"Joe" in Columbus, OH says:
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Originally Posted by imagesinthewind
Why do you feel it's IMPORTANT to a. do the work on your own vehicle and b. know about your car even if you choose to not get your hands dirty.
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I don't think it's important for one to do the work on one's car. It is important for one to have an understanding of how the machine works for a few reasons. First, one has a better understanding of the machine's capabilities. Second, one has some awareness of potential problems before they become damaging or expensive problems. Third, one has some knowledge to prevent being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous mechanic.
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What are the POSITIVES of doing the fixes and learning about the systems of your vehicle and the NEGATIVES of these?
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The positives of learning about the systems, aside from the above, are:
Confidence. You lose the fear of the unknown when something breaks. The car is not a mystery, to be examined by a mechanical shaman.
Better understanding leads to better preparedness and better driving. If you understand your tires, suspension, and brake systems, you are more aware of them as a driver, and can practically apply concepts such as the traction circle and threshhold braking to avoid accidents.
Savings. I replaced the water pump in my old Benz. The part from here was ~$70. Repair shop wanted $500 for the job. I did it on a Saturday.
You can save money even if you don't do the work. For example, let's say you slide into a curb, and you start to hear a noise coming from the wheel when driving. If you do not know what that noise is, perhaps you have the CV joint replaced and the noise continues. Then you have the wheel bearing replaced and it goes away. If you knew what noise a bad wheel bearing makes, you save the money spent on the CV joint.
General mechanical knowledge. Once you learn how systems work, you can apply that knowledge to other mechanical things. You learn engineering concepts that help you with other machines. I'd never repaired a dishwasher or clothes dryer - and never would've considered trying - before I learned about my car. And now I've done both.
Negatives are:
You think you can fix anything, which piles more work on you.
You want more tools, which are costly.
Some things are difficult to do without those expensive tools.
You can ruin your jacket by having oil pour all over it because you didn't drain the oil filter before taking it off.
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Lastly, what kinds of things does one need to do the fixes, or learn about the systems of their cars? I am thinking of things past the tools, more like mechanical talent, confidence in yourself etc.
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Aside from tools and desire for knowledge, I don't think you need anything. Mechanical talent is a blind for people to excuse their unwillingness to learn. Rather than say they don't want to spend the time, they say they have no talent. Mechanical talent just makes it easier or quicker, but anyone can learn and then do. Confidence in yourself isn't required. In fact, I acquired it after. When you fix one simple thing, you are more confident in taking on others. When you are armed with knowledge, it is easier to fix something.