Even if you have a keen interest in troubleshooting car problems—and despite the presence of thousands of DIY tutorial videos and articles online—some maintenance jobs are better left in the hands of a capable auto mechanic. Some are too complicated, while others require specialized tools and equipment. Trying to do any of them on your own could result in worse damage and the need for more costly repairs.

4 Repair Jobs You Should Leave to an Auto Mechanic

1. Engine & Transmission Repair

Engines and transmissions are comprised of hundreds of parts configured precisely to operate in sync as your vehicle travels. The smallest mistake you make while trying to repair it could cause a catastrophic system failure. In a medical setting, these jobs would probably be equivalent to heart surgery. Not only should you let an auto mechanic handle the task, but you also need to find one who has the right equipment and experience.

2. Check Engine Diagnostics

Several issues could cause the check engine light on your dashboard to turn on, from something as mundane as a loose gas cap, which you can check by yourself, to something as severe as an O2 sensor or catalytic converter failure, which are difficult to diagnose without the proper equipment. To eliminate the risk of a wrong diagnosis, have your vehicle inspected by an auto mechanic.   

3. Air Conditioning Freon Refill

The risk you take by trying to recharge your vehicle’s air conditioning system on your own is not worth the money you could potentially save. First, polyalkylene glycol oil, which is necessary to lubricate the compressor, can’t be added without using sophisticated equipment. Plus, if you don’t add the right amount of PAG oil, the compressor could seize up and burn. And lastly, overexposure to Freon could lead to dizziness or even cardiac arrhythmia.

4. Tire Rotation

Rotating tires is relatively simple. All you need is a couple of jacks or some wood blocks to use as a stand while you switch the tires. However, the service usually involves other maintenance tasks, such as wheel balancing and checking for unusual wear that could be a symptom of a brake or suspension problem. These need precision instruments and a trained eye, so you should let an experienced professional handle the job.

If you need a trustworthy auto mechanic to handle your car problems, drop by Auto Air Clinic in Honolulu, HI. This company has been offering excellent auto repair services for over 30 years. They specialize in automobile computer diagnostic service, air conditioning, brakes, tires, and exhaust systems, among others. Give them a call at (808) 845-8499 to have your vehicle serviced, or visit their website to learn more about the services they offer.