Though I am a long way from qualifying as a shade tree mechanic, I have learned that the high price of automobile repairs is a great incentive to learn about fixing one’s car.
Some repairs require not only a high degree of knowledge, but also access to specialized parts and tools. Examples that I have learned to avoid are working on the main parts of an engine or replacing facets of the air conditioning system.
However, there are plenty of fixes one can easily perform on their own car. Many are simple like oil changes, replacing headlights, or changing various filters. Others are more complex, but as I learned, there is a way to proceed safely with do-it-yourself auto repairs.
My wife and I have owned two Ford Tauruses during the past decade. Each accrued fairly high mileage and, at some point, needed a replacement serpentine belt.
Serpentine belts are continuous belts that turn on pulleys off the engine and control multiple components of the car, such as the alternator, water pump, and power steering. They come in different sizes and are easily obtained at automotive parts stores for around $25.
When the belt broke on our 1993 Taurus, a friend and I were able to replace it in about fifteen minutes. The pulleys were accessible and a new belt could be mounted by getting hands in just the right spot to ensure the correct amount of tension.
Several years later, the serpentine belt cracked in our 2000 Taurus. As I bought a new belt from a major parts store, I recalled the earlier repair and was fairly confident this would be an easy fix.
Upon lifting up the hood and shining my flashlight to take a look, I soon realized this would not be a quick repair. The pulleys were located deep within the engine compartment. Additionally, several permanent fixtures served as impediments and prevented hands from getting where needed.
However, I knew better than to throw up my bulky hands in disgust and reach for my checkbook. Instead, I went back to the parts store and picked up a Haynes Auto Manual for a 2000 Ford Taurus. These DIY books are available for most car types and provide step by step instructions for common repairs. They also provide detailed drawings of the major components of the vehicle and suggestions for removing parts as needed.
Using the instructions, I was able to remove the coolant reservoir and a few other parts in order to have easy access to the pulleys that held the serpentine belt. Slipping it on with the correct pattern was still difficult because of the distance to reach the pulleys and tensioner, but I eventually managed to place it right.
Putting everything back, I soon felt like a pro and did not need to rely on the Haynes manual quite as much. But I still was glad the helpful guide was there.
And given that I would still be driving a Taurus, I knew it would not be the last time I needed help fixing my car.
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Jeff Briscoe is a freelance writer, who specializes in travel and outdoor recreation. He covers these topics and more for the Fort Myers Examiner and is a regular contributor to the Yahoo! Contributor Network.