These days you likely need to drive a car and sooner or later everyone needs their cars repaired. The average car repair bill can easily run into hundreds of dollars so it is important to take care of just a few of the most common car repair issues so you can save a lot of cash. Here we have discussed some of the most common repairs that anyone can learn to tackle. Even if you cannot perform these repairs at home you should have the knowledge about them so next time you know your mechanic is charging you fairly or not.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are responsible for igniting fuel in the cylinders. The plugs themselves are cheap and can be replaced on your own if you know-how. Faulty spark plugs can reduce your gas mileage or melt your car’s catalytic converter so it is important to get them replaced.
If you want to change the spark plugs then it is not a very difficult task. Open up the hood and remove any coverings on the spark plugs. Remove the old spark plug with a spark plug socket attached to your wrench and place the new set of spark plugs just make sure not to overtighten them then you are ready to go.
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Fuel cap tightening or replacement
Loose fuel caps are actually the main reason why the “check engine” light in a car comes on. If you don’t have the gas cap tight it causes your gas mileage to go down which means your fuel burns faster and you need to fill your tank more often. So whenever you fill your tank just check if the cap is sealed properly and if you smell gas in your car then there are chances it is not sealing properly. The repair is very easy just to buy a new cap and replace the old one.
Engine oil change
After every 5,000 kilometers or so, you need to change the oil in your car to keep your engine run in the best possible manner. The reason to change oil regularly is the dirt and debris build up in a car’s oil over time decreasing its ability to lubricate your engine properly.
It is one of the most basic jobs which you can learn and save many dollars as you need to change the oil on an average 4 times a year. Frequent oil changing will keep your car in good condition and also increase its value when you sell it.
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Ignition coil replacement
The ignition coils are attached with the spark plugs and tell the spark plugs when to operate. The ignition coil essentially converts the relatively low and steady 12-volt power supply from the battery into a high voltage supply to power the spark plugs. Ignoring a problem with them can do serious damage to your car’s entire ignition system. A diagnostic test typically reveals if there is a problem with the ignition coil.
If the coil is broken they cannot be repaired but has to be replaced with a new one. They are easy to replace just locate the coils usually they are mounted to the top of the engine bolted in place. Undo the bolts and disconnect the coils and replace them with a new one.
Oxygen sensor replacement
Oxygen sensors measure the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust in order to optimize engine performance and emissions. The reading tells the computer when it is necessary to modify the air-fuel ratio for better performance of the catalytic converter. It can get gummed up with carbon and other deposits so you can flush the fuel system with a catalytic converter cleaner formulated to clean the oxygen sensor.
The EGR valve works to send some of the exhaust back through the engine for another pass to reduce cylinder temperatures. It actually lowers your emissions what goes out of your tailpipe.
It can get very dirty so it needs a good clean every now and then. The first thing is to locate and remove the EGR which is usually found toward the top of the engine block. Soak the valve in a bucket full of carb cleaner or clean it by hand with the help of a toothbrush. If cleaning doesn’t help then it is time to replace the part instead.
These are some of the basic repairs that you can master and save some money in mechanics fees. All of the tasks mentioned are not very complicated and can be done with a basic toolset. The only thing to bear in mind is all these components can look a little different in various models of cars. We have given a broader overview of the steps involved to complete each repair but it is always better to check the user’s manual of your car before you try anything for the first time.
