Hybrid technology, computer engine management, drive-by-wire controls… Thanks to all the innovations in today’s cars, many owners are now afraid of their automobiles. The reality is that this fear could be costing drivers hundreds of dollars in auto shop labor. While some shops charge about $50 an hour, there are others that charge well past $100 for labor.
In the first part of this two-part feature, you will hopefully be inspired to take on some of your own simple vehicle repairs. With the right tools and safety precautions, you can save hundreds of dollars. Compared to an average labor cost of $85 an hour, it's worth a try.
For your own safety, it's recommended that you wear safety glasses before making any auto repairs.
Replacing worn spark plugs
Tools required: Ratchet, spark plug socket, spark plug gapping toolThankfully, through the years, the spark plug has continued to remain an enduring technology in the standard gasoline engine. It is an essential part to providing the combustion, and a foul spark plug can drastically reduce your engine's efficiency and cost you at the gas pump. With an exception noted for a few vehicles (the older Toyota Privera minivan for one), spark-plug repairs can be conducted without any distress.
First, locate your spark plug by finding a series of thick spark-plug wires in parallel or semi-parallel order, and remove them carefully from the plugs by firmly grasping the wire's boot and pulling. Remove and replace one at a time, as mixing the order of the wires may cause mistiming in the engine. Next, using a spark-plug socket and a ratchet, remove the spark plug to check if it needs replacing. If the inside of the spark plug is covered in black deposits, a new plug is needed.
With the new spark plug, check your vehicle specifications for a process called gapping. Gapping is setting the distance between the electrodes. Thread the spark plug into the engine first by hand, then tighten it with a torque wrench or ratchet that abides by the manufacturer's specifications. Reattach the spark plug wire and repeat this step for the other spark plugs.
Mechanic: $85 (labor) + $25 (six spark plugs) = $100
DIY: $23.94 (six spark plugs)
Savings: $72.08
Changing a headlamp bulb
Tools required: Clean rag, screwdriverReplacing headlamp lights have actually become one of the only do-it-yourself tasks simplified through the advancement of automotive technology. Headlamps are commonly found in two main configurations: the sealed-beam style and the replaceable bulb style (sometimes called Euro style). The sealed-beam variety, found in round and rectangular shapes, requires the entire bulky headlamp unit to be replaced. Today, almost every vehicle in production utilizes the replaceable bulb configuration because it offers greater aesthetic possibilities for vehicle designers. While similar steps are taken in the replacement of both headlights, a smaller light bulb needs only to be changed.
Purchase an appropriate bulb for your vehicle. To change a modern-style headlight bulb, you will start by popping the vehicle's front hood. Next, find a black knob at the back of the headlamp assembly, push it in and turn to remove it. The light bulb needing replacement will be connected on the other side of the knob. Disconnect the power plug from the light bulb. While avoiding touching the glass filament, attach the new headlight bulb to the power plug. Re-screw the black knob with the replacement headlight bulb. Finally, activate the headlamps to ensure they're working.
Mechanic: $85.00/4 (labor) + $12.99 (headlamp bulb) = $34.24
DIY: $12.99
Savings: $21.25
Replacing a battery
Tools required: ANSI-approved gloves, eye protection, voltmeter, cleaning wire brush, wrench for battery terminal connection, petroleum jellyThe battery is the heart of your automobile's electrical system, getting an increasingly greater workload as mechanical systems are now being substituted with computer-controlled modules. Remaining relatively unchanged, car batteries are easy for a do-it-yourself repair. However, the diagnosing of a bad battery would require some additional steps before proceeding to replace it. Make sure that the electrical problem is not in a bad starter or alternator. The best thing to do is to test the battery with a voltmeter. If the battery measures less than 9.7 volts when attempting to start the engine, it needs to be swapped. To carry out the battery change, you'll need to wear proper ANSI-approved gloves and eye protection to avoid contact with battery acid.
To change the battery, first locate your old battery in the vehicle’s engine compartment. Before doing anything, make sure the vehicle is turned completely off. Remove the negative cable identified by “-” or a black mark. Secondly, disconnect the positive cable from the battery terminal marked with either “+” or a red accent. As a precaution, put the positive cable end in a plastic bag to prevent touching with any metal within the car. This will also allow you to identify the positive cable upon reinstallation. Remove the battery hold-down clamps and carefully lift the old battery out of the car.
Need to replace a blown fuse on your own? No problem!...
If corrosion exists on the cable connectors, use a wire brush to strip it away. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly inside the connectors and set the new battery in place. To hook the battery into the electrical system, connect the positive-marked cables first and then proceed with the negative cables.
Finally, restart the car to test the battery.
Mechanic: $50 (electrical test) + $64.99 (battery) = $114.99
DIY: $64.99 (battery) + $29.99 (voltmeter) = $94.98
Savings: $20.01
Replacing a blown fuse
Tools required: Needle-nose pliers or fuse removal tweezersWhen an electrical item in the car fails, it may be as easy as replacing a small electrical fuse. Much like an electrical system in a household or building, automobiles rely on fuses to protect the circuitry from overload. Inside the fuse box, you will notice several fuses varying in amperage and color. Commonly, the vehicle fuse panel is under the driver's side of the dashboard console. Many vehicles also have another set of fuses under the hood. The fuse layout will vary between make and model; some fuse layout information may be available in your owner's manual.
To replace a fuse, use a pair of Needle-nose pliers to extract the fuse you want to check. To determine if the fuse is blown, look inside the fuse's transparent casing at a center loop. If the loop has been broken, the fuse needs to be replaced with a new one of the same amperage. In an emergency, to restore an essential electronic component, you could possibly swap a fuse of identical amperage from a less vital connection.
Mechanic: $50 (electrical test) + $2.29 (one fuse) = $52.29
DIY: $2.29 (one fuse)
Savings: $50
Replacing a fuel filter
Tools required: Two open-ended wrenches, latex gloves, large catch pan, clean ragsDue to the fast rate of contaminated buildup, many mechanics recommend replacing the car's fuel filter every year or every 10,000 miles. As you can tell, a fuel-filter replacement is one of the more advanced do-it-yourself tasks for two reasons. Firstly, the process involves working close to flammable fuel. Secondly, in order to access the vehicle's fuel filter, the vehicle must be placed on jack stands.
To remove the old fuel filter, make sure the vehicle has been jacked securely, allowing it to sit unused for at least three hours. Go to the vehicle's fuse box and disconnect the fuel pump fuse and crank the engine. The vehicle won't start, but this action will depress the fuel line. Place the fuse back in its proper location.
Wear latex gloves for the next steps since you'll likely come into contact with gasoline. For precaution, disconnect the negative cable from the battery to prevent sparking a fire. Locate the fuel filter (often a cylindrical part) commonly found between the engine and the fuel tank beneath the car. Using a set of open-ended wrenches, a clean rag and a gas pan below the fuel filter, remove the bolts between the filter and the lines. Keep the rag around the hose when it's being loosened to shield yourself from residual fuel in the line while cautiously trying not to dent the fuel line. Carefully remove the inlet, followed by the outlet hose from the fuel filter. To install the new fuel filter, proceed with the removal steps in reverse.
Finally, reconnect the negative battery cable and and the fuse, start the engine and check underneath the car for any leaks.
Mechanic: $49.99 (labor) + $12.99 (fuel filter) = $62.98
DIY: $12.99 (fuel filter)
Savings: $49.99
mr. fix-it
Be aware that these do-it-yourself repair instructions only apply to certain vehicles. Some vehicles might differ and require a service manual you can purchase at an auto parts store. Bravery toward understanding your beloved vehicle is encouraged, but it is still well-advised that you make an effort to take your car or truck to a licensed professional. These professional mechanics have spent years earning the skills to be automotive doctors. Along with potentially killing a newer car warranty, undertaking such repairs could also be a danger to you.References:
http://www.advanceautoparts.com/english/youcan/html/ccr/ccr20011001sp.html#Installation%20Tips
http://www.ehow.com/how_2630_replace-car-headlight.html
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ab_talk2diy/article/0,2021,DIY_13696_2457214,00.html
http://www.repairfaq.org/ELE/F_Car_Battery.html#CARBATTERY_009
http://www.autobatteries.com/basics/safety.asp
http://www.aa1car.com/library/auto_repair_costs
http://www.haynes.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Feature_ChangeFuseView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001
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