If you’re a motorist looking for a superior auto repair shop in Northeast Columbia, SC, check out the Brown Motor Works blog! Brown Motor Works is the go-to auto repair shop for the Northeast Columbia region, as well as the surrounding communities of Pontiac, Elgin, Blythewood, Forest Acres, Fort Jackson, and Camden. Our blog features informative articles about auto repair and maintenance as well as handy tips to get the best possible mileage and performance out of your vehicle. Check it out today!

Should You Fix Your Car Yourself?

If you have the skills, knowledge, and tools, then you can fix your car yourself. Most of the population lacks proper knowledge to fix their vehicle accurately. Some things you can quickly fix like changing a light bulb. Other issues can be very challenging and complex; you can’t just watch a YouTube video and do it yourself. A majority of problems require a skilled technician to fix the problem. If you are unsure how to fix something don’t try, it could make the problem worse. 

There are some minor issues that you could fix yourself and save a few dollars. These issues are generic and don’t involve messing with your car’s engine, wiring, or motor. Some people find it easy to change out their air filters and windshield wipers. All it takes is a quick trip to the automotive store and 5 minutes to replace. 

Another fix that you can do at home is a tire replacement. If you have a jack and some patience you can order new tires right to your house and do it yourself. Learning to change a tire is a handy life skill to have regardless because you never know when you’ll get a flat. Lastly, if you don’t mind getting down and dirty, you can give your car an oil change, and that can be relatively easy. All you need is a few tools, oil filter, a container to store the old oil, and the new oil. Make sure your car has cooled down after driving to perform an oil change, your car can get very hot after driving. Doing an oil change at home can save you money, but it’s certainly not everyone’s cup of oil. 

It’s exciting and rewarding when you can fix something on your car by yourself. There is a fine line though; you need to realize when something is okay to fix by yourself and when it’s time to turn your car over to a professional. These issues can severely impact how your car drives and the safety of the driver and passengers. You should never try to fix your brakes or tamper with them at all. Messing with them could cause them to fail, and no part of that is a good thing. 

If there is a recall for airbags or anything else in your vehicle, take it in and let the professionals handle it. Unless you are an experienced electrician its best to stay away from all wires, one small tweak could turn your windshield wiper button into your new hazard button and cause a mess. Even if you enjoy puzzles, you should avoid messing around with your transmission. It’s an integral part of your car and could cause injuries. Lastly, an easy way to get a third-degree burn is to play around with your fuel system. Improper care could also create a fire in your garage. 

It’s important to know when to give in and spend the extra cash to get something worked on by highly trained and experienced auto repair technicians. Know your limits and let us be there for you when something goes beyond them. 

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