How to Approach Beginner Auto Repair

Owning a car provides a sense of freedom, but along with the independence comes a great deal of responsibility. In fact, between homeownership and car repair, these items take the most from any balanced budget. When a car begins to show signs of aging or demonstrates the need for repair, it can be difficult to determine the facts at the auto shop. Many repair shops take advantage of those without an abundance of car knowledge, forcing customers to spend much more than needed. Learning about your car and simple repairs can protect you at the shop, while providing you with the know-how to make some of these minor repairs on your own. It can be daunting to open the hood and decipher how things work, but many of these items are simple enough for an amateur to tackle. A willingness to learn can provide a sense of empowerment and save hundreds of dollars at the garage. Take the time to study how things work before beginning to physically take apart or handle things under the hood. If possible, you can even work with a more-skilled partner until you feel more comfortable on your own.

Tools

Before you begin any project, it’s important you’re equipped with the right tools for the job. An adjustable wrench will allow you to easily unscrew the majority of bolt sizes without continuously changing tools or wrench heads. It’s a relatively inexpensive part for the amount of versatility achieved with the project. A torque wrench is another one of those tools ideal for many car repairs. The shape makes it easy to get into hard to reach places, and will eliminate all of the guessing required determining the right amount of torque. Make sure you have regular household Philips and flathead screwdrivers, as well. Your car likely comes with a jack; you’ll need one for easy access underneath the car. It’s imperative that you know where to place the jack when attempting to lift the car. If at all possible, refer to a guide or talk with a more experienced friend. A falling jack can damage limbs or cause even more severe injuries.

The Internet

The Internet is not always correct, but there are amazing how-to videos online that can allow you to see the simplicity of regular repairs firsthand. Especially if you’re experiencing a specific issue, review videos and how-to guides and compare the steps. Refer to the car owner guide that comes with your vehicle, as well. During this research you can also determine if repairing a specific part is worth your time and money. There are major fixes that should not be tackled by an amateur, but simple things like changing the oil, tires and the like, are indeed very easy to do. Take a picture before you begin any project as a reference and print the directions when you’re out with the car. Once again, it may also behoove you to enlist the help of a friend for support and an extra set of hands.

Parts

Even though you’ll be saving on labor by doing it yourself, you can increase your savings by finding used parts on your own. Many salvage yards have parts in quality condition; you merely need to take the time to find and remove them. Call around to the various shops in their area to determine the type of vehicles they have on their lot and whether the needed part may be there. You’ll also need to know their fees, tools needed and the like. Each lot is different; most require you to sign a waiver before you enter for insurance purposes. Some will also ask for an entrance fee, also for insurance purposes. Read up about the part location to save time looking for and removing the part when you arrive. Additionally, you’ll need to bring the right tools along to expedite the process. A wagon or pushcart can help you to move tools and heavy parts, as well. Look for parts free from rust and in pristine condition. You don’t want to waste time installing the salvaged part, only to discover it won’t function. Research plays a big part in salvaging. In doing so, you can save money and also garner more knowledge about your vehicle. Both will help you to protect your car for the long haul.

Help

Never begin a laborious project without assistance from a knowledge friend or family member. Don’t attempt to lift items far too heavy for your stature. Car repair can be enjoyable and informative, but it needs to be approached in an educated fashion.

About the Author: Toby B. Jackson is a contributing author and former auto repair shop owner. For 25 years his family-owned business serviced a wide range of vehicles. For his own restoration projects, he frequently visits the local self-serve used auto parts in Cincinnati to save money on parts.

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