Some tasks, like changing windshield wipers or checking tire pressure, are simple enough for someone with basic vehicle knowledge. But more complex repairs require expertise, specialized tools, and professional training. Attempting these repairs on your own could lead to costly mistakes, unsafe driving conditions, and even more damage to your vehicle.

At Good Works Auto Repair, we know that preventive vehicle maintenance is important, and we’re here to help you make the best decisions for your car. Here’s a breakdown of when a DIY auto repair might be okay and when you should take your vehicle to a professional auto repair shop instead.

DIY-Friendly Auto Repair and Maintenance Tasks

As long as you have some basic vehicle knowledge, these tasks can usually be done safely and correctly on your own:

Replacing Wiper Blades – This is typically quick and easy to do and requires no special tools. Just make sure you’re using the right wiper for your vehicle make and model.

Checking Tire Pressure – While not actually a repair item, this is a maintenance task that is great for every vehicle owner to know. Routinely checking your car’s tire pressure can help with tire wear, fuel mileage, and preparing for an upcoming road trip.

Checking or Topping Off Some Vehicle Fluids – As long as you use the right type of fluid, this can be a safe DIY job. Checking and topping off windshield wiper fluid, for example, is something you can do on your own. In fact, we recommend that you include this item on your pre-trip checklist when preparing for an upcoming road trip.

Of course, if you want one less thing to worry about before your trip, you can also bring your vehicle to Good Works Auto Repair and we’ll do a comprehensive inspection for free!

Auto Repairs That Are Best Left to the Automotive Professionals

Brake Repairs
Brakes are one of the most critical safety features in your vehicle. Incorrect installation or failure to properly bleed the brake system can lead to dangerous driving conditions. In addition, many vehicle owners don’t have the proper equipment to safely change out brake parts.

Check Engine Light Diagnosis
Modern vehicles rely on computer systems that require specialized diagnostic tools. When you take your vehicle to a professional auto repair shop, the technician will use cutting-edge technology to accurately identify and fix the issue.

It’s also important to remember that the ‘check engine’ light and other dashboard warning lights can come on for a variety of reasons. While some causes may be minor, others are very serious and could impact your driving safety. Whenever the check engine light comes on, schedule an appointment at your local auto repair shop as soon as possible.

Transmission Repairs
A single mistake in a DIY transmission repair can lead to complete failure, requiring a costly replacement. This is definitely a job for the automotive professionals!

Engine Work
Tinkering with your engine without proper training can cause serious damage. Whether it’s a timing belt replacement or fixing an oil leak, engine work is not meant to be a DIY auto repair.

Why Choose Good Works Auto Repair in Tempe, AZ?

As a locally owned, family-run business in Tempe, AZ, we prioritize quality and customer satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians receive ongoing training to stay up to date with the latest vehicle technologies. Plus, we offer a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty on parts and labor for major repairs—something no DIY auto repair can match.

Although our auto repair shop is based in Tempe, we proudly serve drivers throughout the Phoenix area, including Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and beyond. Whether you need routine vehicle maintenance or a major auto repair, you can count on us for honest, reliable service.

Schedule an appointment with us today and keep your car running at its best!

The post DIY Auto Repair vs. Professional Service: When to Tackle It Yourself and When to Call the Experts appeared first on Good Works Auto Repair Tempe.

Some tasks, like changing windshield wipers or checking tire pressure, are simple enough for someone with basic vehicle knowledge. But more complex repairs require expertise, specialized tools, and professional training. Attempting these repairs on your own could lead to costly mistakes, unsafe driving conditions, and even more damage to your vehicle.

At Good Works Auto Repair, we know that preventive vehicle maintenance is important, and we’re here to help you make the best decisions for your car. Here’s a breakdown of when a DIY auto repair might be okay and when you should take your vehicle to a professional auto repair shop instead.

DIY-Friendly Auto Repair and Maintenance Tasks

As long as you have some basic vehicle knowledge, these tasks can usually be done safely and correctly on your own:

Replacing Wiper Blades – This is typically quick and easy to do and requires no special tools. Just make sure you’re using the right wiper for your vehicle make and model.

Checking Tire Pressure – While not actually a repair item, this is a maintenance task that is great for every vehicle owner to know. Routinely checking your car’s tire pressure can help with tire wear, fuel mileage, and preparing for an upcoming road trip.

Checking or Topping Off Some Vehicle Fluids – As long as you use the right type of fluid, this can be a safe DIY job. Checking and topping off windshield wiper fluid, for example, is something you can do on your own. In fact, we recommend that you include this item on your pre-trip checklist when preparing for an upcoming road trip.

Of course, if you want one less thing to worry about before your trip, you can also bring your vehicle to Good Works Auto Repair and we’ll do a comprehensive inspection for free!

Auto Repairs That Are Best Left to the Automotive Professionals

Brake Repairs
Brakes are one of the most critical safety features in your vehicle. Incorrect installation or failure to properly bleed the brake system can lead to dangerous driving conditions. In addition, many vehicle owners don’t have the proper equipment to safely change out brake parts.

Check Engine Light Diagnosis
Modern vehicles rely on computer systems that require specialized diagnostic tools. When you take your vehicle to a professional auto repair shop, the technician will use cutting-edge technology to accurately identify and fix the issue.

It’s also important to remember that the ‘check engine’ light and other dashboard warning lights can come on for a variety of reasons. While some causes may be minor, others are very serious and could impact your driving safety. Whenever the check engine light comes on, schedule an appointment at your local auto repair shop as soon as possible.

Transmission Repairs
A single mistake in a DIY transmission repair can lead to complete failure, requiring a costly replacement. This is definitely a job for the automotive professionals!

Engine Work
Tinkering with your engine without proper training can cause serious damage. Whether it’s a timing belt replacement or fixing an oil leak, engine work is not meant to be a DIY auto repair.

Why Choose Good Works Auto Repair in Tempe, AZ?

As a locally owned, family-run business in Tempe, AZ, we prioritize quality and customer satisfaction. Our ACE-certified technicians receive ongoing training to stay up to date with the latest vehicle technologies. Plus, we offer a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty on parts and labor for major repairs—something no DIY auto repair can match.

Although our auto repair shop is based in Tempe, we proudly serve drivers throughout the Phoenix area, including Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and beyond. Whether you need routine vehicle maintenance or a major auto repair, you can count on us for honest, reliable service.

Schedule an appointment with us today and keep your car running at its best!

The post DIY Auto Repair vs. Professional Service: When to Tackle It Yourself and When to Call the Experts appeared first on Good Works Auto Repair Tempe.

Today, we’ll walk you through some of the primary objectives of the right to repair movement, explain some of the highlights of the new agreement, and show you how independent auto repair shops can be an excellent choice for consumers.

Goals of the Automotive Right to Repair Movement

Since its inception in 2014, the automotive right to repair movement has focused on several key objectives:

1. Access to vehicle diagnostic information for repair shops – In the old days, only dealerships had diagnostic information provided by vehicle manufacturers. This made it more difficult for independent auto repair shops to accurately diagnose vehicle problems and fix them efficiently.
2. Software and tools for advanced vehicle technology – Today’s vehicles are like computers on wheels. The automotive right to repair movement has made it possible for independent repair shops to have access to the same software and tools as dealerships. This helps to contribute to efficient and cost-effective repairs.
3. Access to replacement parts – Now, vehicle manufacturers are required to make schematics and replacement parts available to independent auto repair shops. This helps to increase competition among shops and lower prices for consumers.
4. Increased options for consumers – Vehicle owners now have a choice when their vehicle needs service. They can still bring it to their local dealership but they also have the right to choose a local repair shop if they so desire.

Increased access to parts, diagnostic tools, and software also means vehicles can more readily be repaired and maintained. And typically, a well-maintained vehicle lasts longer. So, in some ways, the automotive right to repair movement also benefits the environment. There’s less waste and the vehicles on the road can be kept in better shape.

What Are the Highlights of the New Automotive Right to Repair Agreement?

According to the ASA, the goals of the original agreement remain the same. In addition, the following safeguards were made:

Independent repair shops and consumers will continue to have access to necessary diagnostic and repair information. This now includes telematics data and ALL vehicle technologies and powertrains.

Further collaboration on education and training – Independent auto repair shops and collision repair facilities will have access to a vehicle manufacturer’s repair website, third-party software and tools, and shared access points like OEM1Stop.com.

Continued collaboration coinciding with further vehicle advancement – The new agreement highlights the fact that vehicle technology is always changing. As it does, there will be a collaborative effort to ensure independent shops continue to have what they need for accurate and cost-effective auto repairs.

What does all this mean for the consumer? According to Scott Benevidez, ASA Board Chairman, the new agreement “maintains a competitive repair market that yields the highest quality safety outcomes at a fair price.” That means consumers are able to have a choice about where they take their vehicle for service without having to sacrifice quality or safety.

Choose Expert, Accurate, and Affordable Auto Repairs At Your Local Tempe Auto Repair Shop

At Good Works Auto Repair, our customers matter. That’s why we offer an industry-leading 5 year/ 60,000 mile auto repair warranty, employ ASE-certified technicians, and invest in top-of-the-line diagnostic equipment. All of this helps us to provide an exceptional customer experience. It also means we can complete accurate and affordable auto repair and maintenance services.

Are you still taking your car to a dealership for maintenance and repairs? If so, it’s time to exercise your automotive repair rights. Schedule an appointment at our family-owned Tempe auto repair shop today. You will be treated like family while getting the best service around. We look forward to seeing you at the shop soon!

The post Highlights of the New Automotive Right to Repair Agreement appeared first on Good Works Auto Repair Tempe.