Auto Experts: 6 Car Repairs You Should Never Try to DIY
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Gary Dudak
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In an era where you can find do-it-yourself (DIY) videos for almost any skill online, it can be tempting to try to fix your own car problems in order to save money. But should you?
There are certainly fixes you can do with little training, but you want to be careful when undertaking something beyond your skill set, even with the help of videos. These could lead to damage and potentially costly repairs you have to take to a professional after you botch them.
Here, auto experts explain what car repairs you should never attempt to do yourself — along and a few that are OK to give it a shot.
Brake Repairs
Changing your own brakes might seem easy enough, but according to Lauren Fix, founder of Car Coach Reports and author of “Lauren Fix’s Guide to Loving Your Car,” brake work should always be performed by a professional.
“With anti-lock brakes and other safety features, you don’t want to take risks on safety and stopping,” she said.
Diagnosing a ‘Check Engine Light’ Problem
It’s tempting to try and diagnose a problem when a “check engine” light comes on in your car. However, don’t go digging around in your car engine for a problem by yourself.
“Bring it to a local repair shop that you can trust or have used before,” Fix advised. “This light can cost you up to 40% of your fuel economy too.”
Engine and Transmission Issues
Major engine, transmission, bearings and bushing issues are typically essentially to the running of your car. “These repairs should be left to those who have the proper training. They are not beginner jobs,” Fix said.
Additionally, when you do go to a professional, Fix recommended you always seek an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Technician to do the work. “The blue patch is on the sleeve of the tech or on a sign in front of the shop. A Master ASE Technician is the best choice.”
Windshield Repairs
As the owner of Vista Glass, Rich Main has seen many DIY windshield repair attempts end in disaster. “One customer used superglue to fix a crack, which then spread across the entire windshield a week later. We had to replace the whole thing, costing them an extra $500,” he said.
Another tried to plug a chip with nail polish, which failed within days due to foul weather. “By the time they called us, the damage had tripled in size. A simple $50 repair became $200 to fix the spreading cracks.”
The worst, however, was a driver who attempted to fix their windshield with duct tape. “On the highway, the tape gave out and the crack spread massively, obscuring their view. They hit another car, causing $20,000 in damages.”
His reminder: “Windshields are safety equipment. DIY fixes won’t stand up to weather and impacts.” Therefore, pay for professional repair/replacement to avoid exponentially higher costs down the road.
Air Conditioning System Repairs
There’s nothing more frustrating than your car air conditioning going out in hot weather. However, Rob Dillan, founder of EVhype, recommended you not try to touch this yourself.
“Air conditioning systems are sealed units that require specialized knowledge and tools for accurate diagnosis and repair. DIY attempts can lead to refrigerant leaks or complete system failures,” he warned.
While professional AC repairs can range from $150 to $1,500, depending on the issue, trying to do it yourself and doing it badly could lead to exponentially higher costs.
Timing Belt Replacement
Cars depend on timing belts for engine operations and improper installation can cause severe engine damage. Dillan explained, “This complexity requires precision and expertise. Professional timing belt replacement typically costs between $500 and $1,000, but a botched DIY job could result in engine repairs costing upwards of $3,000.”
Do This Instead
Staying on top of all your vehicle’s basic maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs down the road, Fix reminded us. However, if you are going to DIY anything, let it be the following three things:
- Tire pressure: Check your tire pressure once a month to improve fuel economy, safety, handling, braking and tire life. Always match the pressure in the tire with the correct pressure located on a sticker inside your driver’s door.
- Fluids: Check all the fluids (oil, coolant/antifreeze, power steering, transmission and brake). If the fluids are low, you can have a certified technician do the work or check the owner’s manual and top off the correct fluid.
- Wiper blades: Replace wiper blades. This is easy to do yourself. Remember, 80% of your driving decisions are based on visibility.
What you might not realize, Fix said, is thatauto parts stores will replace air filters, batteries and wiper blades free of charge when you purchase them.
While it’s great to do what you can yourself to save money on car repairs, always consider whether it’s worth the cost if something goes wrong.
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