Help Us Help Ourselves

I noticed a dearth of car related advice in the last round out. Cars are essential for a lot of people, and they cost bucks to maintain. Most tune up work can be done by anyone with a minimum of investment in tools. Parts’ prices at Autozone (my favorite store) are so much lower than what the mechanic charges that you quickly come out ahead even with the cost of tools. Even for repairs that you cannot do yourself, understanding what is broken and what needs to be fixed can keep you from being ripped off. Things that are easily changed by the home mechanic:

Oil
Spark plugs/plug wires
Air filter
Fuel filter
Radiator fluid
O2 sensor
PCV valve
clean the MAF

All of these are easy enough to do early Sunday morning while the apartment complex manager is still hungover and won’t bust you.

Things which can also be changed by the home mechanic but maybe require access to a driveway:

Belts
Hoses
Radiator
Alternator (depending on your engine)
Brake pads

Start by purchasing a Haynes or Chiltons manual. They are issued for specific make/model/years and have pictures of your engine including exploded views, pictures of the tools you need, and step-by-step instructions. Googling will help you come up with all sorts of instructions as well. Look around for forums specific to your car where you can ask questions and learn from others. Check out the forums on cartalk.com.

Clip your nails first, or you are guaranteed to tear one. Remember your safety goggles, jackstands, and wheel blocks.

And make sure there’s a six pack in fridge BEFORE you start. You will really need it when you are done (drinking while working is not recommended).

I have a soup that you can add to the recipe list.