Backyard Mechanic R.I.P

When I started in the automotive field 40 years ago I did much of my own work and work for other people in the backyard. Where the time went I have no clue but cars were a lot simpler and easier to work on then. Spark plugs and wires, air and fuel filters, distributors and carburetors where all in the open and easy to get to. There were many ways to make adjustments to make your auto run smoother.

Today everything under the hood is computer related with thick wire harnesses and plug-in connectors going to various computer sensors. On many car models one must take off the upper plenum or mixing chamber just to get to the spark plugs. There are no more adjustments for a smoother idle since all this is computer regulated. Unless you have some automotive working knowledge this engine compartment is a no touch area.

Things you can do in the backyard would include changing the oil and filter, sparkplugs on most 4 cylinder cars, light bulbs, fuses, belts, and even brakes if you know how. If the engine has a rough idle a vacuum leak from a split hose is a common problem.

Things to stay away from would be computer related sensors. These sensors work with milli volts and probing them with a test light can cause extensive damage to electrical and computer systems. Stabbing a wire with a test light like years ago is no longer a method today. It just takes a slight amount of moisture and corrosion to stop a .5 voltage flow from a punctured wire.

For the most part I would suggest bringing your car to a qualified technician that you know and trust for most of your service work. Even for just an oil change. It would cost approximately $19 to do it yourself ($12 oil, $5 filter, $2 waste oil disposal) plus having to crawl under the car and getting all dirty. Many places have $19.50 oil change specials and a trained technician may see a pending problem you were unaware of.

With today’s manufacturer’s long warrantees many of your concerns may be free of charge. Why risk damaging a component and your warrantee coverage.

So, the question was; is the backyard mechanic a dying breed? Well, in my opinion he is not dead yet but may need life support very soon.

Only work on your car if you are sure of what you’re doing. I’ve seen too many people trying to save money by doing their own repairs only to spend xxx times more dollars to repair their mistakes before the original problem can be properly diagnosed.