So many people drive cars every day without the knowledge or ability to perform even the most basic of repairs like changing a flat tire or a routine maintenance task like an oil change. That is really not that surprising and totally understandable. I use a toilet and a computer every day, but I almost certainly would not be able to repair either if one or the other stopped working. There are many good reasons to learn more about car repair and troubleshooting. Rewards like saving more money, being more self sufficient, extending the life of your car and more can all be yours as a result of learning how to troubleshoot car problems and perform basic auto repairs.
Learning to take care of even the small car repairs will wind up saving you plenty of money in the long run. You have probably seen ads for $9.99 oil changes or similar low priced offers for services like lube jobs. Rarely does a customer who takes their car to one of these places drive off only having spent ten bucks though. The low price is the price for showing up. Disposal of your used oil, speedier service and higher quality motor oil all cost extra. They will likely also try to upsell you on all kinds of extras like wiper blades, air filters, coolant flushes, new shocks, new struts and more you may or may not really need. Being able to change your own oil gets you the lowest price possible without the hard sell. Also, your mechanic is not obligated to get you the lowest price on replacement parts nor is labor included free of charge. Performing the repairs yourself saves you from having to pay for labor and permits you to shop around for the lowest price on any replacement part you might need.
Another reason you will wind up saving money doing repairs yourself is that you are free to start out with the least costly option. Many auto repair shops do the opposite and begin by trying the most expensive option first. That is not because auto mechanics are dishonest or trying to take advantage of you. Most sales and service businesses as a practice try to sell you the product with the highest margin first. Salespeople often steer potential customers toward the product with the highest commission or price tag. It is the nature of sales and service businesses. This approach can result in some big auto repair costs for you, however. But it can also be avoided. If you are able to perform the repair yourself you are in complete control. You can start with the least costly option and spend only what you must.
Auto Repair Troubleshooting is Easier than You Think
There will be some repairs you are just not experienced enough or properly equipped to handle on your own. When these situations come up, knowing a little something about auto repair and troubleshooting will enable you to communicate with a mechanic more effectively. If you take your car in for service and announce that you have no idea what is wrong with it or say only that your car is making a funny noise, you are putting yourself at the mercy of the car repair shop. The auto repair business is not an industry that is well known for its mercy. Whether that reputation is fairly deserved or not will not matter as much to you if you can demonstrate some knowledge, relay the problem clearly or at least speak the language. Having some car repair knowledge can prevent you from paying too much or getting blantantly ripped off on repairs that you cannot do yourself.
Being more self reliant, saving money and protecting yourself from getting taken advantage of are all good reasons to learn about auto repair and troubleshooting. There are many resources available for you to learn more as well. Some are free or mostly free like your local library, a willing friend or neighbor or the Internet. You can also take a class at a local community college, adult learning facility or trade school. Even if you do not know the difference between a Phillips and a flat head screwdriver, you can learn car repair. All it takes is time, a willingness to learn and instruction. You may find it fun as well so do not be scared and just give it a try.
