Every DIYer needs a good toolset, but you don’t have to go overboard. All you weekend warriors and do-it-yourselfers out there, I know you love getting your hands dirty keeping your car running well. There’s no better feeling than being able to save a little money by doing a job yourself, in addition to the good feeling you get for having actually accomplished something on your weekend. I can tell you there are some jobs that the DIYer, with a Chiltons manual and a set of Craftsman tools, should have no problem with. Most DIYers can do a basic oil change or tune-up in their driveway in a couple hours. Replacing brake pads and rotors or shoes and drums, or even a caliper, is also pretty straightforward mechanical work. Just make sure your tool kit includes a torque wrench to make sure everything is proper, neither too loose nor too tight, and you should have no problems. On the other hand, even experienced DIYers shouldn’t attempt certain repairs.
Is it “that time?”
Even if you are an experienced DIYer with a decent tool set and even factory manuals, there comes the time when you have to ask, “Am I getting too deep? Do I need to call a professional?” Here are a few questions to help you determine if “that time” has come and you need to pick up the phone to call a trusted technician.
Is the car / part still under warranty?
If a warranty still applies, let the professionals take care of it. You paid good money for the warranty whether part of the new car deal or even as part of a used car purchase. Getting involved as a DIYer might actually void the warranty.
What’s the worst that could happen?
If the parts are relatively inexpensive, or you can just take it apart and try again, go ahead and try your hand at it. On the other hand, if replacement parts are going to be expensive, can you afford to make a mistake? Also, if you or your family’s safety might be at risk, such as if you aren’t all that familiar with brake repairs, is it really worth it?
Do you have any friends?
If you get stuck, do you have a friend who’s experienced in automobile repairs? Sometimes an unfamiliar system might get you stumped, but a mechanically-inclined friend can offer a different perspective. Just be sure to offer pizza and beer for their time!
What are you working with?
Would a shop technician be jealous of your tool set? Do you have a repair manual? Is your workspace well-lit and spacious enough to move around? Also, make sure you have your laptop handy, because there are plenty of forums where you can find even more professional and DIY knowledge.
Check-engine light.
If you have even a basic DTC (diagnostic trouble code) puller and DVOM (digital volt-ohm meter), way to go! Of course, don’t just look at the code and replace a part, make sure you know how to diagnose it properly. On the other hand, if you’re lacking in the diagnosis area, you’re better off calling the professional instead of wasting time and money on unnecessary repairs.
Are you sure you’re a DIYer?
There are some repairs that you shouldn’t even think about attempting as a DIYer. Alignment problems, such as you might notice as abnormal tire wear or pulling, isn’t something you can do with a ruler and chalkline. This requires upwards of $15,000 of equipment, not something in the average DIYer garage. Likewise, if you have blue or white smoke coming from the exhaust, this is an indicator of something major going wrong in the engine, requiring a complete rebuild or replacement, another job that requires thousands of dollars in tools, equipment, and training.
Is it “that time?”
Even if you are an experienced DIYer with a decent tool set and even factory manuals, there comes the time when you have to ask, “Am I getting too deep? Do I need to call a professional?” Here are a few questions to help you determine if “that time” has come and you need to pick up the phone to call a trusted technician.
Is the car / part still under warranty?
If a warranty still applies, let the professionals take care of it. You paid good money for the warranty whether part of the new car deal or even as part of a used car purchase. Getting involved as a DIYer might actually void the warranty.
What’s the worst that could happen?
If the parts are relatively inexpensive, or you can just take it apart and try again, go ahead and try your hand at it. On the other hand, if replacement parts are going to be expensive, can you afford to make a mistake? Also, if you or your family’s safety might be at risk, such as if you aren’t all that familiar with brake repairs, is it really worth it?
Do you have any friends?
If you get stuck, do you have a friend who’s experienced in automobile repairs? Sometimes an unfamiliar system might get you stumped, but a mechanically-inclined friend can offer a different perspective. Just be sure to offer pizza and beer for their time!
What are you working with?
Would a shop technician be jealous of your tool set? Do you have a repair manual? Is your workspace well-lit and spacious enough to move around? Also, make sure you have your laptop handy, because there are plenty of forums where you can find even more professional and DIY knowledge.
Check-engine light.
If you have even a basic DTC (diagnostic trouble code) puller and DVOM (digital volt-ohm meter), way to go! Of course, don’t just look at the code and replace a part, make sure you know how to diagnose it properly. On the other hand, if you’re lacking in the diagnosis area, you’re better off calling the professional instead of wasting time and money on unnecessary repairs.
Are you sure you’re a DIYer?
There are some repairs that you shouldn’t even think about attempting as a DIYer. Alignment problems, such as you might notice as abnormal tire wear or pulling, isn’t something you can do with a ruler and chalkline. This requires upwards of $15,000 of equipment, not something in the average DIYer garage. Likewise, if you have blue or white smoke coming from the exhaust, this is an indicator of something major going wrong in the engine, requiring a complete rebuild or replacement, another job that requires thousands of dollars in tools, equipment, and training.