Being able to do things to your car helps you save money while keeping it well-maintained. Some car maintenance tasks are beyond your scope of knowledge and are better done by professionals, but most of them can be done at home. You’ll see five valuable skills to learn in this post, and they’ll help you handle some of the most common and important maintenance tasks alone!
Changing The Tyres
Knowing how to change the tyres on your car will save you a fortune in life. It’s also helpful when you have a flat, as you don’t need to call for roadside assistance. Most cars have the same tyre removal system: you unscrew the lug nuts from the tyre, lift it off and reverse the process with your new ones.
Replacing Oil & Filters
Regular oil changes are crucial to keep your car’s engine healthy. Modern cars will have built-in oil monitoring software that will show up on your dash when the levels are low. Alternatively, use the classic method of unscrewing the oil cap and putting the dipstick inside. Replacing oil is easy as you get the product and pour it in. Use a funnel to prevent spillages, and you’ll keep your engine in excellent condition.
At the same time, learn how to replace the filters in your car. New engine filters can improve performance and prevent common problems. They typically need replacing every two years. Likewise, find and replace your cabin filters once a year to ensure the HVAC system works efficiently.
Spot Welding
Take things to the next level and go on a welding course to learn how to use a welding machine on your car. It’s a useful skill to have in your locker as it helps you repair any minor cracks in the car’s underbody – or you can weld some of the electrical wires if they start to fray.
Keep in mind this is advanced stuff and you should only do it if you’re comfortable in your abilities. Kemppi welding machines are good options to have at home after you’ve completed the welding course. They’re fairly compact and can slot into your garage without taking up much space.
Replacing Bulbs
We can’t think of many things as irritating as a dud bulb in your car. It’s a huge inconvenience as it makes the car slightly less safe, and you usually have to take it to a garage for such a simple job. Watch online tutorials and learn how to replace the bulbs at home, saving a lot of time and money!
Removing & Replacing Brake Pads
If you learn how to remove a car’s tyres, then the next step is to remove and replace the brake pads. This is helpful to boost the car’s braking performance and reduce safety risks in older vehicles. If your brakes start to feel a bit squeaky or less responsive, then they may need replacing. Teach yourself to do this, and you will save money while upgrading your vehicle.
The cool thing about these skills is that they help you maintain your car – but they can also encourage you to make DIY improvements! We’ll end this with one critical note: it’s probably best to avoid doing these things if you’ve bought a car via finance options. Tampering with your vehicle or doing major DIY maintenance tasks might void your contract and leave you in trouble. Save these skills for cars you own outright.