If you are thinking about taking on a DIY car repair, there are some things you should consider. As a master tech, I am all for DIY car repairs, just be sure you are equipped to get the job done.
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Do you have the time for a DIY car repair?
Do you have the tools for a DIY car repair?
Do you have the space for a DIY car repair?
Do you have the know how for a DIY car repair?
Do you know where to get the infomation?
What is the potential risk for injury?
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3 weeks for a cylinder head? I'll hang it up now lol
A 3/4 drive breaker bar is overkill for VW lug studs. Snapped two out of four when tightening. Luckily Meineke fixed that for $40 and had two spare studs
I've always diy out of necessity, when I got my licence at 15 I brought a Mazda 323 for $400, a head gasket done at a workshops more than that! need a tool, just buy it you'll use it again, not sure, Google it. if possible get the workshop manual. I pretty much went duplo, Lego, technics, mechano, cars.
After got lightly bit in the hand by a front suspension spring ages ago (spring compressor not the best design) now it's safety. One of those moments you realize could have gone far worse.
If you can, get a factory repair manual, if not, a Bentley or Hynes (heck have both so have full/more instructions). If you are never going to do repairs, get a Haynes and at least skim so have a basic understanding of your specific vehical and help avoid being ripped off.
I feel like I should mention Chrisfix and the Scotty kilmer channel for DIY knowledge.
I wanted to replace the clutch and slave cylinder on my truck but realized I would have to wrangle the heavy transmission off by myself so I paid a mechanic to do the job. The fact that I did my homework on the repair made me realize that the mechanic had not capped off the transmission when he removed the drive shaft and he allowed about half of the manual transmission fluid to escape. When I got the truck back, the transmission was whining at high speeds because the fluid was low. I drained and refilled the transmission but I suspect that my transmission would be toast had I not realized what had happened.
My major consideration: Doing the job right once myself is better than a grease monkey doing the job half-assed twice.
I personally love working and even watching people work on cars. I do my own car as itās so much cheaper and I know the work is getting done. Far to many times Iāve took it to get fixed and the āmechanicsā try forcing things off and end up breaking stuff. If I left them to it god knows how it would of been returned. Another reason I do my own cars is My car failed MOT on anti-roll linkage and took it to the garage and was quoted $105 for both sides including labour. Was able to get the parts for both sides for $40-$60 and 15-30mins work and Iāve saved money. secondary I think majority of people would work on their own car more if they had the space. If people could afford to spend 800-1500 for a lift even if it is raising it a couple of inches of the ground.
yEA type of car makes a big deal 2 i have worked on cars for long time thought i know (somewhat) what i am doing till i got a vw bug wifes car had to learn alot of things all over again working on it does give me the feeling its made not to b worked on at home anyway
All of my vehicles are worked on by me so if something fails i cant blame anyone but me and i have all the maintenance except fuel filter for my truck and so far i have done an injector job plugs wires of course change tires and fluid changes and flushes