There are two types of people in this world: those that want to know exactly how their gadgets work, and those who don’t bother and just want to use the gadget for whatever purpose it was acquired in the first place.
This applies for lots of devices, including smartphones, computers and automobiles. While the majority of us will just want their car to work and, for safety reasons, won’t meddle too much, others won’t mind popping up the hood every once in a while.
In case you’re one of those people that don’t want to mess around with their car, here are a few common car problems you can fix yourself, without risking your safety.
Headlight bulbs
Headlight bulbs are no different than your lightbulbs back home. All you need to do is pop the hood and look for the bulb. If you can reach it with your hand, just unscrew it. Take it to the nearest car parts shop and ask for the same one. Don’t try to buy a different one – stick with the factory settings.
Spark plugs
Another thing that sounds complicated, but is not – at all, are the spark plugs. They’re mostly cheap and easy to set up. Quality spark plugs can make your car run smoother, and have a better gas consumption.
Washer solution
The windshield solution keeps your windshield nice and clean, and also removes any ice or snow along the way. There are two types of solutions, based on the temperature outside, so make sure to choose the proper one for where you are at the moment. They can be found at every gas station. Pop the hood and find the tank. Remove the cap and pour in the solution. Put the cap back, and you’re good to go.
Air filters
Replacing an air filter is probably one of the easiest thing you can do to your car, yet one which will significantly improve your car’s overall performance. Together with changing oil filters, these are also the essentials of managing your car. If you’re not certain how to do it, ask a technician next time you visit Brake max.
Car battery
If the engine is the car’s heart, the battery is its brain. Before changing the part, make sure you wear protective gloves and eye protection, in case acid gets out of the battery. You can also use a voltmeter to check if the battery is valid. Anything below 9.7 volts should be replaced.
Windshield wipers
To change the windshield wipers, all you need is a basic screwdriver. It might seem trivial, but changing the rubber can drastically improve your driving experience. Make sure you purchase the right wipers before proceeding, because different cars use different sizes.
Blown fuse
A blown fuse in the car is the same as one back home. Your car comes with a fuse box which you can check to see if any are blown. There are usually three types of fuses, either glass tube, blade, or ceramic.
