DIY Car Repairs

DIY car repairs can be a great way to save money when it comes to maintaining your vehicle. There are several different things you can do to keep your car in tip top shape, including the replacement of a fuel filter and a resistor pack for your blower motor. You’ll also want to check your tires and wipers, as well as your brakes.

Tires

Tires play a vital role in your vehicle. They provide dampening over rough surfaces and help to distribute extra weight. It is therefore important to ensure your tires are performing at their best. Keeping them in good shape will ensure they last for many miles. In addition, they can save you money on roadside assistance and repairs.

If you’re looking to do some do-it-yourself tire maintenance, the first thing you should do is check the tread. The tread should have a crown, or center, which is defined as the first major groove on both shoulders. A visible bubble in the sidewall indicates damage from road hazards.

Fuel filters

You can replace a fuel filter yourself, but you must follow instructions to the letter. If you do not, you could end up damaging your vehicle and the fuel line. So be sure to take care and wear safety eyewear.

Before you start, read the manual to see where the fuel filter is located. It’s usually under the hood. Also, keep in mind that if you have a carburetor, it may be easier to remove the old filter.

Depending on the type of filter, you may need special tools. For example, if you have a fuel injection system, you might need to use a special plastic tool.

Brakes

Brakes are essential to the safety of drivers. While the brakes may seem simple in theory, many things can go wrong. If you are not sure about your car’s brakes, it’s best to enlist the help of a mechanic.

Before you attempt to replace your brake pads, check to see if you need to replace the rotors. Some shops will sell rotors for ten bucks a pop.

You should also make sure you have the proper tools for the job. Many foreign-made vehicles require special equipment.

It’s also a good idea to check your owner’s manual. Even if you don’t plan to do any repairs, it’s a good idea to get familiar with your vehicle’s brakes. In general, most brakes have two components: a caliper and a disc.

Blower motor resistor pack

Blower motor resistors are used to control the speed of blower motors in vehicles. They are usually attached under the dash and near the heater ducting in the HVAC system. A faulty resistor can block the flow of electricity into the blower fan motor.

In order to replace a resistor pack, you will need to disassemble the air conditioning housing. You can either do this manually by removing the screws and disconnecting the wiring harness, or you can do it electronically. If you choose to do it manually, you will first need to remove the glove compartment.

You can then remove the resistor pack from the air conditioning housing by unclipping the two screws. This is easiest if you have some snipe nose pliers and a small screwdriver.

Wipers

Wipers are essential components to your car’s defense against the elements. If yours are worn out or damaged, replacing them can prevent damage to your windshield and your eyesight.

Removing the wipers is a simple matter of pressing a small tab on the underside of the windshield. This is followed by a simple lift and slide maneuver. Once the old wipers are removed, you will be able to replace them with a new set.

There are a variety of blade designs to choose from. Most use the pinch-tab mechanism, but a few also use hook-and-slide or slim-top mechanisms. The blades that are made of the highest quality rubber will last much longer than those of lesser quality.

Flat tire

A flat tire can be a dangerous situation. It may cause damage to the wheel or axle. If you notice that your tire has a flat, pull over as soon as possible to avoid costly damages.

The first step to fixing a flat tire is to remove the damaged part. You can use a flat tire repair kit to do this. These kits can be bought at most auto parts stores.

After you have removed the damaged part, you need to inspect the tire. Look for leaks, holes, and nails. Also, check to see if lug nuts are exposed. If not, use a lug wrench to loosen them.