About two weeks ago, I broke the right-hand side mirror of my wife's van. I went to the Honda dealership near my area, and they estimated the bill to fix it to be $411.00. I didn't want to pay the money. I went to junkyard and bought a second-hand r/h side mirror for $45.00. I did not fix it early enough and was finally given an ultimatum to either fix the mirror or take it to the dealer where it can be repaired.
I searched YouTube today and found this below video, checked my tools and bought a set of tools from Autozone for $5.99. I took the laptop with me and put inside the van. I watched the video and watched it again until it can register with my head. I took the cover from the door, put the screws to the side, and replaced the mirror that was damaged.
Now, I compared how much I spent and saved, and the difference is, I saved $361.09. Woohoo, it was a milestone as I have never worked on cars before. It seemed so remote to me before but now it seems that I conquered it. It reminded me what this Caucasian American project manager in the department, where I work, told me: Unless it is a major engine issue, he never takes his car to the mechanic shop. He fixes it at home. He advised that I need to install a vehicle lift in my garage, where I can lift the car and work under it. He advised that I did not want to go to mechanic training where I will learn how to fix my car. He offered to show me few days when he is changing breaks, changing his oil, doing the tune-ups, replacing the alternator, and also replacing the radiator.
[youtube]watch?v=rg3VQn8mBmM[/youtube]
It seemed too much work at the time and I did not take the offer. Now that I tried it, it seems things are much easier, and those mechanics who were charging huge amount of money were just milking it. Now, my next project is to fix this other window for my 2005 Buick LaCarosse that sometimes does not go up. It seems I need to replace the Power Window Regulator/Motor.
I also want to install a vehicle lift in my garage where I can use it to lift the 2 vehicles whenever I need to do the maintenance work on my own. However, I have safety concerns. I've never done it before, so I am trying to gather safety tips on how to maintain it and use it safely before I commit money to it.
Ok brothers (and sister too if you do mechanical work), please share your experience if you perform majority of the maintenance work at home, and if you have a vehicle lift installed in your garage that is similar to the one shown in the below video, or even if it is different.
Thanks in advance!
[youtube]watch?v=iBEKegyZCs8[/youtube]
