When time is tight, or budgets are stretched—and let’s face it, they always are—fixing your own car can seem like a smart and even convenient solution. After all, how hard can it really be to change some oil, swap a battery, or replace brake pads? A radiator repair can’t be that hard, right?
Unfortunately, modern vehicles are not built for guesswork. What may appear to be a simple at-home fix can quickly snowball into costly damage, serious safety risks, or even complete system failure.
In this guide, we break down why DIY car repairs often go wrong, using real-world examples to show how well-intentioned fixes can end up causing you far more harm than good.
Look, we get it—booking your car in to a mechanic to get fixed can be stressful sometimes. All of us are super busy, especially near the end of the year and maybe you just don’t have enough time in your schedule to bring your car in. Or maybe you spent a little too much extra money this month and can’t spare the expense to get your car serviced—surely one more month will be fine, or six more months…
…or perhaps you could save yourself both time and money by simply doing a little auto DIY. It would be way more convenient to fix your car up in your own garage. There are plenty of tutorials available online, too—countless YouTube videos covering timing belt replacement. What could go wrong?
The truth is, a lot can go wrong. With more and more access to online resources, many folks have started to resort to performing their own amateur repair work on their vehicles in an attempt to save time and money. As tempting as a DIY car repair may seem, unqualified work on a car can be far more troublesome and even dangerous.
It’s easy enough to check your oil levels at home (any dipstick can do it), but it’s also just as easy to change your oil incorrectly. Overfilling your car or simply using the wrong type of oil can lead to serious engine damage, so even though you can buy oil on your own, you should most definitely leave the oil change and any other car repairs to a trusted car mechanic near you.
The cost of a DIY oil change: On average, fuel drain cost in Australia ranges from $250 to $450, depending on the vehicle type, contamination severity, and location.
Does anyone else remember back in the day when you could buy a car battery right off the shelf in Kmart? Times may have been simpler then, but what is not so simple is replacing your car battery. You can definitely replace a car battery improperly; an unintended reversed polarity can damage your vehicle’s electrical systems, and you may harm yourself from battery corrosion or electrocution, so you’re better off reserving any car battery replacements for your mechanic.
The cost of correcting improper battery replacement: Fixing an error caused by improper battery installation will definitely incur labour costs, which can range from $25 to $50 or more per hour or more, depending on the location and mechanic, plus the price of a new battery.
There is nothing more annoying than hearing the piercing squeal of your own worn-down brake pads and while it may seem like too much of a bother to bring your car in to a brake specialist, attempting to replace them on your own can be extremely dangerous. Uneven wear can compromise one’s safety on the road, and a brake failure is a very real worst-case scenario. In all seriousness, let a mechanic handle your brake repairs.
The cost of repairing a ruined or compromised brake system: Fixing a messed-up brake system can cost upwards of $1000 or more, depending on the size of the vehicle and the severity of the damage caused by DIY repairs.
Over-tightened bolts, or over-torqued bolts, can lead to a higher risk of mechanical failure in a car, along with component damage, stripped threads, and compromising critical connections due to excessive force. Your car’s suspension, wheels, and engine can all suffer from overzealous bolt tightening, so leave the wrench in the hands of a professional.
The cost of over-tightened bolts: Depending on the damage, simple stud replacement can cost between $60 to $300 per stud, but if the hub is damaged due to stripped threads or damaged parts, then costs can skyrocket.
We’ve all seen those spammy-looking ads online for cheap auto parts and whole engines, and as tempting as they may appear, you should never install cheap parts in your car. Cheaper parts lead to a shorter lifespan and improper fit, meaning your car will likely end up in the shop anyway, far sooner than later. To protect yourself, your investment, and your roadworthy certificate, be sure to only use premium, manufacturer-approved parts installed by a licensed mechanic.
The cost of using cheap parts bought online: Limitless—using cheap car parts bought online can offer initial cost savings, but carries hidden costs and risks in the long run, including premature failure, potential damage to your vehicle, and even on-road safety hazards.
While DIY car repairs might seem like a quick and easy way to save a few dollars, the reality is that even small mistakes done at home can lead to serious safety risks and far higher repair costs down the track. Modern vehicles are very complex machines, and what may look like a simple job often requires specialist tools, professional experience, and manufacturer knowledge to do properly and safely.
Book your next service with a trusted car mechanic in Tullamarine with S.S.C. Mechanics today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your car is in expert hands. At S.S.C. Mechanics, our experienced technicians use the right parts, follow manufacturer specifications, and ensure your vehicle is safe, reliable, and roadworthy.
Don’t risk costly DIY mistakes and instead, swallow your pride and let a local mechanic near you take care of your car properly.
S.S.C Mechanics provides professional mechanical repair services for Melbourne’s north-west. We provide car safety checks for all kinds of makes and models.
Based in Airport West, our customers come from various surrounding locations, including:
And more locations surrounding Melbourne’s North-West!
Give us a call today on (03) 9338 9573 or 0430 928 764 to discuss how we can help you.
BACK TO BLOG
Get In Touch With Us
Fill out this form and one of our friendly team members will get back in touch with you shortly.
Click to Call Now
CALL US: 
