Thanks to the near infinite information found on the internet, along with the rise of DIY shows found on channels like HGTV, more and more people are trying to branch out and do things that once required a professional. This isn’t limited to home repairs and renovations. Many are also trying to do things such as simple car repairs and maintenance. 

After all, with outlets like Amazon and AutoZone, it’s simple enough to order parts yourself. From there, a YouTube video or Lifehacker article can theoretically tell you what to do next. However, you can quickly find yourself in over your head. 

And when it comes to auto repairs and general maintenance, one wrong move can bring disastrous results. 

The Problem with Repairing Your Own Car 

There are certain car maintenance items that most people can handle, should they choose. This includes changing wiper blades, filling various fluids, or even changing an air filter or two. These involve little-no-risk, and they don’t require any advanced tools. They’re also very inexpensive. Of course, that means you won’t save yourself much money, though you could save a little time. 

You may also be able tackle things like oil changes, battery replacements, and tire replacements. These are still relatively simple, though you will want to make sure they’re done correctly. Some people handle these items just because they like to get their hands a little dirty. If you’re doing these because you’re hoping to save time and money, however, you might be disappointed. 

As we said before, changing your own oil doesn’t really save you any money. It also leaves you with a bunch of nasty oil that you have to dispose of. Battery and tire installations are typically included with purchase, so you won’t really save yourself any money there either. 

Beyond these items, car repairs can start to become much more involving. Even if it looks simple in a YouTube video, a single missed step can not only be hazardous to your car, but it could put your life at risk. Unless you’ve been properly trained and you know what you’re doing, we’d strongly advise against DIY car repair.

Can I Buy My Own Parts and Bring Them to a Mechanic?

Technically, most mechanics will let you bring your own parts to use if you wish. The idea is that this could save you money by purchasing the parts elsewhere. However, that’s often not true. It’s not as though mechanics are buying the most expensive version of a particular part, nor are they (usually) tacking on ridiculous markups. 

The truth is, some auto parts are just pricey regardless of where they’re purchased. Whether you buy it yourself, or you have the mechanic purchase it, the cost of a reliable auto part is going to be roughly the same. Sometimes, the mechanic may be able to get it for a cheaper price. 

Also, when buying parts yourself, you run a greater risk of ordering the wrong part, ordering a low quality part, or ordering parts that aren’t covered by warranties. Unless you have some inside connection to a parts distributor, it simply isn’t worth the added risk and work to order parts yourself.

Finding a Trustworthy Mechanic 

When you have a mechanic that you can trust, you don’t have to worry about self-repairs or buying parts on the side. The trick is finding the right mechanic. Many auto shops have unfortunately picked up bad reputations over the years. We’re trying to change that. 

At Zima Automotive, it’s our goal to provide honest, professional auto repair with a customer-first approach. The well-being of you and your vehicle is our number one priority. To make things as convenient as possible, we offer free pick-up and drop-off services at no additional charge. 

We also want to help keep your car running better, longer. We’ve been known to even show customers simple actions and maintenance steps they can take themselves. For all of your auto repair needs in Urbana and Springfield, Ohio, you can trust in Zima Automotive to get the job done right.