What is the first thing you do when something happens to your car? Of course, you take it to the nearest car mechanic.
In today’s world, it’s not easy to maintain your vehicle as it requires timely service and repairs that are not free.
But do you know there are many things for which you do not need to approach the mechanic that will help you reduce your maintenance cost, and help you if you are stuck at a place where there is no mechanic near you?
10 Simple Car Repairs And Replacement Parts
Here we share 10 simple car repairs that you can perform using standard equipment and replacement parts.
1. Replace Engine Air Filter
Replacing the engine air filter is one of the easiest repairs that you can do yourself. You have to first inspect the air filter to know its condition. Then, you will need to unclip or unscrew the filter box retainers and remove the previous filter.
A shop light will be required to check how much light can pass through the filter. If 50% of the light gets blocked, the filter will need a replacement. Remember, engine air filter replacement can be done on your own, but you will need to go to a professional service centre for the entire car engine replacement.
Why It Occurs
The air filter will probably become clogged when it is full of dust and other rubbish. If you are likely to drive in areas that are heavily polluted or on dirt roads, then it will gradually worsen. However, the congestion is what prevents the engine from getting fresh air.
Warning Signs
Firstly, a car with a clogged air filter will result in reduced fuel efficiency.
Secondly, noises produced by the engine become weaker or slower. Thirdly, the engine performance can be decreased.
Fourthly, the rough idling can be noticed around the area of the air filter.
Finally, the inspection of the air filter may reveal that it is dirty or dark in colour.
2. Replace PCV Valve
A PCV valve or positive crankcase ventilation valve controls the flammable crankcase vapours back into the engine for safe burning. If the engine backfires, the valve is closed to prevent any major damage to the engine.
With time, carbon gets accumulated in the valve, leading to a loss in spring tension. To replace the valve, you can wiggle it out of its rubber grommet and remove it from the vacuum hose.
Well, if you think a car battery replacement is as easy as replacing a PCV valve, you will be wrong. For that, you will need help from a professional.
Why It Occurs
The valve can be clogged because carbon deposits and oil residue are covering it up. This makes it difficult for the valve to open or close properly.
Warning Signs
One of the most obvious signs of this problem is rough engine idle.
Excessive oil consumption is another sign of it.
Additionally, oil leaks also indicate the presence of this issue.
The check engine light can turn on, and this is the final and most important indication.
3. Gas lifts
Did you know that you can replace the gas lift cylinders, too? New lifts are available at any auto parts store, from where you can buy them and hire a helper to hold the liftgate or hood while you can disconnect and then replace the old and exhausted lifts.
Though a metric socket set is used in most gas lifts, others use a ball and socket connection style, where the two are held together with a spring clip. To disconnect the spring clip, you must use a flat-blade screwdriver between the cylinder and the clip.
Why It Occurs
Gas pressure within the lift is gradually lowered due to wear, temperature changes, and continuous usage of the lift.
Warning Signs
Firstly, the boot or bonnet failing to stay open is one of the indications.
Secondly, you may also notice the sudden drop after lifting.
Thirdly, the difficult opening of the fold can be observed.
4. Replace Non-Headlight Bulbs
To reach the burned-out license plate, fog light bulbs, or side marker, you must remove the retaining screws and the lens. Then, you should pull the bulb directly out of the socket. Now you must put in the new bulb. To put the bulb in the proper place, you should use a paper towel to hold it.
Why It Occurs
Bulbs can undergo heating and cooling cycles, which eventually lead to their burning out.
Warning Signs
One of the indicators may be that dashboard warning lights are turning on.
You may face the situation when brake or indicator lights are not illuminated.
5. Replace Broken Antenna
Another easy repair work is by replacing a broken fender mount antenna mast. In this case, you first have to unscrew the mast portion that is still there. Replacement mast is also available for buying at any automobile parts store.
Next, the antenna cable must be disconnected from the radio, and a heavy string must be connected to that end. This step will be followed by unscrewing the antenna mount from the pillar and directly pulling out the string and the old antenna. Finally, you will need to attach the new antenna cable and connect it to the radio.
Why It Occurs
Car washes, low-clearance parking, or weather exposure can cause the antenna to become bent or broken.
Warning Signs
It is indicated by a poor radio signal.
You may also hear static noise frequently.
If the antenna is visibly damaged, this might also be a factor causing problems.
6. Touch Up Chipped Auto Paint
Chipped auto paint will lead to rusting, which can be a big problem for your car. So, what to do? You will need to purchase touch-up paint, wax, grease remover, and fine-tip paint applicators from any store.
You have to use the wax and grease remover to clean the chop and then dip the fine tip applicator in the paint. We recommend avoiding excessive use of touch-up paint.
Why It Occurs
The road is where the paint is most probably going to be damaged, thus the foremost part of the car that is getting paint chips is the one that is coming in contact with things such as road debris, small impacts, and stones.
Warning Signs
Firstly, paint chips can be seen on the surface.
Secondly, metal spots that are exposed can also be found.
Thirdly, the signs of rust may also be noticed.
7. Fix Leaky Sunroof
Are raindrops constantly falling on your head? Then, there must be a clog in the sunroof drains. Fixing takes a few minutes only, where you should first open the sunroof and search for the drain holes in the rear and front corners of it.
Once you find the holes, you should use a plastic tube or a small rubber to attach to the shop vacuum end and pull out stuck debris from the drains. Then you can pass water into the drains and see whether it is draining onto the garage floor or driveway.
Why It Occurs
The water that cannot be drained out properly can result in blocked drainage channels or worn seals.
Warning Signs
Water leaks or stains on the headliner are one of the early signs.
Secondly, damp seats or carpets may also be noticed.
Finally, a musty smell inside the cabin can also occur.
8. Fix Minor Dents and Door Dings
Fixing minor dents will require sandpaper grits, cream paste, auto body filler, and plastic applicators. In the beginning, you have to rub the coarse-grit sandpaper over the dent to expose the bare metal. Then you have to feather the edges, followed by a cleaning step using wax and grease remover.
After mixing the body filler, you should apply a light skim coat to make the sandpaper scratches. A few more times of skim coating and sanding will be required before the final step of touch-up paint.
Why It Occurs
The impact of a parking lot bump, a door, or a small object on the body panels causes dents.
Warning Signs
The most noticeable of them are the visible dents or dings.
Secondly, you may observe that the paint is intact, but the body panel is uneven.
9. Fix Tears In Leather And Vinyl
You have to buy a leather repair kit for this purpose. Begin the procedure by gluing reinforcing fabric into the underside of torn leather or vinyl. The heat-set filler should be mixed to get the fabric colour, which must be applied to the torn part. You should find a closely resembling textured mat for your leather or vinyl and place it on the liquid filler. The patching tool should be heated, pressed on the textured mat, and removed.
Why It Occurs
Leather and vinyl used in cars get weaker over time because they are used a lot, come into contact with sharp objects, and are exposed to heat.
Warning Signs
Minor cracks or splits in the material may be the first signs.
Moreover, loose material edges are also one of the indications.
Another thing is the appearance of worn seat surfaces.
10. Replace Cabin Air Filter
If there are clogs in the cabin air filter, the car’s blower motor can get damaged, and the AC may need to run harder and longer. You can buy a replacement from any auto parts store. The access covers need to be removed, and the old filter needs to be slid out. For the new filter installation, you have to see the airflow direction. However, you have to take the vehicle to a professional car mechanic in Adelaide for a detailed car AC service.
Why It Occurs
The filter eventually traps contaminants and becomes clogged, thus limiting airflow.
Warning Signs
Firstly, air conditioning may work at a weak level.
Secondly, there could be unpleasant odours coming out of the air conditioning vent.
Thirdly, the dust level in the car can be increased.
Conclusion
Car problems are a part of car ownership, but knowing them at the very beginning really changes a lot. If the situations are addressed promptly, the result will be the prevention of breakdowns and expensive repairs. Paying attention to warning signs and seeking professional support are the means to safer driving and a vehicle’s good condition.
Reliable engine diagnostic services can quickly identify the root cause and keep your car running smoothly when issues feel unclear or persistent.
