If the sight of your car’s check engine light plunges you into panic, you’re not the only motorist who feels that way.
Having a vehicle worked on by a mechanic can be an expensive experience. It’s understandable why many drivers are uneasy about trips to the auto-repair shop.
With labor costs frequently outpacing the price of replacement parts, tools and gear, don’t you sometimes wish you could just handle the fix yourself?
It might be easier than you expect — and you could potentially keep hundreds of dollars in your pocket.
A Haynes Manual Can Help
Haynes Publishing Group produces hundreds of model-specific manuals that provide step-by-step instructions for a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks.
Even total beginners can use Haynes Manuals to learn how to perform certain repairs, said Mike Forsythe, vice president and general manager of worldwide editorial at Haynes Publishing Group.
The manuals are available at auto-parts retailers and through online stores.
“One of the biggest barriers to DIY auto maintenance or repair is the lack of knowledge and confidence,” Forsythe said. “With our manuals and some basic tools you might already own, people can gain the skills, procedures and confidence to work on their own vehicles.”
Haynes issues both printed and digital guides, including manuals under the Chilton and Clymer labels. The typical printed edition features more than 800 photographs, making it easy for visual learners to follow each step, Forsythe noted.
Digital manuals can be accessed on mobile devices and include enhancements like high-resolution color images, color-coded wiring diagrams, simple navigation and keyword search.
Haynes also creates on-demand videos that walk home mechanics through tasks step by step.
Even if you already have some repair know-how, Forsythe recommended getting a manual tailored to the specific year, make and model of your vehicle. “While some automotive principles are universal, something as routine as swapping a spark plug can differ greatly between vehicles,” he said.
“For example, on the Mazda RX-8 you must remove the front wheel just to reach the spark plugs. It’s an uncommon case, but it shows why identifying model-specific variations matters.”
The Savings Add Up
Haynes editors examined two common vehicles — a 2009 Toyota Camry and a 2011 Ford F-150 — and compared what dealerships would charge for 10 routine maintenance and service tasks against the cost of parts if the owner performed the work themselves.
They discovered that Camry owners could save $1,293.32 by completing the 10 tasks themselves rather than having a dealer perform the service — and that estimate includes spending $25 for a Haynes Manual and $77 for basic tools and supplies, such as a socket and wrench set, a large C-clamp, an oil-filter wrench, an oil-drain pan and jack stands.
2009 Toyota Camry
The Haynes team reported that Ford F-150 owners could save $975.18.
2011 Ford F-150
Very often, dealership labor charges exceed the cost of parts. Additionally, parts purchased through a dealer can be pricier than acquiring them from an aftermarket parts retailer.
Forsythe mentioned that several service items — such as changing a headlight bulb, wiper blade, air filter or spark plugs — can take under 30 minutes and might only require a simple screwdriver.
Gain Knowledge That Lasts
Saving money on a single repair is helpful, but having the skills to continue saving throughout your life is even more valuable.
Understanding auto repair not only reduces costs for jobs you can tackle yourself, it also helps protect you from being overcharged when you decide to hire a professional.
“One of Haynes’ vice presidents recently replaced the brakes on his Camaro,” Forsythe said. “Less than two weeks later, a dealer told him he needed completely new brakes and it would cost $400. In that instance, the dealer was attempting to take advantage of him, but he knew better.”
Having automotive repair knowledge is empowering, he added.
Emma Larson is a staff writer at Savinly.
