Many car owners take their car directly to the garage for even the smallest of repairs. This can cost a fortune over the long run as vehicles need to be maintained each year. Instead, it is much better to read up on how to make easy fixes so that your car is always road ready.
All you need for many fixes is a suitable working space, an internet connection and a handful of garage equipment. Places like SGS are ideal for finding everything you need in one place.
Here are a few easy repairs that any motorist can make to keep their car on the road:
Changing a Flat Tire
Changing a flat tire is a topic that is constantly seen in film and TV and is viewed as a sign of independence. If you do not know how to change a flat tire, read on so that you never find yourself stuck on the side of the road.
First, secure the automobile by pulling over on a flat surface and using bricks or anything similar behind the wheels of the side that will not be raised. Next, use a screwdriver to pry the wheel cover off and loosen/break the lug nuts with your wrench (turn counterclockwise). Jack thecar up 6 inches off the ground and remove the lug nuts. Pull the tire straight towards you until it comes off.
Lift the spare onto the lug bolts and replace the lug nuts – tighten by hand but not all the way. Lower the car and then use the wrench to secure the lug nuts. Replace the hubcap and you are done.
Replacing Air Filter
Perhaps the easiest repair of all – replacing the air filter will take just 10 minutes and with minimal fuss. Pop the hood and locate the air filter box. Release the clips or screws to lift the cover off and take note of which way around the filter goes. Lift the old one out, quickly clean the inside of the box with a damp cloth and replace with the new filter. Attach the clips or mounting screws to secure the box.
Change Battery
A dead battery is a big problem but one which is not actually too difficult to fix (but always wear protective gloves and goggles). First, it is essential that you identify the positive and negative connections (negative is usually black with a – whilst positive is red with a +). Remove the negative terminal first and then loosen the positive terminal followed by the clamps and screws. Carefully lift the battery out and keep it level to avoid acid spillage.
Place the new battery in its housing and ensure that the positive and negative posts are in the correct position. Tighten the clamps, remove the protective covers and then connect positive first followed by negative.
These are just three simple fixes that anybody can make to save on mechanic fees and keep their vehicle on the roads at all times.