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10 Basic Car Repairs Everyone Should Know

Nabin Paudyal
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10 Basic Car Repairs Everyone Should Know

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Most of us have been driving cars since we were in our teens. For many, it’s almost impossible to imagine living without
a car. In a way, they epitomize a part of our lives. But like many things, cars can fail us every once in a while.

You know the frustration of your car breaking down when you need it the most. Well, what if I told you that some of the
most common reasons for car problems have easy fixes you could learn to do yourself? Here are 10 basic car repairs
you should know.

1. Changing oil.
You need to regularly check and change your car’s oil to ensure smooth running of the vehicle and to prolong the
lifespan of its engine. Changing your car’s oil is one of the most fundamental DIY skills you should have for car
maintenance or repair. Of course, it’s a different story if the oil filter and oil drain plug of your car are very hard to
reach.

Basic steps involve draining the oil by removing the oil drain plug, unscrewing the oil filter and emptying it, putting the
oil filter and drain plug back, removing the oil filler hole cap, and pouring fresh oil. Nothing you can’t learn from the
tons of tutorials available online!

2. Changing a at tire.
There’s a reason “wheels” is slang for car. It’s because the tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. And
they can go flat on you every once in a while. But changing a flat tire doesn’t have to be a big deal and could actually be
a lifesaving skill to learn.

Basic steps involve loosening the lug nuts (with a wrench), using a jack stand to lift the car off the ground, removing the
lug nuts (and subsequently the tire), placing the spare tire on, wrenching the lug nuts back on, lowering the car, and
finally making sure the lug nuts are tight. Simple.

3. Changing spark plugs.

Most of us know what spark plugs are and what they do. They are the tiny devices inside the cylinder that create sparks
to ignite the gasoline, ultimately powering your vehicle. But they do wear out every 10,000 miles or so. The fix is actually
quite easy.

The steps include: locating your spark plugs, removing the spark plug wire, removing the faulty spark plug, inserting
the new spark plug in its place, and putting the wire back. You’re done! Make sure to watch a tutorial before you do it
yourself.

4. Removing scratches from paint.

Scratches are the absolute worst. Even the tiniest scratches are visible from a distance and can kill the overall
appearance of your metal monster. Unfortunately, it may cost you thousands to get them removed in a body shop. But
you can save the money and the frustration with a simple DIY job.

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The steps include: determining the depth of the scratch, lightly sanding the scratch, cleaning the area, applying rubbing
compound, polishing the area with the rubbing compound, washing the area, and finally waxing the area to seal the
repair. That’s it. You’ve just saved yourself a lot of money.

5. Changing a car battery.

Car batteries tend to die on us at the most inconvenient times. If you’re in the middle of nowhere, your best bet would
be to find roadside assistance and/or call a tow truck. But if you’re home and your battery shows signs that it might need
replacement, the DIY replacement method is quite easy.

The steps include: removing any covers from the battery, disconnecting the negative cables, moving the clamp away
from the battery post, doing the same for the positive cable clamp, removing all screws, replacing the old battery with
the new one, and finally reconnecting the cable clamps. Make sure you label the cables before you remove them.

6. Replacing a headlight or taillight.

Having a broken headlight or taillight is not only inconvenient, but is actually illegal. Consequently, you need to change
them as soon as they begin to fade. But why waste money on a mechanic when the DIY replacement is so easy?

The process involves: removing the screws connecting the headlight frame to the bracket, disconnecting the electrical
connector, removing the faulty bulb and replacing it with a new one, plugging the connector back on, and finally
replacing the frame.

Sometimes only your frame might be broken, which can be just as hazardous. You can change it following the same
procedure.
7. Replacing wipers.
Windshield wipers are one of the least-appreciated parts of your car’s safety system. Imagine what would happen if
they failed on you during a heavy rain or snowfall, perhaps resulting in damage to your brand new vehicle. Faulty
wiper blades need to replaced, and you need to be sure that your windshield wipers are always in perfect shape. This
DIY is an easy fix.

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The steps involve: lifting the wiper arm away from the windshield, depressing the small tab that allows the wiper blade
to be pulled off, lining up the new wiper blade with the arm, and pushing it in tightly. Done! Make sure to follow
tutorials while doing it.

8. Replacing air lters.

Air filters are one of the most overlooked parts of your car. They keep your engine free of dust and other contaminants.
They are inexpensive and quite easy to replace, so keeping your car’s engine clean is another easy DIY.

The steps include: opening the hood, locating the air filter unit, removing the air filter cover, taking the air filter out and
cleaning the air filter housing, inserting a new filter, and finally replacing the cover. You’re done! Make sure you change
your filter once every 30,000 miles, or approximately once every year.

9. Changing brake pads.

The brakes are one of the most important elements of your vehicle for ensuring your safety while driving. Many car
accidents result from brake failures, so your car’s brakes always need to be in perfect condition. Thankfully, changing
the brake pads can be as easy as changing a flat tire.

Basic steps involve loosening the lug nuts of the wheels, jacking the car up, removing the wheels, removing the slider
bolts, removing the older brake pads and replacing them with new ones, and putting the slider bolts and the wheels
back on securely. You should be particularly careful if you’re using replica wheels. This is another simple DIY that can
save you some money!

10. Jumpstarting a car.

This is not so much a repair as it is a fundamental skill. Everyone should know how to jumpstart their own car. You
wouldn’t want to have to call roadside assistance every time your car won’t start, and it’s really the easiest thing ever.

Just take your jumper cables out, put both vehicles in neutral and shut the ignition off. Now, attach one of the red clips
to the positive terminal of your battery and the other to the positive terminal of the battery in the other car (the one that
will start). Attach one of the black clips to the negative terminal of the battery in the other car. Attach the other end to
an unpainted metal surface. Now try to start your vehicle. You’re done!

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 Published on August 4, 2020

How Smart Goal Setting Helps You Make Lasting

Changes
Onis Sampson
The Founder of Staying True, a self development blog dedicated to teaching and exploring ways people can be their authentic, real selves.
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SMART goal setting is one of the most valuable methods used by high achievers today to actualize their life goals time
after time. SMART goal setting is the inverse of random or carefree goal setting without strategy.

Perhaps, you’ve always wished to get back in shape, get an annuity, or take control of your finances, but you failed to
act. When you approach your goals with a care-free and nonchalant attitude, you’re less likely to achieve them.

You should have a strategic goal setting method in place, and learning how to set smart goals is imperative in this case.
The method is time-tested and purposeful, meaning it can help you achieve your goals now.

To achieve your goals consistently and join the pack of high achievers out there who have consistently achieved many of
their goals, you must be prepared to do what these people have been doing, and be ready to do the right thing: SMART
goal setting.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What Is the SMART Model for Setting Goals?

2. How Smart Goal Setting Makes a Lasting Impact
3. How to Set SMART Goals
4. The Bottom Line
5. More on the SMART Model for Setting Goals

What Is the SMART Model for Setting Goals?

SMART goal setting is a goal-setting method that considers certain factors about a goal relative to the person setting it.
These factors are simply the five different letters in the SMART acronym for goal setting.

It is relative to the person setting the goal because what is true for A may not be true for B; or what is possible for A or
within A’s ability to achieve may not be possible for B or within B’s ability to achieve.

What does the goal setting acronym SMART stand for?

S—Specific
M—Measurable
A—Achievable
R—Realistic/Relevant
T—Time-bound

Is it possible that this acronym can make a long lasting impact in your life?

Is it possible that a mere goal setting metric like SMART can help you achieve so many of your unfulfilled goals?

Is it possible that if you practice SMART goal setting, you will be able to have faster results, understand your goals
better, overcome the habit of procrastination, and achieve a lot?

The power to achieve your goals is in your hands.

It is important to extend the inquiry by asking: How many times have you said you’ll do “X,” but failed to do so?

We all have goals, and we all have 24 hours each day at our disposal. While some people find it easy to achieve their
goals without procrastinating, some find it difficult to do so.

For some people who have succeeded again and again in achieving their goals, they have simply found an easy way of
doing this. Is there something they know that you don’t?

How Smart Goal Setting Makes a Lasting Impact

Smart goal setting examples can be found all around you. Through SMART goal setting, Stephen Cooley was able to grow
his real estate business to the point of closing at $110 million in sales when the average price point of homes was
between $100,000 – $200,000 in South Carolina[1].

Through SMART goal setting, Steve Jobs was able to improve the fortunes of Apple and prevent the company from going
bankrupt, even when it had barely 90 days left before being declared so.

SMART goal setting can make a lasting impact in your life in several ways.

Make Your Goal Clearer

When you use the SMART criteria to set goals, it is easier for you to understand the various phases of your goal.

By using SMART goal setting, you’re able to ask yourself relevant questions pertaining to your goal.

Motivate You Into Acting on Your Goals

When you use SMART goal setting and break down the goal into smaller goals or milestones, the bigger goal no longer
looks intimidating or impossible.

Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, wrote in his book How to Get from Where You Are to Where You
Want to Be about how they applied the rule of five in marketing their book, Chicken Soup, and were able to make the
book a best seller after some months[2]. The rule of five simply means doing five specific things every day that will move
you closer to achieving your goal.

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In order not to be overwhelmed, you would have to measure your performance using the right metrics. Here we are
considering the Measurable and Achievable aspects of the SMART acronym. It is critical that you measure yourself in
terms of lead measures.

What are lead measures? They are the things you do that leads you closer to your goals. On the other hand, you would
have to avoid “lag measures.”

While lag measures mean a successful outcome that you wished for and got, they can be emotionally draining and
deceitful because, whenever they don’t happen, you can become discouraged.

Therefore, it is better to stick to lead measures.

Help You Save Time

You can achieve more when you use SMART model goal setting.

To be strategic, your goal would have to be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. If you can’t
identify any of these points in your goal, you probably will be wasting your time on a wild goose chase.

When your goals are written down, it’s easier for you to go into action mode.

Improve Your Self-Discipline

Self-improvement is an important thing for everyone to do periodically. When you set SMART goals, it makes you realize
that you have to sit up and work on achieving them.

How to Set SMART Goals

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To make your SMART goals work, use the following tips:

Speci c
Every goal ought to be specific. It is important to guard against making vague goals because even when they have been
achieved, you may not know. This is because you weren’t specific enough.

For example, “I will start planning toward retirement” is vague. Rather than write that, you could say, “I will start
planning toward retirement by starting an annuity plan.” This is more specific.

When you are specific on your goal, it’s easier for you to identify all its components and work accordingly toward
achieving it.

Measurable
Your goals must be measurable. When they are measurable, it’s easier for you to follow through.

A goal like this is not measurable: “I want to make millions of dollars.” You can make it more measurable by saying, “I
want to make one million dollars selling one hundred thousand copies of my book at ten dollars each.”

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Also, using our SMART goal setting examples while explaining the Specific acronym, you can make the goal more
measurable by saying, “I will start planning toward retirement by starting an annuity plan and saving $500 every
month.”

Achievable
How realistic or actionable is your goal? Is it practical enough to fit into a given time frame? Is it something you are able
to achieve in your capacity?

You would only be setting yourself up for failure if you sets goals that are not reasonable.

A goal like this is highly unrealistic and, therefore, not achievable: “I want to be the Governor of Texas in six months,”
especially since the elections will be coming up in three years.

Goals must be written down relative to the experiences of the one setting them. They must resonate with you. It is
important that you have at least some of the resources needed to actualize this goal.

It is also important that you consider your time frame. When the time frame to achieve a complex goal is too short, it is
rare that such goal will be completed.

Thus, using our previous example, if you write “I want to make one million dollars in ten days selling one hundred
thousand copies of my book at ten dollars each,” you would only be setting up yourself for failure.

This is especially true if you’re not a popular author or if you’ve never sold even up to one thousand copies of any of
your previous books, whether e-copy or in print.

Realistic/Relevant
Before you proceed to making the commitment toward that goal, you need think about how realistic and relevant it is.

Being realistic means you should be willing to make all the commitments required for that goal to be achieved. If your
goal is relevant, it fits into the life you’ve imagined for yourself.

Time-Bound
Every goal must have a commencement date and an end date written down. It is also important that you break down
your goals into phases, chunks, bits, or milestones.

The act of having deadlines set to your goals is ample motivation that drives you into action. Without a deadline, it is not
possible for you to know if you’re making headway with your goals.

“I will start planning toward retirement by starting an annuity plan and saving $500 every month for the next twenty
five years” is a time-bound goal.

Remember that some goals are short-term while some are long-term. It is important to always bear this in mind,
because this will help you in making a clear and realistic strategy when SMART goal planning.

Without SMART goal setting in view, much of our goals may likely end in our minds, on paper, or just midway into
implementation. SMART goal setting reveals to us all the action points of our goals and helps us to have an awareness of
every aspect of our goals.

The Bottom Line

What matters at the end of the day is what you do with the contents of this article because the power to achieve your
goals is in your hands.

It is not enough to have a goal. It is not enough to put it down in writing. It is important to have a strategy in mind while
putting it down. This strategy is a guideline or set of rules that point you in the right direction. It is SMART goal setting in
the given circumstance.

After writing down your goals, you will have to be ready to take action. There should be a clear action point. Write
down what you need to do on daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

When your goals are realistic, they make them worth the chase. One of the things to bear in mind is that, in order not to
be overwhelmed by the daunting nature of your goals, remember to always break them into milestones, chunks, or bits.
In fact, take one day at a time.
Do not bother yourself with the one-year, three-year, five-year or ten-year plan as this may likely overwhelm you with
fear and doubt. Let your focus be on each day. What will I be doing today? Consider this and go for it.

More on the SMART Model for Setting Goals

Smart Goals Template to Help Leaders Attain Success Easily
17 Smart Tips on Setting Goals to Accomplish More in Life
How to Use SMART Goal to Become Highly Successful in Life

Free Guide to Help You Stay Focused Despite Distractions

This Insider's Guide provides you with a solid system to stay focused, so you can achieve more in less time.

Download the Insider's Guide for free here:

Email Address Download Now Free

Featured photo credit: Kelly Sikkema via unsplash.com

Reference
[1] ^ BoomTown: Don’t Believe in Goal Setting? Then Listen to Stephen Cooley’s Team
[2] ^ Jack Canfield: Creating “Miracles” with the Rule of Five

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How to Set Short Term Goals for a Successful Life How to Set Goals Smartly to Accomplish More in Life
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