Repairing something as large and complex as an automobile can seem daunting, but some jobs are simple enough for novices. Here are the ten automotive repair projects anyone can do, as identified by Jalopnik readers.
Welcome back to Answers of the Day — our Jalopnik summer feature where we take the best ten responses from the previous day's Question of the Day and shine it up to show off. It's by you and for you, the Jalopnik readers. Enjoy!
Photo Credit:Kendrak
10.) Oil & Filter Change
How-To Instructions: Jalopnik
Suggested By: MorelOrelHershiser
Why It's Easy: You don't need a ton of tools, there's only a couple of steps, and it's an easy way to introduce yourself to working on your own car. Just follow your manufacturer's guidelines for how frequently you need to do the job, and you should be fine. If you do a good job, maybe someday you can get these ladies to stop by and help out.
Photo credit: Auto Repair Philadelphia
9.) Replace Wiper Blades
How-To Instructions: About.com
Suggested By: SCR
Why It's Easy: Replacing your used wiper blades with new ones is one of the easiest jobs on your car, and one of the most important. You don't even have to get your hands dirty. If your current blades are leaving streaks on your windshield, it's time to get a new pair.
Photo credit: Andy Wana
8.) Wash & Wax
How-To Instructions: Jalopnik
Suggested By: teampenske3
Why It's Easy: Do it in the shade, make sure it's wet, and take your time. There's all kinds of cool space-age polymer technology out there to make sure your ride stays shiny, so don't miss a spot. Your car will thank you later.
Photo credit: Classic Car Spa
7.) Change Headlight & Taillight Bulbs
How-To Instructions: Edmunds
Suggested By: Potbelly Joe
Why It's Easy: In most cases, this task is just a question of getting to the clips that hold the bulbs in. Just pretend it's a puzzle. When completed, swapping out burned-out bulbs for new ones can save you big bucks in tickets later on.
Photo credit: Kaptain Kobold
6.) Tire Rotation
How-To Instructions: Tire Rack
Suggested By: MMASpacecadet
Why It's Easy: Tire rotation is important because it keeps the wear on your tires equal. By putting each tire at each position on the four corners of the car, it keeps the tread wear going at an even pace. There are different rotation patterns for different kinds of cars though, so if your car is front-wheel drive, has different sized tires front and rear, or has directional tires, make sure you rotate them accordingly.
Photo credit: Superior Car Talk
5.) Replace Spark Plugs
How-To Instructions: Jalopnik
Suggested By: Rushin Russian
Why It's Easy: Now we're getting to the nitty-gritty. You're gonna need some specialized tools and precision wrenching for this one. You might have to gap your plugs. You might not. Always check your owner's manual and the spark plug packaging before attempting to gap. Otherwise, just follow the instructions.
Photo credit: asgw
4.) Change a Flat Tire
How-To Instructions: Jalopnik
Suggested By: brian1321
Why It's Easy: New drivers should be taught how to change a flat during Driver's Ed. You never know when or where you're going to have to do it, and it's really not that difficult a task, so there's no excuse not to know how.
Photo credit: Ryan Stanton
3.) Changing the Air Filter
How-To Instructions: Jalopnik
Suggested By: Irishman
Why It's Easy: So easy, a monkey could probably manage to do it. Un-pop the clips, pull out the old filter, put the new one in, and reattach the clips. Boom. Done. Be careful not to damage any other parts or wiring while you're in there, and you're all set.
Photo credit: Xgrind
2.) Changing A Dead Battery
How-To Instructions: Jalopnik
Suggested By: gman1023
Why It's Easy: Once you fight your way through any corrosion or stubborn posts and terminals, pulling out an old battery and dropping in a new one is pretty straightforward. It's a good opportunity to do some engine cleaning while you're in there, too.
Photo credit: CRX Community
1.) Replacing a Hose
How-To Instructions: Jalopnik
Suggested By: Avastmateys
Why It's Easy: Once your engine has cooled off and you've disconnected the battery, swapping out an old hose for a new one is pretty basic. Loosen the clamps, pull out the hose, transfer the clamps to the new hose, and put it back on. It'll make a world of difference to your engine.
Photo credit: Corvette Forum