In days gone by you could expect that your car repair bill would consist of 50% for parts and 50% for Labor. So you could easily save half the cost of a repair by doing the job yourself. But then parts started getting cheaper (probably due to competition from China) and you could save 2/3rds of the cost of a repair by doing the job yourself. But some jobs also got more complicated requiring fancy computerized diagnostic tools and specialized knowledge. However, there are still many car repairs that are easy and you can do yourself, often saving you hundreds of dollars.
Some of the easiest jobs to do yourself are changing fluids like antifreeze and oil, changing brake pads and rotors, and replacing some sensors. Another issue is fixing cosmetic problems.
What to do About Common Cosmetic Issues
No matter how careful you try to be, your vehicle will most likely become damaged at some point. Luckily, most minor cosmetic issues can easily be taken care of with a few basic products and a little elbow grease. Here is a look at some tips and tricks that you can use to take care of common cosmetic problems.
Oxidized Lights
When plastic is exposed to direct sunlight, it will eventually become oxidized. Modern headlights and taillights often remain clear for years, but there might come a point when the plastic seems cloudy or faded. The most effective way to restore your vehicle’s lights is to gently clean them with an abrasive such as baking soda or toothpaste. Once the damaged plastic has been removed, you must then cover the lights in a protective polymer sealant.
Light Scratches
A relatively minor scratch can be a major eyesore, and this is one cosmetic issue that practically every driver will have to deal with at some point. Lighter scratches can generally be removed by waxing the area with a high-quality waxing product and pad. Some companies also sell customizable scratch repair kits that allow you to cover the scratch with marker or pen that perfectly matches your vehicle’s color. After the scratch is no longer visible, the area must be sealed with the car wax of your choosing.
Dents
Many drivers are surprised to hear that some dents can usually be fixed at home. You might be able to pull the dent out with a plunger or some other type of suction cup if the damage occurred on a relatively flat area of your vehicle. Deeper dents that have been caused by rocks or hailstones usually need to be repaired by specialists. In this case, finding an auto hail damage repair service in your area would be a good move toward restoring the beauty of your vehicle. Any dents that expose bare metal will eventually result in rust and other serious issues if it isn’t taken care of right away. If the damage seems particularly bad, then you should consider speaking with your insurance provider. After you have paid the deductible, your insurance provider might cover the rest of the expenses.
Removing Bug Guts
One of the hardest things to clean off your car is bug guts and you might be tempted to hire a professional since it is such a pain. But I’ve found a simple and quick solution to get rid of them with very little scrubbing (and no scratching your paint). I use a microfiber bug sponge and purple power citrus spray and the bugs come right off. I’ve tried several different things and this works so well you’ll be amazed and once you buy them you will save a bundle compared to the cost of a professional car wash.
Stained Upholstery
Before you clean your vehicle’s upholstery, you must first consider what type of material you are going to be working on. For stains on fabric, you should be able to remove most of the debris with glass cleaner and a thick brush. A damp rag and baking soda can be used to clean vinyl and faux leather seats. Before cleaning any major stains, you should always test the cleaning product in an inconspicuous area.
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