The cost of hiring a professional mechanic to maintain your car in New Zealand comes at a hefty price. With the rising costs of everyday living, many Kiwi drivers are tempted to skip the mechanic and carry out the work themselves. But DIY car maintenance has its pros and cons, and it is important to weigh up the options before making a decision. Here, we will explore the cost-benefit analysis of hiring a mechanic versus DIY car maintenance, to help New Zealanders make an informed decision.
The Cost of DIY Car Maintenance
DIY car maintenance can be a great way to save money, as you won’t have to pay the cost of labour. Furthermore, the parts are often cheaper when you purchase them yourself and you can even source used parts or buy second-hand tools at a fraction of the cost of buying new. The cost of DIY car maintenance ultimately depends on the work you are doing and the parts you buy, but you can expect to spend less than you would if you were to take your car to a professional mechanic.
But it is important to consider all costs before deciding on DIY car maintenance. If you don’t have the appropriate tools or the necessary knowledge, you may end up paying more money for mistakes and specialist tools. This could be a very costly mistake, as you may have to ultimately hire a mechanic to rectify the work.
The Cost of Hiring a Mechanic
When it comes to selecting a mechanic in New Zealand, you have a few different options:
- Head to your local garage or mechanic
- Take your car to a dealer
- Choose a mobile mechanic
In general, you can expect to pay more for a dealer than a local garage. Mobile mechanics are often slightly cheaper but can be limited in the services they offer.
Labour costs vary depending on the mechanic, make and model of car, and the type of work you need doing. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay:
- Around $115 an hour for basic labour at a local garage
- $250-$300 an hour for a dealer
- Around $100 an hour for a mobile mechanic
On top of the labour costs, you will also need to pay for any parts and materials needed for the job. The cost of these parts will depend on the make and model of car and the quality of the parts you choose.
The Cost-benefit Analysis
When deciding between DIY car maintenance and hiring a mechanic, it is important to consider the cost-benefit analysis. To decide which option is right for you, you need to weigh up:
- Cost: How much will each option cost?
- Time: How long will each option take?
- Skill: Do you have the necessary skills and tools to carry out the work?
If you need to carry out a small repair or routine maintenance such as an oil change, it may be more cost-effective to carry out the work yourself. But if the repair is complex or requires specialised tools and knowledge, it is best to leave it to the professionals.
Ultimately, the decision between DIY car maintenance and hiring a mechanic comes down to personal preference and your budget. For those who are confident in their DIY skills, it could be a great way to save money and build your knowledge of car maintenance. For those who lack the skills and confidence to carry out the work themselves, it is best to hire a professional mechanic to ensure the job is done properly.
