Naturally, cars will encounter a range of issues throughout their lifetime and this to be expected as such a complex machine. In many cases, instead of taking the car into the garage you could actually do the work yourself. This could save you a huge sum of money in the long run and it can be much quicker, plus it can also be highly rewarding to do the work yourself. Here are just a few simple car repairs that anyone can easily do:
Change Gas Struts
If your car bonnet, boot or tailgate has difficult opening or remaining open then you will need to change the gas struts. This is as simple as finding the right replacement struts from a specialist like SGS, removing the old struts and then pushing the ball sockets over the ball studs until the click into place.
Changing the Oil
Changing the oil is one of the most important maintenance tasks that you can do – see you manual to see how often it should be done. Wait until the engine is cool and put an oil drain pan below the single bolt under the engine and undo the bolt. Once all of the engine has been drained, remove the cap from the oil filler hole and unscrew the filter. Empty the oil from the filter into the drain pan and use the new oil to lubricate the gasket on the top of the new oil filter and screw it in place. Replace the oil drain plug and use a funnel to pour fresh oil in the oil filler hole.
Replace Spark Plugs
To replace your spark plugs, use a spark plug socket and ratchet to remove each plug (work on them one at a time) and adjust the new plug’s gap (if needed) and install being careful not to over-tighten.
Replacing the Air Filter
Find your air filter under the hood and remove it by detaching the bolts, screws or clips. Slide the new filter in (facing the same direction), replace the housing and secure it back in place.
Radiator Flush
Make sure that the engine is cool and use a rag to remove the engine coolant cap (near one of the headlights). Place a drain pan underneath the radiator and find the bolt, screw or valve to release the fluid. Replace the valve, bolt or screw and then fill the radiator with radiator flush solution and distilled water. Turn on the engine and allow it to run until it reaches normal temperature. Wait for it to cool again and then drain the fluid in the same way before filling the radiator with coolant.
These are just a few of the tasks that you can do which could save you a large sum down the line, plus they can also be highly rewarding the complete too.