Before trying to handle your car repair on your own, think about whether you are better off visiting the mechanic at the outset. Although the know-how to fix a vehicular problem is useful, sometimes doing it yourself is costly and inefficient.
Many vehicle owners will attempt to do their own car repair in order to save time and money. However,
there are situations when you need expert help. If your vehicle falls into one of the following categories, you need to take it to an experienced shop when it needs to be fixed.
No Manufacturer’s Instructions
While advice for repairs isn’t likely to be found in the owner’s manual, you can find the vehicle’s manual for repairs online. If this does not clearly show you how to fix the problem, then you need to find someone who has the experience and know-how to fix it right. Without the proper instructions from the manufacturer, you risk an improper fix and sacrificing the integrity and safety of your vehicle.
You Have a Young Vehicle
If your vehicle is less than 10 years old, you can expect the computer system to be quite advanced. Sometimes a simple fix, such as changing the brake pads, can affect other aspects of the vehicle because of the way the computer system is integrated into the main assembly of the car. Hiring a professional ensures that you avoid these potentially costly mistakes.
Electronic Fuel Injection
Vehicles with electronic fuel injection need to be repaired by a professional. If you are unsure about your vehicle's fuel injection status, look in the owner’s manual. Doing this type of car repair on your own can easily misalign the vehicle’s timing, thus leading to costly computer repair down the road.
You Don’t Have the Right Tools
Some types of car repair require highly specialized tools. Your hammer and monkey wrench may not be sufficient for advanced repairs. If you don’t have the tools you need for the job, you are far better off taking it the mechanic, unless you want to invest in costly tools you may never use again. The price of these types of specialized tools can often outweigh the cost of having the repairs done at a shop.
You Aren’t Sure What’s Wrong
Never attempt to fix your vehicle on your own unless you are certain of what the problem is in the first place. Engines can be tricky, and fixing the wrong thing simply wastes your time and money. You may be able to do the job yourself after having a diagnostic test run at the mechanic’s shop, but make sure you know exactly what needs to be done before attempting to perform repairs on your own vehicle.
You Have No Experience
It takes a mechanic many years of schooling to become skilled in his craft. Simply being “handy” is not sufficient. Unless a job is very simple, you are better off letting a professional handle it than doing it on your own with no experience.
Always evaluate your reason for wanting to do the car repair on your own. Is it because you are afraid of the cost? Then understand that most repairs end up costing more when handled by someone with no experience. If it is to save time, take a little extra time to shop for a mechanic’s shop that has a reputation for efficiency. In most situations, you will be better off having a professional service your vehicle rather than doing it yourself.
