Professional Auto Repairs: When To Call a Local Mechanic and When To Tackle It Yourself

An Honest Discussion About Repairing Your Vehicle Yourself

When your vehicle needs attention, you might wonder if you can do the work yourself or if you should hire a professional mechanic. At Goodguys, we understand that many customers ask themselves these questions, and we're here to give you an honest answer. There are times when you are perfectly capable of handling some of your vehicle's maintenance or repair issues yourself. However, there are times when we strongly recommend that you trust a qualified auto repair shop like Goodguys to handle your vehicle's needs.

Let's take a look at this quick guide to help you understand when you can do certain things yourself and when we recommend hiring a professional. We've broken the list down by skill set so you never have to question whether or not you're qualified to handle your vehicle's needs.

When you need professional auto service, schedule an appointment with Goodguys and enjoy quality Fresno auto repair with peace of mind.

Why Drivers Do Auto Repairs Themselves

There are many reasons why drivers want to do some of their own auto repairs. One of the main reasons is cost. There are instances where a replacement part may be relatively inexpensive, but because the installation is difficult or requires a lot of time, the cost of the auto repair can be significantly more than the part alone. This will sometimes sway a driver into attempting to fix their vehicle. Unfortunately, this doesn't always go as planned, and some drivers end up causing further damage to their vehicle by attempting to repair it without the proper knowledge.

Other drivers are more knowledgeable and may have a sense of confidence when under their vehicle’s hood. Although these types of Do-It-Yourselfers (DIYers) can perform more automotive services on their vehicle than a novice, we still recommend that this type of driver bring their vehicle in for professional Fresno auto repair services.

Simple DIY Auto Repairs You Can Do on Your Own

Here is a breakdown of what auto repairs we believe DIYers can do on their vehicle.

For Novice DIYers

For those who have seldom (if ever) worked on a vehicle, here are a few things that you can do yourself:

• Replace a car air filter. Replacing either your cabin or your engine air filter is a relatively easy process that almost anyone can do. Most likely, you won't need tools to complete this service (if you do, it would be a very basic tool, such as a screwdriver). A car air filter replacement can be completed in less than 10 minutes, even by the untrained.
• Check your engine oil. Checking your oil is a vital part of vehicle ownership and something that you should be doing regularly anyway. If you have any questions on how to properly check your oil, you can find detailed instructions in your owner's manual.
• Check and adjust tire pressure. Your vehicle's recommended tire pressure can be found on your driver's door sill. Using a tire pressure monitor, beginners can add air to their tires to ensure that they always operate with the proper PSI.

For Advanced DIYers

Many DIYers like to perform their own oil changes. While this is a relatively simple service, we caution that only the most experienced DIYers should attempt this service. A simple misstep, such as an oil filter that has not been tightened to the correct pressure or a damaged drain plug could leave you and your vehicle stranded.

When To Call a Professional Auto Mechanic

At Goodguys, we understand that car repairs can be frustrating and that bringing your vehicle to an auto repair shop is not always the most convenient thing in the world. However, here are a few instances where you certainly want to bring your vehicle to a professional so you can steer clear of costly accidents under the hood:

When Dealing With Electronics, Car Battery Replacement, or Reprogramming:

Many modern vehicles feature advanced electronics that require specialized equipment and a certain knowledge of the proper protocols to reset a vehicle's computer. For example, your vehicle's check engine light may not turn off unless it is manually reset — even after a repair. Sometimes, this reset requires specialized equipment that plugs into your vehicle's onboard diagnostics.

For Major Auto Services and Repairs:

If your vehicle ever needs major services, such as a transmission fluid flush, a coolant flush, or even a brake fluid flush, we recommend bringing it to a repair shop like Goodguys. Professional mechanics can access machinery and tools that the everyday driver does not own.

Additionally, some repairs require specialized equipment. For example, a fuel pump replacement requires draining the fuel tank — which can be dangerous without the proper equipment. Whether your vehicle is due for service or needs major repair, trust the professionals to do the heavy lifting.

For Car Diagnostics:

When you bring your vehicle into a professional auto repair shop like Goodguys, you'll find professional and accurate diagnostic equipment. When some drivers see a check engine light, the first thing they'll do is run to their local parts store and purchase the cheapest diagnostic tool they can find to determine what's wrong with their car.

Professional engine diagnostic tools will read the exact fault code stored in a vehicle’s computer. Once a professional mechanic reads the code, they will decipher it and determine the problem. The makers of these cheap, over-the-counter diagnostic tools understand that most consumers do not have access to the repair manuals required to decipher fault codes, so instead, they sell you a machine to do it for you. Unfortunately, these readings are not always accurate and can lead to frustration when attempting to repair your own vehicle.

Trust the Auto Repair Experts at in Fresno Today

When you need professional service, we welcome you to schedule an appointment at Goodguys. We offer quality auto repair services on all make and model vehicles. We use only the highest quality replacement parts and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to pinpoint exactly what is wrong with your vehicle.

We even offer fantastic auto service coupons that could help you save money on your diagnostic or car repair services. Schedule service today and trust your vehicle in the hands of the experts at Goodguys.