The world of auto repair does not have to be a mysterious and confusing subject. With the right tools, the right information and a logical step-by-step approach to the car, there are many problems that can be solved by the enterprising do-it-yourself mechanic. The key to DIY auto repair is to learn the right way to approach a problem in a car, rather than simply diving under the hood with wrenches as soon as you suspect a problem.
Note exactly what is not working properly with the car. The issues that cars can have are too varied to list here, but they can include not shifting properly, low power, braking problems, electrical problems, not starting, or making an abnormal noise or smell. Define exactly what the problem is in order to find out what you need to do to fix your car. If your car has a warning light on and was made in 1996 or later, you should plug in an OBD-II sensor to receive a diagnostic reading. OBD stands for "On Board Diagnostics," and a home OBD-II scanner can be found at your local automotive supply store. If you are interested in repairing cars built after 1996 this tool will be a critical part of your home garage. A quick scan can quickly isolate where the problem is in the vehicle.
Obtain the repair manual for your particular model of car. Repair manuals are the professional guides to auto maintenance, and if you want to repair a car at home, it is far better to obtain a repair manual than it is to just dive in blindly. Companies like Haynes and Chilton make repair guides for cars made by major manufacturers. Make sure you get the correct manual for your car. Some sites allow you to view repair manuals online rather than waiting for a paper shop manual. Chilton offers online manuals, as does a company called Mitchell1.
Find the part that you need to replace in the car and order it from your part shop or over the Internet. Most problems in modern cars will require the replacement of a part. In older cars, there is sometimes work that can be done through adjustments and tune ups, such as cleaning and adjusting carburetors. In new cars, if your car is not working properly it will often require the instillation of a new part.
Verify that you have all the proper tools for the job. Your Internet or paper repair manual should clearly spell out for you which tools you are going to require. For basic jobs such as changing a spark plug, the requirements will be small. You won't need much more than a spark plug wrench and a gauge to measure the gap. For more complex jobs, there may be more complex tool requirements. If you don't have the tools required, borrow or buy them.
Undertake the repair. Follow the instructions carefully. There may also be instructions included with your replacement part that need to be followed. The closer you follow all instructions to the letter, the better the chances are that you will complete a functional and safe repair. Always make sure that all bolts have been tightened appropriately when bolting parts of a car back together. Loose bolts can fall completely off if they shift due to the vibrations in a car.
