10 Reasons You Should Work On Your Own Car…

1) It’s good to learn

Knowledge, as they say, is power. So, the more you know about your car’s inner workings, the better off you’ll be in the long run. Think about it, if there’s a job that needs doing around the house, you’ll learn how to do it. So why should your car be any different? Plus, there are plenty of manuals and YouTube videos to help you along the way.

2) It’s only nuts and bolts

People get a bit scared when it comes to working on cars, but that’s the wrong approach. It’s only nuts and bolts, and as such, it can only really come apart one way and go back together the same. Get involved with the spanners and screwdrivers, see what connects to what, and if you’re getting in a bit over your head, just stop and screw/bolt it all back up. It’s that simple.

3) It’s not scary

Following on from number three, we really have to drive home the fact that cars aren’t something to be feared. If they were, we wouldn’t make so many helpful guides. If you let the fear of working on your car get in the way, you’re going to lose out. Not only because you’re not fulfilling point number one, but also because you won’t be saving money. Leading us onto…

4) It’ll save you money

Garages have labour rates. It’s a fact of life, and as such, you’re going to pay them when you go to a garage. But you don’t need to go to a garage for every little job. If you learn, if you get your tools out and have a go, you’ll save money. A garage might charge you £30 to fit new bulbs. You could do that yourself, for free. That’s £30 in your back pocket.

5) It’s really satisfying

Ah yes, the satisfaction of a job well done. This is why we do anything in the first place; we want to enjoy the fruits of our labour. Master your socket set, change that broken part, feel like a pro. That’s what being a home mechanic is all about. Plus, when you put up some shelves you can’t drive the finished article around town. You can with a car though, so show off your handiwork!

6) It’ll build your confidence

The more you do, the more you learn and the greater your confidence will become. This has many benefits. Not only will it mean you’re more likely to do future jobs yourself, it also means that you won’t be easily hoodwinked should you have to go to a garage for a bigger, more complicated job. You’ll have a bit of ‘the knowledge’ which will put you in good stead.

7) There’s a world of information out there

You don’t know where to start? No worries, the modern age has your back. All you need is some internet connectivity and access to Google or to YouTube. There’s literally nothing stopping you, unless you lose your reading glasses of course. Okay, so you may have to sift through some questionable videos or information-light forum posts, but if you dig a little bit, you’re going to find the information you need. There are online resources like Haynes, or the brilliantly detailed Pelican Parts if you have a German car, as well as many, many others.

8) You’ll bond with your car

The more you work on your car, the more you’ll come to know all its little idiosyncrasies. There won’t be a squeak, rattle or clonk the origin of which you can’t pinpoint. You will be at one with your automobile. That’s a great position to be in, because it means you’ll have confidence in your car, and you’ll feel safer on the road as a result. This working on your own car malarkey has many benefits you know.

9) It’s an excuse to buy tools

Who doesn’t like tools? Buying new tools is much like buying new toys when you were a kid. All that gear, all that polished chrome. And as you buy more tools, all that potential to carry out any job that should be required increases exponentially. Yep, there’s nothing finer in life than a well-stocked toolbox. This is your chance to live that dream!

10) You’ll impress your mates

Become the master of your own automobile and you’ll be the envy of all your mates. They’ll be mystified by your mastery of mechanics, astounded by your astute appreciation of the automobile, and impressed by your integration into all that is internally combusted. You get the idea. You’ll become the ‘go to’ guy for car advice and repairs, a font of all automotive knowledge, or they’ll just ask you what to do when fitting new wiper blades.