6 Tips for Great DIY Auto Maintenance & Repair in Houston, TX
When your Volkswagen needs maintenance or repairs, we think the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment at an authorized service center. That way, you can count on experts who have been trained in all things VW. However, there are some things that you can handle on your own if you really want to. In fact, fixing something on your own car can be a hugely rewarding experience. But before you dive into the world of DIY auto maintenance, we recommend following these six tips.
6. Set Aside Extra Time for the Project
There's a chance that everything in your DIY project will go off smoothly, without a hitch. However, as any seasoned shadetree mechanic will tell you, things are just as likely to go awry. If you've only set aside the bare minimum amount of time you think you'll need, you may find yourself in trouble. Scheduling extra time is a great way to make sure your VW will be ready when you need it. If something goes wrong, it's better to have that extra time. And if everything goes right, you can celebrate early!
5. Make Sure You Have the Right Tools
If your toolbox consists of random items you've borrowed or accumulated over the years, you may not have what you need to do the job. Even if you have a good variety of automotive tools like a jack and jack stands, you may find that you'll need something more job-specific. Brake work can require a caliper tool, while a filter wrench often makes oil changes easier. Trying to wing it with the tools that you have can make the job a lot harder--and, in some cases, it can make it unsafe.
4. Choose OEM & VW-Approved Parts
When you're working on your Volkswagen, we recommend using only the parts that are approved by the factory. Sure, the aftermarket parts down at the local auto parts store may sometimes be cheaper. And they may even be of good quality, as well . . . or they could be low-quality parts that will wear out after six months. Choosing genuine VW parts is the best way to know that you're getting quality to match the precision German engineering of your car.
3. Have Backup Transportation
Even if you think you have all the tools and the parts you need, there's a good chance that you may find out you're missing a vital component. If your car is halfway taken apart when you have this realization, you may find yourself in a pickle. At times like these, backup transportation is highly recommended. A friend, a spouse, a family member, or a ride share service are all good methods--just make sure you have something planned.
2. Take Safety Precautions
It's easy to forget just how dangerous vehicles can be, but think of it this way: they're huge boxes of metal that weigh thousands of pounds and are literally powered by explosions. If you get under your car while it's held up only by a jack instead of placed securely on jack stands, you may find out the hard way just how heavy a vehicle can be. Failing to disconnect the battery before doing work on it (even something as simple as cleaning corrosion) could lead to a shock or blown fuse. And, working on an engine that hasn't cooled down is a good way to get burned. Making sure that everything is safe may seem a little irritating when you want to just dive into the task at hand, but it's well worth the time.
1. Know the Subject . . . and Your Limits
At Archer Volkswagen, we believe in the importance of research. That's why we've written plenty of articles on topics related to VW service. If you do decide to work on your VW by yourself, our recommendation is that you research, research, and research. Then, for good measure, research some more. Making sure you really understand exactly what to do before you attempt something is the best way to avoid mishaps.
Part of researching is finding your limits. Even advanced DIY enthusiasts know when they're going to be in over their head, and they'll take their cars into a service center for these tasks. Don't bite off more than you can chew; instead, trust the experts at Archer Volkswagen for anything you're unsure about.