4 Car Repairs You Shouldn't Do Yourself
From flat tires to air filter replacements to oil changes, you can tackle several easy car repairs on your own. When it comes to more complicated fixes, however, you'll want to leave them to the car repair pros. Find out why you shouldn't do these four car repairs, and what could happen if you try.
Engine and Transmission Fixes
Image via Flickr by Steve Snodgrass
The engine and the transmission are some of the most critical components in any vehicle, and they're also some of the most expensive. Both components are carefully calibrated and composed of hundreds of small parts, so even a stray piece of dirt left inside could require a replacement a few miles later.
Having an unskilled or unlicensed technician work on your engine or transmission could also void the powertrain warranty that comes with many new vehicles. Protect your wallet and your investment by taking your vehicle to a licensed service center for engine and transmission repairs.
Cosmetic and Body Work
A minor dent or a couple of scratches can really take away from your car's sleek appearance. Whether your car needs a couple of areas touched up with fresh paint or a scratch buffed out, you can rest assured that it will look worse if you do it yourself.
If you're not a bodywork professional, there's a high chance that you won't smooth scratches and dents properly or match paint correctly. If you're painting a large area of your car, you could even end up creating unsightly bubbles or an overspray problem.
Engine Diagnostics
When you see a check engine light illuminate on your dashboard while your car is running smoothly, you might be tempted to try to research the issue and diagnose it yourself. After all, how bad could the problem really be?
The check engine light can signal a wide range of issues, and digging around under the hood or postponing a trip to the car repair shop often just leads to bigger problems. In most cases, you'll need to take the car in for repairs anyway, so save yourself the hassle and head to the shop right away.
Air Conditioner Repairs
If you've owned a car with over 100,000 miles on the odometer, you've probably experienced that moment when the air conditioner blows its last cool blast before breaking down for good. Even if you're in the midst of a heat wave, however, you shouldn't try to fix your car's air conditioner on your own.
These devices are as complex as the air conditioning system in your home. Not only will you likely have to dismantle your car's dashboard to access the air conditioner in the first place, but you can also cause more expensive problems if you don't know what you're doing. Save yourself the excessive air conditioner repair bill by calling a professional in the first place.
If you've ever considered doing DIY repairs just to save a few bucks, it's time you invested in a Carefree Auto expense protection plan. Not only will you get reimbursements for vehicle repairs, but you'll also score roadside assistance and deals on routine maintenance, making this a plan you can't afford to miss.
