When something goes wrong with your car, it’s often tempting to head straight to the mechanic. But there are quite a few car repairs you can do yourself with some guidance. Let’s take a look.
Replace Wiper Blades
You can tell when your blades need replacing by pressing the washer button. If they streak, it’s time for new blades. The auto parts store sells a lot of economy blades, but you’ll get better results with a name brand (ANCO, Trico, or Bosch).
Just look at the old wiper blades and buy replacements of the same size and type (front or rear). Follow the package instructions and ensure you have a firm grip on the wiper arm before removing the old blade.
Clean the EGR Valve to Fix a Rough Idle
If your engine makes a deep growling sound when you turn the key, try spraying the EGR valve with a throttle body cleaner. You’ll be rewarded with a smooth idle instead of a harsh one.
Fix Dim Headlights
To restore the brightness of your dim headlights, clean the ground connection and apply a little dielectric grease. Alternatively, replace the bulb if you see a gray/brown film on the inside of the glass.
Fix a Power Antenna
Fix a power antenna that’s stuck by replacing the motor or the cable/mast. You can complete this repair in about two hours and save $50 – $100 by doing it yourself. All you need is an antenna wrench.
Keep Your Air/fuel Intake System Clean
If your car doesn’t respond well to acceleration, it may have a buildup of soot and carbon in the valves, intake manifold, throttle body assembly, and clogged fuel injectors. A fuel induction cleaning service can cost $80 and up, but you can get the same results for cheaper with the 3M No. 08963 Do-It-Yourself Fuel System Tune-Up Kit.
Repair Broken Power Door Locks
If you own a late-model Ford and have problems with your power locks, the most likely cause is a broken actuator. If you’re confident in your DIY skills, replacing the actuator yourself will save you the cost of going to a shop and paying for parts.
Refinish Wheel Covers and Wheels
A car’s wheels are often the first thing to look a bit old, but you can fix that easily. All you need to do is remove the rust and paint your wheels. Then, give your newly-painted wheels 24 hours to dry before you remount them. You can get the supplies for about $50 from any auto parts store.
