Does your car need to go in for repairs? Look, many people think they have the tools and the know-how to work on their cars, but while changing an air filter or your oil is a relatively simple task, there are some tasks that you should take to a professional instead of going the DIY route. In this article, we’ll discuss six repairs that you should avoid doing yourself if possible.
When should you get your car repaired by a professional?
The reason we suggest allowing a professional mechanic to do certain jobs isn’t to say you’re unable to do the job well but more because of the insurance going to a professional. Say you’re trying to work on your gearbox, and by accident, you strip a vital component that now no longer works. The costs of repairing it or getting a new part will fall directly onto you. However, if you take your car to a workshop and they make a mistake, they’ll pay for the repairs.
With that in mind, you should take your car to a professional mechanic when the repairs are more complex and multifaceted. For example, if you have technical issues with the car’s onboard computer, transmission system, or other parts that require you to remove multiple parts, then you should rather take your car in.
When can you repair your car?
Simple repairs that don’t require much work or attention to detail can be done in the comfort of your garage. For example, you can conduct your service at home. A basic service includes replacing the air filter, changing the oil and oil filter, putting in new spark plugs and changing the fuel filter. Depending on what kind of car you have, you could change the brakes too.
Repairs you shouldn’t do on your car alone
As we said above, certain repairs shouldn’t be done at home, but rather, they should be done by a professional mechanic at their workshop. But what repairs are we talking about? Here are some of them:
Your timing belt or chain
The timing belt is an important part of your car that needs to be changed once you’ve hit 120,000km or so. This is mainly because of the consequence of it snapping while you’re driving. If your timing belt snaps, your car’s pistons over-fire, potentially damaging the cylinder rings and requiring a new cylinder head for your car or the original one to be reworked. The same goes for if you install it incorrectly. If your timing belt misses one tooth, the engine could fail.
Likewise, changing the timing belt isn’t a small job. Often, the mechanic has to remove one side of the engine to get to the belt. They also gave to put everything back together correctly.
Signs that your timing belt needs to be replaced:
- Rattling in the engine
- Engine misfires
- Your car won’t start
- The warning light comes on in your car
Brake fluid, pads, or rotors
For some cars, changing the brakes can be simple. However, with how important the breaks are to your safety and your family, wouldn’t you want a professional to change them so you have insurance if they don’t work correctly? If something is done wrong and your brakes don’t work, it can pose a significant threat to those in your car and the others on the road.
Signs you need to replace your brakes:
- A delayed stop
- Your car shakes while braking
- If your brake pedal is soft
- The breaks make a sound when used
Suspension system parts
The suspension system in your car is responsible for giving you a comfortable ride. Your shocks and all the rubber bushings between parts absorb the shock from hitting bumps, reducing the impact on your car and the need for regular maintenance. Some people who have car experience will change the shocks at home without an issue. But that doesn’t reduce the risk of doing so. Shocks are compressed into place and hold a lot of pressure. If they slip while you’re installing them and hit you, they could cause a serious injury or even kill you. So, if your car needs shocks, take it to a mechanic to sort it out.
Signs your suspension is going
- Your car is noticeably bouncier
- Your car leans forward when you brake
- There’s oil dripping from the shock struts
- The car is lower than before
The fuel system
Tampering with your vehicle’s fuel system is risky, not only because you could potentially do something wrong but also because fuel is extremely flammable, which poses enough risk in itself. Changing a fuel filter is simple, especially with an older car. However, if you have a newer car, you might want to steer clear of repairing the fuel system yourself. For instance, if you have issues with the fuel pump, tank, or fuel injectors, we’d suggest booking your car straight away.
Signs that your fuel system needs attention:
- Your car’s fuel efficiency is dropping
- Your car won’t start
- There are weird noises coming from the fuel tank
- The engine jerks and has unexpected power surges
Final Thoughts
Often, the main reason why people try to repair their cars at home is because it saves them money. Mechanics generally charge a labour fee, VAT, and extra on certain parts, which makes the repairs significantly more expensive. However, you can still reduce this cost and take the car to them. Consider buying the parts yourself; you can find Auto Parts from Australia in your local auto stores. By doing this, you’ll avoid the excess charges on sourcing the parts and only pay for the labour.