5 car problems that don’t require a mechanic
**A contributed post as written for The Safe Driver
As soon as you hear a bang or the engine make a weird sound, one thought runs through your head: get to a garage. After all, it’s where the pros will take the car and look under the hood to see if there are any problematic issues. A mechanic is an experienced, skilled expert who can get your vehicle back on the road in no time.
Not to scaremonger, but they are also cowboys who charge a fortune for unnecessary fixes. Even when they are legitimate, paying for their labor charges can break the bank, particularly when you don’t have enough money, to begin with.
But, what are you supposed to do? It’s not as if you can pop the hood and come up with a solution. Or can you? As it happens, not every problem needs an expert eye as some breakdowns are pretty simple to resolve. The trick is to figure which ones are DIYable and which ones are above your pay grade. Here are five examples that should help.
A Flat Tire
The rubber doesn’t have to blow out for there to be a problem. A slow puncture can cause the car to lean to one side and be a handful to steer on a straight road. And, driving with a flat is very dangerous because of the lack of control. It needs fixing ASAP, yet you don’t have the confidence.
The thing is, you probably do have everything you need to change the wheel and get back on the road. Within the trunk of the car, there is almost always a spare tire with a jack and a wrench. All you have to do is attach the jack to the chassis of the vehicle but not to any plastic parts, and pump it up. Then, unscrew the nuts and remove the old tire and replace it with the new one. Finally, tighten the bolts and make sure they are fastened and secure.
If this makes it sound too simple, you can use your cell phone. Click on the YouTube app and watch a short instructional video and you’ll know what to do to the letter.
Dead Battery
We’ve all been there when the key turns in the ignition yet the engine won’t start. The battery is dead and it needs a shot to the system to get it going again. First thing’s first, though – make sure it’s the cell that’s the problem. Sometimes, it can be the electrics which are the issue. The video underneath will teach you the signs.
If you’re certain the battery is the problem, then it needs replacing. Make sure the car is turned off before you begin. Although it sounds obvious, vehicles can sit in idle mode and electricity can still pump around the circuit. Next, undo the positive and negative terminals and any wires which are attached. Then, slip the old one out and put the new one in, reattaching the screws and cables.
For those who are unfamiliar with car parts, there are stores which will do it for a small fee. In fact, when you buy the battery from them, the labor often comes included with the price. And, they do it in the lot so you can drive away the same day.
Lights Out
Don’t worry because you haven’t taken a standing eight count! If there are parts of a car which are unpredictable, it’s the lights. Typically, the head and tail will stop working if a wire disconnects or if there is bad weather. Should the rain seep in, then the water can fry the circuit.
Driving without lights is dangerous, which is why you need to head to AutoZone. Their stores usually have a range of replacements which you can fit in a matter of minutes. All you need to do is ask them which make and model you need. Give them the car details and they should be able to research it on their database.
Again, the vehicle needs to be completely switched off before unscrewing the case. Once the plastic and glass are off, you can replace the dead lights. Reassemble everything and then turn on the ignition to see if the problem is fixed. Rinse and repeat for the tail lights that are gone too.
Cracked Windshield
Manufacturers try to make cars as modern as possible for various reasons. One of the drawbacks is that certain features are quite weak. Take the windshield as an example. If a stone lifts up off the asphalt, then it can crack or chip the glass and hinder your vision. Even a small indentation is a problem because it will mess with your concentration levels while behind the wheel.
Don’t attempt to replace the screen yourself because you don’t have the tools, and don’t go to a mechanic either. Instead, try North York Auto Glass. Not only are they affordable, but they are trustworthy because they have one area of expertise. Plus, there is a warranty which comes with their handy work.
What you want to do is ask whether a crack is repairable without replacing the entire windshield. Sometimes, they can buff it out or inject an adhesive which covers the chip.
Changing The Oil
Oil keeps the engine lubricated and stops the parts from rubbing and creating friction. To say it’s vitally important to the engine, the majority of drivers forget or don’t care about it. As a result, they have no clue how to change the oil.
Firstly, it needs doing once every 5,000 miles. It can be more depending on the type and age of the engine. Secondly, you need to know what kind of lubricant and how much to put in. Again, this depends on the make and model and can be found in the handbook. Finally, you need to drain the old oil and replace it with some of the good stuff. Yes, it’s that simple.
Do you need to go to a mechanic’s garage for every little issue with your motor?