How Students Can Tackle Common Car Issues on Their Own

For many students, owning a car is a necessity, whether it’s for commuting to campus, running errands, or making weekend road trips. However, dealing with car problems can be frustrating and expensive, especially on a student budget. The good news? Many common car issues can be resolved with a little DIY effort, saving both time and money. Here’s a guide to tackling some of the most frequent car troubles students face, without having to rush to a mechanic.

1. Flat Tire Fixes

A flat tire can happen at the worst possible time, but changing a tire is a skill every student should know. Here’s what to do:

• Find a safe spot – If your tire goes flat, pull over to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights.
• Gather your tools – Locate your spare tire, jack, and lug wrench (usually found in the trunk).
• Loosen the lug nuts – Before lifting the car, use the lug wrench to loosen the nuts slightly.
• Jack up the car – Place the jack under the vehicle’s frame near the affected tire and raise the car until the tire is off the ground.
• Replace the tire – Remove the flat tire, put on the spare, and tighten the lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the car and fully tighten the nuts – Use the lug wrench to securely tighten the nuts in a crisscross pattern.

“Pro Tip: Keep a tire repair kit and portable air pump in your car for temporary fixes if you’re unable to change the tire immediately,” advises Brian Weidner, an auto writer at Bibliography vs Works Cited.

2. Dead Battery Jumpstart

A dead battery can leave you stranded, but jumpstarting a car is easier than you might think. You’ll need jumper cables and a second vehicle. Here’s how:

• Position both cars properly – The working car should be parked close to yours without touching.
• Turn off both vehicles – Make sure the keys are out of the ignition.
• Connect the jumper cables:
  • Red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
  • Red clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery.
  • Black clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery.
  • Black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the dead car (not the battery itself).
• Start the working car – Let it run for a few minutes.
• Try starting your car – If it starts, keep it running for at least 15-20 minutes to recharge the battery.

Pro Tip: If your battery dies frequently, it might be time for a replacement.

3. Overheating Engine

An overheating engine is serious but often preventable. If your temperature gauge rises or you see steam coming from under the hood:

• Turn off the A/C and turn on the heat – This helps pull heat away from the engine.
• Pull over and let the engine cool – Never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot.
• Check the coolant level – If it’s low, add coolant (or water temporarily) when the engine has cooled.
• Look for leaks – If coolant leaks frequently, your car may need a mechanic’s attention.

Pro Tip: Always carry a bottle of coolant in your trunk.

4. Headlight or Taillight Replacement

Driving with a broken headlight or taillight is dangerous and can get you a ticket. Thankfully, replacing bulbs is easy:

• Buy the right replacement bulb – Check your car’s manual for the bulb type.
• Locate the bulb housing – Usually accessible from the trunk (taillights) or under the hood (headlights).
• Remove the old bulb – Twist the socket counterclockwise and pull it out.
• Insert the new bulb – Avoid touching the glass part with your fingers to prevent damage.
• Test the lights before closing everything up.

Pro Tip: LED bulbs last longer and are often brighter than standard halogen bulbs.

5. Fixing a Stuck Car Lock or Key Fob Issues

If your car key won’t turn in the ignition or your key fob stops working:

• For stuck locks – Spray a small amount of WD-40 into the keyhole to loosen dirt buildup.
• For a dead key fob – Replace the battery, which is usually accessible by prying open the back of the fob.
• For a stubborn ignition – Turn the steering wheel left and right while gently turning the key.

Pro Tip: Always carry a spare key or a manual key override option if your fob fails.

6. Fixing Windshield Wipers

Bad wipers can make driving in rain dangerous. If they’re streaking or not clearing properly:

• Replace wiper blades – Remove the old blades by pressing the release tab and sliding them off. Snap the new ones into place.
• Clean the blades – Wipe them with a damp cloth to remove dirt buildup.
• Refill wiper fluid – Check the reservoir under the hood and top it off if needed.

Pro Tip: Use winter-grade wiper fluid in colder months to prevent freezing.

7. Checking and Topping Up Fluids

Regular fluid checks keep your car running smoothly. The key fluids to monitor include:

• Engine oil – Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check the oil level.
• Brake fluid – Ensure it’s at the recommended level.
• Transmission fluid – Check while the car is running and in park.
• Coolant and windshield washer fluid – Keep both topped up for safety and visibility.

Pro Tip: Use your car’s manual to locate fluid reservoirs and learn the correct levels.

Being able to handle common car issues on your own can save a lot of money and hassle. With a few basic tools, a little patience, and some practice, students can become self-reliant and prepared for minor car troubles. Not only will these skills keep your car in good condition, but they’ll also give you peace of mind on the road.