If you search for car maintenance videos on YouTube, you'll find a wide variety of content. From oil changes to brake pad replacements, and even timing belt changes, there are countless videos that explain how even beginners can follow along.

There's a reason everyone is turning to YouTube. According to an AAA study, vehicles that drive 15,000 miles a year incur about 11.04 cents per mile for maintenance, repairs, and tire replacements, which adds up to around $1,650 annually.

In an effort to save some money, I started searching and ended up watching a video on how to replace wiper blades. It took me less than five minutes and the parts cost around $20, making me wonder why I had been taking these tasks to a mechanic all this time.

The problem is that as you gain these successful experiences, your confidence grows. This can lead to tackling more dangerous tasks, like working on brakes or the refrigerant system, where mistakes can be truly hazardous.

So today, I'll break down which repairs are safe to do after watching YouTube and which ones, no matter how easy they seem, are better left to professionals.

First, let's look at the repairs you can safely do yourself.

Starting with oil changes, a typical oil change at a mechanic costs between $30 and $50 for regular oil, and $65 to $125 for synthetic oil.

If you do it yourself, you'll only pay for the oil and filter, which usually totals around $30 to $45, saving you about $25 to $75 each time.

However, the initial cost of equipment like an oil pan, jack stands, and a jack can be significant, so it might not be worth it for the first few times. If you have multiple cars that you drive frequently, it will definitely pay off in the long run.

Battery replacements, air filters, bulbs, and wiper blades are similar. These tasks can be done by hand without tools, so as long as you follow a YouTube video accurately, there's little room for error.

Brake pads are a bit of a gray area. The parts alone can cost between $35 and $175 per axle, while a mechanic will charge between $115 and $270. If done correctly, you could save between $120 and $240 per axle.

However, this is where things start to get complicated. If you miss a stiff caliper, the new pads could wear out in just a few months, and if you don't tighten them to the correct torque specs, you could experience vibrations while driving.

While it might be reasonable to attempt brake pads, the next level of repairs is a completely different ball game.

A prime example is the air conditioning refrigerant system. This is regulated at the federal level, and mishandling it without a certification can result in fines of up to $37,500 per incident.

There are warnings that if you mix air and refrigerant incorrectly, it can create an explosive mixture, indicating that this is not a matter to be judged by a 10-minute video.

Brake lines, hydraulic systems, timing belts, and airbags are also critical components that directly affect the safety of the vehicle. A single misassembled part may not show its effects immediately but could lead to serious issues weeks later, especially on the highway.

If you have a new car, you also need to consider warranty issues. If you attempt to fix a part under warranty and something goes wrong, you could end up having to pay for unrelated repairs out of pocket.

Personally, I believe that trying to save a few dozen dollars on parts could lead to accidents or warranty disputes, which would be a much larger loss. I recommend considering the unseen risks before focusing solely on visible costs.

In summary, replacing consumable parts that can be done by hand is well within the scope of YouTube tutorials, while tasks involving pressure, torque, and safety systems are not worth the risk for a few dozen dollars saved. When you receive estimates from repair shops next time, it might be helpful to categorize them based on these criteria.