BEING YOUR OWN MECHANIC .

BEING YOUR OWN MECHANIC

Imagine having a phone with you having no idea about how and where to change the SIM card when you want to. Even the removal of the battery is a problem, setting of date , time and calendar is also an issue.

The same applies for a vehicle user. Imagine the stress you go through when you have a minor issue with your vehicle but you have no idea on what to do. Your only option is to call your mechanic or dealership. As I stated in a previous article, the mechanic is a delicate craft so don't try anything on your car if you have no idea about it or you will worsen the situation

Therefore, as a vehicle user, you should acquire basic skills to help yourself in times of emergency before you call on your mechanic or dealership. This is what I call “ being your own mechanic”. 

The following are some examples of things you should be capable of doing when you find yourself in an emergency or difficulty

Changing your vehicle battery

This is a common situation. It occurs the most when you least expect it. Especially when you're in a hurry to go to work then all of a sudden the battery is not responding. As a vehicle user, you should have knowledge about the battery, its capacity and specifications. This can help you get one from a reliable auto spare parts store or your dealership. And you should be able to dismount and mount a new battery onto your vehicle. Make sure you have the required tool for that task in your vehicle.

A TYPICAL LIGHT DUTY VEHICLE BATTERY

Changing of wiper blades

Wiper blades are some of the easy go parts of a vehicle but very essential. You appreciate their role in the rainy season.  Wiper blades are defective when after each wipe there are lines on the windscreen or shield. You can buy a new one at your dealership or a reliable auto spare parts shop and fix it. Mostly, it does not require any (special) tool.

A WIPER BLADE CHANGE

Tyre change

Now, this is a situation that happens very often. Tyre burst comes with no notice. A new tyre as well as a used one can burst whiles driving. The driving conditions, nature of the road and other factors contribute to it. You should be able to change your tyre when you have an emergency on the road and always make sure you have a good spare tyre. There is a reason why a car manufacturer equipped your car with a wheel spanner and a jack. It is to help you in times like these before a qualified mechanic takes over the situation

A TYRE CHANGE DURING AN EMERGENCY BREAKDOWN

Lubricants and fluids refill

FLUID REFILL

Lubricants in the vehicle are used to control friction among movable parts. These include the engine oil. The power steering fluid, wiper wash liquid and the radiator fluid are some of the fluids and needs to be checked every day. So, when you check them and their levels have reduced, you should be able to top them up. These things do not need a qualified mechanic to do unless you see a significant drop in level of fluids before you call for your mechanic for a proper and thorough check

Radio and interior settings

The radio and interior settings help in improving your driving experience. They make you enjoy your ride when you're on the road. Other interior features include air condition, heater settings, and controls on the steering wheel, seat adjustments and others. As a vehicle user, you should be able to set them and have control over these settings to make your driving experience more enjoyable. As I said, there is a reason the manufacturer placed a vehicle manual in the glove box. So that you can go over them and do the basic things yourself.

Before you call your mechanic, these are some of the basic things you should know how to do as a vehicle user. Without such knowledge, any case of emergency on the road will be more stressful and little problems could develop into greater ones. Be your own mechanic now!

About the writer

Edmond Nana Cabir Flynt is a vehicle sales advisor based in Takoradi - Ghana. He is also a volunteer, an entrepreneur, and auto show radio presenter.

For further enquiry, consultation, advertisement, product promotion (vehicle related), vehicle and accessory sale, contact him on the following numbers +233(0)209461930 /+233(0)548383591 and email nanaflynt@gmail.com .