Windshield wipers, headlamps or brake pads – in the course of a car’s life span, many spare & wear parts need replacement. In addition to the purchase price of the spare parts, many car owners try to avoid the costs of a visit to the garage. With some manual dexterity, you can easily perform certain car repairs yourself. We’ll show you when your own initiative is worthwhile and when it is better to rely on a professional.
DIY car repair – common facts
Only one or two decennia ago, DIY replacement of many car parts in model series of all current manufacturers were very common. A skilled survey of the engine and a private car hoist sufficed to perform a DIY replacement of brakes, shock absorbers and even gearboxes. Although this is still possible, over the years it has become increasingly difficult due to the growing proportion of car electronics. More and more car components are equipped with sensors and electronically controlled.
Even though DIY replacement of minor car parts is still possible, their number is shrinking. Particularly electronic car components are not for laymen. Faulty configuration can in the worst case prevent the car from starting or lead to unsafe interpretation of the driver’s data. The most important touchstone for DIY car repair is the observation if it concerns mechanical repair or whether intervention in the car electronics is required.
The car parts you can repair yourself without any trouble!
What you can repair yourself depends on model series, year of construction and the car owner’s technical expertise. Common areas suitable for DIY car repair or replacement are:
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You need a professional for the following car parts!
Even with the best of skills you should keep your hands off the car in certain areas. The most important areas for professional car repair are:
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Car repair, when model and individual situation are decisive
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Further practical tips for car repair
The initiative for DIY car repair is almost always financially motivated. It is therefore important to know how expensive car repair by a professional garage would turn out to be. DEKRA offers services such as repair cost calculation, providing concrete information on repair costs for minor damage.
Many garages are aware of car owners considering DIY repair for financial reasons and provide special offers. Services like Smart Repair for minor damage such as dents and scratches can be found nationwide. Research by the AA suggests informing yourself about the provider first. Services and costs vary greatly. It might be worthwhile asking for an estimate at different similar repair services.
Ultimately, equipment is a decisive factor for DIY repair. In addition to classics such as wheel spanner and jack you need an extensive set of torque spanners, screwdrivers, ratchet and other spanners as well as many other tools. If you are not equipped with a large tool box, you should consider again. The purchase of tools for a once-off repair might turn out to be more expensive than the alternative of visiting a garage.
Our conclusion on DIY car repair
The possibilities of DIY car repair have decreased considerably over the past decennium. If it concerns the engine performance or car electronics, absolute professional knowledge is required and a visit to the garage recommended. Nowadays, only the replacement of simple wear parts can be done by every car owner.
Weblinks: MOT, DEKRA
Foto: JackF, donatas1205, Cla78, Yaoinlove, Ruslan Olinchuk, Karin & Uwe Annas, golubovy, Kittiphan, malkovkosta, NorGal, photoiron / fotolia.com