DIY Auto Repair

You might find it helpful to be acquainted with some of the terms you might experience while you seek advice and help for your vehicle maintenance.

1. Air Injection: A method of injecting air into each of the engine's exhaust ports which reduces the emission of harmful gases.

2. Air Shocks: An overload shock absorber that has to be injected with air to enhance the load carrying ability of the suspension.

3. Carburetor: Usually mounted on the intake manifold of an engine, it allows the mixing of air and fuel in the correct proportion to allow even burning.

4. Flushing: The process of removing dirt, dust and rust from the insides of the AC system parts.

5. Fuel Filters: It is a part which has the job of filtering the impurities of the fuel before it gets to the carburetor. Located either within the fuel pump or near it, or near the carburetor in the fuel line connecting the pump and the carburetor.

6. Half Shaft: Any one of the two shafts running from the transaxle to the wheel.

7. Heat Riser Valve: It is a control valve in a V6 or V8 engine, which is situated between the exhaust pipe and the exhaust manifold which checks the exhaust flow and makes it go into the heat riser channel under the intake manifold. If the valve is stuck open, the engine warm-up will slow down and cold engines might cause hesitation. Closed valve stuck will check the exhaust system and there will be a lack of power and fall in the fuel economy.

Owning your own car is a proud American tradition that has become a rite of passage for men and women alike. Of course, maintaining and repairing your own car is another important part of that same rite of passage and many even find deep satisfaction - as well as even deeper savings - by learning to do their own maintenance and repairs.

The tools on this list will allow you to perform 90% of tasks associated with do-it-yourself auto maintenance and repair:

Socket set

Box wrench set

You'll need screwdrivers to remove all kinds of parts like a fan cowling, mud flap, or door panel. Oil filter wrench

Jack and jackstands

Mini crowbar and mini sledge

Torque wrench

A torque wrench, which when set properly, literally breaks away at the right torque. Wire brush, utility knife, and pressure gauge

These are for small maintenance tasks such as cleaning your battery terminals, cutting hoses, and checking tire pressure regularly.