You can trust Kearns Master Muffler car repair technicians to get the job done right. But what can you do yourself, and what should you leave to the experts?

Car Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Tire Change

Hopefully, as a teen driver, you were taught how to change a tire. It’s a useful skill all motorists should know how to tackle on their own. You only need a few tools to change a flat:

• Carjack
• Lug wrench
• Wheel wedges

And that’s it! Keep these items in your car, and be sure you know where your spare is stored in, on, or underneath your vehicle.

Check Tire Pressure 

Many vehicles these days can read your tire pressure and display it on your dashboard. If that’s not the case for you, simply use a tire gauge to check each wheel by hand. There are analog and digital gauges you can keep tucked into your glove compartment, and the recommended tire pressure information can usually be found printed on the inside of your car by the driver’s side door. 

Check Engine Oil

Since every vehicle comes equipped with a dipstick in the oil reservoir, you should familiarize yourself with the process of checking your engine oil levels. Refer to your owner’s manual if you’re not sure where the dipstick is located under the hood. The act of checking is quite simple; just pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a rag. Reinsert the dipstick into the reservoir and remove it again to see how far up the oil leaves a mark.

Change the Air Filter

Did you know you can change your car’s air filter yourself? It’s about a $10 part, and it’s usually located near the front of your car, behind the grill. It’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your filter because it is integral to the proper functioning of your engine. Internal combustion engines rely on oxygen and fuel to provide power to your vehicle, so a clean air filter is essential.

Change Car Battery

Changing your car’s battery may sound a bit intimidating, but it’s another car repair skill you can do with just a few tools. 

• Socket wrench (most cars require the coveted 10mm)
• Crescent
• Adjustable wrench or pliers
• Hammer 

Before you start to worry that the Kearns car repair experts have lost their minds, you will not be using the hammer to enthusiastically knock your battery out from under the hood. It’s just recommended to have it handy in case the terminal cables are holding extra tight to the terminal post.

 

As long as your car is turned off and the keys are removed from the ignition, you can feel confident about safely changing the battery in your car. Use your tools to loosen the bolts, remove the cables, and unfasten any metal plates holding the battery in place. You’ll do the reverse to install a new battery once the old has been lifted out.

Car Repairs You Should Leave to the Experts

You may be feeling pretty confident about your DIY mechanic skills, but there are still some tasks we think you should leave to our Kearns car repair professionals. 

Replacing the Timing Belt

Under the hood, your timing belt helps engine valves open and close as needed. Due to all the work it does, over time it can wear out. There are a lot of steps just getting to the timing belt, so it is best to leave this car repair task to the experts. It may seem easy enough to remove pulleys and get around camshafts and crankshafts but, remember, you have to put everything back together again when you’re done.

Checking/Replacing Airbags

If you’re buying a used car, you may want to check the condition of the airbags. Since these are a vital safety component in a  vehicle, we do recommend having a certified auto repair tech take a look at them. Even if you are the sole owner of your vehicle, some manufacturers do suggest having airbags inspected every ten years.

Clutch Replacement

The clutch serves as the connection between your engine and the transmission. Since it experiences a lot of friction, even when you’re a pro at shifting gears, the clutch can wear down. If it needs replacing, get in touch with Master Muffler Kearns for this, and other engine repair needs, since an engine hoist makes this job much easier. 

Engine Work

Yes, you can purchase a tool that will allow you to read engine codes and understand why your dashboard is lighting up. But, deciphering the reasons those codes are triggered isn’t always straightforward. Your engine might simply be low on coolant, or there could be a bigger issue at hand. When that “Check Engine” symbol on your dash turns on, it’s best to schedule Kearns car repair services as soon as possible.

Air Conditioning 

It’s true you can add freon (coolant) to your vehicle’s air conditioning system if it isn’t blasting that icy cool air you crave this summer. But did you know that the AC system is a closed system, so if it needs more freon it’s a sign of a bigger problem? A leak can’t be fixed just by pouring more freon into the system. To recharge or troubleshoot your AC, call the pros.

Alignment

As mentioned, you were probably taught how to change a tire when you were a teen. And while you may feel confident throwing a spare on, or putting your new set of wheels on yourself, we recommend having a professional tire alignment and suspension check if you notice any issues with your vehicle. Changes to steering may indicate you need your alignment adjusted, and Master Muffler Kearns has the technology needed to get you safely back on the road.