Columbia SC Mechanic Saves Money on Auto Repairs: Do it Yourself Jobs

The Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro is all for helping you save some money on auto repairs.   

While we love to serve all of our wonderful customers, we also know that there are some auto repair or auto maintenance tasks they can easily do themselves.  Of course, you could stop by our north Columbia, SC auto repair shop and have us take care of it for you if you’d like.  But for those ready to take on a little bit of beginner level auto mechanics, there are multiple tasks you can safely and easily do.

Many of you may think that performing auto repairs or maintenance must take special tools and an in-depth knowledge of all of your vehicle’s intricate systems.  While some repairs really do require all of that, you can still easily save cash by taking care of the simpler stuff on your own.  Believe it or not, you can do more than just change your oil.  With some basic tools and the patience to read and follow the step-by-step instructions, you can not only save money but increase your own confidence by performing your own work too.

In addition to changing your own oil, I’d like to highlight a few other tasks you can easily take on. 

Replace Air Filter

This one is really easy.  Any auto repair shop will be happy to handle this easy task, but why hand over your hard earned money when you can do it yourself in minutes!  Changing your air filter requires minimal tools and time.  These simple instructions to replace your air filter will have you done in no time!

Replace Fuel Filter

I know, any auto repair occurring around the fuel tank may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be.  If you can follow instructions and observe all of the basic rules of auto repair safety you should have no problem at all.  We have provided you a detailed tutorial on how to replace a fuel filter on our Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro Blog. 

Flush Cooling System

Again, I know “flushing” any system may sound a bit taxing to a novice mechanic, but we all have to start somewhere!  This sounds much harder than it is.  In fact, in one afternoon you can completely flush your radiator and cooling system yourself.  Be sure to gather all of the materials need before you drain the radiator though, or you could end up adding a lot of extra work to the job.

There are some auto repairs and auto maintenance jobs that really can be done by a beginner and be done just as well as a certified mechanic could perform the task.  Remember, follow the advice of a proven, reputable mechanic and do not be afraid to ask questions if you need to.  All mechanics start someplace, and today you can start with the simple auto repair tutorials linked above.  To schedule Columbia, SC auto repair appointments just email us, give us a call or visit us at www.SanfordsAuto.com.

Changing Headlights with the Auto Repair Pro of Columbia SC

Replacing a Headlight

We are all looking to save money, especially on auto repairs.  For beginners or people not confident in their own home mechanic skills, deciding whether to take on an auto repair can be a difficult choice. 

Do it myself vs. Auto Repair Shop 

 

Some easy auto repair jobs can easily be completed by anyone with enough time and patience to read and follow basic tutorial instructions. Naturally, if you still lack confidence after seeing the instructions, you should always bring your vehicle to the auto repair shop for a professional to safely complete the job at hand.  Always remember: On the highway, lack of safety can cost lives, so it is always better to play it safe than be sorry!

All headlights will eventually burn out. Luckily, this is a pretty easy fix.  While you could pay to get this done for you, you really don’t have to.  Most of the halogen headlight systems out there today have bulbs that are easy to replace since they are loaded right into the back of the lens.

Step 1: Wiring Harness Removal

 

This is usually a no tools needed job.  With your hood opened and secured, do a quick check behind your burned out headlight to locate the bulb holder.  Coming out of it should be a trapezoid shaped plug with three wires. This is your the wiring harness, and you will have to remove this.  The plug is secured using either a metal clip, plastic catch, or in some cases, a screw cap.  With a metal clip, just pull it up and off.  Keep a good grip on it because if it drops, it will likely never be seen again.  With a plastic catch, there will be a little lever that extends from the top of the plug. Using your thumb, just depress the lever while pulling the plug out.  If happen to have a screw cap, simply unscrew the cap turning it counter-clockwise.

Step 2: Removing the Burned Out Headlight Bulb

 

With the wiring out of the way, you can now remove the old burned up headlight bulb. Holding the base (where your wiring harness had been plugged in) pull the bad bulb out. it should slide out pretty easily, but there may still be a few requiring you to rotate the bulb a little bit in order to release it.

Mechanic Tip: 

You really should handle the new bulb very carefully.  Be sure that you use a clean rag or cloth when touching the bulb.  If they touch the glass bulb, the oils in our skin can cause your new bulb to burn out VERY quickly. You should only touch the glass bulb when necessary and using a rag, tissue or cloth to prevent transferring these oils.

Step 3: Installing a New Headlight Bulb

 

Holding the bulb by only the plug end, insert it into the back of the headlight where you  just removed the old one.  Be sure it has been completely inserted and that your bulb’s rubber gasket is no longer visible.  Everything should now be lined up as it should be.

Step 4: Re-Securing your Headlight Wiring Harness

 

You’re now ready to plug the wiring harness back in.  Remember how simple it was to remove? Simply re-attach the plug and replace the clip, catch or screw top.  It is as easy as reversing the removal directions above.  Once that is all finished, you are too!  All that is left is to turn those lights on, stand back and admire your work!

Like I said earlier, if you lack confidence in your auto repair skills, do not attempt to perform auto repairs yourself.  Safety (should) always come first. If you don’t feel secure in your ability to make a repair, do not try it.  

For questions or for us to perform this auto repair for you, get in touch now and schedule your appointment.  Sanford’s Automotive Service cares about our customers: we are always here to serve all of your vehicle maintenance and auto repair needs.

Replace Your Fuel Tank Sending Unit with the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

A worn out fuel tank sending unit can cause any driver a headache.  While some will head in to a reputable auto repair shop or mechanic to have the work done, it isn’t always a necessity.  If you’re mechanically inclined and able to follow instructions, you can likely complete this job on your own.

Tools for the job

You will want to gather screwdrivers, both Phillips and flat head types, a hammer, open end wrenches, and the new fuel tank sending unit you will install.

 

Find Your Fuel Tank Sending Unit or Fuel Sender

In most vehicles, this isn’t as involved an auto repair as you might first think.  Start with your automobile’s manual.  The fuel tank sending unit is often positioned beneath the back seat, but it is still just as do-able if it is located under the carpet in your trunk.

 

Mechanic’s Safety Warning

ALWAYS start with disconnecting your negative battery cable!  This is done to ensure that no electrical sparks can occur.  You will be working in an extremely flammable area and MUST take all proper safety precautions.

 

How to Disconnect your Negative Battery Cable

Start with one of your wrenches on the outside nut of the negative battery cable.  You may need to place a second wrench on the opposite side as well.  Turn the nut counter-clockwise until approximately 1/16-inch from being off.  You should be able to get the cable loose with a slight twist.  If it is still stuck, you might want to try placing a flat head screwdriver into the gap above the bolt, and then gently pry it open.  Be sure that you DO NOT pull the terminal right up off the post.  This could result in serious injury. 

 

Accessing your Fuel Tank Sending Unit

The fuel tank sending unit or fuel sender is located on top of your auto’s fuel tank.  You usually access it by going under the rear seat of the car.  In some vehicles you will have to access the fuel tank by looking under the carpet in your trunk.  Once you have found your access point, you will find an access cover that is protecting the fuel tank sending unit.  The cover will most likely be secured by some screws.  You will start with lifting up either the back seat or carpet in the trunk.  Find the access cover described above.  Once you have found it, simply remove the screws securing it and remove the cover.  You are now looking at your fuel tank sending unit.

 

Removing your Faulty Fuel Tank Sending Unit

The fuel tank sending unit should have a wiring harness that is plugged in right on top.  Unplug the entire harness and just move it off to the side.  If you sending unit is secured by screws or bolts of some kind, you will need to remove those as well.

There are a couple of different ways you fuel sending unit may “lock” into place.  Many use the twist-lock type.  There will be visible notches around the edge.  You can put the tip of a flat head screwdriver into one of them and then tap it in a counter-clockwise direction.  Once it has rotated loose, you will need to very carefully remove it from the gas tank.  It will have a long rod with a float attached, so don’t just jerk it out.

 

Install a new Fuel Tank Sending Unit

All that is left now is to replace the old unit with your brand new fuel tank sending unit.  Follow the instructions backwards now to re-install all screws, nuts, bolts and access covers along the way.  Don’t forget to plug the wiring harness back into the new unit. 

And that is it!  You are done and once again are ready to roll.  If you have read through this tutorial and do not feel 100% comfortable with performing this type of auto repair, stop now.  We would be happy to schedule an auto repair or auto maintenance appointment at our Columbia, SC auto repair shop.  At Sanford’s Automotive Service, we ALWAYS do it right the first time!

How to Replace a Thermostat by the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

Among auto repairs a driver will commonly face is replacing a bad thermostat.  If you are comfortable performing mechanic work yourself, we can walk you through replacing a bad thermostat yourself.  This will only require about 30 minutes and it is a relatively cheap part to replace. It will be a simple task if you just follow basic auto safety tips and this how to tutorial.

For this job you will want to have a flat head screwdriver, nut driver, or ratchet to use for removing hose clamps and probably the thermostat housing bolts.  Double-check to ensure you have the proper sized tools too.  You will also need to have some work rags as well as a drip pan for the fluids. You might want to have a little extra coolant on hand too. It is important to replace any fluids lost during the repair.  A flat scraper may be useful when removing your old gasket as well.  Most important, be sure you have your new thermostat and gasket.

First Step: Thermostat Removal

First you must locate your thermostat. They are commonly found on top of the radiator hose.  Occasionally we see one mounted on the bottom. Place the drip pan under the work area to catch fluids that leak when you disconnect things. Use the tools listed above to disconnect your top radiator hose from your engine. Once it is loose, remove it from the engine allowing all drips to fall into the pan beneath. Next remove the thermostat housing bolts. These bolts keep your thermostat securely in place.  With the housing bolts free, remove the housing and lift your thermostat out.

Step Two: New Thermostat Installation

Usually you will find pieces of your old gasket sticking around the area you pulled the thermostat from.  Use a work rag to plug the hole and your flat scraper to scrape the entire old gasket away. This area needs to be as clean as possible before you proceed.  Once done, you will need to set the new gasket in place.  Now install your new thermostat.  Be sure that the power unit is pointing to the block.  Once positioned, replace the housing and the housing bolts removed earlier.  Be sure they have a tight fit. Next, reattach the radiator hose and clamp you disconnected in the beginning. Your last step should be to determine how much coolant you need to replace.  Be sure you add enough to bring the water or coolant level back to the area marking full. 

Step Three: Test your work

It really is just that simple!  Replacing a thermostat is cost efficient and easily done right in your parking spot or driveway.  As the proud owner of an auto repair shop owner, I truly pride myself on educating our customers; not only on the repairs I perform, but on ways you can save money by safely performing basic auto repairs at home. If you ever doubt your work, your abilities to perform auto repairs, or you simply don’t have the time, just bring your car or truck to Sanford’s Automotive Service in Columbia, SC.  We offer superior customer service, total customer satisfaction, and we always do it right the first time. 

Auto Repair Safety Advice with Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

Performing a number of auto repairs yourself can save you money, but only if you make sure you’re doing it right.   

Many automotive repairs and maintenance tasks can be fixed or repaired by anyone willing to properly research and follow instructions exactly.  There are also many safety aspects that should be remembered.

This information offers advice in steering clear of home auto repair dangers.  Some appear to be common sense, but still are worthy of your attention.

NEVER start on a repair that you do not feel completely comfortable taking on. If you are unsure about the repair, always find a profession mechanic to complete the job. You are better off paying a professional than attempting to repair alone and ultimately creating a bigger problem or, even worse, more damage. Many automotive systems are extremely complex. Repairs sometimes call for considerable skill and expertise, as well as special tools and equipment. A simple mistake can result in damaging expensive electronic components.

Another factor to consider is physical limitations. Replacing or repairing certain components may require heavy lifting, crawling beneath a vehicle, laying or working in uncomfortable, awkward positions, not to mention all of the reaching, pulling, bending, twisting, straining and multiple strenuous activities a body may not be accustomed to.  Use your common sense concerning these things.

Auto repairs need your complete and full attention. DO NOT attempt to perform ANY auto maintenance or auto repair if you are tired, feeling bad, even a little intoxicated, taking any medication or anything which may otherwise impair your motor skills or concentration in any way. 

Other Tips to Keep in Mind

 

• NEVER smoke or create any type of spark while working on ANY fuel system components. This means your fuel filter, fuel pump, carburetor, fuel injectors, and gas tank or fuel lines.

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• Have a fire extinguisher handy for any unexpected accidents. Be sure that the fire extinguisher has a "B" (for use with liquids & grease fires) and "C" (for use in electrical fires) rating.

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• NEVER smoke or allow sparks anyplace near the car battery! This battery contains hydrogen gas that is very volatile. If jump starting, always make the final jumper connection to the engine or chassis. Sparks in the vicinity of the car battery may cause an explosion!

Be sure to check back often for more from the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro. Sanford’s Automotive Service wants to keep every driver informed, up to date, and SAFELY navigating the road!