Modern cars come equipped with complex systems with tricky components that are much harder to repair than simple mechanical parts. Technicians and repair experts require extensive knowledge and training before they can fix issues in such systems. Trying to troubleshoot these issues on your own can actually cause more problems.
While there are several tutorials available online on how to fix certain parts in your car, the risks can outweigh the amount you were trying to save. You can DIY routine maintenance tasks like changing the oil or tires – but we are about to talk about car repairs you should never try yourself at home.
CAR REPAIRS YOU SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT BY YOURSELF
Detailed below are the car repairs that you cannot do yourself at home:
TRANSMISSION REPAIRS
The transmission system in a vehicle is also one of the complicated parts, composed of several other components. Repairing the transmission system means you must go through a maze of bearings, rods, and gears, all connected in order. Even an average automatic transmission system in a small 4-cylinder carries a lot of weight, with around 500+ components. Fixing such a complex system all by yourself is not advisable. If you notice common signs of failing car transmission, better take your vehicle to a service centre.
SUSPENSION REPAIRS
Good suspension system is crucial for any car. A faulty suspension can impact handling and result in early wear and tear of other components. Though most of the suspension system parts are visible under the car and may seem easy to reach, repairing them might be tricky. Replacing the parts incorrectly or mishandling them may lead to other technical issues in the suspension system.
Therefore, repairing or replacing the suspension system is one of the car repairs you should not attempt on your own. Besides, to avoid frequent repairs, it is recommended to keep track of your vehicle suspension maintenance routine.
ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) REPAIRS
One of the car repairs you should not attempt is replacing or fixing the ECU in your vehicle. The modern cars today come with ECU integrated under the hood and control an array of functions. The main task of an ECU is to keep the engine running smoothly. When an ECU goes bad in your car, it affects the fuel economy. Furthermore, a bad ECU may cause the engine to stall or may not start.
Replacing an ECU is not about simply plugging out the old one and plugging in a new one, as most ECUs are specifically programmed for the respective car models only. Only those who are certified ECU technicians can replace the faulty one with a new one.
If you don’t connect the ECU correctly, you might mess up the car’s functions which will lead to extensive damage. For instance, the incorrect installation will not reflect the correct air fuel ratios causing various problems in the vehicle. Therefore, it is better to go to a certified ECU technician or to a service centre.
TIMING BELT REPAIRS
Another vital component of your vehicle is the timing belt that keeps the car running properly. Usually a timing belt should be changed after a vehicle is driven around 100,000 to 160,000 km, as it gets rough. However, it is one of the car repairs you should never try doing yourself.
It is not recommended to change the timing belt on your own. The first thing you have to do is disassemble half of the engine. Though there are many tutorials available online on how you can replace it, fixing the engine back is not easy and requires professional technician’s assistance. A single mistake can damage the engine and will consequently leave you with two options. Either pay a fortune to fix the engine or buy another car. Therefore, it’s never advisable to change the timing belt by yourself, especially if you are not experienced.
AC SYSTEM REPAIRS
If you notice common car air-conditioning problems, seek professional assistance from a technician. There are numerous components connected within the air-conditioning system, just one mishandling may damage one or all of the parts. If the refrigerant is low due to leak or any other issue, adding up more to the level will be of no use. Also, refrigerants are toxic and if mishandled, it could be harmful for you as well as the environment.
Besides, if the compressor goes bad, which is one of the major components of a car AC, head to a service centre. Though getting it repaired from a professional would be expensive, this is one of the car repairs you should not do yourself. The reason is that if the compressor is faulty, it is likely that other AC components are also damaged. Hence, fixing a car AC is not a layman’s job.
AUDIO SYSTEM REPAIRS
Replacing and installing an audio system/radio in a car may seem easy, but you should not try doing it yourself. There is a maze of electrical wires connecting the audio system/radio to the vehicle, a wrong connection may cause short circuit in the car’s electrical system and in some cases may lead to fire. Also, there are chances that the audio system/radio might not work even after spending a lot of time wiring the entire system.
Therefore, it is better to avoid all the hassles and get a professional technician for installing or replacing an audio system in your car.
CAR BODY PAINTING
Fixing car body paint is one of the car repairs you should not attempt. Painting the entire car body is time-consuming, as it should be done very carefully. Also, the fumes are quite harmful if inhaled. You have to be careful to ensure there are no bubbles, clear coats are sufficient and the coverage is not sloppy. Besides, over spraying and color mismatch are some of the common problems that have been observed when someone attempts DIY paint correction. Therefore, in case the car body has dents or scraped paint, it is better to get it fixed at a service centre.
Getting car body paint done from a professional is expensive, but still it is not advisable to do it yourself as you might end up spoiling the exterior of your vehicle. However, you can keep a check on things that damage car paint to avoid frequent paint repairs.
Moreover, if the damage is already done or you want to give your car a new colour, you can also opt for a car colour change procedure in the UAE.
WINDSHIELD REPAIRS
Fixing a cracked car windshield is one of the car repairs you should never try yourself. It is a highly specialised task that can only be done using special tools and that too by a professional. To avoid frequent windscreen repair costs, always follow windshield maintenance tips.
These were some of the ccar repairs you cannot do yourself at home. All the parts are vital to the function and performance of a car, and just to save on the repair cost, you should not try fixing it yourself. This may lead to big problems that may cost you a fortune or may damage your car completely. Those who are experienced and have basic expertise can go for DIY repairs and that too of certain car parts. There are tips to help reduce your car repair cost. Follow them to avoid inconvenience and major damages. Besides, even if you are buying a used car in the UAE and, after a while, you notice problems with any of its parts, head to a service centre instead of DIY.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s popular auto blog for information on different automobile parts and their maintenance guides.
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