United Car Care Reviews Four Car Repairs You Should Never Do Yourself

First Posted: Jan 16, 2020 01:44 PM EST
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Auto mechanic working on car engine in mechanics garage. Repair service. authentic close-up shot
Auto mechanic working on car engine in mechanics garage. Repair service. authentic close-up shot
(Photo : Bigstock)

Is your car constantly breaking down and costing you hundreds of dollars in repairs? If so, you may be thinking about ditching the mechanic for do-it-yourself (DIY) repairs. However, before you take this measure, you should know there are some car repairs you should never do yourself. In this article, leading service vehicle service contract provider United Car Care details four typical car repairs you should never DIY as they could further damage your car parts and cost you even more in repairs.

1. Transmission Repair or Maintenance

Modern automatic transmissions are amazing mechanical devices, with thousands of small parts requiring precise tolerance and fit. As a result, transmission repair is best left not only to a mechanic but a mechanic who has specialized transmission knowledge and expertise. Even regular maintenance is best left to a professional. Transmission flushes that involve improper cleaning can be disastrous. Even the smallest amount of dirt or grime that gets introduced to a transmission's interior can start a sequence of events that can destroy the transmission. Transmission repairs or replacements run into the thousands of dollars, and can easily outpace the total sales value of many older vehicles. This is a part of your vehicle that you should not even take a look at -- bite the bullet and take it into a qualified expert.

2. Suspension Work

After a few years, virtually every vehicle will need suspension work on struts, shocks, arms, and bushings. These types of repairs look simple but involve specialized knowledge and equipment to be done properly and safely. Working with coil springs and struts means handling parts that are under serious tension and compressed force. Labor charges for suspension work are usually not terribly expensive, and will always be less than bills for property damage or medical bills from an uncontrolled release of high spring tension. Working on suspension components also requires that parts be assembled and installed in a precise order for proper and safe operation. Do-it-yourselfers also lack the basic necessary equipment that a qualified shop has in place, such as a wheel alignment rack.

3. Fuel Pump and Fuel System Work

Fuel systems are something that novices should always leave alone. Fuel pumps, injectors, rails, and pressurized lines all carry gasoline and mistakes can easily blow up your vehicle, cause fires on your property, or give you severe burns when mistakes are made. Fuel pumps are very sensitive and precise pieces of equipment and are expensive to replace. The cost involved gives many DIYers the incentive to attempt a home repair. However, there are multiple ways to get the repair wrong, which will inevitably lead to serious vehicle failure and a significant risk of total engine loss. It is best to accept that fuel pump work is expensive and avoid the risk of larger losses.

4. Timing Belt Replacement

Timing belt replacement is a normal part of maintenance as vehicles age and is not a cheap repair at your mechanic's shop. However, the cost involved in a DIY project gone wrong can be catastrophic. The risk-reward on timing belts is simply too great to justify trying this repair on your own. A bad replacement job can easily destroy an entire engine. Replacing the timing belt usually involves disassembly of about half of the vehicle's engine. Proper reassembly requires proper equipment and expertise, as each component must go back in place in the right order and under the correct tolerances.

About United Car Care

United Car Care has worked with over a million satisfied customers and multiple dealers and agents in offering vehicle service contracts that provide reliable mechanical protection at an affordable cost. Our customers are provided with the security of knowing that our product is backed by an A-Rated insurer. Customers also value our company's A Rating with the Better Business Bureau which is evidence of the integrity of our service. Over a million satisfied customers stand as a testimonial to United Car Care's core values: quality, dependability, and customer service.

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