10 Things Mechanics Would Never Do With Their Own Cars
Your car is one of the most significant and valuable investments you'll ever make, yet many of us neglect the essential maintenance our vehicles require. Automotive technicians, the doctors of our cars, witness the consequences firsthand.
"My job is to give you an overall state of health of your car, so you can make educated decisions on what to do with it, and to alert you to things that you may not know about, and that you won’t necessarily recognize or see," explains Bogi Lateiner, a master automotive technician based in Phoenix and the owner of Girl Gang Garage, a network providing hands-on training for women in the trades.
Too often, technicians find that we make poor maintenance decisions, or fail to make them at all, creating potential safety hazards and leading to costly mistakes. We spoke with car repair experts about their top maintenance "don'ts" to help you avoid common pitfalls:
1. Mechanics Would Never Neglect Regular Maintenance
Lateiner emphasizes that neglecting routine maintenance is the most common and detrimental mistake. “People think, ‘It’s not a big deal, I can handle it later,’” she says. “In reality, preventative maintenance is always less expensive than repairs.”
For instance, regular oil changes are crucial. “Oil is the lifeblood of your car,” Lateiner explains. When engine oil thickens or breaks down, it can cause the engine to deteriorate in minor or catastrophic ways. Lateiner recommends changing the oil about twice as often as the manufacturer’s 15,000-mile intervals. “The longest I would go is 8,000 miles on a full synthetic oil change for a European car with high-quality oil.”
2. Don’t Rely Solely on Maintenance Reminders
Robin Reneau, owner and lead technician of Georgia Auto Solutions, advises against depending solely on oil change reminder stickers. “Driving conditions vary, and generic reminders can be unreliable,” she explains. Frequent short trips, towing, and extreme temperatures can accelerate oil degradation, requiring more frequent changes. Instead, Reneau checks her car’s oil level and condition to determine when it needs changing.
3. Don’t Use Aftermarket Parts
Grace Claudio, a master automotive technician for BMW Manhattan, cautions against using aftermarket parts, which can be cheaper but less reliable. “OEM parts are designed by the manufacturer for your vehicle. Aftermarket parts often cause more expensive repairs in the long run,” she says. Claudio cites instances where aftermarket batteries weren’t recognized by the car, leading to operational issues.
4. Don’t Use Incorrect Fluids
Cars are programmed to work with specific fluids. “Always use the fluids recommended by the manufacturer,” Lateiner advises. Using incorrect coolants, oils, or fuels can lead to bigger repair issues. She’s seen cars with unusual symptoms that disappeared once the correct fluids were used.
5. Don’t Use Over-the-Counter Leak Stoppers
Lateiner warns against using products that promise to stop leaks in engine oil, coolant, or power steering fluid. “These are temporary solutions that often cause more damage,” she says. Tire leak stoppers, in particular, can create a mess and complicate future tire changes.
6. Don’t Ignore the Climate When Changing Your Car’s Exterior
Cheyenne Ruether, a master auto body technician, prefers painting over car wrapping, especially in sunny climates like Nevada. “UV rays can cause vinyl wraps to crack or delaminate quickly,” she explains. Painting is more durable and less problematic in extreme sunlight.
7. Don’t Layer Inappropriate Floor Mats
Claudio advises against layering rubber floor mats over carpet floor mats on the driver’s side. Ill-fitting mats can cause serious safety hazards, such as sticking to the accelerator or obstructing the brake. She recommends removing the carpet mat and using a properly fitted rubber mat instead.
8. Don’t Ignore Warning Lights
Modern cars are designed to self-correct many issues, but when they can’t, warning lights alert you to problems. “Your car is trying to tell you something important,” Lateiner says. Always check the owner’s manual to understand what the warning light means and consult your mechanic if necessary.
9. Don’t Use Used Tires
Replacing old tires with used ones can be risky. Claudio has seen used tires that are the wrong size or have dangerous defects. Even if a used tire looks good, its age could pose a hazard. Tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires no later than 10 years after manufacture. Check the Tire Identification Number on the sidewall to determine its age.
10. Don’t Lie to Your Mechanic
Honesty is crucial when dealing with your mechanic. “Accurate information helps us diagnose problems quickly,” Lateiner says. Keep track of when you hear any strange noises and consider recording them to aid your mechanic.
Proper car maintenance involves upfront costs and effort, but it prevents bigger headaches and expenses in the future. By following these expert tips, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely for years to come.
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