Why You Should Differentiate Between Auto repair Shop And DIY Auto Repair /Maintenance

When you own a vehicle, it can be tempting to perform auto repairs yourself instead of visiting the auto repair shop. After all, owning, driving and maintaining a car is expensive, and the last thing you wish to experience is to pay hundreds it not thousands of dollars to an auto repair shop which you could do on your own for a lot less amount of money.
On the other hand, there are many auto repairs which should always be carried out by a professional, regardless of whether or not you consider yourself a do it yourself. At Canadian Super Shop we understand everybody is trying to save, and for several households, private transportation can appear like a very easy target. Car repairs and maintenance usually are necessary expenditures for car owners.

It may seem with every passing year vehicles are becoming more and more difficult for the average Joe to crawl under the hood. Few car owners know more than one or two components underneath the hood of their vehicle. But understanding what you can handle in a driveway and what you need to leave up to experts can put some cash back in your pocket while offering some knowledge which can be useful in the roadside emergency. In this article, we will provide you tips to help you differentiate between professional and DIY auto repairs/maintenance:

1. Replacement Of Bulb
Replacing bulbs or headlights is easy, and can be done by most owners. Bulbs and head lights are usually accessible from the trunk or the engine compartment. Replacement of a head light is made easier by sometimes removing the whole assembly or the battery.
Replacement of a bulb is often a tool-free job, and most owner manuals give detailed instruction on how to access bulb, If you don’t know the exact type of the bulb, bring the bulb into Canadian Super Shop and we can match the item for you.

2. Wiping Out Worn Wipers
Most car owners understand it is something they ought to be able to change, but they often get disappointed when the blade does not release from its arm. Each wiper blade is attached to the arm by a spring clip which needs to be released.
If it is frozen, try warming it using a blow dryer or by cupping it with hands. At times, a tiny screwdriver comes in handy. There are different kinds of releases used, and of course, we owners seldom-read the manual.
Due to the extreme temperature changes in Manitoba we at Canadian Super Shop suggest changing your blades at least once a year.
There are several other items which can be handled comfortably based on skill, experience, and the proper equipment and tools. And, no, YouTube cannot turn a rookie into a professional, regardless of the number of videos you choose to watch.

3. Checking Fluids
Monitoring the levels of the fluid is another simple job. It only takes a few minutes to identify and even verify essential items like engine coolant, oil, washer, brake, and the power-steering fluids on many automobiles.
First, make sure the car is on level ground, with most cars, the engine is cold, so you don’t burn yourself on a hot engine part. With some cars, the automaker recommends that the oil is checked after the engine has been running. With the engine turned off, open the vehicle’s hood and find the dipstick.
Transmission oil sometimes maybe a little more challenging, manufacturers are removing the automatic transmission dipsticks. Therefore the only way to check the oil level is by taking it into an auto repair shop. A similar issue with the auxiliary drive axles on the 4WD or AWD cars and trucks, but these are important levels and should be checked at least once or twice a year when your vehicle is on a hoist.

4. Breathe Easy
An essential maintenance item which can pay off rapidly enhancing fuel mileage is the replacement of the engine’s air filter. The air element is easy to remove. Unlatch the cover of your filter box, lift off a lid and then pull out the item. If it is discolored or has any visible grit trapped inside, then it requires replacing. One trick we use here at Canadian Super Shop is to hold it up to a light source.
Another filter, which is often missed by the DIY is the cabin air intake element. It’s important to ensure this filter is not plugged as restricts the air flowing through the defrost ducts and heater.
These filters are often accessed at the rear of the glove box or through the engine bay (check the car manual for more details). Speaking of the volume of air, checking tire pressure is often a brilliant idea, even if your vehicle has a tire-pressure-monitoring system. Why you ask, popping a valve down with the pressure gauge can help prevent it from seizing.

5. Safety Systems
Just about anything to do with your car safety system or their components need to be done by a qualified auto repair professional, this includes (but isn’t limited to) brakes, fuel lines/tanks, steering, air bags, exhaust systems, and seat belts.
Although we sell auto parts, it’s not always a wise idea to replace some part yourself, many require special tools and skills which can only be obtained through formal training and years of experience in auto repair

6. Do Not Get Rolled Over
Many do-it-yourself injuries occur when somebody tries to work under, or on a car not supported by ramps or jack stands, using only a tire jack can be dangerous.
The only safe technique to raise your car without the hoist is with an appropriate hydraulic floor jack then place four suitably-rated jack-stands under the car. This set-up is only reliable when the vehicle is on a level grade, and the stands are correctly set. Also, they should be supported by a firm surface, blacktop, pavement may not be safe during hot days.