Auto Repairs You Can Do Yourself

And What to Leave to the Professionals

There are many reasons why vehicle owners might want to take auto repairs into their own hands. Jeff’s Auto Repair is always glad to hear when people are interested in learning how to take care of their cars! But we want to make sure that they understand how to do things the right way, and when it’s worth it to call in the professionals. Here are a few repairs you might be able to handle at home, and some that you’ll want to visit our shop in Bellevue, Washington for.

Check Engine Light

If your vehicle’s check engine light comes on, you need advanced diagnostic equipment to figure out what’s wrong. You can visit an expert who has this equipment, or you can invest in it yourself to use at home. OBD-II Scanners are a popular and reliable option. While this tool will allow you to read the trouble code from your car’s computer, it doesn’t always mean the repairs will be simple. If your car needs complicated engine repair, we recommend visiting our shop.

Battery Replacement

If you accidentally leave your car’s lights on, you’ll probably find the battery is dead. Replacing a battery is easy. Just visit your local auto parts store to purchase a replacement and install it into your vehicle. However, when it comes to electrical repairs or repeat problems, you should seek expert counsel. Sometimes battery problems are actually caused by a bad alternator. If that’s true, replacing the battery won’t do anything — in fact the alternator will deplete the new one in no time at all!

Tire Rotation

It’s good practice to rotate the tires every few thousand miles to prevent uneven wear and help them last longer. If you have the right tools to remove tires and a car jack, you can do this at home and save yourself a trip to the auto repair shop!

Oil Change

While they are a simple part of routine maintenance, oil changes aren’t something that can be completed easily in the home garage. There are a few steps to oil changes that have to be carefully followed to prevent spills and injuries from hot parts. If you don’t mind getting a little dirty, you can try to change your oil at home. Otherwise, we recommend leaving this service to the professionals.

Emissions Repair

The emissions control system in your car is complicated and integral to your vehicle’s optimal performance. In the state of Washington, you’ll need a fully operational emissions system to pass smog checks. That’s why we recommend leaving any emissions repairs to the experts.

Wheel Alignment

A wheel alignment is another service that can’t be done easily at home, unless your garage is outfitted with a state-of-the-art alignment rack. Precision tuning requires advanced equipment and expertise. When it comes to your vehicle’s alignment, you want accurate results. Leave it to the professionals to restore your car’s proper geometry.

Want to learn more about auto repairs and tips you can use to keep your car healthy? Stay in touch with the experts at Jeff’s Auto Repair in Seattle, Washington!