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Cars today are marvels of modern technology. Containing multiple sophisticated systems and components that make up a typical car, repairs and routine maintenance can become expensive.

If you are mechanically inclined with the time you may be able to perform many routine maintenance and repairs without involving dealerships.

How do you decide if you can perform repairs and maintenance yourself or take it to a shop?

If you can use wrenches and read directions, many routine maintenance procedures should be within your capability.

Oil changes, transmission oil and filter changes, replacing serpentine or drive belts, fuel filter changes, replacing light bulbs, and many other repairs can be performed.

Obtain a Haynes or Chilton's repair manual specifically for your vehicle. Read through the procedures for performing whatever maintenance item you need done to your car. If you understand the steps to be performed to remove and replace the part or perform the maintenance and if you have the knowledge to recognize the parts indicated in the book and the time to work on it, give it a shot!

If the maintenance required is difficult to understand in the book, you have trouble identifying the components to remove, if you just don't have the time to properly perform the repairs, or if safety is a factor (such as brakes) and you are apprehensive about attempting those repairs, then take your car to a reputable shop.

If your skills are slightly more advanced, you can also do more intricate repairs such as replacing brake pads and possibly rotors, and brake shoes.

Only those with skills close to professional should consider the most advanced repairs such as clutch replacement, drive shaft U-joint replacement, and more intense repairs. Some of these are not as labor intense, but they do have intricate steps that must be followed to ensure correct completion. For example, drive shafts are balanced; when replacing U-joints, it is important to keep the shaft in the same position without rotating it to maintain this balance.

If you decide to attempt repairs yourself, always ensure you read the manual first and ensure you fully understand any safety concerns and special steps that may be involved before removing the first bolt.

When performing routine that results in hazardous waste, oil changes and those steps that may require draining some or all of the antifreeze, ensure you are prepared to capture these fluids and dispose of them properly.

When trying to decide to perform the repairs yourself or take your car to a shop, understanding your capabilities and time constraints can make the decision of which repairs to attempt and which repairs to leave to others. Do not be daunted by the task solely because of level of experience, obtain a good manual and read it for the steps you need to perform. If you are comfortable, give it a try; but always keeps safety in mind.

Learn more about this author, B. L. Babb.
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