Halloween Edition: Not So Spooky Car Repairs

Car repair can seem intimidating if you do not know where to start, but Wrench is here to make the experience less scary in the midst of the Halloween season. Halloween falls right in the middle of the autumn season, which is a great time to fix up your car before the weather turns for the worst. The easiest thing you can do to take care of your car is to read the owner’s manual and make sure that you are up-to-date on the maintenance schedule. Sticking to this schedule will take away any of the spookiness that comes along when you are trying to figure out the last time that your car had its oil changed. If you do find yourself in a situation where your car is way past all of its maintenance milestones, schedule an appointment with a Wrench mobile technician today for your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road. However, if your car does not need any major work done but you feel like it could use some routine maintenance, Wrench is here to help. It is easy to avoid a project if you do not know where to start, so Wrench has some tips for getting started as well as some quick and easy fixes to keep your car in great shape.

• Check your car’s tire pressure/inflate tires. Driving with under-inflated tires is not only bad for your car but it also minimizes fuel efficiency. Keeping your tires inflated to their proper levels will save you money on gas and will help avoid any larger issues in the long run.
• Replace a headlight. This is especially important as the days get shorter and we are driving in the dark more frequently, because having a headlight or taillight is not only illegal but also dangerous. It is a good idea to do a walk around inspection of your vehicle around once a month to check for things like a light out or a mysterious scratch. You do not want your vision to be hindered by anything, so this is not a task that you want to put off. If you feel confident in your ability to change a car light bulb, you can save money by doing this yourself. The most important thing to remember is to bring the old bulb with you to the store because it is crucial that you get an exact replacement.
• Fix a chipped windshield. Windshield damage is a very serious topic because the magnitude of the damage can determine the safety and drivability of your vehicle. Large chips and any sort of cracks should always be handled by a professional because you do not want to risk doing more damage to the windshield, and a mechanic can tell you exactly what needs to be done to get it fixed. That being said, if you spot a small chip in the windshield that does not seem to be hindering your visibility or safety in any way, there are quick and easy fixes that you can do from the comfort of your home. A windshield repair kit is relatively inexpensive and you can probably get the job done in less than an hour. Wondering if it is better to repair or replace your windshield? Click here.
• Replace your windshield wipers. This is another easy but important car repair to do before the winter season when there could be more rain, hail, or even snow. Windshield wipers can be purchased online or from an auto repair shop and most places will be able to tell you the exact shape and size that you need based on your car. You can look up a video on how to do the actual replacement but it is a very simple process that should not take you more than ten minutes.
• Air filter replacement. Replacing the air filter can help you avoid the build up of debris under the hood, which can influence engine performance. Having a clean air filter will also improve gas mileage and help you avoid any larger issues under the hood in the future. While it might feel intimidating to do a repair under the hood, the air filter is easy to find and the process should not be complicated.
• Replacing the brake pads. If you feel comfortable with easy repairs listed above and want to try something a little bit more complicated, you can replace your brake pads at home. Doing so will save you a lot of money on labor costs and many people have had a lot of success. The best thing to do when replacing your own brake pads is to look up a video tutorial and stick to it as closely as possible. You will need a jack for this repair, as the car has to be lifted up and the tire removed to access the brake pads, but if you have experience changing tires you should have all of the tools you need.
  

We hope that you are now less spooked at the thought of doing auto repair by yourself. However, if you still prefer to have your car assessed or tuned up by a mobile mechanic, schedule an appointment with Wrench today. Our ASE-certified technicians are happy to help you in any way, from something as simple as a windshield wiper replacement to a full engine replacement.  If you have any other questions about our services or using Wrench during a global pandemic, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email, at hello@wrench.com, or by phone, at 844-997-3624.