To DIY or to not DIY, that is the question. Unfortunately, the truth is that most of the time the answer will be to trust a professional. You won’t be able to repair your own car unless you have a wide knowledge of auto repair and you have the tools to work with. Here are a few of the things you may be able to fix by yourself with simple tools accessible tools:
Replace a Broken or Worn Drive Belt: If your car starts to sound a bit like a pig and starts to squeal when you start it then it may be the drive belt. Sometimes you may not even hear a noise but always check. If the belt is cracked or worn then it’s always better to replace it and prevent further damage. Other times this notice maybe because it’s loose and just needs to be tightened.
Replace Your Battery and Alternator: You put your key in the ignition and it’s just not starting or the accessories are just not lighting up there are two possible situations. It’s either the battery or the alternator. To test if either or both are dead you will need to use a multimeter. That way you will clearly see that if one of them isn’t showing enough power, then you will need to replace it.
Replace Your Brake Pads: If you hear a squeal when you apply the brakes, the pads need to be replaced. The brake pads, however, are an easy replacement you can even do it yourself.
Fix Exterior Coolant Leaks: Sometimes you notice liquid dripping from the bottom of your car. This means that you might have a leak. This liquid tends to be antifreeze and if you are lucky enough it may be from a small hole or a crack on one of the exterior hoses. Take a moment to stop your car, pop the hood and do some investigation for the same colored liquid draining from a hose or plastic piece. If you see the leak, do not touch it and you may be able to fix it yourself. All you would need to do is just unclamp the leaking hose, put in a new one and re-clamp. Not that hard right? If you are not lucky enough to find the leak then it may be your radiator. This means it’s time to take your car into the shop.
When It comes to the physical look of the vehicle (metal deformation, cracked windows, ripped seats, burned plastic or leather) it’s better to leave the professionals to it. At the end of the day, if you care about the aesthetics, it would be better to pay a price to get it looking just like it used to than doing it yourself and risking causing greater damage or not getting the finish you expected. If that’s the case for you, make an appointment with us here, or give us a call at (305) 908-5545 – we’re here all week!.