I’m a Car Expert: 5 Car Repairs Retirees Should Pay For Rather Than Do Themselves

Once you’ve driven off into the sunset of the workforce, you might think of life as an open highway. A chance to take the on-ramps to new hobbies and build your skills in areas that can enrich your day-to-day while maybe even saving you some money . Perhaps, after watching a YouTube video about car maintenance, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and apply elbow and engine grease in equal measure.

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Well, before you pick up that socket wrench, you might want to listen to Blake Shaw, automotive expert and author of the All About Wheels blog. She has some advice for retirees who might be curious about doing their own car repairs — sometimes, it’s better to let the professionals handle things, even if it costs you a little more upfront .

Engine Overhauls

Even with hours of studying YouTube or scrolling the internet, odds are, you simply won’t have the expertise to take on a process as complex as overhauling an entire engine.

“ Overhauling an engine requires physical strength and in-depth mechanical knowledge,” said Shaw. “The engine could get severely damaged if something goes wrong during a DIY repair attempt, eventually costing several thousands of dollars.”

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Transmission Repairs or Replacements

When it comes to car repairs, the transmission is the crown jewel of parts you absolutely do not want to handle unless you have years of training and experience. Not to mention physical strength.

“ When repairing or replacing a transmission, workers must be physically and mentally prepared to endure strenuous lifting and complicated procedures,” said Shaw.  “The cost to replace a transmission can reach $3,000 if the repair is done incorrectly and the transmission fails entirely.”

Brake System Repairs

There’s simply never an opportune time to discover that your brakes aren’t working properly, and if you want to avoid that “oh, no” feeling of knowing that something is very wrong, you should not attempt to repair your brakes yourself.

Shaw explained that handling brake lines or components requires dexterity and an understanding of hydraulic systems that you simply can’t get from online tutorials. Brake failure due to improper installation can cost you so much more than money, so please, pay the experts to take care of this.

Suspension Repairs

Shaw said that addressing suspension issues by replacing the struts or shocks isn’t a layperson’s task — it involves lifting the vehicle and handling heavy components. In addition to taking a toll on your body, improper installation can also leave your wallet feeling sore over time.

“ Improper suspension work can cause problems with alignment and uneven tire wear, leading to increased expenses over time,” she added.

Electrical System Repairs

The complex electrical systems of most modern vehicles need the eye of an expert. Shaw added that, in addition to having the knowledge to identify and fix the problems, you’d also need mastery over specialized equipment.

“Incorrect installation can cause more serious electrical problems or even fire risks, which can result in costly repairs in addition to actual life-threatening situations,” she said.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : I’m a Car Expert: 5 Car Repairs Retirees Should Pay For Rather Than Do Themselves