When it comes to car repair, most car owners tend to be blissfully ignorant and depend far too heavily on either the kindness of others or the fact that they have some kind of roadside assistance coverage. Nevertheless, even if you have someone who will drop ys to everything and come to your aid, or you have the very best AAA coverage, it really pays to understand the basics about the vehicle you have invested a significant chunk of your money into. This article aims to give you an overview of how to overcome many of the more common repairs you might come across so you will be better prepared to solve the issue by yourself.
Know How To Change A Tire Correctly
Changing a tire is an important skill every car owner really should learn. Finding yourself with a flat tire and no recourse to change it is not a situation anyone wants to find themselves in. Fortunately, fixing this issue yourself is pretty simple and can get you back on your way in no time. One of the more common issues you may find yourself facing is your floor jack not lifting as it should. Therefore, it’s crucial to double-check all of your equipment before heading out so you don’t face these problems. You should learn how to loosen the lug nuts and how to properly jack the car up to change the wheel. Following some basic safety precautions can prevent injuries. Keeping an inflated spare and any tools like a lug wrench in your vehicle means you’ll be prepared when a flat strikes. Being able to change a tire yourself can save time and money down the road.
Understand The Warning Signs Of A Dying Battery
Drivers need to be aware of the warning signs of a dying car battery. A dead battery can leave one stranded at the worst possible place, and although not quite as immediate as a flat tire, it’s still not something you want to find out in the field. Some signs that a battery is failing include:
- Difficulty starting the car
- Slow cranking speed
- Lights dimming when the vehicle is started
- Strange noises coming from the battery area
Electronic devices may reset themselves, and previous radio presets could be lost. These issues can indicate it’s time for a new battery before real problems start.
Bring Your Car In For Regular Servicing
Although this isn’t a repair per se, it can save you from performing ad hoc repairs at impromptu moments. By regularly bringing your vehicle in for its annual inspection and changing oil at the designated intervals, you can avoid a massive raft of issues that tend to plague those who never look after their cars. Moreover, a mechanic will usually identify any problems that might become worse over time, enabling you to nip it in the bud before it spirals into something more nefarious.
Your car is an enormous investment, and aside from the cost implications of not maintaining it, you risk finding yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere with the inability to repair what could be a relatively minor issue. If you learn how to care for your car, you can avoid these problems and feel more confident wherever you go.
