Epic Car Maintenance Fails and How to Avoid Them

by AutoExpert   |  17 April, 2024

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Okay, some people should just NOT be allowed near tools. Ever seen those "you had ONE job" memes? That's car maintenance sometimes. Here's the worst I've seen, and some I almost did myself...

Burned Out Lights? I'll Get to It... Eventually

Dude, replacing bulbs is EASY. Hit by some idiot who couldn't see your taillights is NOT.

Car Maintenance Fails

Jump Starts for Dummies (i.e. Me)

It sounds simple, but one screw-up and BOOM – fried electronics... or worse. Read the dang instructions FIRST.

Wiring: When 'Creative' = Short Circuit

Battery off, double-check the diagram... just pretend you're rewiring your house. You don't want your car doing the electric slide, trust me.

"My Tires Can Last a Little Longer..."

Until they blow out on the highway, right? Rubber rots, even if they look decent. Don't be that cheapskate.

Sloppy Brake Jobs = No Brakes At All

Grease on the pads? Recipe for disaster. This is when you either learn to do it right, or pay someone who will.

Car Maintenance Fails

The Missing Lug Nuts Mystery

Ever see a tire rolling down the road on its own? Yeah, that happens when you don't torque those babies down.

Oil Change, Minus the Oil...

Even the quick-change places mess this up. ALWAYS double-check, or your engine will seize faster than a cheapskate's wallet.

Car Maintenance Fails

Oil Filter: The Forgotten Step

Hand-tight is NOT enough. It'll hold... until you hit a bump, then it's oil-pocalypse under your hood.

Warning Lights? Meh...

That "check engine" light is annoying, we get it. But ignoring it can cost you BIG later on. At least look up what the light means!

Car Maintenance Fails

Recalls? I'm Too Busy to Bother

Dude, it's FREE. They'll fix what could literally kill you. Seriously, this is the easiest way EVER to take care of your car.

Car Maintenance Fails

My Own Dumb Moments

Okay, I'm not perfect. Almost electrocuted myself on a hybrid (those batteries are NO joke!), and once tightened a lug nut so much it sheared clean off... Learn from my pain, people!

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