Boost Your knowledge on DIY vs. Professional Car Maintenance

One of the most important aspects of car ownership is knowing when you can perform car maintenance and repair on your vehicle, and when to call in the professionals. Our advice? When in doubt, call the professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or someone who would rather not get their hands greasy, understanding when to call in extra help can keep your vehicle in top shape.

Carrying out some basic car maintenance tasks can be a cost-effective way to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Below are a few scenarios where DIY maintenance could be a practical decision:

• Changing the oil: If you’re comfortable with this task and have the necessary tools, changing the oil is a straightforward DIY job.
• Checking and topping up fluids: Monitoring and topping up coolant, windshield washer fluid, and brake fluid can be done by most car owners.
• Replacing air filters: A dirty air filter can be swapped out with minimal tools.
• Replacing wiper blades: This is a quick and budget-friendly DIY fix.
• You have enough time to carry out the work. 

Not all maintenance tasks are this easy or straightforward to carry out. If you don’t know much about cars, or if you don’t have the right tools or safety equipment, carrying out complex maintenance tasks could be damaging to your vehicle and dangerous to you and anyone who might be helping you.

Here’s when you should consider investing in the help of a professional mechanic:

• Complex repairs: If your car is experiencing significant issues, such as transmission problems, engine trouble, or electrical malfunctions, contact a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Delaying a repair could result in a bigger problem that could be more expensive to fix. 
• Warranty requirements: Many newer vehicles come with manufacturer warranties that require servicing by authorised professionals. 
• Advanced diagnostics: Modern cars are equipped with sophisticated onboard computers that require specialised diagnostic tools to identify and fix issues accurately.

If you’ve invested in a maintenance plan, take advantage of it, rather than attempting at-home DIY maintenance. A Maintenance Plan through MotorHappy includes all car services and wear and tear items. Click here to find out more. 

Remember that a well-maintained vehicle will increase your car’s value and will also help keep you and your passengers safe on the road. 

If you’ve decided to seek out professional assistance with your car maintenance, find a mechanic who has a good reputation and is a registered professional. With a Maintenance Plan through MotorHappy, you can rest assured that your car is in the hands of true professionals. 

Below are our tips for finding a good mechanic:

• Check that they are registered with the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI)
• Get recommendations from friends and family
• Look for online reviews
• Ask for a written estimate before they begin the work
• Ask the mechanic to explain your car’s problems, with a rundown of repair costs