A little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to your favorite set of wheels. Here are four easy DIY auto repairs that will save you a trip to the shop.
Replacing Your Wiper Blades
If your wiper blades leave streaks on your windshield, it’s time to change them. An auto repairs store will have a range of new blades that range from economy blades to the more expensive name-brand ones. Pick blades that suit your budget.
Clean Your EGR Valve to Fix Rough Idle
Tackle rough idle by cleaning out your EGR valve with a throttle body cleaner. Move the EGR valve so the liquid stays away from the electric solenoid and vacuum motor. Spray it till all the carbon build-up is washed away. Then, check that the metering rod is running smoothly by pushing down on it with a screwdriver. If the motion of the rod feels rough, clean it with a swab soaked in cleaner. Then, replace the EGR Gasket.
Replace Your Headlights
Shop for and buy a bulb that scores well on four fronts – brightness, life span, the color of the light, and the amount of energy it consumes. Once you’ve bought the bulb, replacing it is relatively easy. Remove the entire headlight assembly. From the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness by twisting the bulb gently and pulling it right out. Push the new bulb in and lock it into place by twisting it into the silicone O-ring seat. Reconnect the wiring harness and secure the rest of the headlight assembly.
Fix a Stuck Power Antenna
You’ll need an antenna wrench and a new cable/mast kit. Unscrew the bezel nut using an antenna wrench and remove the antenna retaining bolts, rivets, and retainers. Disconnect both the power and coaxial cable connectors and remove the unit from your car. Remove the cover screws and note where the gears and rollers go. Then, lift the cover, remove the old mast, and thread the new nylon cable and mast into the spool. Reinsert the gears and rollers and spray all the moving parts with lithium grease. Screw the cover back on, plug in the power antenna, and reinstall it in the fender.
