Ham-fisted amateur mechanics are giving the term DIY a new meaning - 'Dismantled It Yesterday'.
Technical experts who answer members' telephone enquiries are bracing themselves for an increase in panicky calls, as the onset of warmer weather encourages more weekend mechanics to attempt their own repairs.
Peter Harrison, AA senior technical advisor, whose team handles at least 100 calls a week from baffled DIYers, says: "Mondays are the busiest day for calls, as people ring in having started a job over the weekend only to find they don't have the knowledge to finish it".
"Sometimes even the best mechanic can run into problems, but some of the things we are asked to sort out are astonishing."
Recent examples include 'mechanics' who:
- Stripped the drive shaft from a Vauxhall Cavalier because a friend said a strange noise was probably coming from the constant velocity joint - and then had no idea what to do next;
- Tried to fit the cruise control from a Vauxhall Cavalier to a Daewoo Lanos;
- Couldn't reset the valve timing after fitting a new cam belt because he read the repair manual wrong;
- Filled the brake reservoir with anti-freeze;
- Attempted to change the points on a Nissan Micra but clearly had no idea how an engine worked and had to be talked through the basics;
- Had to be pleaded with not to attempt a cambelt change without any mechanical knowledge as failure would have resulted in a four-figure repair bill;
- Complained that the car had been serviced and now made a noise when it braked, only to admit later that he had replaced the brake pads - upside down.
Says Peter Harrison: "We can't blame anyone from doing DIY work on their vehicle, as it can save a fortune. But, with vehicles getting more complex, the cost of getting it wrong is increasing."
"We strongly suggest anyone thinking of going the DIY route should do their homework and understand what they're getting into before it's too late. This can simply involve reading the handbook, but for more involved repairs they should buy a manual, such as Haynes, or ring for advice.&
Eastgate Assistance, the company offering MAG's Six Wheel Rescue offer personal motoring advice over the telephone to members. A team of qualified advisers all with extensive experience of working in the garage trade have access to an extensive breakdown and technical library. As well as providing information and guidance on components and consumer issues in the motor trade, technical advisers often help to troubleshoot garage disputes.
MAG Six Wheel Rescue offers the most comprehensive Europe wide bike and car breakdown recovery at an inclusive price of just £59.50. To join call 0870 444 8 448
SIX STEPS TO AVOID A DIY DISASTER
- Know your limits - have you ever done a job like this before, do you have the tools and the skills?
- Ring around for quotes - You may find work by a garage more affordable than you first thought. Menu-pricing for specific work gives a transparent and accurate guide to cost.
- Don't rely on the guy who lives locally and 'tinkers' - he probably tinkers a lot because he often gets it wrong.
- Read the owner's handbook - Check for maintenance and repair advice/warnings for the part of the vehicle you are thinking of working on.
- Diagnosis is a skill - Don't start changing parts, because someone says that all cars like yours suffer from such and such a fault. Get the appropriate technical manual, read up on fault finding and then about the method of repair. Stop at that if you don't have the time, tools or skills to complete the job.
- Talk to an expert - technical advisers can help you get your DIY job into perspective: is it safe to do? Is it cost-effective to DIY this repair? Where do you to turn to for technical information and spare parts? Is it a job the average person can manage?
