Auto Service Tips and Tricks for Women and Novices

Posted on: 22 July 2021

Most car owners are often in a dilemma of whether to take their vehicles to a mechanic or conduct DIY repairs once their car breaks down. The extract below evaluates the implication of each of these decisions with assertions that car owners should go for professional repairs. 

DIY Repairs

DIY repairs are ideal for minor repairs such as changing a leaking water hose, replacing the air filter, bleeding the brakes or cleaning the fuel filter. However, there are significant risks of conducting complex repairs such as replacing a water pump, camshaft, injectors or servicing the transmission system if you do not have any background in car repairs. Every car repair is guided by an accurate diagnosis. As such, there is a probability that you could make a wrong diagnosis and end up changing the wrong part. Besides, you will require garage equipment such as a spanner kit, car lift, transmission jack and engine crane to conduct DIY repairs. This equipment can be expensive compared to the labour costs that you will pay your mechanic. Finally, there is the risk of injury as you conduct a DIY car repair. For instance, a driveshaft could hit you as you dislodge it from the transmission or rear axle. 

Professional Repairs

It is the recommended way to conduct various car repairs. Below are the benefits of engaging a professional mechanic: 

• Mechanics have the experience required to conduct an accurate diagnosis. Besides, they have advanced computer diagnosis machines that can detect engine control unit (ECU) problems.
• Most mechanics will give a guarantee on their work. Typically, they will conduct free repairs if the vehicle develops a similar issue after the repairs.
• Mechanics have the accreditation required to perform logbook servicing on new cars. You risk voiding your warranty if you opt for a DIY repair.
• Mechanics will give preventive maintenance advice based on your car use and driving habits. For example, they could ask you to upgrade your transmission if you haul heavy equipment.
• Mechanics offer additional services that could be useful in case of an emergency. For instance, they could offer towing, roadside assistance and insurance repairs. 

Looking for a suitable mechanic often seems to be a challenging activity for most car owners. Start by examining the mechanic's reputation from current customers. Next, examine the mechanic's speciality. For instance, what repairs do they conduct? What models do they repair? Finally, remember to assess the location of the mechanic, their terms, services and conditions. Contact a car mechanic for more information.