When your car needs attention, it’s easy to trust a mechanic to handle everything. But not every fix requires a professional, and sometimes you’ll find yourself paying too much for a job you could have handled better on your own.
These are the repairs you’ll regret handing over to a shop, and why doing it yourself or exploring alternatives might be the smarter choice.
Replacing Windshield Wipers
One of the easiest maintenance tasks on a car is changing out your windshield wipers, yet many people still take their car to a shop for it. Mechanics often charge a premium for both the wipers and the labor, turning a $15 job into a $50 bill.
Most wipers are designed to snap in and out with minimal effort, and stores even have guides to help you pick the right size.
Swapping Out Air Filters
It might seem complicated when a mechanic says your air filter is clogged, but don’t be fooled. Changing it yourself is one of the simplest car fixes out there. Air filters are usually located in an easy-to-access box under the hood, and swapping one out can take less than five minutes. Mechanics often charge a hefty markup for this, along with labor costs that aren’t worth it.
Fixing a Blown Fuse
Blown fuses happen more often than you think, but fixing one doesn’t need professional help. Mechanics will charge a diagnostic fee and labor for what is essentially a $2 part and fast fix. Your car’s manual shows exactly where the fuse box is located and which fuse you need to replace.
Replacing Cabin Air Filters
Clean air in your car is important, but changing a cabin air filter is so easy that it’s a waste to let a mechanic do it. Most filters are accessible behind the glove box or under the dashboard, requiring no special tools.
Mechanics love to upcharge for parts and labor on this simple replacement, often quoting prices upwards of $100 for something you can handle in minutes.
Jump-Starting a Battery
When your battery dies, it’s tempting to call a tow truck or a mechanic for help. But jump-starting a car is something every driver should know how to do. All it takes is a set of jumper cables and another vehicle, or a portable jump starter.
Mechanics or roadside services can charge you a significant amount for something that can be done in minutes for free.
Refilling Windshield Washer Fluid
Don’t let your mechanic include topping up your windscreen washer on your service bill. Pouring $1 dollar’s worth of fluid into the reservoir is as straight forward as it gets, but mechanics will charge you $10 or more for something that takes no time at home. Once you know where the reservoir is, this is a task you’ll never outsource again.
Changing Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are part of the engine, so changing them might sound intimidating, but for most vehicles, they’re easy to replace. Mechanics can charge $100 or more for this job, which should take no longer than half an hour. tf you have basic tools and follow your car’s manual, this is a repair you can easily handle yourself.
Swapping Out a Dead Battery
It doesn’t require a professional touch to change a car battery. Mechanics charge hefty fees for parts and labor, often tacking on a disposal fee for the old battery. In reality, many auto parts stores will install the new battery for free when you buy it from them and dispose of the old one.
Learning to replace it yourself is straightforward and will save you both time and money.
Fixing Tire Pressure
Pumping Up your tires is something you should never pay someone to do. Many gas stations and convenience stores have air pumps that make it easy to adjust your tires yourself. Keeping a portable tire inflator in your trunk ensures you can manage tire pressure anytime, anywhere.
Once you realize how simple this is, you’ll be glad you skipped the shop.
Replacing Headlights and Taillights
When a headlight or tail light burns out, you might think it’s a job for a professional. But in most cases, these bulbs are designed to be replaced with minimal effort. Mechanics often charge steep fees for labor and parts, turning a $20 bulb into a $100 fix. With a little patience and a guide from your owner’s manual, you can replace the lights yourself and pocket the savings.
Installing a New Battery in a Key Fob
A dead key fob battery can be frustrating, but don’t let a mechanic overcharge you for replacing it. Most fobs use small, inexpensive batteries that can be swapped out in seconds. You can find replacement batteries at any hardware store and follow simple online guides to do it yourself. Letting a mechanic handle this one is a quick way to feel overcharged.
Refilling Coolant
The process of topping off your car’s coolant is another easy fix that mechanics love to overcharge for. It’s as simple as unscrewing a cap and pouring in the right fluid. Many drivers get tricked into paying for this as part of a costly maintenance service, but it’s super-easy for anyone to do at home.
Changing Brake Pads
Brake pads are hidden away behind the wheels, and look like a complex repair, but for many vehicles, it’s a relatively straightforward job. With a little online research and some basic tools, this repair is accessible to most car owners. You can save several hundred dollars by doing it yourself.
Rotating Tires
Tire rotation prevents the treads from wearing unevenly and saves you money. It’s a task that sounds simpler than most people think, and you can save even more money by doing it yourself. All you need is a jack and a little time. Tire shops and mechanics charge for this service as part of a maintenance package, but it’s something you can easily handle at home.