Are you a shadetree mechanic?

Question

Do you work on your own vehicles or neighbours cars at home?

Where do you draw the line and send the car to the shop?

Answer 1

All the time. Nothin scares me, can fix it all.

Answer 2

youuuuubetcha!!!!!  beats workin' in the sunlight. i only have 1 leg,and the other is artificial, so pulling transmissions,rears,and most underneath work goes to someone who can do this type of work. not that i haven't when i had 2 legs,but it is more difficult now especially when i have 2 change positions, lying on my back, as i don't have a lift.   but, i am still at it.  

Answer 3

My cars are all pretty modern, so any diagnostics require some sophisticated equipment. Other than cleaning and maintenance, they go to the shop.  

Answer 4

i worked on cars for 30 yrs at home but gave up because of the expensive testing equiptment needed...i have a shop manual and will get free scan at advance auto so i know a little about whats wrong when i go to shop

Answer 5

yes, I work on my cars. I draw the line at timing and electrical problems...all the other stuff I do, brakes, exhaust, injectors, fuel pump, shocks springs etc

Answer 6

I'm glad you asked this question. Although successfully college educated 43 yrs. ago in diesels, hydraulics, gasoline motors and the usual subjects at the time was a bore, I still consider myself as a: Shade Tree Mechanic. Here's why: To this day I read, think and visit with other people in mechanical areas.

We run a business so "freebies" stop with family members. We do however pass on advice on parts and offer suggestions where folks may decide to go for services that we don't cover.

Answer 7

I always head to the public library and read the manual before I will attemt a project. If it looks like it is going to be too complicated, or I need special tools, I will take it in. I usually avoid electrical problems, but not always. We sorted out computer issues with a friends Nissan, and I ended up taking the entire dashboard apart on my old Honda to fix a heater blower issue.

As long as I can figure out the problem, I will usually try to fix it. If it's still a mystery after an hour or so of following the instructions from the manual, off it goes to the shop.  

Answer 8

Yes wiork on my own car and a few peoples who know what i can do, such as oil changes, brakes, anti-freeze change, any thing that is removeable by hand and ithat is not needing hoists and stuff, so pretty basic stuff really, i do not earn out of it i get the parts from trade suppliers (but pay the vat of course) and show people the reciepts if they want to give me over the amount on the bill as a thank i often accept, but never ask as not a proffessional mechanic just a hobbyist.