Can I repair car parts myself, or should I always take my car to a mechanic?

[Exoticaleathers]

Can I repair car parts myself, or should I always take my car to a mechanic?

[horatiohornblower]

It depends on how capable you are at fixing stuff. You also need tools. Lots of tools. When you think you have enough tools. You don't. You'll come across something else that needs another specialty tool. The nice thing with tools though is that they usually pay for themselves on the first use.

I'm not a mechanic. But I've worked on my cars a lot. I've replaced stuff like the Air Condition, rear axle, various suspension components, most any part in the engine compartment which attaches to the engine.

I draw the line at pulling the engine or transmission. That sort of work is too time consuming and requires jacks and stands I don't have the room to store.

Don't buy cheap parts. They don't last. Get the mid range or high end option when possible. Preferably the OEM part, in most instances. So, learn the OEM brand name for your make of car. Only get the cheap part. If you need the car right away and can't wait for the more expensive part.

Buy sockets and wrenches in sets when possible. You'll save a lot of money long term. Don't cheap out on tools. Get the right one for the job. Use a rolling tool cabinet and keep it organized. You also need a solid workbench. Get the Haynes Guide if possible otherwise get the Chilton Guide for your car. They are good resources. Youtube makes a lot of this easier. As so many repairs can be seen in video form. But aren't a complete replacement.

[MotorbikeGuy]

I am a mechanic. Some things you can repair yourself. Like changing oil, changing brake pads is easy. Changing light bulbs. Get you one of those diagnostic tools that you plug in under the dashboard and if it's something like changing a sensor or something else easy do it yourself. All these crap computers they put on cars, most of them are unnecessary!! The really good things they have added to cars is rack and pinion steering, that makes your front tires last way longer than they used to. Electronic ignition, that makes it where you don't have to tune up your car every 10 thousand miles. Air bags and seat belts, that saves lives!! And fuel injection, that does two good things, that's why cars get triple the gas milage of a car with a carburetor and that's also why your car's engine last up to 300,000 miles instead of 100.000 miles like a car with a carburetor! I hope this helps everyone!!

[jshm2]

Depends.

Things like lights, oil, AC refill etc are just giving money for free - as you can easily do them yourself.

But to actually do repairs that require replacing engine or bodywork - never take the risk of doing it yourself. You compromise your safety and the cars usability.

It would be like trying to take down a wall in your house without any knowledge about building.

[Astarlessnightsky]

Depends on your knowledge, many parts you can repair yourself.

For some other parts you should use a professional car repair, as they got the special tools required.

[SlothySlob]

Depends on the part you're trying to repair.
Can't repair an air filter, but you can change it yourself.
You can repair a cracked engine block, but I'd suggest you bring that to a mechanic.

[exitseven]

Cars are a lot more complex today. I used to do all the maintenance and most of the repairs on my cars. Now I do oil changes and that is all. the rest I have a mechanic take care off.

[LiamJHayden]

I have no idea what you capabilities are. One can learn to do minor things. Major repairs should be done by someone with the proper skills.

[Anonymous]

If you're 40 and you have to ask us, then you probably can't.

[Redstang88]

Only you’d know the answer to that