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Eric's Autos: Don't Be Afraid

Eric Peters on

Buy individual tools as you need 'em - such as various types of pliers, wrenches and so on. Most can be bought individually or in sets. Try to buy the best quality stuff you can, because the cheap stuff breaks (so you'll have to buy the same tools twice) and often is poorly made/fitted and will cause you problems as you try to work with them.

Now you're ready. The next step is to take your time - and to learn patience. An experienced mechanic can do an oil change in 10 minutes; it will probably take you a lot longer, especially the first time. Budget the time. An afternoon or Saturday. Whatever you do, don't put yourself in the position of having to get it done in 30 minutes (or two hours). Give yourself plenty of time to take each step in your own good time, after having read (and re-read) the procedure described in the manual and being sure (or as close to sure as you can be) before you start turning any wrenches. If you're not sure, read the manual again. If that doesn't do it, ask someone who knows. The guys at the auto parts store are usually pretty knowledgeable.

It's going to go something like this: Raise the car, support the car. Let the engine cool. Put a catch pan underneath the plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Carefully turn out the drain plug bolt. Use a socket/wrench that fits the head of the bolt exactly. Do not force it. Steady, even pressure. Once it's loose, you can turn it out the rest of the way. Be careful! Engine oil may be hot. Wearing gloves is a good idea. If the bolt falls into the pan, don't sweat it. You can fish it out later. No harm done.

Let the oil drain. Then go after the filter. This part may be more challenging, depending on how much room you've got to work with. Be patient! It's not impossible or even as hard as it looks. Remember: The Quick Lube joints do dozens every day. Trust me, it's not rocket science. The challenge is overcoming your fear - and being patient.

Twist the new filter on - not too tight! ("Hand tight" is usually just right - but again, read the manual.) Reinstall the drain plug, being careful not to overtighten it. Lower the car. Add the right amount of the right oil (that info will be in the manual, or your owner's manual - look under "capacities").

 

Now start the engine and check for any leaks. If you see any, shut the engine off, find out why - and fix it. Done. You did it!

And now that you've done it yourself, you're on the path to doing more for yourself . How far you go is up to you. But the more you learn, the more confidence you'll get - and even if you don't learn how to do everything yourself, you'll soon learn enough to feel less helpless when some minor thing happens. You'll either be able to fix it yourself - or you'll have enough of an idea about what's probably wrong to talk about it confidently with your mechanic (and be less likely to get conned by a dishonest one). And that's hard to put a price on

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www.ericpetersautos.com or EPeters952@aol.com for comments.


 

 

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