THE advent of social media mechanics has created a new generation of DIYers, looking to skip the dealership runaround for basic maintenance and more.
However, this confidence can lead some to make major mistakes which could not only prove costly, but fatal, as one driver and TikToker found out in August.
Levi Finlayson-Gumbs’ panicked demeanor made it evident he had a close call[/caption]
DIY mechanics unsure of any step in the brake maintenance process should head to a professional shop before risking injury or worse[/caption]
Levi Finlayson-Gumbs posted a brief but telling video to TikTok in which he urged others to be sure they pump their brakes after changing them until normal pressure returns.
While Levi didn’t clarify his experience, his nervous demeanor and the tense, high-energy music he used for the video would suggest he had a close call by failing to do so himself.
Commenters reached a similar conclusion, with reactions ranging from plainly calling the situation as they saw it to cracking jokes at Finlayson-Gumbs’ expense.
Others instead took the time to ask why pumping the brake pedal is necessary after doing any work on a brake system, including pad and caliper replacement as well as bleeding the system.
To install new brake pads, the caliper pistons must be pushed back in to make room for the thicker layer of material that comes with brand new pads.
However, once the pads are installed and the caliper put back on the rotor, there is still a slight gap preventing the pad from making contact with the rotor.
This also eliminates the buildup of pressure in the brake system which is what allows cars to stop via the pads grabbing onto the rotors when the brake pedal is pressed.
By not pressing down on the brake pedal after doing any work whatsoever on a brake system, this lack of pressure will result in the car having no stopping power whatsoever until the pressure is restored.
If this isn’t done before the car is put back on the road to drive, motorists will find their usually firm brake pedal effortlessly sinking to the floor and their vehicle not slowing down whatsoever.
This could cause a potentially fatal crash due to uncontrollable speed that endangers both the driver in question and other motorists.
While Finlayson-Gumbs’ own experience with this process seemingly didn’t result in any major consequences, brake-related issues frequently cause accidents.
In 2018, the National Motor Crash Causation Survey reported that of roughly 44,000 vehicle defect-related crashes, nearly 22% (10,000) were the result of defective brake systems.
Similarly, a 2015 survey from AAA saw 35% of American car owners admit to delaying recommended vehicle maintenance.
Delaying brake maintenance can result in a complete failure of the system, whether thanks to worn down pads lacking the needed stopping power, corroded brake lines, or warped or cracked rotors.
How to avoid being scammed at the repair shop
Motorautocar and the AARP have east-to-follow tips to avoid being scammed by a repair shop.
- Motorautocar suggests asking to see parts that have been replaced or to see old fluids after they were swapped. If the shop says that’s impossible or refuses, it could be a sign it wasn’t done.
- Ask for a walkaround of the repairs that were done. Most mechanics are happy to show you what was done in the shop. While being walked around, look for evidence of repairs like the area being cleaned off, shiny new parts, tool marks on the bolts, tools being out or nearby, etc.
- Before taking your car in, look at other customer reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Many customers only review a company if they have negative reviews, so keep an eye out.
- For costly repairs, consider getting multiple opinions. If two to three shops suggest identical repairs, it’s likely to be true.
- Test a new shop with minor issues you’re aware of to see if they add anything to the repair bill.
- If applicable, bring someone to the shop who knows about cars to have them double-check or read a repair bill.
- Get everything on paper. Not only is it important for your repair records, but it can help protect you if legal measures are necessary.
Source: Motorautocar, AARP
With the recent uptrend in DIY mechanic interest from younger drivers, it’s important to ensure every single step is done to a tee.
While various mechanic content creators can help guide budding motorists through these repairs, it’s important to make sure this guidance is coming from a trusted source in the community.
DIY DISASTER?
Some content creators instead argue that drivers should stick to taking their cars into the pros when jobs get too complicated, like David Long, also known as the Car Wizard.
Long asserts that the ever-growing complexity of car computers means that in-depth jobs which were once possible to do at home now necessitate getting a repair shop involved.
He added that some jobs became “way more complicated than they needed to be” as a result of DIY mechanics trying to push themselves past their current skill and knowledge levels.
While there are some jobs that can be done at home, motorists with any doubts on what they’re doing or their own personal skills should leave it to the professionals, no matter what the job is.
