Owning a vehicle comes with more than just the freedom to hit the road whenever you please—it also comes with the responsibility of keeping that car running safely and efficiently. While not everyone is a certified mechanic, every driver should be familiar with basic car repairs that are both common and often essential. Knowing how to identify, manage, or even perform these repairs can save you time, money, and stress—and sometimes keep you out of dangerous situations.
In this post, we’ll go over ten common car repair every driver should know about. Some of these you can handle yourself with a little practice and the right tools, while others are best left to professionals but are still crucial for you to understand.
1. Changing a Flat Tire
Let’s start with the classic emergency every driver dreads: a flat tire. It’s one of the most common car issues, and it always seems to happen at the worst possible time. Whether you’ve driven over a nail, hit a pothole, or suffered a slow leak, knowing how to change a tire is essential.
What You’ll Need:
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Spare tire (donut or full-size)
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Jack
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Lug wrench
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Flashlight (if it’s dark)
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Wheel wedges
Basic Steps:
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Park on a flat, safe surface and apply the parking brake.
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Use wheel wedges to prevent the car from rolling.
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Remove the hubcap and loosen the lug nuts.
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Raise the car using the jack.
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Remove the lug nuts and the flat tire.
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Mount the spare tire and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
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Lower the car and double-check the lug nuts.
Even if you don’t want to do it yourself, knowing these steps helps you supervise someone else or explain the problem more clearly when calling for roadside assistance.
2. Replacing a Car Battery
Dead batteries are another leading cause of breakdowns. Whether it’s due to extreme temperatures, an old battery, or leaving your headlights on, learning to replace a battery can save you from being stranded.
Signs Your Battery Is Dying:
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Slow engine crank
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Dim headlights
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Warning light on the dashboard
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Battery older than 3–5 years
How to Replace It:
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Turn off the vehicle and disconnect the negative terminal first.
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Then disconnect the positive terminal.
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Remove the old battery from its housing.
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Place the new battery in and reconnect the terminals (positive first).
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Start the car and check for warning lights.
Always wear gloves and goggles to avoid exposure to battery acid or corrosion.
3. Changing the Oil and Oil Filter
Your car’s engine oil lubricates the engine components, keeps them cool, and prevents premature wear. Ignoring oil changes can lead to severe engine damage and expensive repairs.
How Often?
Most cars require an oil change every 3,000 to 7,500 miles depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Steps to Do It Yourself:
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Warm up the engine slightly.
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Jack up the car safely and place it on jack stands.
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Drain the old oil by removing the oil drain plug.
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Replace the oil filter.
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Add fresh oil of the recommended type.
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Check the dipstick for proper oil level.
Oil changes can be a messy job but are manageable for the average DIYer with some preparation.
4. Replacing Windshield Wipers
This is one of the easiest repairs and makes a huge difference in visibility and safety. Worn-out wiper blades can smear water across your windshield rather than clearing it, creating dangerous driving conditions in rain or snow.
Signs You Need New Wipers:
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Streaking or skipping
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Squeaking noises
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Cracks or tears in the rubber
How to Replace Them:
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Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
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Press the small tab to release the blade.
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Slide the new blade into place until it clicks.
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Gently lower the arm back onto the windshield.
Most auto parts stores will even install the blades for free if you purchase them there.
5. Checking and Replacing Air Filters
Your engine air filter keeps dust, dirt, and debris from entering the engine. A dirty filter can reduce fuel efficiency and performance.
Symptoms of a Dirty Air Filter:
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Decreased acceleration
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Poor fuel economy
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Engine misfires
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Strange engine sounds
How to Change It:
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Locate the air filter housing under the hood.
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Open the cover and remove the old filter.
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Drop in a new filter of the same size and shape.
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Close the housing and ensure it’s sealed properly.
This is a quick and inexpensive fix that can be done in less than 10 minutes.
6. Replacing Brake Pads
Brakes are one of the most vital safety systems on your car. Worn-out brake pads can lead to longer stopping distances and even damage to the brake rotors.
Signs You Need New Brake Pads:
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Squealing or grinding noise
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Brake warning light
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Increased stopping distance
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Vibration when braking
DIY Overview:
Replacing brake pads requires some mechanical skill and the right tools, including:
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Jack and jack stands
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Lug wrench
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Socket set
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C-clamp
The process includes removing the wheel, taking off the caliper, removing the old pads, and installing the new ones. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s definitely worth having a professional handle it.
7. Fixing Headlights or Taillights
Driving with broken lights is not only dangerous but also illegal. Thankfully, replacing a headlight or taillight bulb is usually straightforward and inexpensive.
Steps to Replace a Bulb:
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Locate the light housing (usually accessible from inside the engine bay or trunk).
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Twist the bulb socket to remove it.
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Pull out the old bulb and insert the new one (don’t touch the glass with your fingers).
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Reinsert the socket and test the light.
In some newer models, you may have to remove parts of the bumper or interior panels, so check your owner's manual.
8. Refilling Coolant and Fixing Radiator Leaks
The coolant system keeps your engine from overheating. If your car repair temperature gauge is creeping into the red zone or steam is coming from under the hood, you might have a coolant leak or low fluid level.
How to Top Off Coolant:
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Wait for the engine to cool completely.
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Locate the coolant reservoir.
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Add the correct type of coolant to the fill line.
If you notice coolant puddles under your car, it could be due to a cracked hose, leaking radiator, or worn water pump. While topping off can help in the short term, leaks often need a mechanic’s help to fix properly.
9. Replacing a Serpentine Belt
The serpentine belt powers multiple engine accessories such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. If it breaks, your car could become inoperable.
Warning Signs:
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Squealing noise from the front of the engine
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Power steering or AC failure
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Battery warning light
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Cracks or fraying on the belt
How to Replace It:
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Refer to the belt routing diagram (usually under the hood).
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Use a wrench or belt tensioner tool to release tension.
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Slide the old belt off and loop the new one on.
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Re-tension the belt and double-check alignment.
It’s a moderate-difficulty repair but doable for a handy car owner.
10. Fixing or Replacing Fuses
Electrical issues like malfunctioning power windows, radio, or turn signals often trace back to blown fuses. Checking and replacing a fuse is an easy and cost-effective fix.
How to Replace a Fuse:
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Locate the fuse box (under the dashboard or hood).
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Use the diagram to find the fuse associated with the problem.
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Pull out the fuse and inspect it—if the metal strip is broken, it’s blown.
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Replace it with one of the same amperage.
Always keep spare fuses in your glove box—it’s one of the cheapest tools you can carry.
Conclusion
While you may not want to become your own mechanic, being familiar with these ten common car repairs equips you with the knowledge and confidence to handle everyday issues—or to know when it's time to call a professional. In many cases, performing these repairs yourself can save hundreds of dollars in labor costs and help you maintain your vehicle’s performance and longevity.
At the very least, understanding the basics means you're less likely to be taken advantage of at a repair shop. And in the best-case scenario, it might just keep you from being stranded on the side of the road.
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