Let’s start you off on a journey you thought not possible… how to fix a car. Your own car. Anyone can do minor repairs and save lots of money. We know at first it may seem scary, but like anything, the more you explore and learn, the more comfortable you will be.
You CAN do this, and we’ll show you how you can get started. So get ready to get down and oily here at the Hotspot!
Why learn how to fix a car?
It’s a great feeling of accomplishment if you fix your own car. Even if you don’t feel comfortable under the hood, it’s still a great feeling to know your car better, and be knowledgeable before you bring your vehicle in for service. It’s an all around win to know what’s happening under the hood.
The best reason (for us poor folk at least) is learning how to fix a car can save lots of money. Basic car maintenance or repair is very expensive. However, most basic maintenance you can do yourself and save hundreds of dollars. Plus, you feel confident the job was done right! Or at least we think it was done right.
Using the right references.
So we’ve convinced you to learn how to fix your car. We can’t show you a step-by-step in one little article, as there’s hundreds of repairs that you can do for your car. However, we can show you a “proper” way to use references to begin your car fixing quest. This will give you an effective method for getting started, and avoid early frustrations.
1. Read your car manual
If you can find it, read the user manual that came with your car. You can skip obvious sections that you already know, but pay particular attention to sections on maintenance and parts of your car. You will feel the confidence starting to occur just by reading your own car manual!
2. Purchase a repair manual
There are several types of repair manuals you can purchase. We recommend to purchase an actual hard copy manual you can hold in your hand. However, you can purchase digital copies for convenience. You can find these manuals online or at your favorite auto parts store. Find the manual for your car (year and model). Here are some for reference:
- Haynes Auto Repair Manuals
- Chilton Auto Repair Manuals
- Your own car service manual (published by the automaker)
Every car has a service manual that you can purchase. Your car manual may have information in it on how you can purchase the repair manual. If not, you can also check with the dealer on how you can purchase. While it might be pricey (upwards to $200) it will save you thousands in repair costs!
READ THE MANUALS PARTICULARLY THE INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION!
Read and study the manuals no matter how excited you are to get started. And, no matter how bored you are with the manuals. Understanding the tools you need, and how to perform a job safely is important. Very important. Therefore, read the introductory sections of the manual and study it!
3. Use Youtube to watch car repair guides
After you have read the manuals, you’ll be ready to try your own maintenance and repair. You should have your tools and equipment ready (the repair manuals will explain what you need) prior to starting your own car service.
Youtube is an excellent resource to show you how to do a car repair or service. You still want to have a repair manual handy along with Youtube. The car manuals contain torque specifications that you need, or instruction not apparent in videos.
When using Youtube, use specific keyword search related to your repair. For example: “How to replace brake pads on a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix”. Notice the search is for a specific repair and a specific year and model of car. You may not always find the Youtube video for your exact car, but most of the time it’s similar enough for you to reference and understand the repair needed for your own car.
4. You are prepared about how to fix a car.
If you’ve done due diligence in the previous step, you are now ready to try. Here’s some helpful tips when first starting out:
- Be patient and take your time. For first time repairs set extra time aside to complete the repair so that you don’t feel time pressure. If rushed, mistakes are more easily made.
- The number one barrier that will frustrate you and stop you in your car repair tracks is “stuck” nuts and bolts. They may appear impossible to loosen, especially if old and rusted. Spend time learning methods to loosening stuck bolts. The more leverage you have (longer your wrench is) the easier it is to turn a stuck bolt. There’s also lubricants, oils, fire, and freezing at your disposal to “unstick” stuck and sticky things. It’s worth the time to learn these techniques.
- Always take time to document and note how you took apart your car when doing the maintenance or repair job. Because putting it back together is usually opposite of how it came apart. Though you might not think so, it is easy to forget how things go back on, particularly when orientation is involved.
- The final step is, don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. Or find a friend that wants to learn about repair as well and work together. Once you start speaking some of the lingo, you’ll find even pro mechanics LOVE to help you. Despite belief, they are very willing and happy to share their expertise with you. Besides, if you really blotch the job, that’s more money they get in repairs!
- CONFIDENCE. You may want to learn and start with “smaller” maintenance and repair jobs. Even help a friend do their repair. The more you do the more confidence you will have to take on more complex repairs. Mistakes will happen while learning. It happens to even the best mechanics!
