You can do most auto repair yourself with some basic tools, just DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH before picking up a wrench. In this episode we go over how not to get ripped off by a mechanic, which jobs to do yourself vs. when to take it to a professional, and what tools you’ll need for most jobs.
Main topic at 51:14
Email us with tips, stories, and unhinged rants: carsandcomrades@gmail.com //
Our social media links etc: www.linktr.ee/CarsAndComrades //
Music by King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard: www.kinggizzardandthelizardwizard.com/polygondwanaland //
Links/Sources:
Forney Museum: https://www.forneymuseum.org/ //
Photos from the Forney Museum: https://ibb.co/album/nrRsc9 //
How to "Double Wrench" for more leverage and torque: https://youtu.be/MhkydEzXL0U?si=iluM6icn4_5o5E5q //
Harbor Freight jack stands don't have the greatest reputation: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a33238450/harbor-freight-recalls-replacement-pittsburgh-jack-stands/ //
Minivan on rails, Vaser Valley Railway, Romania https://youtu.be/0zeBIxI7n1I?si=HL39Y4_S6Svq_8iN //
Tools that we recommend (not sponsored):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mechanics-Tool-Set-290-Piece-H290MTS/312945780 //
https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/jacks-jack-stands/floor-jacks/low-profile/2-ton-low-profile-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-slate-gray-70485.html //
https://us.gktech.com/products/super-low-car-ramps-pair-1 //
Catching up on podcasts and listed the Part 1 and Part 2 recently.
Driving a little Mazda when living on a dirt road that had a very high volume of traffic... semis, work trucks, farm tractors... had me constantly dealing with flat tires caused by punctures. It got to the point where I was averaging about 1 flat tire every 3 months. One time I took my tire into a local bare bones mechanic shop and the guy showed me how to use a plug kit. It blew my fucking mind. The tools are small and cheap, a hole rasp and the needle looking thing that jams the plug material into the puncture combined with a cheapy car powered air compressor... and if you can find the hole and get the object out of the tire it only takes like 10 minutes after a bit of practice to get the hole plugged. Definitely reduced some financial pressure and stress of needing to find an open tire shop at the random times my work schedule would allow it.
Yeah those plugs won't save a totally fucked tire but they're usually worth a try. A little dab of silicone sealant like RTV helps out. Still, I don't totally trust them not to explode on the highway.
I used to work in an industrial area next to a hardware store and I've had my fair share of nails stuck in my tires, so I feel your pain
