With the need for regular cleaning and maintenance, owning a car can be costly. That’s why learning simple car repairs can be very helpful for you as a driver. In this article, let’s get to know strong men: DIY car repair that you should know.
Common Car Troubles
You may have experienced driving to work or school when you suddenly see something unfamiliar light up or you hear something unusual while driving your car. Before situations like this happen, you need to take precautionary measures because you don’t want to feel helpless if you break down in the middle of nowhere.
Here are some common car troubles that you should be aware of:
- Flat tire
- Oil Change
- Dead Battery
How to Change a Flat Tire?
The most common repair that every driver should know is how to change a spare tire by themselves. The basic necessities needed when changing a flat tire are a spare tire, a jack, wrench, and the car’s manual.
- When you realize that you have a flat tire, scan your surroundings for a safe location to pull over. A wide, flat space is an ideal place for you to change your tire. Gradually slow down while looking for a lot to pull over in. Apply the parking brake and turn on your hazard lights.
- If you are situated at the shoulder or at the side of the road, have your hazard lights turned on or place three reflective triangles behind your car. This is for other drivers to be aware of your presence.
Put wedges by your car tires to make sure your car does not roll over while you are changing the tire. A large rock, brick, or wood can be used.
- If the lug nuts of the tires on your car are covered, remove them using the flat end of the wrench. Once the lug nuts are exposed, loosen them by turning them counterclockwise from one-fourth to half a turn but only until that portion. This step may require full force as they are tightly screwed on.
- This is when you place the jack under the car. It is advised to put a piece of wood underneath the jack to establish stability. You then raise the car until the tire is six inches from the asphalt. The next step is to remove the lug nuts.
- Remove the tire by holding onto the treads and place it sideways to avoid it from rolling away. Put the extra tire on the rim of the lug bolts and gently push until it is completely all the way in. Place the lug nuts onto the bolts and tighten by hand with as much force as you can muster.
- Slowly, place the vehicle down using the jack until the wheel touches the ground. Do not put the weight of the vehicle just yet because you will tighten the lug nuts with the wrench in a clockwise motion. This requires as much force as you can give. Place the car on the ground and tighten the nuts again.
- Be aware of the pressure the tire’s state is in. Some tires are not meant for long-time use because they are only made for temporary use. Clean up all your tools and equipment. Take your car to a technician to assess whether the tire needs replacing or repairing.
It would be good to invest in quality tools. If you are looking to buy a car jack, you can read a floor jack review to see which jack fits your needs.
What to Put in Your Roadside Emergency Kit?
Unforeseen circumstances happen all the time, so having an emergency kit when this kind of situation arises is a good preparation. Here are the items you should put in your roadside emergency kit:
- First aid kit
- Drinking water
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Blanket
- Fire extinguisher
- Reflective triangles
- Cloth rags
- Jumper cables
- Granola bars or dry snacks
- Rain poncho
- Gloves
These items are mostly for you and your passengers’ safety; the others are tools for instances of breakdowns and repairs.
Maintenance is Key
Most car problems are avoidable if the car is well-maintained. Regular trips for checkups at the shop will help reduce the instances of having to encounter unwanted emergencies or breakdowns. Keep tabs on your car’s condition to also assess whether some repairs can be fixed by yourself or with the help of a car professional.
Conclusion
It’s nice to know about strong men: DIY car repair that you should know. By learning simple car repairs, you can save money and even save yourself in case you get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a broken car.
Leave a Reply