Blog – When to DIY vs Call A Mechanic

When to DIY vs Calling an Expert

Kia Dealer Serving Tampa, St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park and Clearwater

Today’s vehicles are engineered with precision and often require specialized tools and equipment to be properly serviced. That means that, for the average person, performing repairs and maintenance isn’t really feasible. If you’re the type of person who prefers the hands-on approach, though, you may just want to work on your car yourself — and there are definitely a few things you can do to satisfy your inner mechanic.

When to Do it Yourself

Even if you don’t have any automotive experience, there are a few things you can do yourself that are pretty simple. Do remember that no project is foolproof and that you’ll be responsible if something does go wrong — even simple projects can turn into expensive repairs if you’re not careful. So, always follow any instructions given by your car’s manufacturer and/or by the manufacturer of the part or accessory you plan to install.

• Replacing wiper blades is an easy project you can do yourself. Make sure to get the correct sizes for your year, make, and model.
• You can also replace burned out light bulbs yourself quite easily and quickly.
• If you’re comfortable doing so, you can take on more substantial projects like changing your own oil at home. Remember, though, to meticulously follow any manufacturer instructions which includes using the right type of oil for your particular vehicle. Also note that you will need to properly dispose of the oil so that it doesn’t create a health and environmental hazard.

When to Call in the Pros

Some projects are just not practical for even an experienced home mechanic to do on their own. These kinds of jobs call for more sophisticated equipment than most people have lying around in their garage, not to mention a level of expertise that comes not just from experience – but from professional training. Don’t forget, either, that if you mess up on a big repair, you’ll not only be out the money you paid for the replacement parts — you may just void your warranty.

There are just some scenarios where it makes sense to step back and let the experts step in.

• Engine and transmission repairs are not something you want to get into at home.
• While balancing and rotating tires is a simple thing, it’s not something most people have the equipment to do properly.
• Electrical issues require the help of a trained professional.
• Even a lot of relatively simple repairs like changing filters and replacing batteries are often better left to the experts. Sometimes, even reaching these components without having certain tools can be a lot more trouble than it’s worth.
• Always take your vehicle to a professional if any of your warning lights come on.