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The Do it Yourself Mechanic (DIY Home Car Repair)

The Internet has become a valuable resource of information regarding automobile repair and maintenance. Practically every tidbit of information can be found – from researching a funny “buzzing” or “creaking” noise coming in your engine compartment or finding best type of engine oil for your vehicle.

In addition, many people are ordering their auto parts online, from stores like Best Source Auto Parts and attempting to repair their own vehicles. Repairs can vary from basic auto maintenance tasks like: changing the engine oil & replacing the oil filter and replacing the air filter to replacing a timing belt or timing chain or doing an engine rebuild.

Before any do-it-yourself’er should attempt any unfamiliar repairs, here are a few guidelines and tips.

  • Purchase a repair manual or CD for your specific vehicle. It’s preferable to have the paper manual, as it’s an easy referral tool in your garage. Or, if you have a CD, be sure to print out ahead of time any references you will need for your job. We sell many of the paper repair manuals (Bentley Repair Manuals), which really are the best resource you can have to help you with your vehicle.

  • Make sure you have all the appropriate tools for the job. This includes metric sized tools - even domestic cars may have foreign parts and thus metric bolts and screws. Some parts will be hard-to-reach, so make sure you have appropriate extensions and flex-heads for your ratchets. In some cases, special tools may be required which are not part of a standard home garage, so check to see what you’ll need ahead of time.

  • Before removing hardware that’s rusted or corroded, consider treating with a spray (like Kroil’s AeroKroil) to penetrate and help loosen. It’s very easy to strip and/or break nuts and bolts that are in this condition, and once broken, may be impossible to remove without drilling out or cutting.

  • Use small aluminum trays or zip-type bags with labels to store removed hardware and small parts. This will help keep you from losing them, or having them fall into a crevasse in the engine that’s impossible to reach. You can also clean the parts while in the trays before re-installing them, and makes re-assembly more efficient.

  • If you’re in a rush to get the car fixed, don’t begin on Sunday, unless you know you’ll have access to an auto parts store or have alternate transportation! Many times, you’ll wind up needing a part, and may need to run to the local auto parts store to get it. If it’s closed, you may wind up with an immobilized vehicle and no way to get to work!

  • Don’t do major repairs if you’re not comfortable! Safety comes first, and an improper repair can cause major damage or compromise your safety. You can always order the parts you need, and then bring the car to your local professional mechanic for repair.


    • Back to Car Maintenance Resources and Tech Tips

    ©Copyright Ryan Taliercio, Dynamic Circle, Inc. for The Best Source, Inc.