see a mechanic.  If you feel the repair work may be dangerous to you, definitely, go see a mechanic. Otherwise, discover what DIY repairs you can perform. You may be surprised at how much time and money that you could save. But if you feel your vehicle is in an unrepairable state or will be too expensive to repair, we’ll buy it from you. We buy cars in any condition. Come get an instant online quote or give us a call , it’s easy, offers are cash, pickup is free, and service is FAST!! ExpressAutoBuyer.com