Be Your Own Auto Body Repair
We know that car maintenance seems scary. What materials do you need? How do you go about these so-called “basic” repairs? How much money will it cost? Don’t worry! You’re more than capable of these 20 simple DIY tasks, and we’re here to walk you through which ones to tackle.
1. Fix a Flat Tire
On the surface, fixing a flat tire feels far too daunting for some. Why trust themselves to do a job best left to mechanics? Help isn’t always available, and nerve-wracking as it is, knowing how to change a tire gets you out of sticky situations. With the right tools, anyone can safely do the job.
2. Oil Change
Oil changes seem like the very first thing mechanics want you to pay for. While they’re certainly an option, you can also easily tackle it yourself. You might not save much money, but it’s a simple enough job that guarantees quality motor oil every time.
3. Buff Scratches
That paint scratch breaks your heart, doesn’t it? Don’t’ worry, you can handle minor scratches at home! Anything from nail polish and toothpaste to baking soda and scratch repair kits can buff out minor cosmetic damage.
4. Replace Wiper Blades
No one wants shoddy wiper blades. Why wait for a mechanic when you can swap them yourself? The rubber wears down pretty quickly, so it’s smart to replace them before and after every winter. The best part is that it’s an easy, affordable job!
5. Maintaining Tire Pressure
Tires lose air every month, so motorists need to monitor their pressure. With a pressure gauge and the car owner’s manual, you can easily top up as needed. If you can’t find the recommended tire pressure in the manual, it should be listed on your driver’s side door!
6. Thorough Cleanings
If you really want your baby to sparkle, there’s no shame in taking it to a professional detailer. However, you can always give a good scrub in your driveway, saving yourself time and money. With a little car-friendly soap, your vacuum, and microfiber cloths, that puppy can shine like new.
7. Lubricate the Windows
Silicone spray or lubricant is all you need to help car window tracks. Frozen tracks are a larger problem than they seem, often leading to costly repairs or damaged vehicles. Keep an eye on any dragging and lubricate as needed.
8. Replace Antenna
It’s easy to swap out an antenna! Simply unscrew the remaining part of the mast and buy a replacement mast. It’s more work to replace a pillar mount antenna, but not impossible, and something you can do at home with the right tools.
9. Patch Seat Tears
Believe it or not, auto shops can charge hundreds of dollars for upholstery repairs. The good news is, you can do the easy stuff at home! Leather repair kits don’t run more than $20.00, patching unsightly holes in a jiffy.
10. Test the Battery
Don’t wait for your car to take a nap—invest in an affordable battery tester to monitor its life. They’ll keep you up to date on any important maintenance and let you know when it’s time to visit a mechanic. You should also ensure the battery terminal’s clean; water and baking soda remove simple grime buildups.
Stephan Ridgway from Brisbane, Australia on Wikimedia
11. Replace Brake Pads
Sound is important when it comes to brake repair. Squealing usually means a simple DIY brake pad replacement whereas grinding means it’s time for a mechanic. If you can handle the pad replacement at home, you’ll only need a few tools and a thorough tutorial.
12. Top Up Fluids
Oil isn’t the only fluid that needs replacing! You don’t need to take your car to the mechanic; pop under the hood and check everything from the coolant to wiper fluid. You can easily monitor your power steering fluid from home too.
Santeri Viinamäki on Wikimedia
13. Replace Engine Air Filter
Replacing air filters in your car is as easy as replacing them at home! Just unscrew the box retainer and swap out the filters. You’ll know it’s time to replace them with an easy light test: shine a light behind the filter and if only half the light shines through, they’re too dirty.
14. Fix Dim Headlights
Note that we wrote “dim,” not “broken.” While it’s technically possible to repair broken lights at home, the job depends on your ability and your available tools. Fixing a dim light, on the other hand, can be as easy as cleaning the lens or the ground connection.
15. Test the Brakes
Brakes are obviously a crucial part of your vehicle’s overall health, and it’s really easy to test their quality. First and foremost, listen for any wonky sounds; squealing or grinding isn’t normal and should probably be inspected. You can also pull into a safe spot and accelerate to at least 30 mph before braking. If the peddle pulses, it’s likely time to take it in.
16. Replace Cabin Air Filters
A blown cabin air filter can cost hundreds of dollars. Save yourself some money and grab the parts you need at an auto body shop. Once you do, ask them for instructions on how to make the switch at home.
17. Detailing
Don’t be shy about at-home detailing! Fine brushes, microfiber cloths, and disinfectant wipes not only help get rid of bacteria, but they also allow you to clean out the nooks and crannies of your vehicle. With the right tools, you can target vents, the dash, and between the seats.
18. Check Out the Spark Plugs
Though this one’s technically a DIY fix, it’s best reserved for those with a little know-how. You’ll need a handful of tools such as sockets and an interior rubber gasket, but the right items can make this a breeze.
19. Replace the Battery
Batteries that can’t keep a charge are batteries that need to be replaced. Most only last about five years, and at-home replacement takes a few minutes. Of course, you can always head to a mechanic if you don’t trust yourself under the hood.
20. Roll Truck Bed Liner
We won’t lie—this one needs a lot of materials. However, rolling your own bed liner saves money and is a pretty easy job at the end of the day. It’s important, too, as it protects your bed from any abrasive damage.
