Basic Repairs | Automotive | Friday Night Wiki

DIY repairs that save money and build confidence with your vehicle.

Before You Start

Safety First

Rule	Why
Work on level ground	Car can roll
Use jack stands	Jacks can fail
Disconnect battery	Electrical safety
Wear eye protection	Debris, fluids
Use gloves	Chemicals, sharp edges
Have fire extinguisher	Just in case
Never work under car on jack alone	Jacks fail

Tools You Need

Basic Tool Kit

Tool	Uses
Socket set (metric/standard)	Most fasteners
Wrench set	Bolts, nuts
Screwdriver set	Various fasteners
Pliers (regular, needle-nose)	Gripping, pulling
Adjustable wrench	Various sizes
Flashlight	See in dark spaces
Jack and jack stands	Lifting vehicle
Funnel	Adding fluids
Drain pan	Oil changes
Torque wrench	Proper tightening

Nice to Have

Tool	Uses
OBD2 scanner	Reading codes
Multimeter	Electrical testing
Breaker bar	Stuck bolts
Ratcheting wrenches	Tight spaces
Magnetic pickup	Dropped fasteners
Creeper	Under-car comfort
Work light	Better visibility

Changing Oil

What You Need

Item	Notes
Correct oil type and amount	Check owner's manual
New oil filter	Vehicle-specific
Drain pan	At least 6 quart capacity
Funnel	For adding oil
Socket/wrench for drain plug	Check size first
Filter wrench	If filter is tight
Gloves and rags	It's messy
New drain plug washer	Often included with filter

Steps

Step	Instructions
1. Warm engine	Run 5 minutes (oil drains better)
2. Position drain pan	Under drain plug
3. Remove drain plug	Turn counter-clockwise, be ready for flow
4. Let drain completely	5-10 minutes
5. Remove old filter	Turn counter-clockwise
6. Prep new filter	Apply thin oil coat to gasket
7. Install new filter	Hand-tight plus 3/4 turn
8. Replace drain plug	With new washer, don't overtighten
9. Add new oil	Check manual for amount
10. Check level	Wait, check dipstick, add if needed
11. Start engine	Let run, check for leaks
12. Recheck level	After a few minutes
13. Dispose of old oil	Take to auto parts store

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Prevention
Wrong oil type	Check manual before buying
Over/under filling	Use dipstick, check capacity
Overtightening drain plug	Just snug
Forgetting filter gasket	Verify old gasket came off
Not checking for leaks	Always check after starting

Replacing Air Filters

Engine Air Filter

Step	Instructions
1. Locate air box	Usually a large plastic box near engine
2. Open air box	Clips, screws, or snaps
3. Remove old filter	Note orientation
4. Inspect housing	Clean any debris
5. Install new filter	Same orientation
6. Close air box	Secure all clips

Time: 5-10 minutes Cost savings: $15-30 vs shop

Cabin Air Filter

Step	Instructions
1. Locate filter	Usually behind glove box or under dash
2. Remove glove box	Usually squeeze sides, drop down
3. Access filter housing	May have cover to remove
4. Remove old filter	Note direction of airflow arrows
5. Insert new filter	Airflow arrows correct direction
6. Reassemble	Replace covers, glove box

Time: 10-15 minutes Cost savings: $30-50 vs shop

Replacing Wiper Blades

Types

Type	Description
Conventional	Metal frame with rubber blade
Beam	Frameless, single piece
Hybrid	Aerodynamic cover on frame

Steps

Step	Instructions
1. Lift wiper arm	Pull away from windshield
2. Find release mechanism	Tab, button, or clip
3. Remove old blade	Slide or unclip
4. Attach new blade	Reverse of removal
5. Test	Confirm secure fit
6. Lower arm carefully	Don't let it snap down

Time: 5 minutes Cost savings: $20-40 vs dealer

Replacing Headlight Bulbs

Access Methods

Type	Access
Back of housing	Open hood, reach behind
Remove housing	Unbolt housing from front
Through wheel well	Remove splash guard

Steps

Step	Instructions
1. Identify access	Check manual
2. Disconnect power	Unplug connector
3. Remove retainer	Clip, ring, or cover
4. Remove old bulb	Pull straight out
5. Install new bulb	Don't touch glass with fingers
6. Reassemble	Reverse order
7. Test	Both beams

Important: Don't touch halogen bulb glass with bare fingers. Oils cause hot spots and failure.

Time: 10-30 minutes depending on access Cost savings: $30-80 vs shop

Replacing Battery

Safety Notes

Remove negative terminal first
Connect positive terminal first when installing
Don't let terminals touch each other

Steps

Step	Instructions
1. Turn off car	Remove keys
2. Locate battery	Under hood or in trunk
3. Remove negative cable	Black, minus sign
4. Remove positive cable	Red, plus sign
5. Remove hold-down	Usually a bracket
6. Lift out battery	Heavy, use handles
7. Clean terminals	Wire brush if corroded
8. Install new battery	Same orientation
9. Secure hold-down
10. Connect positive first	Red
11. Connect negative	Black
12. Check fit	No movement
13. Start car	Test

Note: Some cars lose radio presets, require window reset, or need computer relearn.

Time: 15-30 minutes Cost savings: $30-50 vs shop

Replacing Spark Plugs

When to Replace

Plug Type	Interval
Copper	20,000-30,000 miles
Platinum	60,000 miles
Iridium	80,000-100,000 miles

What You Need

Item	Notes
New spark plugs	Correct type and gap
Spark plug socket	Deep socket with rubber insert
Ratchet and extension	Reach into wells
Gap tool	Verify gap (often pre-gapped)
Dielectric grease	Optional, for boot
Anti-seize	Optional, some plugs
Torque wrench	Proper tightening

Steps

Step	Instructions
1. Cool engine	Work on cold engine
2. Access plugs	May need to remove covers
3. Remove one at a time	Prevents mixing wires
4. Remove coil/wire	Pull boot, not wire
5. Remove old plug	Turn counter-clockwise
6. Inspect old plug	Condition tells you a lot
7. Gap new plug	If not pre-gapped
8. Install new plug	Hand-start, then socket
9. Torque to spec	Don't overtighten
10. Reinstall coil/wire	Apply dielectric grease to boot
11. Repeat for others	One at a time

Time: 30-60 minutes (V6 and rear cylinders take longer) Cost savings: $40-100+ vs shop

Rotating Tires

Rotation Patterns

Drive Type	Pattern
Front-wheel drive	Front to back, cross rear to front
Rear-wheel drive	Rear to front, cross front to rear
All-wheel drive	X-pattern or check manual
Directional tires	Front to back only (same side)

Steps

Step	Instructions
1. Loosen all lug nuts	While on ground
2. Jack up one axle	Use jack stands
3. Remove wheels	Keep track of position
4. Move per pattern	As specified above
5. Hand-tighten lugs	Star pattern
6. Lower vehicle
7. Torque lug nuts	Star pattern, proper spec
8. Check tire pressures	Adjust as needed

Time: 20-30 minutes Cost savings: $20-40 per rotation

Brake Pad Replacement

Difficulty: Intermediate

What You Need

Item	Notes
New brake pads	Axle set
C-clamp or brake tool	Compress piston
Socket set	Various sizes
Brake cleaner	Cleaning
High-temp grease	For slides
Jack and jack stands	Lift vehicle
Torque wrench	Reassembly

Steps

Step	Instructions
1. Loosen lug nuts	While on ground
2. Jack up and support	Use jack stands
3. Remove wheel
4. Remove caliper bolts	Usually 2 bolts
5. Hang caliper	Wire, don't let hang by hose
6. Remove old pads	Note orientation
7. Compress piston	C-clamp against old pad
8. Clean caliper	Brake cleaner
9. Lubricate slides	High-temp grease
10. Install new pads	Correct orientation
11. Reinstall caliper	Torque bolts to spec
12. Reinstall wheel
13. Pump brakes	Before moving car
14. Break in pads	Follow instructions

Time: 1-2 hours per axle Cost savings: $100-200+ vs shop

Warnings

Never let caliper hang by brake hose
Pump brake pedal before driving
Break in new pads per instructions
Check brake fluid level after

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Car Won't Start

Symptom	Likely Cause	Check
Click-click-click	Dead battery	Jump start, test battery
Single click	Starter or battery	Test battery, check connections
Nothing at all	Battery, fuse, ignition	Check battery terminals
Cranks but won't start	Fuel, spark, or air	Check fuel, listen for pump

Car Overheating

Step	Action
1. Pull over safely	Don't keep driving
2. Turn off A/C	Reduce heat load
3. Turn on heater	Draws heat from engine
4. Let cool	At least 30 minutes
5. Check coolant	When cool, add if needed
6. Look for leaks	Under car, in engine bay
7. Don't open radiator hot	Pressurized, dangerous

Key Takeaways

Start with simple tasks - Build confidence gradually
Watch videos first - Many great tutorials online
Have correct parts - Vehicle-specific matters
Don't overtighten - Use torque specs when available
One step at a time - Don't rush
Know when to stop - Some repairs need professionals
Proper disposal - Oil, filters, batteries need recycling