The internet has given rise to a new culture of Do-It-Yourself enthusiasts, eager to save money by doing work themselves instead of paying someone else. With one quick visit to YouTube or any number of websites, the amateur mechanic can find out how to complete a wide range of maintenance and repair work. But even though it may seem like it, doing it yourself isn't always the smartest way to go. Here are some DIY fixes that you can do yourself, but probably shouldn't.
1) Oil Change - I know what you're thinking; of course I can change my own oil. Well just because you can doesn't mean it's a smart thing to do. While oil changes are quite easy in theory, in reality you'd probably make better use of your time and resources by just paying someone to change it for you. Between the cost of the oil and filter, the time spend getting the front of the car up in the air, and the hassle of cleaning up and disposing of the used oil, did you really save anything compared to the $25-$40 an oil change would have cost you? Isn't your free time more valuable than the few bucks you would have saved otherwise?
2) Brakes - You can work on your own brakes, we understand that. But if you're not a competent tech, and haven't had practice with it, do you really think it's a smart idea to work on something that prevents your massive car from plowing into things? Brakes are so vital to your personal safety that it just makes sense to pay someone to work on them properly. In fact, if there's one part of your car that is the absolute most important to your safety, brakes, along with steering, are probably it.
3) Electrical Work - Modern cars have such complicated electrical systems that unless you've been properly trained as a tech, you should stay far away. Computers are integrated into vehicles, opening the door for serious complications from improper electrical repair work that can go far beyond replacing the wiring. Mechanics have reported customers who have attempted their own electrical work bringing in vehicles that had disabled entire electrical systems, or caused damage that made the vehicle "never the same again."
4) Dent repair - We understand that seeing that dent in your car infuriates you, and thinking about how much it's going to cost to repair makes you feel queasy. But if you really want to be sick, just take a look at the DIY disasters that result when someone who isn't trained in body work tries to fix the bumps in their car themselves. If you aren't overly concerned with how the car will eventually look, and just want the a dent "pushed out," then by all means, get to it. But if you want to the car to look as close to normal as possible, it's not very likely that you'll be able to pull it off with a coat hanger and electric drill.
5) Window repair - You're probably thinking "How hard could it really be?" Well anytime you're messing with the car's auto glass, you're opening the door to a whole host of problems. Not only do you have to remove that vehicle's door panels to access the glass, you will have to deal with the window motor, which despite its common use is not cheap to replace. Additionally, improper glass installation can impact your car's ability to to keep rainwater out, vehicle safety, and even gas mileage. Leave this one to a professional.
6) Windshield wiper blades - Okay, we are just kidding about this one. You can install your own windshield wiper blades, even though lots of people still don't know how. Just use the manual in the auto parts store to identify which wipers you need, paying attention to whether you're replacing the passenger's or driver's side wiper. Follow the instructions on the box to remove and replace the wiper blades, and make sure you hear them snap into place. Or you can just bring it to a mechanic!
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