Car troubles always seem to strike at the worst possible moments. You’re running late for work, and your tire goes flat. Or your headlight burns out just before a long road trip. While some automotive issues require professional expertise, many common problems are fixable right in your driveway with a few basic tools and a little know-how.
Learning these basic car repairs every driver should know will save you time, money, and the frustration of being stranded.
1. Changing a Flat Tire
Flat tires happen without warning, and waiting for roadside assistance isn’t always practical. Every driver should know how to safely jack up the car, remove the flat tire, and install the spare. Practice this at home so that you don’t have to learn how in the dark on the side of the highway. Keep your tools and a properly inflated spare tire in your trunk at all times.
2. Checking and Topping Off Fluids
You don’t need a mechanic to check your oil, coolant, brake fluid, or windshield washer fluid. Pop the hood and consult your owner’s manual to find each reservoir. Make checking these part of your monthly routine. If levels are low, you can top them off yourself—just make sure you’re using the correct type of fluid.
3. Jump-Starting a Dead Battery
Dead batteries are a common problem, especially in cold weather or if you accidentally leave your lights on. Keep jumper cables in your trunk and know how to use them safely. Connect the cables in the right order—positive to positive, negative to ground—and start the car. After a few minutes, your battery should have enough juice to start the engine. If not, you may need a replacement.
4. Replacing Air Filters
A clogged air filter reduces engine performance and fuel efficiency. This simple maintenance task requires no tools and takes less than five minutes to complete.
Open your hood and locate the air filter housing, usually a rectangular or circular box near the engine. Remove the clips or screws holding the housing together, lift out the old filter, and note its orientation. Insert the new filter the same way and make sure it sits properly in the housing before reassembling.
5. Fixing Minor Upholstery Damage
Small tears and holes in your car’s interior don’t require expensive professional repair. There are several ways to repair a tear or hole in your vehicle’s upholstery using simple materials available at any auto parts store.
For small tears, clean the area and apply fabric glue to the edges, pressing them together until dry. Larger holes may need a patch cut from matching fabric or vinyl. Apply adhesive around the edges of the hole, position the patch, and smooth out any air bubbles.
While these are just a few basic car repairs every driver should know, don’t overextend your abilities. Tasks like replacing the transmission or radiator demand technical knowledge and the right tools. These are car repairs you should leave to the professionals to avoid risking your safety or causing more damage.
Use this knowledge to get to know your car. You’ll save money, respond better in emergencies, and avoid unnecessary trips to the auto shop.
