Due to the countless DIY videos posted on YouTube and other sites, it can be tempting to do your own car repairs at home to save money. While this makes sense in some situations, it’s not always advisable to repair your own car. Improperly done at-home car maintenance can lead to even more expensive repairs down the line.
You can do a few regular car maintenance services on your own, but some repairs should be handled by a certified mechanic. Here are five car repairs that you should leave to professionals.
1. Repairing the AC system
Air conditioning is one of the substantial conveniences a modern car offers, so you will know when your AC system is faulty. While you might be tempted to fix your AC on your own, you will need to be careful. Repairing an AC system can be dangerous as it contains toxic refrigerants that can be harmful to your health and environment.
An AC system is also much more complicated to repair due to its many parts. Therefore, if you don’t end up covered by refrigerants, you can accidentally break part of the system, such as the fan. It’s best to leave this complex repair to a professional.
2. Replacing a windshield
A cracked or chipped windshield is a very tricky component to replace. If it is not properly installed, you might end up with another cracked windshield or leaks anytime it rains. You are also dealing with window trims, clips, and adhesive, which means it’s more complicated to install a windshield.
With the many risks of DIY windshield replacement, it’s best to look for professional windshield repair services. Check out vanisleglass.com to get in contact with an experienced technician who has the tools and skills to replace your windshield safely.
3. Mounting and balancing the tires
While mounting and balancing tires may seem like simple car maintenance, it’s best left to the experts. Improper mounting may lead to a flat tire, posing dangers to you and other drivers on the road. Similarly, improper wheel balance can lead to excessive shaking that may damage other parts of your car. It’s best to find professional tire mounting and balancing services whether you want to swap out your tires or need new tires altogether.
4. Engine diagnostic or repair
Modern cars’ electrical systems are incredibly complicated, as they contain many wires, fuses, and relays that work together to ensure your car starts and runs properly. Diagnosing and fixing engine problems in a vehicle can be difficult, and it comes with safety risks, such as shock from high-voltage batteries or wiring systems. It’s best to leave engine diagnostics and repairs to an expert, whether you have a piston, sensor, gasket, or any other engine issue.
5. ECU repairs and tuning
Cobb tuning provides fantastic plug-and-play solutions to fine-tune your vehicle’s performance capabilities. However, one wrong move might cause the need for a new engine. It’s always important to leave automotive computer fixes to experts unless you are an ASE certified technician. You don’t want to mess with air/fuel ratios, redline limiters, or shift points.
6. Repairing the fuel system
Fuel system problems can manifest in different ways, such as unusual sounds from the gas tank, power surges, reduced fuel efficiency, or the engine sputters. Trying to fix these problems on your own can affect the entire fuel system or cause safety issues.
Repairing or replacing any fuel system components, including the gas tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel filters, and injectors, is best left to professionals. A professional repair or cleaning service will keep your fuel system clean and correctly working, giving your car optimum performance and mileage.
7. Replacing a broken or worn-out timing belt
Your car’s timing belt is made of rubber, so it will wear out over time and eventually break. A broken or worn-out timing belt can render your car nonfunctional or, in the worst cases, bend the valves and pistons, leading to major damage to your engine.
While replacing a timing belt is manageable, doing it at home without proper knowledge might lead to more harm than good. Timing belts are under great pressure and tension when in place, so they can become loose or snap while trying to repair them on your own. Timing belt replacement is best left to professionals.
8. Paint jobs and bodywork
Repairing damaged body parts of your car and spraying paint can be costly, messy, and time-consuming. While the only health hazard is the paint or fiberglass resin fumes, which you can protect yourself from by wearing a mask, there are other risks you are taking.
For instance, if you mess up painting the body even slightly, you might end up with bubbles on the surface, which may appear unsightly. Bodywork and paint jobs are more complicated than they might seem, so they are best left to professionals.
9. Replacing brake pads, rotors, or brake fluid
Brake pads and fluid replacement are essential maintenance services for every car. Ensuring the brake pads are replaced regularly will save you money in the long run and can protect you from a car accident. A brake fluid replacement helps remove the old, filthy fluid from your device and replace it with new, clean fluid.
While you can change the brake pads on your own, a misstep when replacing rotors, calipers, or brake fluid could put your life in danger. It is best to have a professional change your car’s brakes.
10. Replacing suspension system components
The suspension system holds up your car and protects it from unexpected bumps and dips. If one or more components of your suspension system are damaged or malfunctioning, your car will be more springy when riding over bumps. You could also hear unusual popping sounds while turning, or your car’s handling might feel off.
While suspension parts may be easy to spot under your car, replacing them can be tricky. Improper replacement of these parts can lead to many more issues afterward, such as premature wearing. Mishandling them can also cause severe injuries or even death. For these and many more reasons, it’s best to leave suspension system repairs to professionals.
Endnote
Don’t put your car at risk. While some minor car repairs are within a DIYer’s scope, most are best left to experts. Professional mechanics or technicians have the tools, skills, and expertise to come up with solutions that work for you and your vehicle.