[melanies]

Yep, that's right!

My car is very expensive to maintain and I usually take it to the dealer for maintenance. Well, I found this really great discussion board that has a huge repair and informational wiki on how to do basic maintenance and repairs that are common for my car, like, the window regulators usually go out on them so there are several threads with photos, lists of tools needed, just everything that I would need to know to do the repair myself. Part and tools might cost me 150 or so. The dealer wanted 500 to do it. Hows that for savings.

 

[ansley]

I often joke with DH that I only married him because he could fix my car. What I didn't know at the time was that a mechanic works on everyone’s autos but their own.

Seriously, good for you.

 

[Russ]

Good for you! Many of the items that are replaced by "mechanics" are very easily replaced by any DIY'er. And the information is all over the internet and PLENTY of people out there are willing to guide you for FREE!!

 

[savvy_sniper]

Hubby has the Chilton Repair Manual for our trucks. He has figured out how to do all sorts of stuff. It is a GREAT savings.

I am buying him the Harley Davidson Service Manual for his 2009 Fat Boy. He has already saved a lot of money installing the removable sissy bar, back rest, and lock, additional lights, crash bar, etc.

Labor charges will eat you alive!

 

[freebs]

I often joke with DH that I only married him because he could fix my car. What I didn't know at the time was that a mechanic works on everyone’s autos but their own.

Seriously, good for you.

LOL this is so true!! My dh truck is still broke down and has been for about 2 months, i have been taking him to work and picking him up...lol. I hope he fixes it soon!


I recommend getting the HANES manuals they are easier to read and TONS easier to understand! plus they are cheaper than the Chilton!

 

[saver]

Our library also has the Chilton's manuals available for check out. Not sure about the other manuals, though, but worth looking into.

 

[Contrary Housewife]

Almost anything will be cheaper than dealership repair prices.

 

[fixer]

Even if you don't do your own repairs, having an understanding of your automobile will save you from unscrupulous repair shops. I do most of my repair work, but when I need to hire it done I make sure I understand what to expect and what questions to ask.

 

[pinetree]

Good for you! You can save some serious money fixing your own car. You are right the window regulators are pretty easy to fix, look how much you will save there!

 

[Sassyclass]

Good for you. My DH works for an auto parts distribution center and boy do we save money. He does anything that isn't major and we get parts very very cheap. I think it's a smart thing for a woman to know a little about her vehicle. Especially in this day and age.

Cat

 

[3tomboys]

Good for you. When my DH works on the cars one or all of my dd's are right there with him. He feels if you drive them you should have some understanding of how they work. We have saved a lot of money by him doing most of the repairs.

 

[Debbie-cat]

Good for you! Repair is alot easier than most people think and yep, being married to a mechanic...our cars are always fixed last so that is why I started doing it! :laugh:

 

[Thevail]

First do get the Chilton's Manual... seriously the best buy EVER.. lots of easy to figure out pictures.

Second thing.. spring for the mechanic's gloves.. they make a difference to your ability to grip things. And save you a lot of skinned knuckles!

Third.. you need WD-40 or a similar product for nearly EVERYTHING.

Fourth.. when you take something off.. take digital pictures if you can of how those bolts, nuts, etc. were on in the first place.. makes putting it back together correctly so much easier.

And just don't be intimidated by any of it. If you can do a 100 piece jigsaw.. a car is dead easy.

 

[Lindsey]

Good for you! We do our own work too thanks to the Hanes manual ($15. at Auto Zone). Auto Zone will also loan you the tools until you can buy some. We just do the work in their parking lot, but that is helpful because if you have a question you can ask the guys that work there and they will help you for free. The manual also has pictures which really help my visual self. Good luck.

 

[RaineyDaye]

Good for you. I need to replace the plastic bumper cover on the front of my Honda. Thanks to your post, I just googled it and it doesn't seem to be too difficult. Now I need to figure out where to get a bumper cover and how to get it painted to match.

 

[Lindsey]

Good for you. I need to replace the plastic bumper cover on the front of my Honda. Thanks to your post, I just googled it and it doesn't seem to be too difficult. Now I need to figure out where to get a bumper cover and how to get it painted to match.

Check ebay. That was the cheapest place for us painted and shipped when my spoiler got cracked.

 

[MomToTwoBoys]

I grew up with a dad mechanic and then my mom married into a car family the second time, so I got plenty of exposure to fixing my own things in my vehicle.

I'd also recommend spending the money and going to an automotive repair class. It'll help you out a lot, especially if you get another car that's not built in the same manner that your current car is. Research your area out and find DIY garages, ones that have lifts and stalls that you can rent out. I had one at the military base I was stationed at and it was marvelous. I could buy the oil, oil filter and other things to change my oil and it cost me $1 to rent the stall. Tools are also available to be rented out at these DIY garages, as well.

The next thing I would recommend is to buy yourself a good tool set. Make sure you have everything you could ever need to fix your own car. Cheap tools will break on you easily.

A Chilton and a Haynes manual are perfect. You can't really rely on a message board unless you have a laptop to take with you to the car, so the manuals are a plus.

Finally, make good friends with your local NAPA/Pep Boys or other appropriate automotive parts superstore. They'll be able to help you out quite a bit.

 

[Sonnenwende]

I'd also recommend spending the money and going to an automotive repair class. It'll help you out a lot, especially if you get another car that's not built in the same manner that your current car is.

My husband is strongly considering of doing this over the summer at the community college he is attending. I second that idea! :apple:

 

[MTS04]

Good luck to you, i hope you enjoy your new endeavor!