If something goes wrong with your car, can you usually fix it yourself?

Question

I don't mean car accidents or anything, just everyday "something's not right" stuff.

I just want to know if YOU can usually fix your car.

Answer 1

Not anymore. Years ago, when cars were much simpler, I routinely did my own tune-ups and repaired the minor things. I didn't feel like a guy who would want to rebuild an engine - but I knew I could do it if I wanted. My car now almost never has anything go wrong. It is a far superior machine to the 69 Plymouth I had as a first car. When something has gone wrong, it has been my pleasure to have someone fix it who does it everyday. I don't want to screw up the high tech mechanics that are in most newer cars.

Changing the lights on this thing is a high tech enterprise! Dang, the world has changed. I think we are better off for it.

Answer 2

I even change my own engines, transmissions...

1. I invest in my own tools, with about 10% of the money I saved!
ALWAYS use safety stands, gloves, goggles, absorbant kitty litter in the 50 pound bag, pans, trays, and, have a fire extinguisher handy!

2. Some jobs are impossible, due to hidden and secret knowledge, information, schematics, computer codes, special tools/jigs, the auto makers' refusal to let you know what you are entitled to know about your purchased product!

3. If you can't cook, and have no one around to teach you, you might just be relegated to paying the 'experts' for the work! Same for fixing cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats...

4. YMMV and many mechanics, like cooks, are new, sloppy, and in-efficient, and, you get to pay to get the job RE-DONE! Check them out at the BBB and with trusted friends!

5. Always get three estimates, if it is over $100.00 and, there is no longer a thing that is called a "Tune-Up"! Changing four spark plugs should NOT cost $69.95!!! AND, they didn't even check the GAP!!!

No wonder her car ran so poorly, and gas mileage was so high!
In Aluminum heads, some mechanics strip out the threads! Helicoil is my friend!

AND, don't ever pay some grease monkey $10 at a 'fast lube' for a pint of ENGINE CLEANER that is really diesel fuel, that will BREAK THE $3,000 ENGINE!!!

Engine oil has special detergents built into it, that get depleted, ending up as carbon on the engine interior , which is why cheap PARAFIN/petroleum based 'OIL' needs changing in the first place!

Use 100% Synthetic AMSOIL for the 27,000 mile interval oil changes, with ENGINE WARRANTY!!! (13,500 between filter changes, and top ups...)! It WILL improve gas economy!

Answer 3

Yes you can. As more and more people can't afford a mechanic, more and more people are learning that today's vehicles aren't really all that different from those in the past. The exception is the computer controlled electrical systems. That also can be figured out, if you have the desire and the drive. Go to an auto parts store and purchase a repair manual. I recommend Haynes, but Chilton's is also a fair book. There are others, but usually they are more difficult to find. In it you will find directions on how to fix most problems, including complete tear-down and rebuild. Plus you can find repair manuals at your local library where you can get a few pages copied for reference.

Answer 4

I may not be able to fix it myself, but I can save ever having to have it repaired sometimes just by keeping up the maintenance on my car. Sometimes you may wonder if all those maintenance dollars really help or not. The answer is that if you want to keep a car longer than 3 years, every dollar you spend on fluid and filter changes will save you money in the long run and give you a better performing car during it's lifetime. I suggest following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule religiously!

Answer 5

most new cars are hard to work on without special equipment however old cars from the 60's and 70's are basic 4 stroke engines and all the parts have easy access compared to new cars. you can probably change the oil and filters yourself on a newer car

Answer 6

If you are mechanically inclined there are a lot of little things you can do yourself. Go to your Local Auto Supply store and buy a repair manual for your vehicle. You will be able to determine if you can fix something or not by what the book says it takes to fix it.

Answer 7

These days, with all the computerization that has been built into a car, it's really a better idea to take it to a mechanic.

Answer 8

personally, i have been working on/building/ cars, engines since grade school. that's been 35 years ago now... geez; i'm getting old!! heehee. not much i can't do in my garage at home. that includes custom fabrication/ hi perf/ racing cars. that is, when i'm not answering the phone fixing cars long distace!! heehee... it's all good!!! good topic here. art.

Answer 9

Usually. It depends how handy you are, what tools you have and how dirty you're willing to get. Get a good service manual and it will explain how to do any of the mechanical work and what special tools you might need.

Answer 10

Yes, but I am a trained auto tech with 30 years experience and this is a forum for asking and answering questions to help people get their vehicles repaired and maintained. You might try this on the poll and survey section.