Have you always wanted to become a car person but never known where to start?
Learning about cars can be exciting, fun, and most of all – useful. The next time your car is making a strange noise or driving differently, you’ll have a better idea of what the potential issues are and how to fix them!
Ready to get started? Read below for the beginner’s guide to auto repair.
Parts of a Car
There are hundreds of small parts to your car. But you don’t need to know them all to be able to fix your car. Here are a few basic car terms you should know if you want to get into DIY repair.
If you know more about the parts of the car, you’ll be closer to diagnosing potential auto issues.
Alternator
The alternator gives power to the car’s electrical systems. When the alternator isn’t working, your car won’t start. In these cases, you will need to replace the alternator.
Battery
Your car has a large black box called the battery. There are different types of batteries for different types of cars.
The battery gives initial power to the alternator. If your car won’t start, it could be that your battery is dead. You can try jump-starting the car which is when you use cables to connect your battery to another car’s battery to get your battery started again.
Drive Belt
The drive belt of your car is made of rubber. It connects several loops around even smaller wheels called pulleys. You can find the drive belt at the front of the engine. The drive belt controls your car’s cooling system, windshield wipers, and battery charging.
In newer cars, the main drive belt is called a serpentine belt. If you hear a squealing or whining noise from your car, it could be an issue with the drive belt.
Timing Belt, Timing Chain or Timing Gears
Your call will have a timing belt, chain, or gears. These parts allow the engine valve to open and close properly. These parts should be replaced when they are worn out because it could affect how the car’s engine runs.
Auto Repair for Beginners
If you’re just starting out with DIY repair, begin with a few simple auto repair basics like the ones below.
- Change oil
- Replace battery or alternator
- Replace brake pads
- Replace drive or serpentine belt
- Change a tire
If you’re not feeling confident about your auto repair skills yet, take the car to a professional and ask questions. You can start by learning what they do during a car tuneup and see which procedures you might be able to complete yourself.
You Can Do It!
Auto repair might seem daunting, but it just takes a little education and practice. Use the beginner’s guide above as a place to start and continue researching about your car.
And before you know it, you’ll be repairing your car all on your own.
Ready to continue your auto repair education, check out our website for more helpful information.