Why doing it yourself might cost you the most

The days when you could teach yourself how to service a car by hanging out at the local garage are gone. Where once many regular drivers prided themselves on the ability to fix most car problems on their own, we have now entered a time where the sophistication of vehicles has gotten to the point that even minor problems require a trip to the service center.

If your manufacturer-issued auto warranty has expired and you find yourself strapped for cash, then you might consider making repairs by yourself in order to save money. Before you even attempt to fix any vehicle component by yourself, you should remember that reputable modern day service centers employ specially educated mechanics and use extremely specific tools and equipment, even when it comes to the most rudimentary of maintenance.

Far from being dubiously educated “grease monkeys,” today’s service center employees are often required to receive vocational technical training before they can enter the field. In fact, many auto manufacturers stipulate that while under warranty, their vehicles can only be serviced by a suitably educated technician.

The rapid pace at which technology is evolving is largely to blame for this phenomenon. As more and more computerized-components find their way into cars, it is imperative that qualified technicians handle any and all repairs because any mistake made in the process of the repair can lead to an even more expensive repair in the future. So while you think you might be saving money by fixing your car yourself, you may be setting yourself up for a financial disaster right around the corner.

Even the classic oil change, which many car-owners used to be able to accomplish by themselves in the comfort of their driveway, has now become complicated to the point of being nearly impossible, without the assistance of a pit crew.

Because the market is flooded with a great variety of synthetic and other types of motor oil, it’s crucial that you or whoever is servicing your car knows exactly what kind of oil your vehicle requires.

If you’re looking for a service center you can trust, the first thing you should be looking for is a certification sticker issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This will be your indication that the technicians inside are up to date on the latest in car maintenance.

While all this talk of service centers might sound pricy for the vehicle owner who’s auto warranty has just expired, they should keep in mind that vehicle service contracts (VSCs – often referred to as extended auto warranties) could help remove the financial burden of a major repair via modest monthly payments.