9 Common Beginner Mechanic Mistakes

Whether you're 16 and just got a hand-me-down SN95, or you're finally taking the time to work on your first Classic Mustang project, every wrencher starts somewhere. Learning how to work on your ride can be super rewarding and save you money in the long run. Here are some of the most common beginner mechanic mistakes people make when working on their first car. These are in no particular order, so feel free to skip around if you already know a few of them.

Related: Check our our guide on the 6 worst car mods you can make for more tips on how to avoid costly modification errors.

1. Misusing or Abusing Hardware

There are a lot of different sized nuts, bolts, screws, and clips on vehicles. Using the wrong size socket or too small of a screwdriver can cause you to strip a bolt or round the head off a screw. Good luck trying to remove them if this happens to you. The best way to avoid stripped screws or broken hardware is to just find the right sized tools for the job.

Another thing to be careful of is cross-threading bolts. If you're installing something and the bolt feels wrong, it probably is. This happens a lot, but with time you'll start to get a feel for whether a bolt is truly "in." Cross-threading can damage the threads or even break the bolt. If this happens, you'll have to buy a kit to remove the broken or damaged bolt, so be careful!

2. Buying Expensive Tools

In second place on my list is buying tools that are more expensive than you really need. If you only work on your car a few weekends each year, you don't need to buy the best tools from Snap-on or Matco. These brands make great products, but if you're only using them occasionally, they're not worth the investment. Just buy the essential items and tools for your garage and you'll be fine.

If you start breaking stuff regularly, then buy something of better quality so it lasts longer. But don't spend too much money on one tool when you could get a whole set for less. That way, you have more options and are more likely to have the right tool for the job.

3. Using Gimmicky Tools

While those "one-size-fits-all" ratchets and sockets can be cool, they usually don't do a good job and can potentially damage or break the bolt. It's always better to invest in a good set of sockets, wrenches, and screwdrivers instead of getting one tool to do the job of many.

4. Ignoring Torque Specs

It can be a pain to look up the individual torque specs for your Mustang or the parts you're installing, but it's easier than ever thanks to the internet. In fact, most manufacturers provide the torque specs in your owner's manual or with the part instructions.

For certain things, like your oil drain plug, it's okay to eyeball it and go by feel. However, today's vehicles have a lot of torque yield bolts, which means it's extra important that you follow the manufacturer's specifications. You don't need an expensive torque wrench, but get yourself a decent one so that you can be sure you're doing the job right.

5. Misuse of Fluids

From using the wrong type of transmission fluid to over- or under-greasing something, there are lots of ways to screw up fluid maintenance. Make sure you know what fluids and lubricants are required for your car and that you're using the proper amount of each one. Knowing how much of the product to use is tricky, but if the manufacturer says to use the blue Loctite and not the red, then that's what you should do.

Anti-seize is important, so don't be afraid to use it if the manufacturer calls for it, even if it gets all over your hands. However, make sure you follow the directions and use a reasonable amount. The same goes for grease and gasket maker, so be sure to get the right kind and quantity of each so the job is done properly.

Related: If you're not sure what fluids you need for a certain job, we have a guide that breaks down every automotive fluid and its usage.

6. Not Disconnecting the Battery

if you're working with any electrical components, you need to disconnect the car battery. Even though 12 volts may not seem like a lot, it's enough to give you a good shock. Furthermore, disconnected wires or those lying around can touch something and cause an electric arc, which can damage electrical components.

You need to be especially careful in modern cars that have computers for almost every system. Shorting out just one of these systems can cost thousands of dollars to repair.

7. Leaving Critical Components Uncovered

Leaving open areas of your engine, transmission, or other critical components exposed while working on them is a recipe for disaster. If you're working near an exposed opening in your engine, just cover it up with some tape.

The last thing you want to do is drop even a small piece of plastic down into your engine. This will surely cause damage and could potentially ruin the engine. Tape is cheap and considerably easier to remove than a piece of debris from your engine.

8. Working Around Something Instead of Moving It

If a part or component is in the way while you're working, just move it. For example, if you're trying to work on your engine and the power steering pump is in the way, remove it instead of trying to use smaller ratchets or swivels.

The more space you have to work with, the smoother the installation is going to go. You're also less likely to damage bolts and other components since you're not using a bunch of extensions or swivels.

9. Getting In Over Your Head

It's easy to bite off more than you can chew when you first start working on cars. My final tip is to not get ahead of yourself. Start small, and have patience as you learn.

YouTube and social media can make installs look easier than they really are, since they have editors who cut out the mistakes and hang-ups. The worst thing you can do is take on a project that's too difficult for you to handle. You'll feel bad about yourself and your abilities, and you won't want to try again. It's just not going to be any fun. So work your way up to the big installs, and have fun along the way!

Becoming a Seasoned Wrencher Takes Time, So Start Today

Many installations are full of frustrations, but the feeling of accomplishment at the end is definitely worth it. So no matter what you're working on, get started today!. Working on cars should be a fun hobby, and learning about these common beginner mechanic mistakes should help you avoid some of the more frustrating aspects of the hobby.