Common Auto Repair Mistakes to Avoid |
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Dan Hinchee
27 October 2015
If you are planning on doing any auto repairs on your own probably because you want to save money or that you consider yourself a handy person, there are a couple of things you should beware of to avoid common mistakes. DIY repairs have their own fair of challenges. You're less likely to do the job as meticulously as a professional would but sometimes it's worth a try.
But in the interest of saving you a couple of dollars, let's look at some common things to avoid when performing auto repairs on your own.
Failing to know what you can and cannot do
Here's the thing, not all auto repairs can be converted to DIY projects. There are some repairs that must be handled by a professional because not only are they potentially dangerous but also do require a high level of skill and experience to be done right. For instance, replacing your windshield, swapping a transmission or changing your brake pads are tasks you would want to leave to a professional. It's not worth risking potential injury and spending your time and money only to require the services of a professional later on.
Failing to read expert advice and information on auto repairs
There are countless resources online that provide information on auto repairs that can be done at home. You need to start reading this information and make sure you are well versed with the repair jobs you can handle. Start with the easier projects for beginners and then work your way up as you understand more about your car and the way it works. Don't just start working on the car blindly before you get any information on what you are supposed to do and why.
Failing to label auto parts as you remove them
It's easy to get confused after you remove parts from your vehicle and forget what goes where. To avoid this, make use of proper labelling as you are removing the parts. Write down all the areas that you are tampering with so that you can easily fix them back together when you're done.
Using the wrong type of oil on your engine
The type of oil you use on your engine can really affect your vehicle's performance. Consider the weight and type of oil recommended by the manufacturer and strictly follow the guidelines given. Using the wrong oil may not cause the engine to fail instantly but it deteriorates over time and causes your car to be inefficient. Most importantly, don't forget the necessary oil changes that are required to keep your car's engine running efficiently.
Failing to do the basics
Some car owners will go straight into the tough stuff and forget certain important basics such as rotating the tires and checking oil pressure. You can save yourself a lot of money if you ensure that your oil changes are done within the required schedule and that the brake pads are replaced on a regular basis to avoid the screeching sound.