All posts in Auto Repair

Five Quick Car Repairs All New Drivers Should Know

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/27 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

If you’re a new driver, there are some basic car repairs you need to know in order to avoid problems while driving on the road. If you run out of gas or have a flat, how will you know or be able to diagnose the problems? Though you don’t have to become a mechanic, having some basic repair skills on hand is always a good idea. Luckily, there are many car repair programs offered at places like the Newgate School or even your own high school that can help you learn these five quick repairs.

Change a Tire

Changing a flat tire is one of the most common problems you might face on the road. Knowing where to find a spare tire and how to change it can help save you money and get you back on the road and on your way in just a few minutes.

Replace a Battery

Replacing a dead battery is something that is easy to do, yet many people know nothing about. You should learn to identify and replace one. If you find your car battery is weak or dead, you can remove it and replace it in just a couple minutes with some basic hand tools. It also helps to know some common problems that can cause a dead battery so you’re prepared.

Replace a Belt

Car belts eventually wear out and can break, causing parts like the fan and alternator to stop working. This can create other issues such as a dead battery or engine overheating. Knowing how to change a belt can save you a lot of problems and costs.

Replace Windshield Wipers

Driving in a rain storm is not the time to find out your windshield wipers are not working properly. Windshield wipers are very easy to replace and can save you a great deal of trouble with visibility. You can save some money by knowing how to replace windshield wipers yourself as well.

Replace a Headlight Bulb

Occasionally, a headlight bulb will go out, making it very difficult to see the roadway or any obstacles lying in the road at night. When you’re out on a dark roadway with a headlight out it can be very dangerous as well. You can replace it in just a few minutes and keep yourself and others safe while driving.

These are just a few basic skills that will help you save money and keep you safe while driving. Most car repairs can be easily learned and will allow you to avoid major problems while driving. Keep things up to date and maintained and you’ll be on your way!

Five Cheap Car Fixes You Can Do on Your Own

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/07 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

One of the disadvantages of owning your own car is the money you have to spend on regular maintenance projects. It’s easy to spend several hundred dollars a year, not even counting gas. One way you can cut down these expenses is to take care of some of that maintenance yourself. Here are five cheap car fixes you can do on your own.

Changing Light Bulbs

Changing you own light bulbs on your car, whether they be tail lights, headlights, or brake lights, can save you a fair amount of money. Luckily, this project isn’t too difficult either. You can find light bulbs at any auto parts supplier, but many hardware stores and discount stores like U Pull & Pay also sell them. Replacing a bulb is usually as easy as removing a screw or two and disconnecting and reconnecting a couple of wires.

Changing Spark Plugs

Spark plugs provide the spark that starts your engine, so if they are in bad shape, you might have trouble starting your car, or it might not start at all. Changing your spark plugs before they fail completely can prevent a costly tow. Having a mechanic change them can easily run you $50 or more, so by doing it yourself you can save a significant amount of money. Doing the job yourself generally takes less than an hour and doesn’t require any special tools.

Changing Windshield Wipers

Your friendly mechanic or technician at the oil change place may offer to change your worn-out windshield wipers for a price that’s about double what it would cost to change them yourself. Pick up wipers at an auto parts store, hardware store, or discount store and swap them out yourself with ease. It’s a job any novice can do.

Changing the Air Filter

One of the easiest do-it-yourself car repair jobs is changing the air filter. A dirty filter can make your car run rough, and also reduce your gas mileage. In most cars, all you have to do is locate the case the air filter sits in, open it up, remove the old one and mount in the new one.

Changing Fuses

If something electrical isn’t working on your car, it could be a blown fuse. Your fuse box is located underneath your dash, and changing a fuse is as simple as pulling out the old one and plugging in a new one.

These are some of the many easy car fixes you can do yourself to save money. Take a look at a few mentioned here and see if you can save yourself a little dough the next time you need a quick fix.

Car Repairs: Six Things You Can Fix On Your Own

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/06/29 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

While it may be tempting to have your local mechanic perform all of your car’s maintenance, this really isn’t needed. There are plenty of things even a total novice should be able to do competently. This can help you save money. It can also help you learn more about how your automobile works. Below are six things you can fix on your own.

Drive Belt

At some point in your car’s lifespan, it’s likely that the drive belt will break or become so worn that it’s become faulty. You’ll know if your car starts squealing when you try to start it. Thankfully, replacing it isn’t too difficult. All you need is a new belt, a screwdriver, a wrench, a socket and ratchet.

Battery

Car batteries do not last forever. Eventually they die. It may even happen from simply leaving the lights on in your car overnight. If jump starting the battery doesn’t work, replacing it is thankfully one of the easiest repair jobs a car owner can do.

Alternator

If your battery isn’t at fault for your car not working and your engine refusing to turn, it’s probably the alternator. The alternator is a component that works together with the battery to supply power to the electric components of your car. Thankfully, replacing it is easy enough to do on your own. You can get the help of friends or find instructional videos online to help if you’ve never done it before.

Brake Pads

Replacing brake pads is something most drivers assume must be done by a mechanic. However, with enough care, you can properly replace your own brake pads. Just insure that it isn’t actually the rotor that needs replacement when you hear your breaks grinding.

A Coolant Leak

A coolant leak in the exterior of your car can also be fixed by a driver without the assistance of a mechanic. If you notice a pool of liquid under your car’s exterior, chances are there is a crack or hole in an exterior hose. Replace the hose, but be careful not to burn yourself. It could be hot.

A Flat Tire

It’s common knowledge that you can replace a flat tire on your own. However, not all people are actually competent enough to do so. Practice replacing a tire with a spare. That way, you’ll be able to do so if you do get a flat out on the road someday.

Overall, you should be learning as much about your vehicle as possible. Learning how to perform basic repairs properly can increase your car’s health via proper maintenance, as well as your safety out on the road. It’s also more cost-efficient to do repairs on your own. Find quality shops like Arnold Motor Supply for parts you need to take care of your car repairs and get back on the road.

Paint Chip: Five Auto Body Fixes You can Do Yourself

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/06/27 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

What do you do after you’ve been involved in a car accident? Besides hiring a good car accident lawyer in Austin, you have to think about getting your car fixed. Not all car accidents are catastrophic, and small crashes don’t typically cause a lot of mechanical harm to your car. However, body damage is probably unavoidable, and having a professional take a look at it can be costly.

To make matters worse, if you’re one of the people out there who has a high deductible on your auto insurance, you may be paying for body work out of pocket. Thankfully, there are several kinds of auto body fixes you can do yourself with just a little cost. This is made possible thanks to the great touch-up kits now available, and a little bit of know-how. Here are five auto body fixes you can do at home!

Dent Repair

Whether it’s a fender bender or a car door bump, dents are some of the most common auto body problems. Fortunately, this is something you can fix with the right tools. To fix an auto body dent, you will need: automotive primer, sandpaper, body filler, spot putty, ridge and flexible plastic spreaders, and a bit of patience.

Start by using your sandpaper to remove loose paint since body filler doesn’t stick well to paint. Now, apply your body filler, following the instructions on the container and using the spreaders to smooth it out. Once dry, take off the rough edges using sandpaper. Afterward, apply the soft putty, and sandpaper it smooth once it dries. Last but not least, apply the automotive primer in light coats. Now it’s ready paint!

Scratch Repair

If you have a light scratch on your car, there’s no need to take it to a professional. There are numerous easy-to-use, touch-up pens that stores sell for all kinds of automobiles. While some of the cheaper ones don’t work great, mid- to high-quality scratch removers do a great job of matching your automotive paint. Keep in mind that these pens generally don’t work on deep scratches. A scratch that shows the underlying metal is a deep scratch. Try running your fingernail over the scratch, if it catches, it’s probably too deep for a do-it-yourself paint job.

Broken Light Replacement

Two areas of the car that typically break during accidents are the headlight and taillight covers. Replacing a broken light cover is easier than you think, and can be done in just a few minutes. All you need to do is find a replacement cover from an auto supply store, junk yard, or online store. These covers are typically screwed on and can be easily removed by opening the hood or trunk of your car to gain access to the screws. Just be sure to remove the cover with caution because there could be sharp pieces that could cut you.

Trim Removal

In the event that you have to take your car into an automotive shop for repair, remember you can still save money by doing some of the work yourself. One of the biggest things that auto body shops charge for is the removal and re-installation of body trim. Removing things like bumpers, door handles, and mirrors is easy. Just check that removing some of the trim doesn’t violate any local laws first. You can find replacements at scrap yards and simply install new ones that fit.

Rust Removal

While not typically caused by car accidents, rust removal is still an auto body fix you can do yourself. Stores sell products that can help remove rust, but you can also make your own rust remover by using salt and lime juice. Sometimes even baking soda and water removes rust from cars. Simply apply to the end of a toothbrush and start scrubbing.

Any auto body work you can do yourself is a good thing. Keep in mind that some work is simply too in-depth to be considered for a DIY project. If you don’t feel confident you can do the work yourself, contact a local repair shop to get an estimate. Most auto centers will provide a free estimate if you bring in your car.

Six Signs It May Be Time To Replace Your Car, Rather Than Try To Repair It

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/02/29 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

As an automobile owner, there will come a day when you will have to decide whether to repair your current vehicle or replace it. Many times, repairing will be the logical choice, but this may not always be the case. Here are six situations where the advantages of replacing your vehicle can’t be ignored.

Current Repair Costs

The obvious tipping point in the debate to repair versus replace is when the costs to repair are more than the vehicle is worth. Whether this is because of a single issue or the cumulative cost of multiple repairs, spending more to fix a car than it is worth doesn’t make sense. That money would likely be better spent on replacing that vehicle.

Future Repair Costs

The same can apply to future repair costs. If a repair is only a temporary fix, the issue is likely to be recurrent or a series of major services are on the horizon it may be wise to compare the costs of all of those repairs to the costs associated with a new vehicle.

New Safety Improvements

It is understood that newer vehicles are often safer than older ones. As the science of vehicle safety moves forward, so do the available features. If your car has aged to the point that it lacks many of the safety features that are considered standard today, replacing may make more than just financial sense.

Upgraded Technology

Outside of safety, other technological improvements may play into your decision. Backup cameras, parallel parking assistance, hands-free connectivity to your smartphone and in-dash navigation may provide a lot of intrinsic value to you. If a newer technology solves a need, or allows you to get through your day more easily, it may make replacing the vehicle worthwhile.

Your Needs Changed

Many changes in circumstance can make a vehicle change more attractive. If your family has recently grown or shrank, you current vehicle may not make the most sense for your new lifestyle. Even if the size of your vehicle is fine, poor gas mileage may factor in.

Emotional Wear and Tear

Even when all of the logical reasons side with repairing a vehicle, that doesn’t mean it is the right decision. If using a particular vehicle has become frustrating to the point of affecting your wellbeing, replacing it may be the right move. Sometimes you have to do what feels right just because it makes your days feel brighter.

Knowing when it’s time for a new car can save you a lot of money in the long run. Just because you may need to replace car, it doesn’t always mean you have to spend a fortune on a new one. For example, you can find great deals on both new and used cars at Quebedeaux Buick GMC. Getting a new or used car that is more reliable and in better condition is a smart move.