Car maintenance mistakes that can be very expensive: mechanic's advice

Cars have long been an integral part of life. However, owning a car comes with a number of responsibilities, including potentially expensive maintenance and repairs.

Sometimes, drivers prefer to handle repair issues without going to a car repair shop. While you can certainly save money by performing certain types of routine maintenance yourself, some nuances should be left to professionals. According to experts Peter Zavarelli and Ankit Dhadwal, some mistakes in car maintenance can be very expensive.

Issues related to the car battery

Most car batteries last for several years, although some can last longer. Eventually, you will have to replace them. But if you decide to upgrade your battery instead, you could be looking at expensive repairs or maintenance down the road.

"I've noticed that some car owners decide to repair dead car batteries themselves. They do this by replacing the battery plates, acid, separator, and terminals, assuming that only one or some of these parts are not functioning properly. However, this often leads to more problems and costs than expected. In many cases, it would be much easier and more cost-effective to simply purchase a new battery instead of trying to rebuild an old one," said Dhadwal, an experienced automotive industry professional and founder of Mount Shine.

Change the oil, but not the filter

Another mistake is to change the oil without checking the filter.

"The oil is no longer filtered properly when an old plugged engine filter or a cheaper filter is used. The oil pressure can drop due to restrictions in the old filter used. This can cause internal damage to the engine," emphasized Zavarelli, an auto repair expert at JustAnswer Cars.

Repairing car shock absorbers

Shock absorbers are designed to support the car's suspension system and ensure a smooth ride. They are an important part of any car system, but they can wear out over time. When this happens, it can affect the safety and control of the vehicle, not to mention comfort.

"Shock absorbers are a vital component of a vehicle's suspension system and should only be handled by experienced professionals. A single mistake can lead to increased car maintenance costs and even affect car insurance rates. It's important to leave the work to experts who have years of experience working with cars," Dhadwal warned.

Sealant

Sealant can be used in force majeure situations, and it can only be a temporary fix. If you rely on it for too long, it can irreparably damage the tire or the tire pressure sensor.

"Sealant should only be used in emergency situations until you can repair the tire. It may result in the need to replace the tire itself and/or the pressure sensor," Zavarelli said.

Replacing the wiper blades yourself

Like other car parts, wiper blades eventually need to be replaced. Many people do it themselves, but improper installation can cause more harm than good. This is especially common when you use the wrong size wiper blades. The blade can break off or fail prematurely, causing deep scratches on the windshield.

Transmission issues

Your car needs a good transmission to function properly. A transmission can last for several hundred thousand kilometers before it needs to be replaced. Some drivers try to repair or build a new transmission themselves to save money on mechanics.

"Repairing a gearbox takes a lot of labor and requires special skills," said Dhadwal.

Transmission fluids

Transmission fluid deteriorates over time. If left unchecked, it can severely damage your vehicle's internal systems, requiring costly repairs and replacement parts. Using the wrong type and weight of fluid will eventually lead to internal damage to the transmission.

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