There are so many things that can go wrong with a car. Even if you take great care of your vehicle, it will undoubtedly face some problems sooner or later. It’s just a question of when and how severe the consequences will be. The repair type and cost will depend on your car’s particular issue. Some problems are minor and can be fixed easily at home, whereas others will require the services of a mechanic to fix them properly. The cost and complexity of repairs should be considered before attempting any maintenance tasks on your own car. Here are 6 common car repairs you should always leave to the mechanic:

Check Engine Light

The check engine light is a warning light that appears on your car’s dashboard when something is wrong with the engine. The light may come on for several reasons, but the most common issues are related to the car’s emissions system. If this light comes on, you must take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. To get the light turned off, a mechanic must perform an engine diagnostic to find the specific issue. This will depend on the car and the issue, but it can be costly. Engine malfunctions can cause serious damage and are not worth taking risks. It is better to have the problem diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic. 

Flush and Change the Oil

Changing your car’s oil is essential to avoid the engine’s expensive and potentially dangerous damage. This process involves replacing the old oil with new, clean oil. It is a relatively simple task for the average DIY enthusiast, but there is one issue to keep in mind. The new oil needs to be clean and free from impurities, which is why you should use a high-quality filter. Otherwise, the dirty oil can damage the engine. Mechanics use specialized equipment to clean the oil and ensure it is clean before it enters the engine. It is worth spending a little extra on the oil and filter to ensure the job is done correctly. 

Brakes

Brake problems usually mean your car’s brakes need to be serviced or replaced. Over time, brake fluid and other components may wear down and require replacement. If you hear a squealing noise when you apply the brakes, there is probably something wrong with them. This can be a severe problem, and you should contact brake repair experts immediately. There are also some preliminary warning signs that you can look out for. 

Steering and Suspension

The steering and suspension system is essential to your car’s safe and reliable operation. If there are problems with these components, they will need to be repaired or replaced. A DIY solution is impossible, and it would be too risky to try fixing the problem yourself. You may be able to spot minor issues with the suspension, such as uneven tire wear, but these are not easy to identify without special equipment. It is better to have a mechanic inspect the steering and suspension once a year as part of a standard car inspection.

Exhaust Repair

Exhaust problems are widespread, and they are easy to spot. You can often hear them before you even get in your car. A regular inspection of the exhaust system can help to catch minor problems before they escalate. If you hear a strange sound from the exhaust, you should take your car to the mechanic as soon as possible. A mechanic can often fix the problem quickly if the damage isn’t severe. This can be done by patching a hole in the system or replacing a bent pipe. If the problem is serious, you will need a new exhaust.

Transmission

The transmission is a crucial part of the car’s engine. If there are any issues with the transmission, you will need to have it repaired. DIY transmission repairs are complicated. Even professional mechanics have difficulty repairing the transmission if there is a significant problem. A bad transmission can cause serious damage to other parts of the car, so it is worth having a mechanic check it out. It is unlikely that they will be able to repair minor damage yourself, but they can test the transmission to find out whether it will need to be replaced.

Conclusion

There are a lot of common car repairs that DIY enthusiasts tend to shy away from. One of the main reasons for this is the cost of a mechanic. A decent mechanic will charge a fair amount of money for their services. This is one of the few industries where it’s not uncommon to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars to get a job done. If you’ve got a car that’s falling apart, it makes sense to take it to a professional mechanic. Mechanics are specially trained to deal with car problems and will likely know how to fix your car better than you do.