The prices in garages have risen drastically. It’s becoming more expensive because garages often refuse spare parts that customers have bought and brought with them. There are many things that drivers can repair themselves with a little manual skill and the right tools.
Do-it-yourself used to be common in vehicle repairs. But today the starting position is far more problematic, since the vehicle mechanics only make up a negligibly small part compared to the electronics. Nevertheless, drivers do not have to make a workshop appointment for every proverbial little thing. Even less experienced craftsmen can, for example, swap mirrors or windscreen wipers and change wheels. With professional manuals and instructions from professionals can be further Service areas on the car itself and repair. Step by step, the instructions guide you through the dismantling, through the preparation and assembly as well as through the functional test. If you don’t take action now, you shouldn’t complain about workshop prices and waiting times.
Screwdriver manual with 16 new tips
The motorcycle accessory chain Louis has added 16 new tips to its third edition of its “screwdriver handbook”, which deal with things such as polishing metal and synchronizing injection systems and carburetors. A total of 148 pages contain instructions for 41 maintenance and repair work on motorcycles and scooters that you can carry out yourself. The topics range from simple standards such as an oil change to comprehensive troubleshooting of starting problems or the use of a multimeter.
The screwdriver tips should not only be suitable for beginners, but can also serve as a checklist for advanced users. Louis offers the book in its branches and on www.louis.de at cost price of around 3 euros.
Volvo Trucks Driver’s Handbook App
Volvo Trucks driver’s handbooks are available online, as well as for smartphones and tablets. This should give customers, drivers and mechanics access to up-to-date, specific information for the respective chassis, regardless of time and place. Volvo is the first manufacturer to offer this service. The digital driver’s handbooks are available free of charge for the Volvo FH, FH16, FM and FMX models. They can be downloaded both from the Internet and as an app for smartphones and tablets from the App Store and Google Play. See Volvo Truck manuals.
What you can repair yourself despite mechanization on the car
The fact is that components connected to the control unit cannot be exchanged without reading out the engine control. This problem can be seen in the self-repair graphic and affects practically all vehicles that came onto the market after the year 2000. On the other hand, there are numerous components that can be repaired without a specialist in the workshop using professional instructions. With the right tools, a little DIY courage and the precise instructions from AUTODOC CLUB, drivers can, for example:
- Replace brake pads
- Change brake discs
- Replace springs
- Replace air filter
- Change V-belt
- Change rear silencer
- Replace oil and oil filter
- Create maintenance logs
- And replace wheel bearings.
These are just a few of the numerous examples of work that does not require a visit to the workshop and which, apart from the material and parts costs, does not require any financial expenditure. The removal of rust spots on the sills, on the doors or on the tailgate does not necessarily have to lead to the car workshop. Practical tips with specific instructions lead to the desired result and show how easy it can be to repair the vehicle. Laypersons certainly need more time than a mechanic who carries out the oil change on a daily basis. But DIY is fun and even if it takes more time, you save money and can be proud of your own work.
Own tools or self-help workshop?
You don’t need a lot of tools to change a wheel, replace the light bulbs or change the spark plugs. It is important to have the right wrench, pliers and, for some work, a jack. Anyone who has no space for a car repair without spectators in public traffic is well advised to go to a self-help workshop. The public car park is not suitable, especially when it comes to time-consuming repairs or an oil change. Ramps are practical for changing the oil, so that the used oil can be properly drained into a container provided and the filter can be replaced without any problems. The air filter change, on the other hand, can be done in the garage at home or outdoors without any problems and with a few simple steps and professional instructions.
One advantage of self-help workshops is that they are inexpensive to rent and include all the tools you need. In many cases, the operator is on site as a trained car mechanic and can provide support if a question arises despite the instructions. Stuck screws are one of the more common difficulties that present a seemingly unsolvable task when changing a wheel at home. With professional tools and a little know-how, the wheel nuts can be loosened without any problems and will not break off under any circumstances.
DIY is gaining ground in automotive repairs. Not only passionate tuners and craftsmen, but also amateurs can carry out many repairs on their car themselves. The savings are enormous and the car parts can be ordered cheaply online on the Internet.