Looking to Become a Self-Sufficient Car Owner? Here’s Some Hacks To Get You Started

Though modern car repairs require costly computers and cannot be performed by anyone outside a professional repair shop, some aspects of car maintenance remain manageable for non-specialists.

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By learning some basic car repairs yourself, you'll both prevent any inconvenience on long trips while gaining some extra self-sufficiency and knowledge. Below are two DIY automobile repairs which even the most novice of car owners should find manageable.

Changing Bulbs

Fix burnt-out headlights, taillights, or turn signals with this simple and cost-effective technique.

A burnt-out bulb in either your headlight, taillight, or turn signal will put your safety at risk while driving on the road. To begin the process of buying new bulbs for your vehicle, check your owners manual first, it should contain information regarding type and wattage specifications:

First locate the bulb housing. This usually requires opening the hood or accessing the car trunk.
Next, disconnect the wiring harness or, depending on your model, remove the bulb housing cover.
Remove the old bulb by turning it counterclockwise and gently pulling it out.
Once the old bulb is out, insert the new bulb by aligning its prongs and twisting it clockwise until it is stable.
Finally, reconnect the wiring harness or bulb housing cover, then test.

There is no reason for you to not try this one at home, change your bulb yourself for you and your wallet’s safety. Don’t get yourself in a car wreck because fellow drivers don’t know which way you’re turning.

Changing a Tire

Knowledge of how to change a flat tire is essential when planning long distance drives. And, luckily for you, all this fix requires is a spare tire, jack and a lug wrench - make sure these items are always with you in case of punctures while on the road! Once all this gear is assembled follow these steps:

If you’re already driving, find a safe location away from traffic and engage the parking brake.
Once stationary, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire before raising the vehicle.
Now, position the jack under the vehicle's designated jacking point. On most cars there are four of these, two are located behind the front wheels and another two ahead of the back Once you’ve located the jacking points, raise the car until the flat tire is off the ground.
Once the car is raised fully remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire.
Mount the spare tire onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
Lastly, gradually lower the vehicle using the jack then tighten the lug nuts securely with a wrench.

If you are doing this for the first time, it is best to visit a garage after you have fit the spare to ensure you are safe to drive. The mechanic should also check if there is anything else wrong.

Continuing Your Journey

These tricks are simple and effective. And If you’ve enjoyed learning how to change a flat tire and a broken bulb, then there is plenty more for you to learn! From replacing windshield wipers to jump-starting, how far you decide to extend your knowledge is down to you.

With enough time you too can become a more self-reliant car owner and keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Just remember to always prioritize safety, never overestimate your ability, and consult a professional mechanic before facing any complex jobs.