You probably won’t ever be able to rebuild your car from the ground up, but you should spend some time researching all of the primary mechanical systems in your car. With a few basic tools and a little bit of patience, you can tackle a wide variety of repairs and maintenance tasks.
Changing a Flat Tire
Even if your tire has a slow leak, you must change it right away. Tires are designed to operate with a specific amount of air inside of them, and your control of the vehicle is going to be compromised if they aren’t properly inflated. To change a tire, you are going to need an impact wrench, a jack, and a deep socket that will fit over the lug nuts. If you are changing your tire on the side of the road, then you must set up reflectors or flares as well.
Swapping Out a Dead Battery
Modern vehicle batteries are designed to last for quite some time, but they will all eventually die. Some of the most common signs of a dying battery include a slow starting engine, dim lights, and an unusual metallic smell when you start the vehicle. Many companies that sell batteries will install them for free, but you can also install your own battery with nothing more than a wrench and some gloves. If your current battery is leaking fluid or damaged in any way, then you need professional automotive repair services. Damaged vehicle batteries are extremely toxic, and exposing yourself to those chemicals could result in serious injuries.
Replacing Burnt Out Lights
Every bulb is slightly different, but most vehicle lights last for at least 2,000 hours. When a bulb is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might flicker or become very dull. If you want to change your own bulbs, then you will need to read the owner’s manual for your vehicle. The bulbs are usually accessed through small panels inside the engine bay or trunk. Before you work on any of the lights, you must fully detach the battery. You could shock yourself or blow a fuse if you try to replace one of the bulbs while the battery is still connected.
Many of these repairs are relatively easy to carry out, but you should always leave major mechanical projects to the professionals. A minor mistake could compromise the safety of your vehicle, and you never want to put yourself or anyone around you in danger while you are out on the road.