If you’re tired of expensive car repair bills, then you’ll love these easy DIY car repairs anyone can make. Car ownership can be an expensive endeavor-but not if you handle the occasional DIY project.
There are ten easy repairs that anyone can make to save themselves a fortune on labor costs and gas money-and keep them out of the waiting room at the auto shop.
- The first DIY car repair: such repair anyone can make is to replace a worn or broken spark plug.
A spark plug consists of an electrode, metal casing and insulator. The electrode is the part that actually ignites the air/fuel mixture, allowing the engine to run.
It has a threaded hole in the center where it screws into the cylinder head causing contact between the spark plug and cylinder head. The metal casing protects your hands from sharp metal parts and insulates you from high-voltage electricity during cranking of your motor.
The insulator is a type of graphite that keeps the coil receiving voltage from being too high and prevents the electrical wires from fraying due to heat from the spark plug.
Spark plugs have a lifespan that can vary depending on driving habits and wear-and-tear. When one wears out, an auto mechanic notices a sluggish engine, rough running or surging of the motor. A quick trip to the auto parts store can save you the price of a trip to the auto shop.
- DIY car repair project number two: replacing the PCV valve.
The PCV valve is that round thing with two vacuum tubes attached to it located inside your car’s engine compartment on your intake manifold.
A dirty PCV valve causes numerous problems for your car and it is an easy DIY project even if you’re a novice mechanic. The PCV valve is a simple device that keeps your car’s engine from flooding by preventing too much gas from entering the engine. A dirty PCV can cause pinging, rough running and a slow-running engine.
To fix the problem, you will need to gain access to the intake manifold on your engine. If you’re not comfortable with taking it apart, then visit an auto parts store for a new PCV valve.
- DIY car repair project number three: replacing the ignition coil.
The ignition coil is a device that activates the spark of your spark plug by creating an electric current.
It consists of several insulated wires providing voltage to the coil, which then creates an electric current creating a small spark that ignites your gas/air mixture. The ignition coil draws current from your battery and can burn out if not replaced soon enough
It is a DIY project you can do in your garage but be careful when working on it. You must use the right tools and not cut or damage the wires or lead connections.
- DIY car repair project number four: replacing a Heater Core.
A heater core is that round box-like thing inside your car’s engine compartment that regulates your heat to the interior of your vehicle when it’s cold out.
If you notice an increase in your car’s repair costs, then you will have probably replaced your heater core. The problem is that after a few years, the current flowing into the heater core will wear out and require replacement. You can replace your heater core in your garage using the right tools and parts or visit an auto parts store for one.
- DIY car repair project number five: replacing the fuel injectors.
If you’ve replaced your battery, cleaned and maintained your vehicle’s engine components with oil, gas and new spark plugs, then it’s time to change out a few other things that keep your car running smoothly.
One of these things is the fuel injectors. If you have noticed drivability problems such as hesitations, rough running, stalling and the lights dimming, then you should check your fuel injectors for clogs.
To check them, remove the gas cap and check for any signs of fuel leakage. If there is, then you will have to clean and replace them using the right tools and parts.
- DIY car repair project number six: Replacing your windshield washer system or drive belt.
If your washer jets are misaligned or not working, then you can replace it in your garage with DIY parts or visit an auto parts store for one if needed.
It is also a perfect time to check your drive belts to make sure they aren’t too stretched out and need replacement.