Don't Do It Yourself (Perils of DIY Vehicle Repair)
September 13, 2020
Your vehicle is a complicated machine, and yes, it would be nice if you could take care of all of its problems yourself. There was a time when vehicles were simpler and it wasn't too hard for a weekend mechanic to replace brakes, adjust a carburetor or perform a tune-up. But vehicles are far more complicated these days, with traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, air bags and fuel injection just a small sample of the new technologies.
Like a lot of things these days, technology changes in leaps and bounds. Anyone who repairs vehicles has to stay up on the latest computers, sensors, suspensions, steering, electronics, hydraulics and more. Many power steering, braking and heating and air conditioning systems that used to be mechanical are now being replaced by electronic systems. Computers are an integral part of much of the latest automotive technology, something you didn't see a lot of until as recently as the 1990s.
Today's most highly-trained technicians are able to keep up with how to perform the latest repairs and service by continuing education about their craft. When once an auto repairman could do fine with a lift and a good set of tools, now specialized electronic analysis equipment and tools are must-haves when it comes to vehicle repair.
Because of how fast technology changes, access to the latest repair databases and manuals is also important. Manufacturers require certain service procedures to be performed precisely, and any other way can leave a vehicle compromised when it comes to performance and safety.
Your vehicle is capable of traveling at high speeds on challenging surfaces with ever-increasing traffic issues and unpredictable obstacles. You need your vehicle to be working up to its engineered potential. That's why you should leave repairs and service to professionals. They work on vehicles every day, and years of experience with hundreds of repairs equip them to deal with the unexpected as well as the routine.
When you develop a trusting relationship with a reputable service facility, you can have confidence that the maintenance, service and repairs are being done by people who know what they're doing. Your safety and your vehicle's performance and reliability are well worth it.
Gary Knurek GoodYear
1973 Livernois
Troy, Michigan 48083
248-362-0350
Need Service?
More articles from Gary Knurek, Authorized GoodYear Dealer
Let’s Clear the Air
July 26, 2026
In an effort to keep the air we breathe clean, modern vehicles with internal combustion engines are designed to reduce the emissions by recirculating exhaust gas into the engine. It has a part that controls how much of that gas to put back into the engine, and thats known as the EGR valve. EGR s... More
Control Arms: Small Part, Big Impact
July 19, 2026
Heres one part of your vehicle you may never have heard of: the control arm. Its the part that connects the wheel hub and steering knuckle to your vehicles frame. What it does is lets your wheel move up and down while keeping it aligned with your vehicle. Most control arms have things called ... More
No Shake, Just Smooth
July 12, 2026
When your vehicles wheels are out of balance, theyll likely give you some clues. Your steering wheel might shake, the floor or seat vibrates and you might find your vehicle pulling to one side. Other signs? Your tires might wear unevenly and may make odd noises. Plus, fuel economy might not be ... More