7 Basic Car Repairs that Everybody Should Know

Owning a car is a lot of fun, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is keeping your car in good working order. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a mechanic to do that. There are some basic car repairs that everybody should know how to do. Here are a few of them.

1. How to change a tire for car repairs

Changing a tire might seem complicated and intimidating, but it’s quite simple! All you need is the right tools and a bit of patience.

First, jack up your car until the flat tire is several inches off the ground. Take off the hubcap covering the lug nuts, and loosen each nut with a tire iron. The final step is to remove the old tire and install the new one – make sure to tighten those lug nuts well, or you’ll have another flat in no time!

With these steps in hand, you can be confident that you’ll never be left stranded with a flat again!

2. How to fix a flat tire for car repairs

Fixing a flat tire can seem like a big task, but it’s a lot easier than you may think! First, locate the hole in your tire and remove any nails or other objects that are causing the flat. Next, inflate the tire with an air compressor or bicycle pump to make sure that the hole itself isn’t too large.

Once the hole is identified and patched, use sealant to permanently repair the damage. Finally, put everything back together and you’re good to go! So no matter what kind of flat tires come your way, there’s no reason to fear – fixing them doesn’t have to be a pain at all!

3. How to clean windshield wipers for car repairs

It’s the time of year when those pesky windshield wipers are starting to perform less than optimally, but don’t worry! Thankfully cleaning them is a cinch.

All you need to do is get some good old-fashioned soap and water and a soft rag or rag-like cloth. Make sure the cloth is damp with the mixture and then rub it on the rubber part of your wiper carefully until any dirt or grime is gone. Dry them with a separate cloth and voilà! Clean wipers that will be back performing their duties in tip-top shape! And who knows, cleaning those windshield wipers may have been just fun enough for you to make it an annual event!

4. How to jump-start a car

Jumpstarting a car isn’t as daunting as one might think! Simply be sure you have the right equipment, such as jumper cables and another running vehicle, then have at it!

Make sure all your connections are firmly attached – positive to positive and negative to negative. When that’s done it’s just a matter of letting your engine rest for a few minutes before trying to crank up that ride! So strap on those booster cables, hit the road, and get back in the driving seat sooner rather than later.

5. How to check the oil level

Checking the oil level in your car may sound like a difficult task, but it doesn’t have to be! First, park your car on a level surface. Make sure your engine is cool before you open the hood. Then, open the hood and find your dipstick – usually located near the back of the engine block. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Put it back into the tube and pull it out again so that you can read where the oil level is marked on the dipstick. The higher mark is full while the lower marks indicate when you’re running low on oil. If necessary, add oil – be careful not to overfill!

By following these simple steps, anyone can easily check their vehicle’s oil level and stay ahead of any potential maintenance needs.

6. How to replace a headlight

Are you embarrassed to drive at night because your headlight has gone out? Well, no more! Replacing a headlight is much easier than you think. All you need is a new headlight and some basic auto tools.

Most auto shops carry replacements, so you can either go pick one up there or just order one online. Then follow the instructions and pop it into place – it’ll be like playing with Legos – and your car will look as good as new in no time!

7. How to figure out if your car needs an oil change

Figuring out when your car needs an oil change can seem like a bit of a mystery. But don’t worry, it’s quite simple!

First things first, always check your manufacturer’s website for the suggested intervals for your type of car and that particular engine oil. If you’re not one for following instructions, several telltale signs help give us mortals a heads-up.

Pay attention to how your car is performing while driving, as well as any strange noises or smells coming from the engine, which could indicate low oil levels or dirty oil. There’s also the option of physically checking the dipstick to get an accurate reading. All in all, getting to know your car and its needs will ensure a good relationship between you two!

Conclusion

Congratulations! Now that you’ve gone through all of these tips, you are officially a car maintenance expert. Be sure to keep these in mind the next time you’re on the road – and if you ever find yourself stranded, don’t forget to give us a call. We’re always happy to help out (and show off our mad car maintenance skills).