You can save hundreds of dollars over the life of your vehicle if you know how to perform basic maintenance tasks such as changing your oil or air filter. However, some vehicle repair jobs are too complicated for you to do yourself and knowing when to seek the help of professionals is maybe one of the most invaluable pieces of advice our automotive technicians can offer you.
Taking care of vehicle problems as quickly as possible and ensuring that only trained professionals handle them ensures that minor problems never become major and expensive. Here are some of the vehicle repair jobs that are best left to a trusted, dependable garage:
1. Repairing or Recharging an AC
Car AC systems tend to be more complicated than most people might think although most people don’t give much thought to its operation. Since the AC system contains chemicals, it is best not to try to repair or recharge it yourself.
2. Replacing a Windshield
If your windshield has a crack or large chip and is in need or replacement, you should only take it to a professional since it is a highly specialized job that requires the use of specialized tools that you most likely don’t have access to.
3. Mounting/Balancing Tires
Changing a flat tire is regarded as standard maintenance you can easily handle on your own. However, when it comes to mounting a new tire on a rim or balancing your tires, you should go to an auto repair shop. It is a sophisticated job that requires special tools specifically for the task. If your tires aren’t rotated regularly, they can wear unevenly – prematurely causing you to have to replace them.
4. Transmission Repairs
A vehicle’s transmission system is engineered with thousands of complex parts and serves a very crucial role. Due to its complicated device, you cannot trust just any average mechanic to repair it. While transmission repairs might seem like a simple job, it is indeed a highly specialized procedure.
5. Electrics
It is always advisable to be very sure of your abilities before you attempt to tackle any electrical repairs in your vehicle. Modern vehicles have complicated wiring that’s controlled by a computer, so making the proper diagnosis, finding the right repair solution and executing the proper calibrations post-repair are critical to the repair process.
6. Cooling System
Your vehicle will get rather hot now and then, so it only makes sense that responsible parts should be monitored appropriately and taken care of. If any aspect of the cooling system shows any signs of wear, it is advisable to take your vehicle to a mechanic. Compressors can wear out; Freon can leak, fans can break.
7. Suspension
A vehicle’s suspension system might look relatively easy to fix. Whether you are checking out the arms, struts, or brushings, it appears relatively easy to replace or repair these thin metal pieces. However, this is not something you should attempt since a single mistake can ruin the entire suspension system. When your suspension starts to wear out your car’s ride might become harsh, stiff, overly bouncy, or make strange noises. While these things may sound like an inconvenience, they present a real safety hazard. If your suspension isn’t in great condition emergency handling can become compromised – reducing your ability to avoid an obstacle in the road.
8. Timing Belt
The timing belt is a vital engine component that will eventually require replacement. However, installing a new timing belt is not something you should do yourself. In some cases, it involves the disassembly of close to half the engine. Even a minor mistake can cause a significant amount of damage to your engine.
9. Bodywork
Repairing damaged body panels and applying paint is expensive, messy, time-consuming, and noxious. With all the training required and the fumes, it is one of the vehicle repairs for which specialized professionals are the best choice.
10. Engine Tune-Ups/Repairs
The engine is one of the most complicated and essential components of your vehicle. It is definitely no place for amateur efforts, especially now that modern engines are highly computerized. If your vehicle’s engine is in need of a tune-up or extensive repairs, take it to a qualified professional. If your engine is not running at its best, it is probably burning more gas than it needs to and in a worst case scenario – doing more damage to the engine itself.
Courtesy of absolutecarcare
