DIY Guide to Fixing the Most Common Car Issues

Introduction to Common Car Issues

If your check engine light comes on, don’t panic. It could indicate something as simple as a loose gas cap or a more serious issue, but either way, you’ll want to get it checked out. The most common causes for the check engine light are:

• A faulty sensor: Things like oxygen sensors, mass air flow sensors, and crankshaft position sensors fail over time and can trigger the light. An auto parts store can scan for the code to determine the specific sensor.
• Faulty fuel injector: Fuel injectors spray fuel into the cylinders, and a clogged or failing injector will activate the light. This can reduce performance and fuel economy.
• Loose or broken gas cap: A loose or missing gas cap allows fuel vapors to escape, triggering the light. Replace or tighten the cap and the light should turn off within a few days of driving.
• Catalytic converter issue: The catalytic converter controls emissions, and problems like a failing or clogged converter will illuminate the check engine light. Expensive to replace but important for the environment and passing emissions tests.

Other possibilities include a malfunctioning thermostat, dirty air filter, or spark plugs needing replacement. The good news is many common issues are relatively easy DIY fixes or inexpensive repairs at your local mechanic. The key is to have the specific trouble code scanned as soon as possible to determine the problem and solution to get your vehicle—and your bank account—back on the road.

Regular maintenance like oil changes, tune-ups, and tire rotations are the best ways to avoid surprise check engine lights. But rest assured, with some diagnosis and TLC, you’ll have your trusty companion back in working order in no time.

1. Checking and Changing Your Engine Oil

Checking and changing your engine oil is one of the easiest ways to keep your vehicle running well. If you’re not mechanically inclined, don’t worry – this is something anyone can do!

• Gather Your Supplies

First, you’ll need to get the right oil for your vehicle’s engine. Check your owner’s manual to find the correct oil type and capacity.

• Locate he Oil Drain Plug and Filter

The oil drain plug is at the bottom of the oil pan under your car. Place the oil pan underneath it to catch the drained oil. The oil filter is usually near the oil pan – it’s a cylindrical object that screws on.

• Drain the Old Oil

Loosen and remove the oil drain plug using the wrench and let the oil drain from the engine into the pan. This typically takes 30 minutes.

• Change the Oil Filter

Use the oil filter wrench to unscrew the old filter counterclockwise. Apply a thin coat of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter and screw it on clockwise by hand. Tighten about 3/4 to 1 full turn after the gasket first contacts the oil filter base.

• Refill with New Oil

Replace the oil drain plug and tighten securely. Open the oil filler cap on top of the engine, and pour in the new oil through the opening. Check the dipstick to ensure it’s filled to the correct level. Start the engine and check for leaks. Let it run for a few minutes. Shut off the engine and recheck the oil level with the dipstick. Add oil if necessary.

Congrats, you did it! By routinely changing your oil every 3,000 to 7,500 miles depending on your vehicle and driving conditions, your engine will last much longer and run more efficiently. You’ve got this!

2. Replacing Your Car’s Air Filter

Replacing your air filter is one of the easiest DIY fixes you can do to keep your car running well. A clean air filter means better gas mileage and performance. It’s a cheap fix that can save you money in the long run.

• Locating the Air Filter

Your air filter will be in a large, oblong box in your engine bay. It’s typically near your engine’s air intake. Check your owner’s manual for the exact location and specifications for your vehicle make and model.

• Removing the Old Filter

Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine. Allow the engine to cool for at least 30 minutes. Loosen the screws or bolts on the air filter housing with your screwdriver or wrench and lift off the lid. Remove the old, dirty air filter. It may come out easily by hand, or you may need to gently pry it out with a flathead screwdriver. Make sure not to rip or damage the filter. Wipe down the inside of the air filter housing with a damp cloth to remove any excess dirt or debris.

• Installing the New Filter

Place the new air filter into the housing with the airflow arrow pointing in the direction of the engine. The arrow shows the direction the filter is designed to filter air. Put the lid back on the air filter housing and tighten the screws or bolts. Start your vehicle and check to make sure the new air filter is secure and fitted properly. There should be no rattling sounds coming from the engine bay. Drive your vehicle around for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the new air filter to settle in. Your engine and fuel economy performance should improve noticeably once the new, clean air filter has been installed.

Be sure to change your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles to keep your engine running strong. A clean air filter and regular maintenance will help keep your vehicle on the road for years to come.

3. Checking and Filling Coolant Levels

Checking and filling your coolant levels is an easy DIY task that can help prevent overheating and other engine damage. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, circulates through your radiator and engine to regulate temperature.

Low coolant levels can lead to an overheated engine, so check your coolant reservoir regularly and refill as needed. The coolant reservoir will be a translucent plastic tank, typically near the radiator, with “coolant” or “antifreeze” markings. Check the coolant level with the engine cold for the most accurate reading.

• Locating the Coolant Reservoir

Open your hood and locate the coolant reservoir, which will be a translucent plastic tank near the radiator. It may be labeled “coolant” or have the antifreeze symbol on it, which looks like a temperature gage. On most vehicles, the coolant reservoir can be found along the firewall in the engine bay.

• Checking Coolant Levels

Look at the side of the coolant reservoir—you should see high and low level markings. The coolant level should be between these two marks when the engine is cold. If the level is at or below the “low” mark, it’s time to add more coolant.

• Adding Coolant

Before adding coolant, check your vehicle’s manual to determine the correct coolant type. The most common types are ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Adding the wrong type can damage your engine.

With the engine cool, slowly pour coolant into the reservoir until it reaches the proper level. Do not overfill. Replace the reservoir cap and you’re done! Start the engine and check levels again once it reaches operating temperature. Add coolant if necessary.

Be sure to have your coolant system pressure tested periodically to check for any leaks or other issues. Coolant, like many automotive fluids, breaks down over time and needs to be flushed and refilled as recommended in your owner’s manual, typically every 2-5 years depending on the type.

Keeping your coolant at the proper level and having the system serviced regularly are two of the easiest ways to avoid overheating, help your vehicle run efficiently, and prolong the life of your engine. Check it and fill it—you’ve got this!

4. Changing a Flat Tire

A flat tire is one of the most common car issues, but the good news is you can easily fix it yourself. Here’s how to change a flat tire in a few easy steps:

• Park on a level surface

Pull over to a safe, flat area. Engage the parking brake and turn on your hazard lights for visibility.

• Get the jack and spare tire

The jack and spare tire are usually located in the trunk. If not, check your owner’s manual for the correct location.

• Loosen the lug nuts

Lug nuts are the bolts that secure the wheel to the wheel hub. Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire, but do not remove them yet. Only loosen them about 1/2 turn before jacking up the car.

• Position the jack

The jacking points are the reinforced areas of the frame designed specifically for the jack. Consult your owner’s manual to find the jacking points for your specific vehicle make and model.

• Raise the jack

Raise the jack until the flat tire is just off the ground. Double check that the jack is stable and secure before going under the vehicle.

• Fully remove the lug nuts

Finish removing the lug nuts and set aside. Remove the flat tire and put the spare tire on the lug bolts.

• Hand-tighten the lug nuts

Align the spare tire and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

• Lower the jack

Lower the jack until the tire is on the ground, then remove the jack.

• Tighten the lug nuts

Tighten the lug nuts in a star or criss-cross pattern with the lug wrench.

• Replace tools and spare

Replace the jack, lug wrench, and flat tire in their proper storage locations in your vehicle. Have the flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Changing a flat yourself can save time and money. With the right tools and technique, you’ll be back on the road in no time.