Do you have a car that is causing you some issues? Rather than instantly taking your car to the nearest mechanic, you could try rectifying the problems yourself. Don’t worry if you aren’t a trained mechanic, you just need to ask yourself the following six questions. If doing it yourself doesn’t fix things then of course, you can contact your local garage to see if they can squeeze you in for a repair. 

Do You Have A Manual?

You might not think this is a valuable point, but unless you are a trained mechanic then you may not know how to fix a certain issue. The cars manual will give you all the necessary information you need on how to fix a multitude of problems. Using the manual will not only save you the costs of going to a mechanic but also means you are more likely to succeed and get your car back on the road. Take a look at the factory auto repair manuals to find the right one for your vehicle. Cars don’t often come with manuals as manufacturers assume you will just take it to a mechanic should something go wrong. 

Is It Worth The Trouble?

Next, think about whether a repair is even worth it. If your car has seen better days or it is on its last legs, then it may not be worth bothering with a repair. Particularly, if the fix is going to be costly, time, consuming or stressful. Instead, you should think about selling the vehicle as a second-hand car or perhaps for scraps. You may not think your car is very valuable but even absolutely bangers will often sell for a little cash if taken to the scrap heap. 

Do You Have The Parts?

One of the big questions to ask before you attempt a DIY repair is whether or not you can grab the parts you’ll need yourself. Some parts are trickier to acquire than others and it’s quite common for professional mechanics to struggle to get their hands on certain pieces they need for a repair. Complete some research and make sure you have the parts in hand before you decide to go down this route. 

You should also think about the cost of the parts. In some cases, it can be cheaper to leave everything up to a professional mechanic who may be able to get a discount on the parts required. This is often based on the relationship that they have with their supplier. 

Will It Lead To More Issues?

Consider whether a DIY car repair is only going to lead to more issues. If you try to complete a tricky repair yourself, then it can mean that you accidentally damage the vehicle further or get things wrong. If you leave a mess for experts to clean up, it will lead to heavier costs and more time with your car undrivable further down the road. If you are worried about this, then it may be worth contacting the professionals sooner rather than later. 

Are You Confident Enough?

Do you have the right level of confidence to complete a repair on your vehicle? Some car repairs are simple. For example it’s relatively easy to change the spark plugs. In contrast changing the timing belt is more challenging and this can take hours without the right understanding. 

Is It Dangerous?

Can car repairs be dangerous? Absolutely, there are a couple of issues that you should be aware of here. First, you might need to repair the underside of the vehicle. If that’s the case, then you always need to make sure you have the right equipment and set up to handle the job. It is incredibly risky to get underneath a car if it is not supported correctly. They weigh a tonne and there is often no space if something does go wrong. 

Complete a DIY repair on your car could also be dangerous as it may mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive on the road. If you don’t know what signs to watch out for you may not realize this. That could lead to an engine fire, a blow out, or a serious problem with the handling. 

We hope this helps you understand the key questions that you should always ask yourself before you try a DIY car repair. By considering these questions, you can avoid some of the common future headaches and guarantee that you are taking the right precautions. Remember, it’s not always going to save you money or stress to DIY a car repair. This is especially true if you don’t have the right level of skills or confidence.