“Do-it-yourself” projects are popular, empowering, thrifty, and sometimes even fun. When it comes to DIY car fixes, there are some things you should know:
You Get What You Pay For
While it is exciting to find a deal, be careful about purchasing anything too cheap, as you may compromise on quality. Especially when you are shopping for parts that are essential to vehicle safety, Jeep bumpers for example, be sure a rock-bottom price doesn’t reflect a downgrade in function.
Use Your Resources
Just because you’ve decided to replace parts on your own doesn’t mean you have to figure it all out on your own. The internet hosts a wealth of information. Rather than searching for generic instructions such as “how to install retractable truck steps,” try entering specifics, including the exact brand of the steps you purchased, as well as the exact make and model of your vehicle.
Get the Tools You Need
Some repairs that use machines at the auto shop can be done at home with some manual tools. For example, if you want to install steel rims or new tire and wheel packages you will need a tire lever, a jack, an air compressor, and socket wrenches.
Stay Organized
Especially if you are lacking in experience, it is important to take extra care to keep track of what parts came from where and which way they go back on. Use tape for labelling, sort things into bags or boxes, take pictures, or even use a white paint pen to write on metal parts.
Leave Some Work to the Professionals
Some repairs require advanced training, highly specialized tools, or are just plain cheaper at the auto shop. If you need body work done, a new paint job, or a windshield replacement, you’re better off paying a professional, no matter how good your DIY skills are.
