“Do-it-yourself” is often the first choice when it comes to car repair and maintenance. Some of these tasks include the replacement of bulbs and wiper blades. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can take on more substantial projects like changing your own oil at home.
However, you must remember to meticulously follow any manufacturer instructions and make sure you get the correct set of spare parts for the job based on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. This can be applied for all do-it-yourself car projects so as to prevent any mishaps that can lead to bigger problems.
Still, it is crucial that you remember the importance of expert car repair services. Even if you have a bit of experience in automotive repair, you should keep in mind that the most critical auto repair tasks should be left to the professionals.
4 Automotive Issues You Should Leave to a Mechanic
To be absolutely sure that your car is kept in tip-top shape, you can hit up your trusted mechanic to deal with the following auto repair and maintenance tasks:
1. Transmission and engine repairs
Transmission and engine issues aren’t something that can be dealt with using your limited arsenal of automotive repair tools in your garage. Make sure to call a mechanic if you observe the following signs:
- Transmission slipping – Automatic transmission slipping is characterized by an unexpected change of gears. Sometimes, it may come with an abnormal noise which sounds much like whining.
- Rough shifts – Shifting gears is usually very smooth. So if this is not the case and you hear thudding or clunking sounds when changing gears, it may be a sign of a transmission issue.
- Delayed engagement – This simply means that the car’s reaction when you shift to drive from parking mode is delayed.
- Leaking fluids – Any fluid leak is a sign that your transmission system may not be in perfect shape.
- Flashing transmission warning light – When you experience one or more of these signs with a flashing warning light, it is time to call a professional.
2. Tire alignment and balancing
Rotating tires may seem like a simple task, but it requires proper equipment and a skilled repairman for it to be accomplished the right way.
Signs you should look out for to determine whether your car needs this maintenance procedure include:
- Pulling or drifting – This is the most obvious sign that your car’s alignment needs to be adjusted. If you need to keep steering in one direction to keep your vehicle running straight, you need to get your tires aligned.
- Off-center steering wheel – Having a steering wheel at an odd angle is another sign that your car needs an alignment.
- Vibrating steering wheel – The wheel of your car shouldn’t be vibrating when you drive on a smooth road. This is a sign that your wheels were knocked out of balance because of hitting a pothole or a curb.
3. Electrical problems
Electrical problems also require a certified mechanic’s expertise. When the electricity-powered fixtures of the vehicle stop working, it is definitely a sign of electrical issues. These cover the lights (e.g., headlights, warning lights, and interior lights), your car stereo, and the automatic door locks.
If your car’s lights are out or your radio won’t turn on, it’s either your battery is dead or there’s something wrong with your electrical system. To avoid unnecessary costs, don’t make conjectures about replacing your battery before you even call an automotive mechanic to check everything else.
In emergency situations, like when you smell burning plastic or are having issues with electrical insulation, make sure you stop the car and get out. Call a towing service and bring the vehicle to the nearest mechanic as these are clear signs of a short circuit or electrical malfunction, particularly if accompanied by the following signs:
- Failing ignition
- Blown fuse
- Dimmed lights
- Cranking issues
4. Changing batteries and filters
Although there are plenty of do-it-yourself instructions about replacing batteries, this task should still ideally be left to the professionals. The same goes with changing your car filters. This will ensure that the components are dealt with using the proper tools.
Leave It to the Pros
While it may be tempting to go the do-it-yourself route on a lot of things when it comes to your car, this can be counterproductive in most cases. Use this article as a guide to determining when you should call for professional help to perform a specific type of car repair.
AUTHOR BIO
Luigi Rubinacci is the Director of Strategic Ventures at AW Rostamani Automotive Group. AUTOTRUST Multibrand Car Service and Accident Repair is the Group’s strategic division that deals with the accident repair and service of all brands and makes of cars. Its service centers currently operate from Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.