Let’s face it: if you’ve ever jacked up your car with a wobbly scissor jack, watched 3 YouTube videos and declared yourself a mechanic, you’ve probably told yourself at least one of these classic DIY lies. It’s practically a rite of passage in the world of driveway repairs, budget builds, and “yeah, I’ll torque it later” moments.
So buckle up (or don’t, because the seatbelt sensor is still broken), and let’s break down the Top 5 Lies Every Car DIYer Tells Themselves—because admitting it is the first step to better wrench decisions.
1. “This will only take 30 minutes.”
Ah yes, the sacred timeline. You’ve got one bolt to loosen and one part to swap—what could possibly go wrong?
Reality check: That “quick job” turns into a 4-hour saga involving a stripped bolt, a mid-job parts run, and a desperate call to your friend who “knows a guy.” Pro tip: Multiply your estimated time by 3. And then add an hour for snacks and existential crises.
2. “I don’t need that special tool.”
Why buy a $30 tool when a butter knife, zip tie, and sheer willpower will do?
Reality check: 45 minutes later, you’re lying under the car Googling “what happens if I round off a brake bleeder screw” while your ‘multi-tool’ lies broken in two.
Just get the tool. Your knuckles (and sanity) will thank you.
3. “I’ll finish it this weekend.”
This is the big one. You clear your weekend, tell your family you’ll “definitely be done by Sunday,” and dive in with confidence.
Reality check: By Sunday night, your car’s in pieces, your garage looks like a scrapyard, and you’re ordering Uber Eats next to a half-installed clutch.
Bonus lie: “I’ll put everything back exactly the way it was.”
4. “It doesn’t need torque specs.”
Torque wrench? Never heard of her.
Reality check: One bolt is hand-tightened, the next is “Hercules-tight,” and you’re now wondering why your oil pan is leaking more than your bank account.
Sure, your car still runs—but it’s held together by hope and borderline sabotage.
5. “I’m saving money.”
You tell yourself this as you click “Place Order” on $350 worth of tools, parts, and a new floor jack just to fix a $40 issue.
Reality check: You’re not just paying in dollars—you’re paying in scraped hands, lost weekends, and the occasional burnt sock (don’t ask).
Yes, you’re learning. Yes, it’s satisfying. But let’s not pretend you’re rolling in savings.
Final Thought: We Lie Because We Love It
At the end of the day, DIY car repair isn’t just about saving money or flexing skills—it’s about the journey. A greasy, frustrating, sometimes hilarious journey that ends with you saying:
“Next time, I’ll do it right.”
(Lie #6, coming soon.)
