10/01/2019
As a car owner, you'll undoubtedly become familiar with a multitude of car maintenance centres. While professional help is often necessary, there are several common issues that you, as the owner, can quite capably address yourself. This article aims to provide an overview and guide you through some of the most frequent car problems, empowering you to take on basic repairs. Before we delve into the specifics, it's crucial to set realistic expectations. While the tasks we'll discuss might seem straightforward, mechanics perform them with years of training and experience. For an amateur, a repair that takes a professional an hour or two could potentially consume your entire day. Therefore, assess your comfort level and the complexity of the task. If your passion lies in hands-on car care, this guide is for you. Remember, undertaking car repairs yourself requires seriousness and a methodical approach. Don't treat these tasks lightly. Essential Preparations for DIY Auto Repair:1. Acquire a Proper Tool Kit: This will be your indispensable companion for tackling current and future issues. A good set of tools is an investment that pays dividends over time. 2. Understand Your Vehicle: Familiarise yourself with your car's owner's manual. It's a treasure trove of information specific to your make and model. Supplement this with online research for detailed instructions and tutorials.
- 3. Prioritise Safety: Never compromise on safety. Ensure you have the necessary safety equipment, such as gloves and eye protection. Crucially, never work on a car that is still hot. Allow the engine and its components to cool down for at least an hour after shutting it off. Working on a warm or running vehicle can lead to severe burns or other injuries.
- 11. Check and Secure: Stow the flat tyre and tools securely. Get your flat tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible and have the lug nuts on the spare checked for proper torque at a garage.
- 7. Test the Lights: Turn on your car's ignition and test the lights to ensure the new bulb is working correctly. Check all functions, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators.
- 10. Test the System: Start the engine to ensure the car now runs. You may need to reset your car's clock and radio presets.
- 8. Test the Engine: Start your car to check if the engine idles smoothly and if starting issues have been resolved.
- 11. Dispose of Old Oil: Properly dispose of the old engine oil and filter at a recycling centre or an auto parts store that accepts them.
3. Prioritise Safety: Never compromise on safety. Ensure you have the necessary safety equipment, such as gloves and eye protection. Crucially, never work on a car that is still hot. Allow the engine and its components to cool down for at least an hour after shutting it off. Working on a warm or running vehicle can lead to severe burns or other injuries.
Most Common Car Problem #1: The Dreaded Flat Tyre
Driving on a flat tyre can inflict significant and costly damage to your vehicle, particularly to the wheel rim and suspension. You'll typically notice a flat tyre by the car's noticeable tilt to one side and potentially loud thumping noises as you drive. This is arguably the most common roadside issue. Therefore, always ensure you have a functional spare tyre and the necessary tools to change it. Typical Tyre Change Kit Components:* Spare Tyre * Portable Car Jack * Lug Nut Wrench/Ratchet DIY Auto Repair Steps for a Flat Tyre:1. Locate a Safe Spot: Pull over to a safe, level area away from traffic. Engage your hazard lights. 2. Prepare for Lifting: Locate the spare tyre and the tools. Consult your owner's manual for the specific jacking points on your car's frame. These are reinforced areas designed to support the vehicle's weight. Avoid jacking on plastic panels.3. Position the Jack: Place the car jack securely under the designated jacking point nearest to the flat tyre. 4. Lift the Vehicle: Slowly operate the jack to raise the car until the flat tyre is completely off the ground, providing enough clearance to remove it. 5. Remove Lug Nuts: Using the lug nut wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tyre. Turn them counter-clockwise. It's often best to loosen them slightly before lifting the car completely, then fully remove them once the wheel is elevated. 6. Remove the Flat Tyre: Carefully pull the flat tyre straight off the wheel studs. 7. Mount the Spare Tyre: Align the spare tyre with the wheel studs and slide it into place. 8. Replace Lug Nuts: Screw the lug nuts back onto the studs by hand, tightening them as much as possible. Then, use the wrench to snug them up in a star pattern to ensure even pressure. 9. Lower the Vehicle: Slowly lower the car using the jack until the spare tyre is firmly on the ground. 10. Final Tightening: With the car on the ground, fully tighten the lug nuts using the wrench, again in a star pattern. This ensures the wheel is securely fastened.
11. Check and Secure: Stow the flat tyre and tools securely. Get your flat tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible and have the lug nuts on the spare checked for proper torque at a garage.
Most Common Car Problem #2: Illuminating Your Way - Headlights and Taillights
Your vehicle's lights are crucial for visibility and safety, especially during night driving or adverse weather conditions. Signs that your lights need attention include faster-than-usual blinking indicators or complete failure of headlights or taillights. You can identify the correct replacement bulb type by consulting your owner's manual or searching online using your car's make, model, and year. Many basic vehicles utilise common bulb types, making replacements relatively straightforward. DIY Auto Repair Steps for Replacing Bulbs:1. Access the Light Assembly: Open the bonnet (hood) to access the rear of the headlight or taillight assembly. Some assemblies might require removing a plastic cover or panel. 2. Disconnect Power: Locate the electrical connector plugged into the back of the bulb holder. Gently twist and pull this connector to disconnect it from the bulb. 3. Remove the Dust Cover: If present, remove any dust cover protecting the bulb housing. 4. Remove the Old Bulb: Carefully grasp the bulb housing (avoiding touching the glass of the new bulb, as oils from your skin can reduce its lifespan). Twist and pull the bulb out of its socket. 5. Install the New Bulb: Insert the new bulb into the socket, ensuring it's seated correctly. Crucially, avoid touching the glass of the new bulb with bare hands. Use gloves or a clean cloth. Cleanliness ensures optimal light output. 6. Reassemble Components: Replace the dust cover and reconnect the electrical connector to the new bulb.
7. Test the Lights: Turn on your car's ignition and test the lights to ensure the new bulb is working correctly. Check all functions, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators.
Most Common Car Problem #3: A Sluggish Battery
When you turn the key and the engine fails to ignite, a dead or weak battery is often the culprit. While starter motor or alternator issues can also prevent starting, a battery problem is the most frequent cause. A car battery charger can help diagnose if the battery is the issue. DIY Auto Repair Steps for Battery Replacement:1. Ensure Safety: Ensure the car is turned off and the parking brake is engaged. 2. Locate the Battery: The battery is typically found under the bonnet, though in some vehicles, it might be located in the boot (trunk) or under a seat. Consult your owner's manual if unsure. 3. Clean Battery Terminals: If the terminals appear corroded (covered in a white or bluish powder), clean them using a wire brush or a dedicated battery terminal cleaner. This ensures a good electrical connection. 4. Disconnect Battery Terminals:Always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first by loosening the nut with a wrench and lifting the cable off the post. Then, disconnect the positive (+) terminal. 5. Remove Battery Securing Bracket: Most batteries are held in place by a securing bracket or clamp. Loosen and remove this bracket. 6. Remove the Old Battery: Carefully lift the old battery out of its tray. Batteries are heavy, so use caution. 7. Install the New Battery: Place the new battery into the tray, ensuring it's oriented correctly (positive and negative terminals in the right position). 8. Secure the New Battery: Reinstall the securing bracket and tighten it to hold the new battery firmly in place. 9. Connect Battery Terminals:Connect the positive (+) terminal first, tightening the nut. Then, connect the negative (-) terminal and tighten its nut.
10. Test the System: Start the engine to ensure the car now runs. You may need to reset your car's clock and radio presets.
Most Common Car Problem #4: Underperforming Spark Plugs
Faulty or worn-out spark plugs can lead to a car failing to start or experiencing rough idling and poor engine performance. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture within the engine cylinders. If they are fouled, worn, or incorrectly gapped, combustion can be inconsistent. DIY Auto Repair Steps for Replacing Spark Plugs:1. Access Spark Plugs: Open the bonnet and locate the spark plug wires or ignition coils. These connect to the spark plugs. 2. Remove Ignition Coils/Wires: If you have ignition coils, they usually pull straight up after disconnecting their electrical connector. If you have spark plug wires, pull them off the spark plug by gripping the boot (the rubber or plastic end), not the wire itself. 3. Clean Around Spark Plugs: Before removing the spark plugs, use compressed air or a brush to clean away any dirt or debris from around the spark plug. This prevents contaminants from falling into the engine cylinders. 4. Remove Old Spark Plugs: Using a spark plug socket and a ratchet, unscrew the old spark plugs by turning them counter-clockwise. 5. Prepare New Spark Plugs: Before installing new spark plugs, check their gap using a feeler gauge and adjust if necessary according to your owner's manual specifications. Many modern spark plugs come pre-gapped. 6. Install New Spark Plugs: Screw the new spark plugs into the engine block by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once snug, use the spark plug socket and torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque. 7. Reconnect Ignition Coils/Wires: Reattach the ignition coils or spark plug wires to the new spark plugs, ensuring they click into place securely.
8. Test the Engine: Start your car to check if the engine idles smoothly and if starting issues have been resolved.
Most Common Car Problem #5: The Essential Oil Change
While not strictly a "problem," regular oil changes are a fundamental aspect of preventative maintenance that keeps your engine running smoothly and extends its lifespan. It's recommended to change your engine oil and filter every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres (approximately 3,000 to 5,000 miles), depending on your car's age, driving conditions, and the type of oil used. Your owner's manual is the definitive source for the correct oil type, viscosity, filter, and oil capacity for your vehicle. DIY Auto Repair Steps for an Oil Change:1. Gather Supplies: You'll need new engine oil, a new oil filter, a drain pan, a wrench for the drain plug, an oil filter wrench, gloves, and clean rags. 2. Warm Up the Engine: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil flows more easily, allowing for a more complete drain. 3. Locate Drain Plug and Filter: Place the drain pan beneath the engine's oil drain plug. Consult your manual to find its exact location. The oil filter is usually located nearby. 4. Drain Old Oil: Using the appropriate wrench, carefully loosen and remove the drain plug. Be prepared for the hot oil to flow out quickly. Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan. 5. Replace Oil Filter: Once the oil has drained, use the oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. Clean the filter mounting surface on the engine block. 6. Prepare New Filter: Apply a thin film of new engine oil to the rubber gasket of the new oil filter. This helps create a good seal and makes removal easier next time. 7. Install New Filter: Screw the new oil filter onto the engine block by hand until the gasket makes contact, then tighten it an additional 3/4 to a full turn, as per the filter manufacturer's instructions. 8. Replace Drain Plug: Clean the drain plug and its threads. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it securely with the wrench. Do not overtighten. 9. Refill Engine Oil: Locate the oil filler cap on the engine. Remove it and use a funnel to add the correct amount and type of new engine oil specified in your owner's manual. 10. Check Oil Level: Replace the filler cap, start the engine, and let it run for a minute. Check for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter. Shut off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, and then check the oil level using the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary to reach the "Full" mark.
11. Dispose of Old Oil: Properly dispose of the old engine oil and filter at a recycling centre or an auto parts store that accepts them.
When to Call the Professionals
While DIY repairs can be rewarding and cost-effective, it's crucial to recognise your limitations. More complex issues, such as brake system repairs, exhaust system problems, engine diagnostics, or transmission issues, are best left to qualified and experienced mechanics. Attempting repairs beyond your skill level can lead to further damage and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Always prioritise your safety and the integrity of your vehicle. By understanding these common car problems and following these DIY guides, you can confidently handle basic maintenance, saving money and gaining a deeper appreciation for your vehicle. Remember to always consult your owner's manual for specific instructions and warnings related to your car.
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