As a prospicient clip automotive author and partizan I am often astonied at the price mechanics charge for elementary repair piece of work that most anybody could do themselves . For example , I was recently at the Ford shop with a friend who was getting some routine maintenance done , and the Ford shop mechanic wanted over $ 400 to change the fuel filter , even out the transmittal , and replace the power steering fluid . These are three passably dewy-eyed job that can be done for much less than half that cost with just a few hours metre . When you do them yourself , you may control the relative eco - friendliness of the products you employ . You also ( affordably ) keep your fomite on the road , lour need for the manufacture of new ones and maintaining your vehicle ’s maximum fuel efficiency .
Now I realize that not everybody is an armchair mechanic , so I have include the science grade necessary for each of these projects . attainment point 1 - 3 need only your very basic tools and clip to finish , levels 4 - 6 will need restrained tools and time , while 7 - 10 are more for the advanced tinkerer . We ’ll be linking to the proficient advice of Matthew Wright fromAbout.com : Auto Repairand the Discovery networks very own Turbo , to give you the pure steps on how to get each of these project accomplished . permit ’s get started :
1: Replace Fuel Filter
Skill Level:3
Cost:$10 to $ 30
Fuel filters are recommended to be replace at veritable intervals , which loosely can range anywhere from 10,000 miles and up . A dirty filter left extra time will come down your vehicle ’s reliability and efficiency , so it is important to attempt to keep up with this maintenance schedule as much as potential . The steps are as simple as disconnecting the battery , releasing the fuel logical argument pressure ( especially important for fuel injected vehicle ) , unplug fuel line from filter , slay sometime filter , replace washers , install new filter , double see previous steps , then start vehicle and look for any leak . Check with your local administration to see if they have afuel filter recycling programavailable , so you may decent dispose of your old filter .
2: Replace Brakes Pads
Skill Level:6
toll : Typically under $ 25 for each brake pad
Changing Pteridium aquilinum pad is one of the most common and important maintenance servicing agenda you should adhere to . Worn brakes can get very costly when you allow them to become so thin , they damage other part of the organization . Your stopping ability will be compromised , which not only compromises the safety of your own vehicle , but the safety of others around you . What you will demand in tools is a railway car jak , lug nut twist , socket set , and a c - clinch . In case your wondering , there is agreen option for bracken pad , although it may not be usable just yet . watch with your local administration pageboy to see if they have a used brake pad recycling program available for disposal of your sometime .
3: Replace Spark Plugs
Skill Level:2
Cost:$15 and up
Another crucial maintenance job to keep your vehicle running mean and green is to switch yourspark plugsregularly . What happens over fourth dimension is the metallic element on the electrode can fatigue aside and become coated with carbon deposits . This will effect the ability of the plug to ignite the fuel / air mixture and therefore reduce your overall vehicles efficiency . In ecumenical most expert will tell you that mostspecialty plugsare not worth their Leontyne Price as far as fulfill their promised big businessman increment and/or fuel delivery . There are a telephone number of them out there , such as theE3and Halo chew . If in doubt , just use the same plugs that originally came with the fomite . Installation is as simple as removing the firing wires from the old spark plugs , removing plugs with a socket wrench , instal new ballyhoo , then coat the inside of the lighting wire charge with a little dielectric grease for a good stamp before break down them onto the new hack .
4: Windshield Repair
Skill Level:1
Cost:$5
Not that I desire to put all those windshield replacement or repair shops out of business , but repairing a windshield with a do - it - yourself dwelling outfit can be a very easy and effective cognitive operation . It is important to observe that star chips with minimal to no gap is the best nominee for this haunt . To accomplish this project , all you need is a do - it - yourself windscreen repair kit from an automobile division store or tantamount . Clean a 12 column inch straight field around the damage with a glass cleansing agent , then take a razor blade and polish out the airfoil of all defect , verify to pick out any loose pieces of glass found inside the scrap . Most kits will have a plunger apparatus to come in theadhesiveinto the windshield , then all you have to do is grant the tool to do the rest of the work . One flake of advice is not to perform this project in the spicy sun , as the adhesive will try too chop-chop to leave a clear finishing .
5: Power Steering Flush
Cost:$5 and up
6: Transmission Fluid Replacement
Skill Level:7
Cost:$30 and up
This project often goes by another name at the mechanics shop , Transmission heyday . A bang is a new method of use up clean fluid and flushing it through theautomatic transmission , thereby efficaciously pushing out all the previous contaminated oil colour from the system . However , many mechanics say that this is not always a upright thing and can lead to transmission problems . The old way to replace transmittal fluid is effective , fairly straight forward , and a heck of a lot less expensive . You ’ll need to get your vehicle in the air using a jack and a couple of jack stands , then climb under the vehicle and withdraw the goat god bolt to the transmission . Use a large plastic container with a lid to dump the old fluid in , so you may easily transport it to your local fossil oil recycling facility . Do n’t forget to replace the transmission fluid filter while you are inside the infection and clean the inside of the transmission goat god . It is also crucial not to over tighten the bolts when reinstall the cooking pan or it will do leaks .
