subject: Do-it-yourself Car Repairs [print this page] You do not have to be a certified master technician to do your own car repairs, but you should take some advice before you decide to take that on yourself. The money you save will be a relief but you want to know what you are doing so you don't cost yourself even more.
You will not have to pay high labor charges, and the parts you buy will not be marked-up. The money you save on each and every do it yourself repair could add up to incredibly large yearly savings.
When you do your own repairs, you are more likely to do a quality repair than the stranger at the local auto repair shop. This is because it is your asset and you need it more than the guy in the shop.
I am not implying that car mechanics are not ethical people, but they are working on your car to make money. And they are going to get through as many cars as they can to keep them money coming in.
Have you taken your car in, only to come back with the same problem that never seems to go away? Doing your repairs yourself can actually save having to look at the same thing more than once.
Have you also taken your car in only to be told you needed $200 more work done? This is called up-selling and mechanics will notice other things that need to be fixed on your car because they want to be the ones to fix it.
These things probably should be done, but may not be a priority for you at that time.
I'm sure when you're working on your own car, that you're not going to sell yourself a power steering flush or a brake system flush. When it is not required by the manufacturer or recommended at that mileage.
It is also hard to prove that something was broken by the mechanic when they state it was broken before. You are in a more knowledgeable place when you do your repairs.
Having everything you need for your do-it-yourself auto repair before the actual repairs begin can make the difference between success and failure.
When you start a do it yourself auto repair job you will be more successful if you are able to continuously work on the vehicle until it is finished.
It is easier to just keep going with the repairs instead of constant starts and stops. Mistakes are easily made when this happens as well.
First double check the replacement parts. On first glance it may seem that this is the right part for the job.
You also want to make sure that you have all the supplies needed to complete the repair. If you go to the parts store, ask the clerk what tools you may need for your particular job.
Auto repair manuals are helpful in telling you what you need for the job, and for showing example pictures of what you may be working with. Before the job begins, you can examine the repair procedure and make a list of all the items needed to complete the DIY auto repair successfully.
Do as much research as you can before the job to ensure you have as much information as possible while doing the repairs. You may need to take several trips to the part store to get things you need, or return things you didn't use.
You may even ask questions of those who are experienced with auto repairs. It can be very time consuming if you are new to auto repairs, but you will be laughing all the way to the bank with the money you saved.
