Maintaining your vehicle can be as easy as keeping the interior clean too as difficult as transmission repairs. Though there are some maintenance repairs you can do yourself, like changing the oil, there are some repairs you should never do yourself. In this article, we will outline five vehicle repairs you should never do at home.
Windshield Replacement
Driving with a damaged windshield can pose many problems. Not only is it dangerous to you, but also to your passengers, as the glass is now fragile and more prone to shattering. Replacing your vehicle’s windshield on your own is a bad idea for multiple reasons. You may order the wrong size glass, or be taking a gamble on a windshield that may not be totally safe. It takes professional tools to install a windshield correctly, tools a layperson may not have access to or know how to use. Lastly, the supplies you will need to replace your own windshield can cost the same or more as getting it professionally done.
Fuel Pump
There are several signs you may need to get your fuel pump replaced. Some of these signs consist of your engine sputtering, the temperature of your car rising, or your engine refusing to start. The fuel pump transfers fuel from the tank to the engine. Replacing the fuel pump on your own can be risky if you don’t attach the hoses correctly. Not attaching the hoses correctly can cause catastrophic damage to the engine which can require being outfitted with a new engine altogether.
Transmission
The transmission is one of the most important functioning parts of your vehicle. The transmission diverts power to the driveshaft and rear wheels. Symptoms your transmission has failed are whining and clunking noises, lack of response, a burning smell, or leaking fluid. The transmission contains many, many complex parts. Without the transmission, your car wouldn’t be able to move forward or reverse. You should never attempt to repair your transmission yourself. This complicated procedure should only be done by professionals, or risk completely ruining your car.
Air Conditioner Repairs
Although some air conditioner repairs are relatively easy to DIY, if you are not car-repair-savvy, you’re better off taking your vehicle to a professional. Refrigerant needed for your AC is toxic when inhaled or ingested, so if you are not familiar with handling this liquid, you should let a professional take over. Adding refrigerant may not be the end-all fix. Your AC may have a more serious problem that requires some time and effort to fix. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s best to leave it to a professional.
Drivability Problems and Error Codes
When it comes to drivability problems and error codes, it could be anything from an actual drivability error or an error with the program. Either way, when you have these error codes it’s best to have a mechanic look over your vehicle to diagnose the problems.
Conclusion
Maintaining your vehicle is a daily task. Preventative care will help keep you from having to deal with massive fixes in the future. While there is a lot of car maintenance that doesn’t require a mechanic, major parts of your vehicle, like the transmission, need a professional to look at it.
If your car needs maintenance, Payne Auto Group has service centers across our dealerships. Please visit our website for more info and locations of our service centers!
