If you are a DIY passionate and want to do your car repair yourself, then you must first learn the basics of car repair. Car mechanics have their own tools and specifications, even lingo that anyone can learn. Whether it is an emergency or scheduled maintenance, here are some essentials about car repair that everyone should know.

Essentials for Car Repair

All car mechanics need tools and there are a few essentials that you must have to perform most of the car repairs. A beginner's set of tools can include a few wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and a good pair of channel locks. Add a jack, penetrating oil, and a little safety gear and you are all set. You can visit the car parts store to get these tools, but as you do enough repairs, you will soon have a roomful of this stuff, so don't panic if you don’t have too many when you are just starting out.

The next thing to have is a car repair manual. A manual that is specific to your car model can give you great information about where the different parts are located and any special functions or technique you need to use. Remember, while all cars are essentially the same, different makes and models do have minor differences that can lead to a lot of frustration if you are following general advice.

The other thing to consider is whether you should buy secondhand car parts. Yes, you can save some cash by getting them at a garage sale, but there is always the risk that it will not work. In the end, a bad choice can make you spend more.

Car Repair in an Emergency Situation

You are driving somewhere, and you get a flat tire. Or, your car will not start, and you need to get to somewhere urgently. Do you know what to do in these kinds of situations?

It is a good idea for every driver to know how to jump-start a dead battery because calling a tow truck can take time and money, as well. Also, this can be tricky on some newer models of cars. Try to learn these procedures before they happen, so that you have some idea.

Here is some guidance on how to do a few basic car repair jobs.

Changing oil

It is not mandatory for you know how to change oil but knowing this can enable you to save some money. Get a cheap pair of ramps and do it yourself and you can look up how to do it online.

Read a dipstick

Dipsticks tell you if your car has enough or too much oil in it, but wait, there is more. They will also give you an idea of how bad the oil is, and potentially how poorly the car is maintained. Do not buy a second-hand car if there is grit all over dipstick.

J****** it up

You can jack up your car in a good or a bad way. Putting a jack under your oil pan, for example, is a great way to transfer all the oil from your engine to the floor of your garage before you replace your oil pan. There are several areas where it is best to put a jack, but if you do not know, consult your owner's manual. It will tell you which the best spot for your specific car is.

Change a tire

A flat tire can be irritating and waiting for someone else to change it for you, can make it all the way worse. Get a friend to teach you or learn it using an online tutorial, and you will be all independent if such a situation arises.

Conclusion

There are many other car repair basic jobs that you can learn to do yourself. However, before trying your hand at it, make sure you know what you are doing. If the problem is severe, your best option is to take the car to a repair shop instead of messing with it yourself.