You are pretty sure that your battery needs replacing, but you have no idea how much it will cost and how long it will take to get it done. So, you are unsure whether you should take your car to a garage right away or wait till the weekend. Or should you even attempt to do it yourself?
Owning a vehicle is a big responsibility; you often find yourself asking questions like these.
The infographic below created by Buy Auto Parts provides you the ultimate guide to knowing the level of time commitment, the cost of parts and tool kit necessary for any car repair work on your vehicle.
The key points in the infographic can be summarized below.
Replace wiper blades
Replacing your wiper blades is cheap and easy. It does not take much time and can be replaced using tools you can find easily in your home.
Replace air filters
A properly working air filter keeps debris out of your fuel tank. Dirt and muck in the oil tank may require cleaning of the fuel tank which is expensive and time consuming.
Replace headlight bulb
You can easily change your headlights using a screw driver in no time.
Change oil
Oil protects the moving parts from wear and tear. Dirty oil may even destroy your engine. So replacing oil on a regular basis is an essential part of keeping your vehicle well-functioning.
Install air intake
Air intake installation is highly recommended because it provides greater fuel economy, an increased acceleration and overall increase in performance. It takes about two hours and can be quite expensive but is well worth your time and money.
Replace air plugs
Damaged and worn out spark plugs can cause serious problems such as misfires, poor fuel economy and increased emissions. Ensure you are using OEM compatible plugs.
Change tires
Changing your tires is necessary for safety, performance and efficiency. You should learn how to change your tires. It is simple and doesn’t require much time.
Replace starter
Your car won’t start with a damaged starter. Make sure it is receiving steady power flow once installed.
Replace battery
If the electrical components of your vehicle (headlights, radio, starter, etc.) start showing problems, there may be problems with your battery. Changing a battery is a quick and easy job in most cars and vans and can be done with minimal tools.
Replace cooling fan
Cooling fans are an important part of your cooling system. Ensure the fans are not damaged if you’re working on your radiator.
Change brake pads
Maintenance and replacement of your brake pads is an obligatory measure of security. In addition, use of thinning, worn out brake pads may damage your rotors which are expensive. If you’re getting new rotors or calipers, always confirm that the brake pads are in good condition.
Change brake rotors
If you are having problems with braking despite well-functioning brake pads, it is time to check on the brake rotors. Change damaged rotors as early as possible to avoid difficulty of changing old rotors.
Replace alternator
If your alternators are failing you won’t be able to charge your batteries properly, so you will have trouble with electrical components in your vehicle. If you have a good battery, but are unable to power your electrical components, take a look at the alternator. This is a tough task and will require specialist knowledge.
Replace ignition switch
When the ignition switch is damaged, your car may not start and other accessories will not work. Fixing a switch can be a quick, simple task (for dashboard switch) or a lethargic, challenging one (for steering column switch).
Install navigation system
Paper maps are a thing of the past. A navigation system may be expensive but it will help you find directions easily compared to traditional approaches.
Replace wheel hub
Check your hubs for any signs of rust and corrosion, and replace them if necessary.
Replace radiator
The radiator is a critical part of your car’s cooling system. A poorly performing radiator could be the cause of your car’s excessive heating.
Replace shocks and struts
Shocks and struts must be in tip-top condition if you want to enjoy a smooth ride. Symptoms of damaged shocks and struts include difficulty in turning, bouncing and squeaking over bumps. Replacing them can be a tough, time consuming job in absence of proper tools.
Replace catalytic converter
Catalytic converters filter harmful toxic fumes from your vehicles before emission. They usually last the lifetime of your vehicle. However physical damage and certain additives in fuels can prematurely age the converters.
Replace oil pans
Debris, rust, slush and other substances can damage your oil pan. Damaged oil pans can cause oil leakage which can severely damage the engine. Ensure that you inspect for damage in oil pans every time you change the oil.
Replace fuel pumps
The fuel pump is responsible for pumping gas from fuel tank to engine. A completely damaged fuel pump will bring your vehicle to a halt. Fuel pumps do not usually get damaged, but when they do, be prepared to splash a lot of cash to get it fixed.
Replace water pumps
Water pumps circulate fluid whenever the engine is running to cool the hot engine. It is a crucial part of the cooling system. Replacing water pumps is very difficult and will need expert handling.
Replacing hybrid batteries
If you have a hybrid car, you may need to change your hybrid battery packs when your car has put has had enough mileage. Hybrid batteries are very expensive and more challenging to replace than usual batteries.
Replace turbocharger
Installing a turbocharger can add more power to your engine but it comes at an expensive price. It is an arduous process that demands an experienced mechanic.
Replace steering racks
If you have trouble turning your car around, the problem may be in the steering rack. Steering rack replacement is a laborious and costly process.
Replace clutch
Every clutch needs replacement at some point in time. Symptoms of failing clutches include gear slippage and unwanted shifting. While you can replace clutches yourself, you will need to devote about an entire day for it.
Replace A/C
Driving with an A/C adds comfort to your ride. If the temperature through the A/C vents is not as cold as they should be, you should get it inspected.
Change timing belt
Breaking the timing belt could result in major engine failure. Therefore, regular servicing of your timing belt is necessary to avoid its failure. Checking your timing belt every 75,000 miles is highly recommended.
Repair transmission
Problems in transmissions should be taken very seriously and should be dealt with as early as possible. If any problems exist, get a highly skilled mechanic to fix them. In addition make sure to replace gearbox oil or transmission fluid every 50,000 miles.
Featured photo credit: Vehicle of Estonian President via en.wikipedia.org
