Many car owners fancy themselves as auto technicians and there’s no doubt that with the right tools and expertise, it is possible to do some car repairs yourself such as replacing a battery, a bulb, coolant or even the engine oil.
But no matter how easy the YouTube tutorial makes it look or how tempting the idea of saving a few dollars may be, there are some crucial repairs that you should never do yourself.
Modern vehicles are complex, sophisticated and highly automated and the DIY route may compromise your vehicle’s safety and performance. The validity of your vehicle’s warranties and insurance may even be affected. Your DIY car repair may end up costing you a whole lot more than a trip to the garage and specialist attention is definitely the safest and most reliable option.
Even if you rate your skills or are trying to save money because budgets are tight, here are three car repairs you should NEVER do yourself.
Engine and transmission problems
If you needed heart surgery, you wouldn’t trust an amateur, right? The engine is the heart of your vehicle, so you should only ever get help from a professional mechanic when things aren’t working properly. The engine and the transmission are made up of hundreds of component parts – some of which are extremely costly – and it’s just not worth the risk of damaging any of these during a DIY repair.
Modern vehicles also have lots of sensors, computers, electrical wiring and connectors and if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing, you may cause even more damage by tinkering with your engine.
Autobody repairs
No-one likes going to the panel beater, especially when it’s just for a small dent or scratches. But if you don’t have the right equipment and the specialist skills, a DIY paint or panel beating job will cost more in the long run. Amateur repairs can leave your car with bubbling paint, mismatched colours, bumps and lumps in the metal and exposed areas that will rust. Always trust a professional with your vehicle’s cosmetic work – it’ll pay off in the long-run.
Windscreen repairs
The windscreen is an important safety feature of your car and provides crucial protection in the event of an accident by absorbing the force of an impact. A windscreen replacement may seem like a simple enough job – and certainly the professionals make it look quick and easy – but if it isn’t installed correctly, you can end up with significant problems.
You may also be tempted to do a DIY job to repair a small chip or crack in your windscreen, but again, if this isn’t done properly, there can be severe consequences. These small blemishes are likely to spread, compromising the structural integrity of the frame and increasing the possibility of a shattered windscreen. They can also impair the driver’s ability to see clearly through the glass – and that’s a serious safety concern too.
A professional windscreen repair or replacement company will have all the right components, adhesives and trims as well as the necessary skills to get the job done properly. You should never drive with a cracked windscreen and it’s just not worth taking short-cuts in the hope of saving time and money because the consequences can be costly.
If your vehicle’s windscreen is damaged irreparably or you need a minor chip repaired in a hurry, give Windscreen Replacement Perth a call. They are highly experienced experts in windscreen replacement and windscreen repairs in Perth and have a mobile call-out unit so you can have your windscreen replaced or repaired anywhere, anytime. Make a booking through Autoscreens or give their friendly team a call on 040 0200 086.
Jason Squire has been in the automotive industry in the UK and Australia for over 25 years and started his own windscreen repair and replacement business, Autoscreens, in 2010.
Jason’s extensive professional qualifications and his broad industry experience paired with his military background means he brings an extraordinary level of skill, expertise and meticulous attention to detail to every aspect of his business.
Prior to starting Autoscreens, Jason worked for several leading international windscreen companies as well as spending a number of years in the armed forces. He has accumulated numerous professional qualifications, industry accolades and leadership awards, and is a highly respected volunteer in his local community.
Under his expert stewardship, Autoscreens has grown into one of the leading windscreen companies in Perth. Despite its success, he has ensured that the family-owned and managed company remains true to its founding values of integrity, quality and unsurpassed customer service.
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