If you have the right tools and experience, there are many car problems that you could fix on your own, such as changing a tire, jumpstarting a battery, or replacing a headlight. However, when the issues stem involve more complicated areas of the vehicle, it’s best to avoid DIY car repairs and let an experienced professional do the job. To help you avoid expensive damage, as well as protect your safety, here are a few common problems that require help from a professional auto shop.

5 Auto Problems You Shouldn’t Fix Without Professional Help

1. Radiator Issues

Without a functional radiator, your car’s engine would overheat and experience excessive damage, including total system failure. As such, you shouldn’t ignore problems such as leaks or faulty water pumps. Avoid DIY radiator repairs, since restoring parts requires advanced tools that can be dangerous to operate without professional skills.

2. Brake Repairs

Brake systems are incredibly complex. Even if you can pinpoint the problematic part, do-it-yourself repairs may end up leaving you with less-than-reliable brakes. Without professional help, you may not be able to stop your car properly, increasing your risk of dangerous accidents.

3. Chipped or Cracked Windshields

Chips and cracks in the windshield are more than just a minor nuisance. No matter how small they may appear now, these blemishes will continue to grow, harming your on-road visibility, reducing the structural integrity of the frame, and increasing the risk of a shattered windshield. Although DIY auto glass repair kits are available, these products aren’t as reliable as what a professional could provide.

4. Faulty Electrical Components

Apart from replacing a sparkplug every so often, you should never try to repair electrical problems—such as faulty wiring. Do-it-yourself solutions may end up ruining the connection completely or putting your vehicle at risk of an electrical fire.

5. Timing Belt Replacement

While the timing belt is a single component, replacing the part will requires dismantling the engine. Considering how complicated engines are, it’s easy to make mistakes when disassembling and reassembling them. To ensure your engine stays intact—and your new timing belt is installed correctly—have a mechanic do the job instead.  

It’s never a pleasant experience to realize that you need car repairs, but Branford Radiator Repair is dedicated to making the process as stress-free and convenient as possible. Serving the Branford, CT, area for more than 30 years, you can count on these auto mechanics to diagnose problems correctly and fix them in a reliable, cost-effective, and time-efficient manner. To learn more about their capabilities, visit this auto shop online or call (203) 488-7346.