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In an age where you can find do-it-yourself (DIY) videos for almost any skill online, it can be tempting to try to solve your car problems yourself to save money. But should you?
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There are certainly things that can be fixed with a little training, but be careful when tackling something that is beyond your skill set, even with the help of videos. These can lead to damage and require expensive repairs that must be brought in by a professional after a failure.
Here, auto experts explain some car repairs you should never try on your own, and some that are okay to try.
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brake repair
Replacing your brakes yourself may seem easy, but according to Lauren Fix, founder of Car Coach Reports and author of Lauren Fix’s Guide to Loving Your Car, brake work is always Must be done by a professional.
“With anti-lock brakes and other safety features, you don’t want to take any risks when it comes to safety and stopping,” she said.
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Diagnosing the “Check Engine Light” Problem
When your car has a “check engine” light on, you want to diagnose the problem. However, don’t try and find out your car’s engine problems yourself.
“Take it to a local repair shop that you trust or have used before,” Fix advised. “These lights can cost you up to 40 percent in fuel efficiency.”
engine and transmission problems
Major problems with the engine, transmission, bearings, and bushings are usually inherently related to how the car runs. “These repairs should be left to people with proper training. They are not a beginner’s job,” Fix said.
Additionally, when hiring a professional, Fix recommends always having the work done by an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technician. “The blue patch can be found on the technician’s sleeve or on the sign in front of the store. A Master ASE Technician is the best choice.”
windshield repair
Rich Mayne, owner of Vista Glass, has seen many DIY windshield repair attempts end in disaster. “One customer used superglue to fix a crack, and after a week the crack had spread to the entire windshield. The whole thing had to be replaced, which cost an additional $500,” he said. Ta.
Another person tried to seal the chip with nail polish, but it failed within a few days due to bad weather. “By the time they called us, the damage had tripled. A simple $50 repair turned into $200 to fix the widening crack.”
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But the worst part was the driver who tried to secure the windshield with duct tape. “On the highway, the tape broke and the crack widened, blocking visibility. They hit another car, causing $20,000 in damage.”
His caveat: “The windshield is a safety device. A DIY repair won’t withstand weather or impact.” Therefore, to avoid steep cost increases in the future, invest in a professional repair/replacement. Please pay.
air conditioning system repair
There’s nothing more frustrating than having your car’s air conditioner stop working on a hot day. However, EVhype founder Rob Dylan recommends that you don’t try to touch this yourself.
“Air conditioning systems are sealed units, and accurate diagnosis and repair requires specialized knowledge and tools. DIY attempts can lead to refrigerant leaks and complete system failure.” he warned.
Professional air conditioner repairs can range from $150 to $1,500 depending on the problem, but the cost can skyrocket if you try to do it yourself or do it poorly.
timing belt replacement
Cars use timing belts to run their engines, so improper installation can cause serious damage to your engine. Dylan explained: “This complexity requires precision and expertise. Professional timing belt replacement typically costs between $500 and $1,000, but a failed DIY job can cost more than $3,000 to repair your engine. There is.”
Run this instead
Fix reminded us that keeping up with all the basic maintenance of your car is the best way to avoid costly repairs in the future. However, if you are going to DIY something, please keep the following three things in mind.
Tire Pressure: Check your tire pressure once a month to improve fuel economy, safety, handling, braking, and tire life. Always match the tire pressure to the correct pressure listed on the sticker on the inside of the driver’s door.
Fluids: Check all fluids (oil, coolant/antifreeze, power steering, transmission, brakes). If the fluid level is low, have a certified technician do the work or check your instruction manual to refill the correct fluid level.
Wiper blade: Replace the wiper blade. You can easily do this yourself. Remember that 80% of your driving decisions are based on visibility.
What you may not realize is that auto parts stores will replace air filters, batteries, and wiper blades for free when you purchase them, Fix says.
It’s great to do what you can to save money on car repairs, but always consider whether it’s worth the cost if something goes wrong.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Automotive Expert: 6 Car Repairs You Should Never DIY
