What does the public think about working on your own car?
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 27,921
Likes: 1,080
From: where the weather suits my clothes
I could pay to have someone else do all my repair work. But the question i ask myself is why? Why pay someone to do something i can do, especially when im willing to do it. I DONT care what others may think of me doing things myself. Im fine with it. If you want to waste thousands of dollars on something to be repaired thats your money not mine, but when i can do it for the cost of parts, It just means i get to spend that much more on my family for things they want/need, surprise vacations etc.. (or myself to make my car more fun for me) 
I get asked all the time where did you learn to do this or that or aren't you afraid you are going to break something?? My response is always the same. I learned to do it by sitting down, looking at it and doing it. Aren't i afraid of breaking something? well if im replacing it it usually means its already broken. so no im not. If there is something i start to struggle with that is the time i walk away from it, grab a soda/beer take some time to drink it while looking at what it is im having issues with (not working on it) and just take the time to clear the head and think of other ways of going about the issue.
The other reason i do things my self is if i do it myself i dont have to worry about is the job done right, did the actual work get done, and i also get to know what else is coming up in terms of maintenance and not have to wonder/worry about the mech that worked on my car.
I get asked all the time where did you learn to do this or that or aren't you afraid you are going to break something?? My response is always the same. I learned to do it by sitting down, looking at it and doing it. Aren't i afraid of breaking something? well if im replacing it it usually means its already broken. so no im not. If there is something i start to struggle with that is the time i walk away from it, grab a soda/beer take some time to drink it while looking at what it is im having issues with (not working on it) and just take the time to clear the head and think of other ways of going about the issue.
The other reason i do things my self is if i do it myself i dont have to worry about is the job done right, did the actual work get done, and i also get to know what else is coming up in terms of maintenance and not have to wonder/worry about the mech that worked on my car.
I learned everything I know from this guy
j/kBut I do have Kris on speed dial if I get stuck. Chances are he's already fixed what I'm trying to fix.
Last edited by NSXNEXT; Sep 4, 2016 at 07:55 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,515
Likes: 505
From: New Berlin, WI.
My families mechanic of 35 years, we probably sent one his one his kids to college with all the work we gave him over that time period. He kind of likes that I work on my own car. Personally, I save a lot of time and money doing my own stuff, time especially. Where I live it`s kind of the norm to work on your car as well as small engine work.
Anyways, I do all my own work on my car that I am comfortable doing.
All fluid changes, oil, tranny, brake, radiator.
Brakes, rotors, calipers and pads.
Motor mounts.
Air filter
Spark Plugs
I am really busy and do the normal maintenance and send it to the mechanic for things like suspension etc.
Anyways, I do all my own work on my car that I am comfortable doing.
All fluid changes, oil, tranny, brake, radiator.
Brakes, rotors, calipers and pads.
Motor mounts.
Air filter
Spark Plugs
I am really busy and do the normal maintenance and send it to the mechanic for things like suspension etc.
958 & 991
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,927
Likes: 1,294
From: South Florida
I was replacing a sprinkler our HOA provided lawn people hit, when someone pulled in and asked what I was doing. I explained the mower hit the sprinkler (wish I could cut my own grass) and he looked at me like I was insane and told me he has a guy that could fix it. I explained it was a $9 sprinkler head and simply screwed off and then a new one screwed on.
While confused, he said it was great I could do stuff like this and noted my wife's car looked good after I washed it and said he wished he could wash his car
Dude is perfectly capable of washing his car, not in a wheel chair or anything.
People here aren't offended by working on cars or yards but just amazed I can do it; so odd.
While confused, he said it was great I could do stuff like this and noted my wife's car looked good after I washed it and said he wished he could wash his car
Dude is perfectly capable of washing his car, not in a wheel chair or anything.People here aren't offended by working on cars or yards but just amazed I can do it; so odd.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 29,785
Likes: 6,544
From: Spring, TX
Wished he could wash his own car. I spent a good bit of yesterday afternoon getting our Flex cleaned up. I actually enjoy it when it's not 250% humidity. Still need to pull the car seats out & do the interior.
Yesterday was fantastic weather-wise.
More rain coming this week.
Unregistered Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 45
From: New York
Little late to the party, but take a look at this:
Automakers to gearheads: Stop repairing cars - Autoblog
Automakers to gearheads: Stop repairing cars - Autoblog
Banned
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,905
Likes: 124
From: MTL, Canada
I was plenty of good will when I bought my Bentley manual to work on that BMW. After all I changed timing belt in different cars a while ago.
On my last BMW, I changed all brakes/rotors, but overall it wasn't all that productive. Often I needed specialized tools that I had not. And I bought a few of them - I was even able to get BMW-specific OBD codes.
It would have been easier if I had a lift or something.
On my last BMW, I changed all brakes/rotors, but overall it wasn't all that productive. Often I needed specialized tools that I had not. And I bought a few of them - I was even able to get BMW-specific OBD codes.
It would have been easier if I had a lift or something.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 572
Likes: 179
Well to jump in here, I am one of two people in my immediate neighborhood that still cuts their own grass. Everyone else has a lawn service.
I also winterized my own sprinkler system for the first time this fall instead of paying someone to do it. I watched the guy do it last year. Turn off water, open valve to let drain, insert hose from compressor, turn on compressor and cycle through all of the valves to blow the water out. I already had the compressor, but even if I didn't, one $90 visit to winterize the sprinkler system and it would have come close to paying for it. I was already doing the "de-winterize myself, but my neighbor still pays the service $90 to turn two screws and turn two valves. I guess they check that the zones / heads are all working while they are there, but that only takes me 15 minutes.
I do most of the work my motorcycles except suspension internals and internal motor work.I do some work on the cars, but my 2 motorcycles, lawn mower, generator, and snow thrower keep me busy enough that I usually don't mess too much with the cars outside of basic maintenance, running scans and small fixes. The internet rocks for finding small fix how to videos or pictures with instructions. With that resource, more people should be doing their own stuff not less.
I also winterized my own sprinkler system for the first time this fall instead of paying someone to do it. I watched the guy do it last year. Turn off water, open valve to let drain, insert hose from compressor, turn on compressor and cycle through all of the valves to blow the water out. I already had the compressor, but even if I didn't, one $90 visit to winterize the sprinkler system and it would have come close to paying for it. I was already doing the "de-winterize myself, but my neighbor still pays the service $90 to turn two screws and turn two valves. I guess they check that the zones / heads are all working while they are there, but that only takes me 15 minutes.
I do most of the work my motorcycles except suspension internals and internal motor work.I do some work on the cars, but my 2 motorcycles, lawn mower, generator, and snow thrower keep me busy enough that I usually don't mess too much with the cars outside of basic maintenance, running scans and small fixes. The internet rocks for finding small fix how to videos or pictures with instructions. With that resource, more people should be doing their own stuff not less.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 48,314
Likes: 9,177
From: SoCal, CA
Well to jump in here, I am one of two people in my immediate neighborhood that still cuts their own grass. Everyone else has a lawn service.
I also winterized my own sprinkler system for the first time this fall instead of paying someone to do it. I watched the guy do it last year. Turn off water, open valve to let drain, insert hose from compressor, turn on compressor and cycle through all of the valves to blow the water out. I already had the compressor, but even if I didn't, one $90 visit to winterize the sprinkler system and it would have come close to paying for it. I was already doing the "de-winterize myself, but my neighbor still pays the service $90 to turn two screws and turn two valves. I guess they check that the zones / heads are all working while they are there, but that only takes me 15 minutes.
I also winterized my own sprinkler system for the first time this fall instead of paying someone to do it. I watched the guy do it last year. Turn off water, open valve to let drain, insert hose from compressor, turn on compressor and cycle through all of the valves to blow the water out. I already had the compressor, but even if I didn't, one $90 visit to winterize the sprinkler system and it would have come close to paying for it. I was already doing the "de-winterize myself, but my neighbor still pays the service $90 to turn two screws and turn two valves. I guess they check that the zones / heads are all working while they are there, but that only takes me 15 minutes.
($80)
Pro
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 572
Likes: 179
I offered to do it for free for my next door neighbor who has the exact same system. Building good will with the next door neighbor is worth way more than $80. He declined, but I will ask against next year. Maybe not a bad idea to make sure my winterization all went OK first anyway. No way to know for sure until spring!
Your Friendly Canadian
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17,447
Likes: 1,506
From: Toronto, Ontario
That Autoblog article appears to discuss strictly modifying ECUs. That's not even "repairing cars".
That opens up an interesting conversation though - working on other peoples' stuff.
I declined to replace a thermostat in a friend's Civic the other day because it was something I hadn't done before. I know it's an easy job, and would have no problem doing it on my car. But working on someone else's car shouldn't be a learning experience.
I offered to do it for free for my next door neighbor who has the exact same system. Building good will with the next door neighbor is worth way more than $80. He declined, but I will ask against next year. Maybe not a bad idea to make sure my winterization all went OK first anyway. No way to know for sure until spring!
I declined to replace a thermostat in a friend's Civic the other day because it was something I hadn't done before. I know it's an easy job, and would have no problem doing it on my car. But working on someone else's car shouldn't be a learning experience.
GEEZER
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 44,444
Likes: 2,227
From: Dunedin, Fla.
Moral of the story, if you are going to work on other peoples cars and do meth, don't operate air tools in the wee hours of the morning.
What an idiot.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
I used to work on my cars almost everyday when i was in school. It was because it was a hobby and I loved working on my cars, from oil change, coilovers, baking headlights and pretty much any kind of DIY.
As I am getting older, i noticed i start losing interest in modifying cars and at the same time dont want to work on cars anymore. I'd rather spend the time doing other things. Still love cars, just not the same way as before.
I installed some low beam LED bulbs in my GF's civic last weekend and the driver side coolant reservoir was a bitch to put back in without removing the battery (lazy). Got so frustrated, i remember saying this is why i dont like working on cars anymore
so yah i am just lazy... but more props for people who do work on their own cars. One day those people who never worked on their cars will come to you and ask for you advice with their car issues.
As I am getting older, i noticed i start losing interest in modifying cars and at the same time dont want to work on cars anymore. I'd rather spend the time doing other things. Still love cars, just not the same way as before.
I installed some low beam LED bulbs in my GF's civic last weekend and the driver side coolant reservoir was a bitch to put back in without removing the battery (lazy). Got so frustrated, i remember saying this is why i dont like working on cars anymore
so yah i am just lazy... but more props for people who do work on their own cars. One day those people who never worked on their cars will come to you and ask for you advice with their car issues.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
I used to work on my cars almost everyday when i was in school. It was because it was a hobby and I loved working on my cars, from oil change, coilovers, baking headlights and pretty much any kind of DIY.
As I am getting older, i noticed i start losing interest in modifying cars and at the same time dont want to work on cars anymore. I'd rather spend the time doing other things. Still love cars, just not the same way as before.
I installed some low beam LED bulbs in my GF's civic last weekend and the driver side coolant reservoir was a bitch to put back in without removing the battery (lazy). Got so frustrated, i remember saying this is why i dont like working on cars anymore
so yah i am just lazy... but more props for people who do work on their own cars. One day those people who never worked on their cars will come to you and ask for you advice with their car issues.
As I am getting older, i noticed i start losing interest in modifying cars and at the same time dont want to work on cars anymore. I'd rather spend the time doing other things. Still love cars, just not the same way as before.
I installed some low beam LED bulbs in my GF's civic last weekend and the driver side coolant reservoir was a bitch to put back in without removing the battery (lazy). Got so frustrated, i remember saying this is why i dont like working on cars anymore
so yah i am just lazy... but more props for people who do work on their own cars. One day those people who never worked on their cars will come to you and ask for you advice with their car issues.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
Yah having a gf when we were in the teens/20s are not the same as having a gf at my age now..... They used be able to wait with you for hours at a shop waiting for the cars to be done... Now? It will become an endless argument start with finance, to spending time to every topic there is in this world.
So cant do that anymore.
So cant do that anymore.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
Yah having a gf when we were in the teens/20s are not the same as having a gf at my age now..... They used be able to wait with you for hours at a shop waiting for the cars to be done... Now? It will become an endless argument start with finance, to spending time to every topic there is in this world.
So cant do that anymore.
So cant do that anymore.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 213
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 20
Of course at some point in your life you may be wasting time or loosing fixing your car. U make way more money doing your job than spending a weekend to do something major with your car.
And it also sounds cool "I don't have time to deal with this car fixing" makes people feel you are upper crust. "I bettrt check my stock portfolio and catch up with real estate market" In reality a lot of these "blue colar" professionals are cheap skaters, posers. Saving on toilet paper and laundry detergent. Behind curtains of course.
I do diy because I only met 2-3 mechanics who actually do things right. Most of them are high school drop outs. Parts unbolters from junk yards. Lazy. Was working on custom exhaust.. brought my car for one final weld up that required a pipe bent. They guy used a very narrow pipe with like .5cm gap between my pipes and new pipe. I asked to expand the pipe a bit more so air flows smoother without bottleneck/air pocket.. "I am not expanding this pipe.. fit is good enough I'll weld up the gap. I told him to lower the car I'll find someone else. Perfect example. Just Slap Shet togethet and Go fuck off.
If u have high standards of worksmanship.. not just quick fix for few months. you definitely want diy .
Most jobs don't take more than few hours anyway.
And it also sounds cool "I don't have time to deal with this car fixing" makes people feel you are upper crust. "I bettrt check my stock portfolio and catch up with real estate market" In reality a lot of these "blue colar" professionals are cheap skaters, posers. Saving on toilet paper and laundry detergent. Behind curtains of course.
I do diy because I only met 2-3 mechanics who actually do things right. Most of them are high school drop outs. Parts unbolters from junk yards. Lazy. Was working on custom exhaust.. brought my car for one final weld up that required a pipe bent. They guy used a very narrow pipe with like .5cm gap between my pipes and new pipe. I asked to expand the pipe a bit more so air flows smoother without bottleneck/air pocket.. "I am not expanding this pipe.. fit is good enough I'll weld up the gap. I told him to lower the car I'll find someone else. Perfect example. Just Slap Shet togethet and Go fuck off.
If u have high standards of worksmanship.. not just quick fix for few months. you definitely want diy .
Most jobs don't take more than few hours anyway.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,389
Likes: 490
From: Houston, Texas
Interesting that this thread was bumped. I had a run-in with a neighbor recently who passively/aggressively doesn't seem to like me working on my cars.
The two neighbors I have on my immediate sides are fine with it. As a matter of fact, they have asked for rides in the 911. But one neighbor came by and wished me a happy holidays and asked if I have many kids (I have one 13 year old). I said no. So then she asked if I had a car dealership (I knew she was trying to get at why I have so many cars) and wanted to politely remind me that I can't store cars or operate a business from home.
As a note, I currently have 2 extra cars in the driveway. My wife's family is out of town until after New Years so I took their cars to fix them up and drive them around (at their request).
The two neighbors I have on my immediate sides are fine with it. As a matter of fact, they have asked for rides in the 911. But one neighbor came by and wished me a happy holidays and asked if I have many kids (I have one 13 year old). I said no. So then she asked if I had a car dealership (I knew she was trying to get at why I have so many cars) and wanted to politely remind me that I can't store cars or operate a business from home.
As a note, I currently have 2 extra cars in the driveway. My wife's family is out of town until after New Years so I took their cars to fix them up and drive them around (at their request).
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 1,095
From: Kansas City
^^^That is one thing that sucks....can't choose your neighbors.
One thing from that news link above.....I will need to be VERY VERY careful about buying homes in any HOAs.
I can see many HOAs with rules about not working on your car in your driveway for fear of blue-collarizing the neighborhood.
In my local city, there was a house owner cited for parking his RV in his driveway....which was against HOA rules. And another national story that was about a guy who cound't even park his truck in his driveway due to some restrictive HOA rules....
One thing from that news link above.....I will need to be VERY VERY careful about buying homes in any HOAs.
I can see many HOAs with rules about not working on your car in your driveway for fear of blue-collarizing the neighborhood.
In my local city, there was a house owner cited for parking his RV in his driveway....which was against HOA rules. And another national story that was about a guy who cound't even park his truck in his driveway due to some restrictive HOA rules....
Your Friendly Canadian
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17,447
Likes: 1,506
From: Toronto, Ontario
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 1,095
From: Kansas City
Obviously no one wants to see a junk yard 24/7 on their yard/driveway and as long as its not violating local codes you should do what you legally want on your own property.
Another reason to be very careful of HOAs....
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 20
thought about it and yes. Have to agree.. be a nice neighbor. Don't turn your home into junk yard . I have enclosed garage. If u do things outside try to be quick) without "I can do whatever I want " attitudes .
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,389
Likes: 490
From: Houston, Texas
It turns out, they didn't deliver the part until near 7 PM, and it was the wrong part (right box, wrong part inside).
I had to leave my truck on a jackstand while I waited for them to ship the new part. You would not have been able to tell from the street except that I had to leave a jack on the side of the truck supporting the wheel hub assembly. It was there for a few days. I'm sure this was probably part of what attracted the downstreet neighbor's attention.
I really wanted to avoid buying locally because Autozone etc were carrying inferior parts for twice the price. (Dorman for $160 vs Amazon's Moog for $75).
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post