It is safe to say that we have all been tested in a car trouble situation, the one time we want to get somewhere important. Have no fear though! With just a few tools, you can fix most car problems in a jiffy. Here are some common car issues and ways you can repair and avoid them.
Common Car Issues and How to Fix Them Yourself
Flat tire
When you have run over an object that punctures the tire like a nail, you often get a flat tire. You can, of course, use the spare donut in your trunk to replace the flat tire, but a quicker and more efficient way would be to keep a Tire Sealant Can inside your spare tire.
This can inflate the tire temporarily all at once, and you can be on your merry way. Not only will your tire be inflated because of the tire sealant, but it will also cover up your puncture. In addition, this will give you enough time to safely visit your local mechanic for any permanent replacements or repairs.
Bad PCV value
The flow of the crankcase flammable vapors is regulated by the positive crankcase ventilation valve (PCV) into the engine for safe burning.
For catastrophic engine damage to be prevented in the event that the engine backfires, this valve is designed to close down. Carbon build-up is accumulated, but the PCV valve as they age, and the engine is put at risk because of the tension being lost in the spring.
For the recommended intervals for replacement, you should refer to the maintenance guide you got with your car. However, for a quick fix, simply wiggle the rubber grommet out of the valve and from the vacuum hose, disconnect it entirely. Then, after the new valve has been inserted, reinstall the car.
Dead battery
If you have drained your battery after having left the headlights on, then you can get your car started again in minutes with a jump pack. Simply connect the chassis or an engine ground to the negative lead and the appropriate terminal on the battery with the positive lead. After that, start the car by turning on the pack. So, you can recharge the jump pack once used for next time, put it on the pack.
Remember, the glass part of the new bulb should not be touched as the oil from your fingers can cause it to start burning prematurely. So now, in reverse order, replace the bulb.
Broken Antenna
From any auto parts store, buy a replacement mast and then simply unscrew the portion that remains of the mast. The replacement of the fender mount antenna is the easy part.
A bit more than just a DIY fix, the replacement of the pillar mount antenna is a lot more complicated and involved. First, connect the heavy string to it after having disconnected the cable from your radio.
Wider Blades
When you discover that your wiper blades are no longer running effectively, it is often too late to do anything. This is why you need to keep a set of spare wiper blades in your car trunk, especially when you know the weather down. Slide the small clip down, which is attached to the wiper arm and the blade. Discard the old blade after replacing it with a new blade.
To make sure that the wiper blade has clicked into place, listen for a sound after having installed the new blade in the same groove.
Hose Leak
Your car will often start overheating when the hose of your radiator starts leaking and dries out. You can get back on the road easily when this happens if you already have a repair hose kit on hand.
Before doing anything, allow the engine to be cooled down, then cut out the leaking section using a knife at two spots that are apart from each other. Next, use the rubber cement and apply it to the coupling inside the kit. The coupling fits in your hose. Applying with the included clamps, install the coupling into the rubber cement. You will not be able to make the trip to your local mechanic with the repaired hose to have it replaced entirely.
Gas lifts
If you can replace your gas cylinders yourself, then why risk the noggin? All you need to do is make some lift purchases at any store that sells auto parts. While you disconnect the gas lift cylinder, have a helper hold up the hood until the worn lifts are replaced.
Many car styles, after having used a metric socket set, will simply unbolt. Others use socket and ball style connections which are in turn connected with spring clips. Between the cylinder and the clip, shove a small flat blade screwdriver to disengage the spring clip.
Headlight Bulb
If you keep a pack of spare bulbs inside your glove box, the replacement of bulbs is easy to perform. However, since every vehicle differs, you can check the owner’s manual for specific instructions on your model.
But for a more general guide, open your hood and remove the rubber boat from the back of the assembly lamp. The rubber boot protects the headlight and will get in the way of your repair. Afterward, release the chip which holds in place the bolt and unplug the harness around the wires.
Pull the old antenna from the pillar followed by the string when you have unscrewed the antenna’s mount. Using the screws provided, attach the pillar to the new antenna.
Leaky Sunroof
It does not take an expert to say that the sunroof drains are clogged if the raindrops fall on your head. Even so, with just a few minutes to spare, you can fix it yourself.
In the rear and front corners of your sunroof, start looking for drain holes. Duct tape a plastic tube and a small rubber once you locate the drains towards the shop vacuums end.
Next, check under the car to see if the dribbled water is draining onto the garage floor or the driveway. Buy a speedometer cable if the drain is still plugged. Gently push the cable into the drain after inserting it into the drain. Spin it with your fingers.
When you have snaked it around the speedometer cable, flush out the drain. You’re done!
Find more car related tips and tricks on Torque Trigger
Final thoughts
Sometimes, all you need with common car problems is to have the right tools on hand for quick and simple repairs. Keeping a few small items like a jump back can get you off the road safely and quickly.