DIY Car Repairs That Should Not Be Done at Home
Especially with the rise in vehicle prices and fuel, most people are looking for ways to save a buck when it comes to their cars. Unfortunately, there are some things (even if you’re handy) that you should never do to your own vehicle! For starters, anything on a relatively new vehicle could be covered under warranty, something you would hate to void. There’s a reason automotive techs are specially trained, and a lot of that comes down to safety. Here are some of the main repairs that you should bring straight to the shop:
- AC repair
The air conditioning is a closed system, meaning you should never have to replace or top up your coolant. Speaking of coolant, it is extremely toxic! There’s a method to the madness, and not something you want to try at home.
- Mount or rotate tires
This task does seem like an easy one for many, but can cost a lot more money in the long run if done improperly. Improper tire mounting can lead to flat tires, shaking, or damage to other parts of your vehicle. Perfectly inflated and aligned tires can also save on gas, so make sure it’s done right!
- Replace brake pads or fluid
It goes without saying that anything to do with brakes is a major safety concern. Although this routine service may be tempting to do at home, electronic brakes add an extra layer of complexity that is best done by the experts!
- Engine Diagnostics
The combustion engine is an extremely convoluted system, and best not to be messed with. One small miss can affect all other components of the vehicle and can send you to the dealership with more repairs than you bargained for!
- Repairing the transmission
This may be one of the hardest repairs to do at home, due to the complicated gear system. The average automatic transmission has nearly 900 parts!
- Fuel system repairs
Now this one is just playing with fire, literally! These systems have the ability to cause fires, headaches, or unconsciousness. Send your car to the people who know how to do it safely (and away from your house!)
- Airbag repairs
Much like brakes, improperly fixing this could lead to a massive safety hazard. Airbags are powered by a pack of explosives, only to go off at the right time. Doing this yourself could ultimately lead to injury or death if done carelessly.
Although some repairs seem easy enough to do at home, it can end up costing more than the initial repair (or your health) if something goes wrong. Stick to the basics like replacing windshield wipers, detailing, and changing your own oil to save money rather than these large fixes!
