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3 DIY Car Repairs With Video Instructions: Save Money, Feel Like a Pro

May 15, 2014 12:21AM ● By Erin Frisch

Whether your first car is brand-new or something you bought fourth-hand with money from a part-time job, it's inevitable: It's going to need some repairs every once in a while. Like most things in life, doing it yourself can both save you money and give you a real sense of satisfaction. Rebuilding an engine is beyond the talents of most new car owners, but almost anyone can do these three simple car repairs especially with the help of YouTube videos offering step-by-step instructions.

Tire Change

Difficulty: Simple, basic

Time involved: 30 minutes or less

Money saved: The cost of an auto club visit or mechanic call-out

Oh, that sinking feeling you get when stranded on a dead tire; it'll happen to every driver at least once. If you know what to do about it, it becomes more of a hassle and less of an emergency. Howdini offers an especially clear video on how to change a tire, including safety tips you might not know if you've never done it before. Check it out below.

Once you have the spare on, you'll need to replace the flat one. TireBuyer carries BF Goodrich tires in all performance categories—just make sure to choose the right size for your car and time of year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joBmbh0AGSQ#action=share

Oil Change

Difficulty: Easier than changing a tire

Time involved: 20 minutes

Money saved: Up to $150 a year

Most manufacturers recommend changing your oil every three months or 3,000 miles, but if you're buying a used car from a private seller, you might want to do it as soon as you get the vehicle home. Oil-change shops are on as many street corners as coffee shops in some towns, making it a quick and convenient option, but they charge a lot for such a small job. Advanced Auto Parts has a concise video showing exactly how to change the oil on any vehicle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2KDbTx9gVo#action=share

Leather and Vinyl Seat Repair

Difficulty: Takes some dexterity and patience

Time involved: About an hour

Money saved: Up to hundreds of dollars for a seat replacement

Extreme weather changes and daily wear and tear put stress on the car's seats. The odds are good that, if you have vinyl or leather seats, one of them will crack or tear eventually. Instead of covering it with unsightly duct tape or replacing the entire seat, you can do your own leather repair to make the seat look as good as new. Autobytel offers YouTube instructions on how to use the 3M Vinyl and Leather repair kit on small to medium rips and tears:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Doe32ZedhfI#action=share

You can search up how-to video instructions for almost any DIY car repair topic. Take your time and have patience with yourself, and you'll be a DIY king or queen before you know it.

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