Owning a car can be exciting, but dealing with unexpected problems can lead to delays in your activities for that day. However, not every car problem requires a visit to a mechanic. There are a few basic problems that can be easily diagnosed and fixed by yourself with the right tools and guidance. This can save you both time and money. Below are the five most common car problems and how to fix them yourself.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is one of the most common car problems that drivers face; however, it’s usually easy to fix with a jump-start.
Symptoms:
- The car won’t start or produce a clicking sound when turning the ignition key.
- Electrical components like dim lights, weak horns, or malfunctioning radios.
- The dashboard battery warning light is on.
DIY Fix:
To fix a dead battery, you’ll need jumper cables, a working car, or a portable jump starter pack. Follow these steps:
- Park the cars next to each other and turn off both cars.
- Connect the jumper cables (positive to positive, negative to a metal surface on the dead car).
- Start the working car and let it run for a few minutes, and then try starting your car. Once your car starts, let it run for another few minutes.
- Remove the cables and drive your car to allow the battery to recharge.
Get more information on how to jumpstart a car by clicking here.
Flat Tire
A flat tire can happen anytime to anyone, even when you least expect it, but with a spare tire and a jack, you can get back on the road.
Symptoms:
- The car pulls to one side or there is noticeable deflation of the tire.
- Difficulty in steering when driving.
DIY Fix:
- You’ll need a spare tire, a car jack, and a lug wrench.
- Park your car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire slightly, but don’t remove them.
- Use the jack to lift the car until the tire is off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts and the flat tire, then replace them with the spare tire.
- Tighten the lug nuts by hand and lower the car before fully tightening the nut with the wrench.
Faulty Spark Plugs
Spark plugs ignite the fuel in the engine and are key to maintaining smooth engine performance. Luckily, replacing them is straightforward.
Symptoms:
- If your car is idling or misfiring.
- If you are experiencing a drop in fuel efficiency, it might be due to worn-out spark plugs.
DIY Fix:
- Open the hood and locate the spark plugs near the top of the engine block.
- Use a spark plug socket to remove the old plugs.
- Check for signs of wear—black soot means it’s time for a replacement.
- Fix the new spark plugs by hand first, then tighten them with the socket, but don’t overtighten.
Engine Overheating
Overheating can be scary and a serious problem for vehicles, especially if it happens frequently. However, if caught early, it can be manageable.
Symptoms:
- The temperature gauge is rising rapidly.
- Steam coming from under the hood.
DIY Fix:
- Pull over and turn off the engine immediately to prevent further damage.
- Wait until the engine cools down completely before opening the hood.
- Open the hood and check the coolant levels (do not open the radiator cap when hot). If it’s low, carefully add coolant (or water, in an emergency) to the radiator.
- If the coolant level is fine, you might have a deeper issue like a broken radiator or thermostat, which may require a mechanic to fix.
Headlight or Taillight burnout
Driving with a burned-out headlight or taillight is dangerous and illegal. Replacing a headlight or taillight is one of the simplest DIY (do it yourself) for fixing a car.
Symptoms:
- Dim or completely out lights.
- Warning light on the dashboard is on.
DIY Fix:
- Identify the faulty light and get a new one for replacement, possibly a screwdriver.
- Open the car hood or boot (depending on the light).
- For headlights, remove the headlight cover by unscrewing or unclipping it.
- Carefully remove the power connector, disconnect the old bulb, insert the new one, and install the cover.
- While for the taillights, access the bulbs through the car boot, remove the cover, and replace the bulb similarly.
- Test the lights before driving to ensure they are working properly.
Conclusion
Learning these common car problems and how to fix them yourself without having to call for an assistant or visit the mechanic will really save you time and money and give you a better understanding of how your car works. Always keep essential tools in your car. Use these DIY fixes to get back on the road quickly.
