Over the thirteen plus years of blogging, I share all kinds of projects I’m involved in. However, I don’t share everything I do both in, outside of, and around my home and community. That’s because sometimes I just want to do what I need to do and be done. I’m sure you can relate? DIY car repairs are a part of my life. And I’m sure it’s the same for you, at least car repairs in general.

At the same token, I’ve been working on cars since I had my very first car, a blue 1982 Ford Fairmont Futura named Bullet.

It was like a couch on wheels and drove like a dream. I worked on this and learned so much Especially from a friend mechanic, Bryan, who helped this teen girl when he and his wife were expecting their first child.

I tell ya, this car is much easier to work on without all the bells and whistles, sensors, and so much more unnecessary stuff. You know I’m right. tsk.

CURRENT DAY

Fast-forward a few decades and I’m still working on cars. Mostly, by circumstances warranting the need to learn, but also because I like to know what I’m doing. I can tell what a car needs by sounds and feels. It makes me confident that if I need help with a repair, I am an informed client. And yes, I have been taken by a business in Georgia while a college student that also made me learn that I can’t trust people. So, I DIY car repairs.

Obviously, there are safety concerns and just basic understanding to do major things, not counting tools (remember my motto? #toolsoverjewels)

At the moment, I have a great running car that has only needed a bit of work done on it. When I purchased this new-to-me car, I knew it needed some maintenance and that’s fine with me.

CHECKING IT OUT

When I purchase a vehicle, I change the basics – air filters, oil, transmission, flush the radiator, plugs and wires, etc. Also, I hand wash the car exterior and steam clean the interior (previous video HERE) so that I become familiar with all the features of my ride, including any dents, dings, etc., and make repairs as needed. Likewise, I get the tires rotated every six months to get longer life out of them, checks for any alignment issues, and it only costs about $25.

For instance, before purchasing this model, I knew the transmission filter is in the transmission – which, in my opinion is stupid – as are most cars these days. It causes you to need a mechanic unless you want to mess with it. That means I need to look for signs of the transmission leaking or going bad before it’s too late.

What is more, I also do the same for and with my kids and their vehicles. I’ve taught them the basics and feel confident they are well on their way to being educated in more ways than one.

BUYER BEWARE

Additionally, I prefer to buy from a private seller. I think dealerships are useful but often come with unwarranted costs and sometimes issues as well. A problem with private sellers is “buyer beware”. In my state, you are allowed to have it inspected by a mechanic before purchase, otherwise, it’s on you.

My car came with a folder with past work done on it and had been owned by the dealer before the current seller, so it was taken care of religiously.

Kinda like buying a home, they all come with issues, you just don’t want them to be BIG ones.

For instance, the wiper switch needed replaced as every time I turn my car on, they would start running. Scared me to death!

This was simple replacement. I even had to jerry-rig my driver so it would be deep enough to reach one lousy screw. I’m not about to drop everything to run to the store.

At the same time, I replace the glove compartment check strap. Simply done when I replace the cabin air filter.

LEAKY

Also, I found, what I thought, to possibly be a BIG issue right after purchasing it just over a year ago.

I notice drips and a small puddle of water in my cargo area after a heavy rain or a car wash.

Then, I notice the rear passenger seatbelt is damp as well. I look for leaks or cracks in the seals and can’t find anything.

After a few weeks, I decide to check in my spare tire well.

Looky what I find.

Do you see that condensation on the tire rim? Me thinks previous owner knew this – ahem.

Then, I remove the spare to see the jack is rusting and a few inches of water. {{womp, womp}}

REPAIR TIME

Thankfully, I found that this is a common thing with my year (2011-2015) and model, and another blogger/influencer, Sealed for Perfection, shared how to fix it. Gotta love us DIYers for sharing!

Here’s a short video showing what I find and what I do (step-by-step pictures to follow).

Well, ain’t that fun?!

Truthfully, I’m beyond elated that after a year and a half now it does not leak anymore, and it only took a half day to work on. That’s hard to beat!

Here’s the closeups for you to see… first, the right hinge where the leak was located. It’s a factory issue that should have been inspected beforehand.

As I demonstrate in my video above, this is very soft, like a thick caulk and easy to pick up.

At the same time, I inspect the left hinge and find it has an “x-marks-the-spot” for me.

This side is not soft, but I’m able to chunk out a bit and decide to repair both at the same time.

Here’s the right side before sanding with my Dremel (see video).

Next, I use this sealer as recommended to fill in the spots and let cure for 24 hours.

SHARE

Finally, as I mention in my video, I have a few other repairs that have popped up that need done and I’ve been also religiously changing fluids and making updates as I can. For me, my vehicle will keep me safe if I take the steps to maintenance, it as I should – much like my own self, eh?

Your turn to chat… have you ever tackled DIY car repairs yourself? Leave some comment love below as well as pin and share to inspire others.

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