Subaru Maintenance and Repairs

Why DIY Repairs on Your Subaru Can Be Risky

1. Lack of Proper Tools and Knowledge

Car repairs can almost always seem straightforward but often involve specialized tools and exacting specifications, not to mention experience. But if not done correctly, executing seemingly simple tasks like replacing spark plugs on a Subaru can result in cross-threading or stripped threads.

Furthermore, specific tools like torque wrenches or OBD-II scanners are a must to complete jobs correctly, but they aren’t things that most people have sitting in the garage. Without these, you run the risk of damaging the components of your car and causing larger issues than the ones you actually aimed to fix.

2. Risk to Safety

The safety systems on your car, such as the brakes and suspension, are designed to keep you and your passengers safe. Without the necessary knowledge and expertise, you can cause dangerous hazards by trying to fix these components yourself. Improperly installed brake pads, for example, may lead to diminished stopping power or the brakes failing altogether while in motion.

Likewise, misaligned suspension can also cause steering control issues, particularly while negotiating tight turns or sudden braking. The risks aren’t just a threat to you—they’re also a threat to everyone else on the road.

3. Unintended Damage

Cars are complicated machines with interdependent parts. A single error can send other systems into a tailspin. For instance, making a bolt too tight during an oil change may crack the oil pan, leading to leaks that damage the engine. Similar effects can occur if incorrect coolant or oil is used. In most cases, these consequences lead to expensive and professional repairs that could be prevented with the proper care in the first place.

4. Voiding Warranties

Subaru factory warranties protect against major repairs and defects in many Subaru cars. However, these warranties can be restrictive, stipulating that maintenance has to be done by certified service personnel or at authorized maintenance facilities. Also, if you try a DIY repair and something goes awry, you might void your warranty. If something terrible happens and you have had an unauthorized repair, for example, if you replace your timing belt and you do not run according to Subaru’s specifications or use parts that are not approved, they could leave you unprotected from engine failure afterward.

5. Hidden Costs

While a DIY repair may seem like a cost-saving measure initially, sourcing a qualified mechanic as soon as the damage is done can save money in the long run. If you misdiagnose a check engine light and replace the wrong part, for example, you’ll have spent money on components you don’t need, in addition to the need to still fix whatever’s wrong. Furthermore, a poor repair may create additional damage that needs professional help, making what could have been a simple fix into a costly repair. There are always hidden costs to consider before embarking on DIY repairs.