Should You Fix It Yourself?

Let's get something on the table. This About.com Guide Site is all about Automotive Empowerment, which means that we are here to help you repair and maintain your car to the best of your abilities. A 5-minute read can prepare you to change your own air filter, but it will take a little more experience to tackle a clutch replacement. Our motto is "You Can Do It!" Knowing exactly when you can do it is key to your success as an empowered auto owner.

So how do you know when you're ready to tackle a specific repair? Nobody knows better than you do. Ask yourself a few questions:

• Are you familiar with all of the necessary tools for the job?
• Do you have enough available time to complete the repair?
• If the repair requires another person, do you have somebody who will help you out?

As long as you're realistic, you can tackle any repair or maintenance job you set out to make. Knowing your limitations, however, will keep you out of trouble. There is no worse feeling than seeing the sun set on a Sunday evening while your car lies in pieces in the driveway, knowing that you have to figure out how to get to work Monday morning. As you step off the bus in front of the office, the mail clerk will be laughing as he blows by in his lowered Civic. Sure, you're his boss, but he's laughing extra hard on the inside.