While going to the mechanic can be one of the most classic ways to blow money that there is, that doesn’t mean it’s always unnecessary. Mechanics have a lot of things you don’t have: training, for one. If you’re going DIY for car maintenance, you want to make sure you know what you’re doing. The next time you work on your car, do whatever you can to avoid these seven damning mistakes.
Overestimating Your Skill
Let’s start here. Are you sure you can do this? Seriously, though. There are a lot of things best left to pros and you’re not here to make things worsefor your car. Unless you truly know what you’re doing or you’re going for some incredibly minor maintenance, maybe just hire somebody.
Ignoring the Right Materials and Gear
Skill is skill, and knowledge is knowledge, but no matter how much of that stuff you have, you can’t do anything without the right equipment. Use the right tools. Wear the right safety gear. Install the right parts.
Trying to Memorize Parts
Unless you have a super mind, it will get confusing when you start taking things apart. This is what a label machine is for, or at the very least, this is what Post-Its are for.
Buying Cheap Parts
Usually we’re about being frugal, but sometimes, third party parts and accessories just don’t work as well as the name-brand stuff. The reason the dealership wants to use those more expensive parts? Probably because they’re better, and that’s something your car and your safety deserve.
Working Unsafely
You jacked up your car in the correct spot, right? It’s not going to fall down on top of you or anything? And you’re wearing gloves and goggles, yeah? Not touching hot radiators and hot oil with your hands, no? These things are imperative.
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Using the Wrong Fluids
Before you permanently damage your car, make sure you know what you’re pouring into it. Get the correct coolant, buy the proper oil, and only dump water into the one tube you’re supposed to.
Passing Over the Owner’s Manual
It doesn’t matter what the guy with the soul patch on YouTube says. Your owner’s manual is the best place to start when it comes to your car, and if you’re doing something the owner’s manual specifically says not to, you’re making a huge mistake. Don’t be the person who needs to get a new car because you ignored the instructions.
