6 Car Troubles That Don’t Call for a Trip to the Mech
You don't have to call your mechanic every time your car breaks down. Here are a couple of car troubles you can sort out yourself.
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If you’re like most drivers, you get behind the wheel every day and put more than 13,474 miles on your car each year. With so much time on the road, it’s normal for your ride to have a few problems every now and then.
When something pops up, you might not have to rush to your local mechanic to take care of the problem. You might be able to fix it yourself.
Here are a few of the most common and most easily fixed car troubles that you should be able to handle on your own.
Dirty Cabin Air Filter
Your cabin air filter helps prevent contaminants like dust, dirt, and pollen from passing through the air intake system and into your car. Because they’re constantly working, it’s normal for the filters to get dirty and even clogged. If they are, you’ll need to replace them.
Check your owner’s manual to find out what size and type of filter you need for your car and pick one up at your local automotive supply store.
Once you’re home, open the glove compartment and remove anything that’s stored inside. Then, open the filter hatch and remove the old filter. Be careful to pay attention to the way the filter fits inside your car.
Align the new filter with the opening and slip it in the same way the old filter sat. Then, close the hatch and close the glove compartment.
Once the filter gets replaced, your AC unit will be able to work more efficiently and you’ll get cleaner air inside the cabin for months.
Small Scratches in the Paint
Rocks and debris pop up off the road as you drive. Most times, those rocks don’t do damage to your car, but sometimes, they leave small scratches and chips in the paint.
While they can seem like little more than an eyesore, they put your car at risk for rust and corrosion.
Pick up a paint repair kit and fix the scratches yourself. Clean the area thoroughly with a microfiber cloth and soapy water.
Rinse the soap residue away and let the area dry completely.
Then, follow the directions on the packaging and patch up those small scratches. If you’re careful, you won’t be able to tell that there was a scratch in the paint after you finish.
Dirty Batteries
Car batteries help power your engine, but they need regular maintenance to keep your car running. Because it’s such an important component, it’s normal to think that you have to leave the task to a mechanic, but you don’t have to. Pop the hood and check the battery for corrosion or grime buildup.
If it’s clean, you’re in good shape, but if it’s dirty, you’ll need to clean it.
Disconnect the battery terminals, taking care to remove the black (negative) terminal first. Use a battery cleaning agent from an auto parts store to scrub the grime away. Once you’re done, rinse the battery posts and top with a small amount of water.
Let the posts dry or use a clean rag to get rid of the water. Once everything is dry, you can reconnect the battery terminals and use your car like normal.
If you’re tired of dealing with battery maintenance or need to replace your battery, you can always choose a maintenance-free model. Find out more about which battery will work best for your car before you make a decision.
Worn Out Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers make it possible to clear water and debris out of your line of sight when you’re on the road. However, since the rubber on the wipers is constantly exposed to the elements, it’s normal for the material to degrade.
When this happens, the rubber won’t sit flush against the curve of your windshield and won’t be able to give you the clear view you need.
When you take your car for an oil change, the technician will likely offer to replace the wiper blades for you, but you’ll save money doing it on your own. Go to your local auto supply store and buy the right size for your car. For most cars, the wipers won’t be the same size on the driver and passenger sides.
Once you have the replacements, pop the wiper arms up so the blade can move freely. Slide it out of the fastener and install the new blade in its place.
Overheating Radiator
Your radiator helps keep your car from overheating and ensures that the engine gets the right amounts of coolant as it runs. When your engine starts running hotter than normal or overheats, you often need to flush the radiator.
It’s easier than it sounds. Let the engine cool completely and find the drain plug’s location in your owner’s manual. Unscrew the drain plug and let the old coolant drain into a container.
Once it’s drained, replace the drain plug and pour the cleaning solution into the radiator. Fill the receptacle the rest of the way with water and run your car until it gets up to temperature and blast the heat for a few minutes once the engine is hot.
Then, let the engine cool and drain out the cleaning solution. Once it’s empty, replace the drain plug and add new coolant.
Low Fluid Levels
It’s normal for fluid levels to change as you use your car. When those fluid levels get low, you shouldn’t have to rush to your mechanic. Just top off the fluids and keep your car running well between regular maintenance appointments.
Periodically check the levels of your motor oil, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, steering fluid, and brake fluid. If you notice it’s low, top them off to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
You Can Handle These Car Troubles on Your Own
What seems like serious maintenance issues can often get taken care of at home. If you notice any of these car troubles with your vehicle, take a moment and see if you’re comfortable fixing them on your own.
If you are, take care of them yourself. If those maintenance tasks feel too daunting, that’s okay. Just make an appointment with your mechanic and let them take care of it for you.
Looking for more helpful tips to keep your car running well? Check out our latest posts.
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