by Frederick A. Babb

Created on: April 11, 2011

Before one asks if you could or should do your own vehicle maintenance, one has to ask the obvious question of a person’s mechanical capability.  Just as you wouldn’t encourage a janitor to perform brain surgery, you wouldn’t ask a person who can’t distinguish a screwdriver from a 3/8” socket to work on their only mode of transportation.

Now that I have stated the evident, permit me to elaborate on the issue at hand.  Our automobile industry never ceases to amaze the public with the continuous phenomenon of the latest electronic technology.  What many would have assumed to be science fiction surreal extras twenty years ago is now part of the basic package of the average car.  With these extras come extra possibilities of malfunctions.  We are talking about malfunctions that require a skill level higher than being able to dominate the basic toolbox tools.

As such, each person must be perfect honest with themselves on what level of maintenance they tackle and what level they must admit defeat and take it to a better prepared mechanic.  The shady tree mechanics of yesteryear have become inefficient with today’s computerized troubleshooting centers located on our new vehicles.  A mechanic worth his weight in gold in the modern times we live must be a computer programmer, an excellent electronics wizard and still have great mechanical aptitude. 

Not all is a gloomy picture for those who miss getting their hands dirty while fixing their little pride and joy.  To the defense of those who want to continue to dominate their car exist the joys of Internet with a thousand and one “HOW TO” videos to walk you through those more complicated repairs.

Now that I have prepared the stage, let’s break down the possible repairs and the possible non-repairs.  Oil changes, filter changes, most lights and some more challenging parts exchange such as brake shoes can be done with a respectable degree of mechanical capability.  Beyond that, one must start to evaluate their other competency in the electronic troubleshooting world.

If you want to go to the next level on maintenance, purchase such handy manuals like Chilton’s or Haynes repair books.  Make sure your make, model and year are included in the book you buy.  Also assure that you read the correct procedures for each maintenance item you are performing.  Nothing would be more upsetting to change the

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