DIY Wiring Jobs You Can Do on Your Car To Save Money
We all know taking our car to the mechanic can be a huge pain, and it seems like they always find something wrong that costs an arm and a leg to fix. What if we told you there are some wiring jobs you can do on your car yourself and save a ton of money in the process?
In this post, we’ll share some of the most common DIY wiring jobs you can do on your car to avoid overspending at the mechanic. From installing a new stereo to fixing a broken taillight, we’ve got you covered. So grab your tools and get ready to save some serious cash.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start any wiring job, you’ll need to gather a few tools. You’ll need a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, wire cutters, and a set of wire connectors. You can find these tools at most hardware stores or auto repair shops. When you go, make sure to consult one of the employees on what to buy for your particular make and model.
The Basics of Wiring
Wiring is a relatively simple process. Just think of it as creating a path for electricity to follow. You’ll need to connect the positive and negative terminals of your battery to the corresponding positive and negative terminals of your device. In most cases, the positive terminal will be marked with a red wire, and the negative terminal will be marked with a black wire.
Wiring Your Car Stereo
One of the most popular DIY wiring jobs is installing a new car stereo. To do this, you’ll need to identify the positive and negative terminals on your car’s stereo and the battery. Make sure to follow the directions for your particular stereo. When you have the wiring done correctly, you will need to make sure the connections are secure.
Wiring Your Car Alarm
Another popular DIY wiring job is installing a car alarm. This is a slightly more complicated process, but it’s still relatively simple. To wire your car alarm, you’ll need to follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. Wiring a car alarm involves more connections than a stereo, and you must have the correct wiring set up, as an ineffective car alarm can be a safety issue.
Wiring Your Car Lights
One of the most straightforward DIY wiring jobs is installing new car lights. If you have ever wired lights in your home before, this is the same process. Match up the terminals as before and connect the wires as directed. When you are done, have a partner check your lights while you turn them on and off from inside the car to ensure they are fully functioning.
Wiring Your Car GPS
Once you have some practice and experience, you can wire a GPS to your car. This is similar to installing a car stereo, but there are a few additional steps involved. The power wire will need to be connected to the battery, and the GPS will need to be connected to the ground. This system also involves an antenna wire, which you will need to wire to your stereo. You can find detailed instruction videos online for this step. If the antenna is not wired correctly, your GPS will not be able to locate you.
Conclusion
Maintaining a car can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are some wiring jobs, like the ones above, that you can do on your own to save money. So next time your car needs some electrical work, consider tackling one of these four DIY jobs yourself instead of emptying your wallet at the mechanic.