Whether you're a new driver or have been behind the wheel for years, every driver needs to know some basic skills if they're going to get behind the wheel. Here are 5 things you should know how to fix on your own car.
1. Changing a Flat Tire
It's not as complicated as it might seem and it doesn't require as much skill as you might think. No matter who you are, how strong you are, or what you know about vehicles, you should be able to do the most basic of maintenance repairs — changing a flat tire. A flat tire can happen to anyone at any time and it's important to know what to do in case you can't get help right away. Some key things to keep in mind whenever you hit the road are making sure you have a spare tire in your vehicle and a tire repair kit including a jack in your trunk.
2. Changing Spark Plugs
Changing spark plugs requires a little more knowledge, but it's even easier than changing a flat tire. Most of us know where spark plugs are located (under the hood on top of your cylinder head), and what their purpose is (to power your vehicle), but not everyone knows how to replace them when need be. It's as easy as being able to identify where your spark plugs are, being able to remove a faulty spark plug, and then putting a new one in its place. Don't forget to reattach the spark plug wire when you're done.
Donate Your Car
3. Changing Your Vehicle’s Battery
If your vehicle keeps dying on you and requires a jump every time you're trying to hit the road, you're probably in need of a new battery. Changing a battery is a skill every driver needs to know. Luckily for you, it's not a hard one to learn. Begin by locating your battery, disconnecting the negative cables, and then moving the clamp away from the battery itself. Then do the same for the positive cables. Head to your local automotive shop for a brand new battery and then install it back into your vehicle. Be sure to read your battery’s installation guide as some may vary.
4. Jump Starting Your Vehicle
If you have drained out your vehicle's battery, then you're probably going to need a jump. It's important to note that just because your vehicle needs a jump doesn't necessarily mean you need a new battery. Park another vehicle so that it's facing your hood and then begin attaching the jumper cables. You always want to attach the red clips to the positive terminal of both your battery and the other vehicle's battery in that order. Then attach the black clips to the negative terminal of the other vehicle and then your vehicle’s last. Turn on your vehicle and allow it to run for a couple of minutes.
Replacing Your Vehicle's Air Filter
Replacing your vehicle's air filters is not something that is thought about often, but it’s an important thing every driver needs to know how to do. Your vehicle's air filter is what keeps your engine running clean without any unnecessary dirt or debris. You can clean your vehicle's air filter by lifting up the hood and finding where your air filter unit is located. Start by taking out the air filter cover, then pull out the air filter, and insert a new one. Before you insert the new filter, however, make sure to clean out the air filtering housing so that it's clean as well.