[dinodino]

It's still possible to do most work yourself--I do, on my cars. The only time I have to take them to the professionals is when a job requires a dealer scan tool. While I do my own engine rebuilds, etc., most people would never need to do any of this. Rather, a short course teaching them how to do brake jobs, battery, belt, and fluid changes, and a few other things would be enough to allow an individual to save on most repairs. Timing belts would be something else to consider, but more involved on most cars.

[marktwain]

It's still possible to do most work yourself--I do, on my cars. The only time I have to take them to the professionals is when a job requires a dealer scan tool. While I do my own engine rebuilds, etc., most people would never need to do any of this. Rather, a short course teaching them how to do brake jobs, battery, belt, and fluid changes, and a few other things would be enough to allow an individual to save on most repairs. Timing belts would be something else to consider, but more involved on most cars.

Well put. Most community colleges offer couses, I understand.

[raybbr]

I agree. I changed the struts on my Jetta. It took some time but actually turned out easier than I had anticipated. I saved about $300 in labor and parts.

[Gilbo_3]

My point is which 'course' did you take to learn these things ?

Sure , I believe that everyone whos got a little mechanical ability should do their own routine maintenance if they choose to, but getting beyond routine without the knowledge and proper tools is a recipe for disaster. Most wrenches, myself included, have had to undo a backyard hacks 'work' in order to fix a problem. and most will not even touch a car that is brought to them in boxes, without an agreement that Im not liable for any damage done by said hack, and that the repair most likely will be far more expensive than if Id have done the job in the first place.

That doesnt even get me started on the dangers of unwittingly working on brake or steering/suspension systems that can be deadly to the wrench twister or innocent bystanders if improperly repaaired.

Or the possibilities of electronic component destruction by ill advised test procedures on computer controlled cars or the possibility of destroying major engine internals by improperly timing a non-free wheeler valvetrain in a 'simple' timing belt job etc etc etc

IOWs, choose if you want to save some $$$ on car repairs, choose your battles wisely, and if you have trouble with things like changing a lite bulb or programming a vcr, you prolly out to leave car repairs to someone whos had a little more than a course on internal combustion 101...

[varon]

It's still possible to do most work yourself--I do, on my cars

Yeah but many neighborhoods frown if not outright ban cars on cinder blocks or jacks in front yards or driveways.