SOLVES YOUR MOTORING PROBLEMS - Sponsored by Haynes

Why pay through the nose to have everyday maintenance jobs completed by a professional, when you can arm yourself with a Haynes manual and do it yourself for free? Many everyday tasks can easily be done at home with a spanner and some sound advice – just ask Dr Accelerate for some step-by-step instructions...

Q: My 1997 Nissan Almera smells badly inside the cabin – even with an air freshener on the dash. Do you have any idea what it might be and what I can do to fix it? The smell is making me ill. David Guppy, Midsomer Norton

DR: It sounds like your air-conditioning system needs a thorough clean and service, as bacteria builds up in the system and the refrigerant may have run out. Unfortunately this isn’t something you can do yourself unless you’re a professional with the right equipment. You should take it to your local dealer who can clean it out for you, usually for around £100.

Q: I own a 1997 P-reg Ford Fiestawhich has blown a fuse. My uncle says it’s something that I can easily changemyself, rather than taking it tomy local garage whichwill chargeme an hour’s labour. Is this a simple job and if so,howdo I do it? Paula Knowles, Bridgwater

DR: It’s easy - you'll need some spare fuses of the correct type and rating - check your handbook or Haynes Manual.This will also tell you which fuse protects which circuit, and where the fuse boxes are.The fuse box is usually under a cover near the glovebox or instrument panel.Sometimes there’s one under the bonnet as well.To remove a fuse, simply pull it fromthe panel. On some cars, there’s a plastic tool for doing this – otherwise, use your fingers or tweezers. A blown fuse is easily recognised by the melted wire in the middle. The replacement fuse must be the right rating - shown by its colour or the number stamped on it .Push the newf use firmly into its slot in the fuse box. Switch on the circuit concerned. If the newfuse blows immediately, there’s a problem which needs professional investigation.

Q: I have been driving around for a while with only one headlight, as I don’t know how to change it and I’mtoo embarrassed to take it into a garage – blokes aremeant to know how to do these things aren’t they? Please help! MikeHatton, Abbots Leigh

DR: Disconnect thewiring plug fromthe bulb or the light unit.Peel back the rubber cover or remove the bulb holder fromthe light unit. For a headlamp bulb, squeeze the spring clip to release it. Move the clip out of the way and pull out the bulb.Formost other bulbs, push and rotate gently to release (the same as a household bulb). A headlamp bulb will probably have tangs around the edge so it can only be fitted one way. Fit the newbulb,making sure it’s the rightway up,and secure itwith the spring clip. Other bulbs have locating pins arranged to ensure they are fitted correctly. Replace the rubber cover or bulb holder and reconnect thewiring plug.Then check that it’s working – ifmore than one bulb has failed at once, it could be a blown fuse. Don’t forget it’s illegal to drive aroundwithout fully functioning lights.

Q: I recently hit a kerb and blew a tyre. I had to wait over an hour for the recoveryman,who replaced it in five minutes flat! I’d like to be able to do this myself in future.Any tips for a first-timer? Jill Draper, Kingswood

DR: First,make sure you’re in a safe place, the handbrake’s on, and the wheels are chocked. Get your spare wheel, jack and wheel brace out (usually in the boot). Remove the wheel trim– you may need to cut nylon cable ties fitted to stop theft – then prise off with a flat bladed screwdriver. Use the wheel brace to loosen each wheel bolt – if necessary, employing the special socket. Engage the jack head in the jacking point nearest the affected wheel (check your manual for details). Slide the spare under the car, near the wheel to be removed, but out of the way of the jack (in case it slips). Raise the jack until the tyre is 25 to 50mm off the ground. Remove the wheel bolts/nuts, and lift off the wheel. Drag out the spare wheel and slide the removed wheel under the car in its place. Fit the spare wheel, and tighten the bolts/nuts until they hold the wheel firmly. Remove the wheel from under the car, then lower the jack and remove it. Tighten each bolt securely, using the wheel brace, nut tightening one diagonally opposite bolts in square.Tighten the other bolts in a similar way, and refit the wheel trim. Check the pressure in the new tyre at the next garage and have the wheel bolts tightened to the correct torque setting. You can do this yourself with a torque wrench,or a local garage can do it for you. And don’t forget to replace the spare as soon as possible.