If you own a vehicle, you need to take care of it so that minor problems are fixed quickly and don’t become major ones, and so that the car, truck, or motorcycle is safe to drive for you and other road users. One of the ways to do this is to ensure that the vehicle is regularly serviced. This can be costly, especially if there are issues discovered, which is why some people prefer to do the work themselves. But which is best? What are the pros and cons of servicing your own vehicle compared to going to a professional mechanic? Read on to find out.
Pro – You’ll Save Money
One of the biggest reasons someone might choose to carry out a service on their own vehicle rather than booking it in with a professional is saving money. Certainly, this is what will happen, and even if you need car parts to fix a problem, you should be able to source them online. With no labour to pay out for (usually the most expensive element of a vehicle service), you could be saving hundreds of dollars.
Pros – It’s Possible
Assuming there are no major repairs to carry out and that you don’t need your tyres service done (which require experts with the proper training), then it’s perfectly possible for you to carry out a minor service on your vehicle. You don’t have to have in-depth training, and you don’t have to have many years of experience. Most of what you will need to know can be found online, and there are sure to be instructional videos to help you.
Remember, you’ll only be carrying out basic checks like changing the air filters, topping up the fluids, testing the battery, and replacing blown fuses and bulbs. Anything truly mechanical should be seen by an expert.
Cons – It Takes Time
Unless you have the time to spare to carry out the minor service to your vehicle correctly without cutting corners, then it’s not a good idea; rushing might even make your car or truck unsafe. If you don’t have the time because of a full-time job or a busy social life, then it’s far wiser to book an appointment with a qualified, highly recommended local mechanic to do the checks for you. It’s safer, and it will be quicker too.
Cons – Your Warranty May Be Invalidated
Depending on where you buy them from or how old they are, some cars will come with a warranty, and that’s a good thing. It means that if something goes wrong, you will be able to get the repairs done free of charge. Of course, there is a lot of fine print to read regarding the warranty and many reasons why your claim might be turned down. One of these could be carrying out repairs and servicing on the vehicle yourself instead of taking it to a mechanic. If the work you do could invalidate your warranty, then it’s not worth the risk.
On a similar topic, you might also find that doing work on your own vehicle invalidates your insurance, so it’s best to check everything over to make sure you’re not making a big mistake.