Are you tired of having to fork over what feels like half of your paycheck to auto repair shops?
Do you sometimes think that you could handle simple car repair techniques on your own, and get the problem fixed in a day instead of having to wait for the pros to get to your vehicle?
Are you just looking to save more money and brush up on your DIY mechanic skills in the process?
If so, then you need to keep on reading this post.
In it, we’ll tell you which auto repair tactics you can safely try on your own, and which ones you should always let a professional help you with.
Auto Repair You Can DIY
With the average car maintenance and repair bill clocking in at anywhere between $500-$600, we understand that you want to cut corners and take a DIY approach when it’s safe to do so.
Now, let’s figure out which car repairs don’t require trips to auto repair shops.
1. Sealing Off Radiator Leaks
If your radiator is leaking, you need to act as quickly as possible to fix it.
The good news?
Usually, you can handle this repair on your own.
Invest in a high-quality leak sealant, and turn your car off completely, waiting until the engine is cool. Then, simply take off your radiator cap and place the sealant into your car’s cooling system.
Afterward, add a little more coolant to the system, and then place the cap back on. Start your engine, and you should be good to go!
Of course, in some cases, you may need to replace your radiator altogether.
Shops like Affordable Radiators connect you with the top models in the auto industry while ensuring you get the best possible value. They also have an onsite mechanic if you’re too nervous to attempt the installation on your own.
2. Upgrading your Windshield Wipers
Have you noticed that your wiper blades are a little worn down?
Switching out the rubber on wiper blades is a simple repair DIY. Just take off the old wiper, lift the arm away from the windshield, and then slide on your new blade.
For a more in-depth tutorial, you can check out this video.
Car Repair You Shouldn’t Try on your Own
Now that you know which auto repair scenarios that you may be able to fix on your own, let’s take a look at the ones that are really best left to the professionals at auto repair shops.
If you try do these repairs on your own, you’ll likely end up paying even more to fix it than you would have if you’d gotten professional assistance in the first place.
1. Painting
We understand that, at least in principle, applying a fresh coat of paint to your car or even just trying to paint over a few dents and scratches shouldn’t be so difficult.
However, if you attempt to go the DIY route, you’re likely to get seriously uneven color, over-apply the paint so that it bubbles, or even end up making a scratch look more obvious than before.
This is especially important to avoid doing on your own as you’ll also expose yourself to dangerous — and potentially toxic — fumes in the paints themselves.
2. Messing with the Transmission
Your transmission is one of the most important standard auto parts — and it’s simply not something that anyone other than a certified mechanic should be playing around with.
Especially in today’s world, you should expect to encounter digital components within the transmission that can make DIY repairs next to impossible. And even if you do figure out the digital chips in your transmission, tinkering around with it on your own can often mean you’ll break other parts of the transmission.
Plus, it’s unlikely that you’ll even own the necessary tools (let alone know what they are) to fix the transmission. Again, using oversized tools can lead to serious transmission damage that may require you to completely replace it.
Plus, in most cases, the gearboxes will be much heavier than you anticipated. So, unless you want to head to the urgent care center with a smashed finger, leave it to the pros.
3. Replacing the Windshield
Last on our list of the parts of car models that you shouldn’t attempt to fix on your own?
Your car’s windshield.
Unlike the other repairs on this list, this is less of a safety issue and more of a poor financial move.
We understand that it can be seriously tempting to head to a junkyard for car parts and pick up an old windshield for a great value. And while you might save money on the windshield itself?
Keep in mind that you’ll also need to buy new clips, adhesive, window trimmings, and much more. By the time you end up making all of those purchases, you’ll likely end up spending just as much as you would have on a professional repair.
Looking for Reliable Car Repair Professionals?
We hope that this post has helped you to understand which car repair issues you can fix on your own, and which ones really should be left to the pros at auto repair shops.
Remember that DIY fixing can either save you a lot of money, or cause you to have to spend more than you originally would have in the event of a DIY disaster.
Looking for auto service that you can trust to get everything right the first time?
Check out our incredible business database to find experienced professionals in your area. If you’re interested in learning even more about how to keep your car in great shape for as long as possible, bookmark this blog.
We’re always dolling out the latest advice on how to keep your car running safely and smoothly.