Most car owners tend to rely on mechanics or car companies to service their cars or replace car parts. While some car parts require a professional hand, others don't. 

That said, not all your dollars should end at the mechanic. After all, why pay for car fixes that you can do by following a guide. 

10 Car Parts You Can Replace on Your Own

Here are car parts replacements you can DIY without spending a penny.

1. Battery

Sometimes when you turn on the ignition, and it's not powering, the battery could be low or dead. Use a digital multimeter to check if your battery has power. Low battery power could be a result of leaving your car's lights on for a very long time.

To replace your low or dead battery, you need another fully-charged battery of the same size and specifications.

2. Spark Plugs

Unlike most car parts, spark plugs are cheap, and their installation is easy. When replacing spark plugs, unscrew the old spark plugs carefully. It's also a good idea to lubricate the threads of the new spark plugs before installing them.

3. Fuel Filter

Fuel filters remove dust particles and other debris in the fuel before it gets to the vehicle's engine. They are essential in ensuring that the carburettor system remains clean and works properly. A bad fuel filter may damage your car's engine. 

Fortunately, removing and replacing the fuel filter is simple. When doing the replacement, it is advisable to release the fuel system pressure first. Here’s a guide on the symptoms of a bad fuel filter and how to replace it.

4. Drive Belt

The drive belt controls the windshield wipers, battery charging, and power steering. If you start hearing squealing noises from your car, check out the drive belt. It could be getting loose or worn out. For the former, use a wrench to tighten it. If it is a case of a worn-out drive belt, you'll have to replace it.

It might sound like a complicated task, but it is not. It only takes a few minutes to do by yourself, and you save on the mechanic's fee.

5. Brake Pads

Brake pads are key components in any car brake system. The pads apply a frictional force to stop the vehicle. Worn out or broken brake pads could result in brake failure if not replaced. Replacing brake pads is straightforward, but it requires time and considerable amount of elbow grease to get it done. Refer to my other article about the signs of worn brake pads and how to replace them.

6. Radiator

When the vehicle's engine is hot, the radiator sends the antifreeze through the hose to the engine to keep the engine's temperature down. If the hose is leaking, the engine could overheat because it's not getting enough coolant. 

To replace the leaking hose, you need to unclamp it, put a new hose, and reinstall the clamp. When replacing a faulty hose after driving, it's best not to touch the antifreeze because it might be hot.

7. Fuses

Blown fuses often affect other car parts. For instance, they cause the vehicle's headlights and windshield wipers to fail or not work correctly. Check the fuse box if you experience such issues.

To tell if a fuse is blown, locate the fuse box and check for any black marks. Here's a quick way to know if the fuse is blown-hold it in the light and check if the interior wire is broken.

Blown fuses can't be repaired but can be replaced easily. All you have to do is remove the blown fuses and install new ones. 

8. Light Bulbs

As a good maintenance practice, you should regularly inspect the headlights and backlights on and before speeding away. It's not a lot of trouble to check whether your car's bulbs are working or not. What you do is turn on the lights and see if the light is dim or there's no flash entirely. 

When shopping for a bulb, ensure you get the right fit. To replace a burnt bulb, open the housing and remove the damaged one by loosening. Then get a new one and install by turning in the opposite direction. Once you're done, test to see if it works. If the bulb fails to light or lights dimly, check the alternator to rule out any issue with the charging system.

9. Tyre Replacement

Tyre replacement is one of the necessary skills all car owners should know. Flat tyres can happen anywhere, and you should be ready to do handle it. Changing a tyre isn't as hard as most people think.

You'll need a jack, lug wrench, and, most importantly, the fully inflated spare tyre. Place the jack under the car and proceed to raise the vehicle. Unscrew the lug nuts to remove the flat tyre and then mount the spare tyre. Once the tyre is in place, tighten the lug nuts. Lower your vehicle down and tighten the lug nuts again.

10. Windshield

A cracked windshield obstructs vision and allows moisture to seep in and fog up. Replacing a damaged windshield by yourself is relatively easy. You'll need to buy the correct windshield for your vehicle. Remove the wipers and any mirrors attached before dismantling it. Don't forget to wear protective gloves when replacing the windshield.

Use Reliable Car Part Replacements

Finding the best sources of reliable car replacement parts can be a nuisance in itself if you didn’t know where to look. Try our stress-free way of locating auto parts at Carpart.com.au. It’s fast, simple, and effective!

By Sam O.