Easy Car Repairs: What Can You Fix Yourself?

When it comes to car repairs, the line between what's easy and what's not can be blurry. As an auto mechanic, I can attest that certain repairs are much more straightforward than others. From simple tasks like changing brake pads and rotor to more complex processes like coolant flushes and engine rebuilds, knowing the basics can make a huge difference in your car's performance and longevity.

What Counts as an Easy Repair?

Anything that isn't near the bottom of your vehicle can typically be fixed by most people with a bit of DIY know-how. Some common and easy-to-handle issues include:

Replacing wiper blades Changing bulbs Topping off fluid levels Flushing the transmission

With the right tools and a bit of instruction, these tasks are within reach of most car owners. However, some parts require more specialized tools or a more detailed understanding of the vehicle's mechanics. For instance, tasks like reworking the braking system, particularly the brake lines and air release, can pose a challenge without the proper training and equipment. Similarly, coolant flushes, though potentially easy, need to be done correctly to avoid damaging the sensitive engine parts.

My Journey into DIY Car Repairs

My journey into DIY car repairs began with a $500 used 1966 Chevy pickup truck. Like many others, this car needed a lot of TLC. One morning, while driving around a corner, one of the brake adjusters malfunctioned, resulting in a 360-degree pivot on the rear right wheel. Miraculously, it did not hit anything. With my new wife's help, and the guidance of a friend who knew more about mechanics than me, we managed to swap out the brake adjuster. The experience taught me the importance of having the right tools and the ability to understand technical instructions.

As the weeks passed, the truck developed new issues, such as stalling and restarting. Following a diagnostic chart in a Chiltons manual, we determined the problem was with the fuel pump or fuel filter. Another trip to the auto parts store followed, and we bought both parts. After changing the fuel filter, which was at the side of the carburetor, and the fuel pump, we realized that this was the start of a new hobby for us.

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success

As luck would have it, I found myself working at an auto parts store, regularly encountering people attempting DIY repairs with varying levels of success. Witnessing their struggles and successes confirmed my earlier realization: yes, they could do it, and so could I. With the acquisition of better tools and more comprehensive manuals, we never had to take a vehicle to a mechanic again.

We tackled a myriad of repairs, from clutch replacements to engine rebuilds. One memorable project was when my brother's Ford 2.0 liter sedan lost power and barely ran. A thorough inspection revealed that the valve seat had separated, falling into the cylinder, and the only person qualified to fix it was not in a position to afford the repairs. With a borrowed car trailer, we towed the car home, disassembled it, and rebuilt the engine. The experience taught us a valuable lesson and paved the way for more ambitious projects.

Passing on the Knowledge

As our children grew older, they were introduced to the world of car repairs and maintenance. The Hyundai, for example, was driven by our eldest daughter. She neglected to check the oil levels, leading to a major issue with a rod bearing. With the support of her father, she was able to fix the problem, though it took a few extra bolts being broken loose. We emphasized the importance of careful maintenance and proper tools, and with time, all our children became capable of handling almost any repair task.

Our son, in particular, took an interest and is now a full-time mechanic with various certifications and a wide array of tools. His enthusiasm is a testament to the fact that with the right knowledge and tools, anyone can become a successful DIY auto mechanic.