Delving into the world of DIY vehicle maintenance and upgrades, we’ve gathered firsthand experiences from Founders and CEOs to share their triumphs. From a successful speaker installation to an exhaust system upgrade, explore seven personal stories that showcase the rewards of getting under the hood.
- Successful Speaker Installation
- Engine Rebuild Triumph
- Suspension System Overhaul
- Simple Fix, Big Save
- DIY Brake Upgrade Achievement
- Dash Camera Installation Win
- Exhaust System Upgrade Success
Successful Speaker Installation
I’ve done my fair share of DIY repairs and upgrades on my own vehicles over the years. I’m a big believer in maintaining and enhancing your ride yourself whenever possible. It saves money and gives you a great sense of accomplishment.
One of my favorite DIY success stories was installing new speakers in my old pickup truck. The sound quality from the factory speakers was pretty dismal. I did some research online to find speakers that would be a good fit and provide a major audio upgrade. I watched some YouTube tutorials to make sure I fully understood the installation process. Although it took a full Saturday afternoon wrenching away, the improvement in sound was well worth the effort. The bass hits harder, the highs are crystal clear, and the overall volume and clarity is night-and-day from the old speakers.
Now, every time I hop in my truck, I get to enjoy the fruits of my DIY labor. The whole project only cost me about $200 in parts—way less than what a professional installation would have cost. And I got the satisfaction and peace of mind of doing the work myself.
Jessica Sproat
Founder, Next Up Adventure
Engine Rebuild Triumph
As an avid car enthusiast, I have always enjoyed doing many of my own repairs and upgrades on my personal vehicles over the years. There is something very satisfying about tackling a challenging mechanical project yourself and having it turn out successfully. One of my most memorable DIY experiences was rebuilding the engine of an old muscle car I owned. I spent weeks meticulously dismantling, cleaning, and reassembling the engine and its components. Despite some frustrating setbacks, when I finally turned the key and heard that engine roar to life for the first time, it was an incredibly rewarding feeling. While DIY vehicle work is not for everyone, for those with the time, skills, and patience, taking on ambitious projects yourself can be highly rewarding.
Leif Holtzman
CIO, Lacure Villas
Suspension System Overhaul
Running Yijin Hardware, where precision engineering is everything, has instilled a deep appreciation for the intricacies of any project, including vehicle DIYs. I once replaced the suspension system of my car, a task that demanded attention to detail and a thorough understanding of mechanical systems. The process was challenging but deeply rewarding, leading to a smoother ride and enhanced performance. It’s a testament to the fact that with the right tools and knowledge, even complex tasks are manageable.
Gavin Yi
CEO, Yijin Hardware
Simple Fix, Big Save
When I was younger, I had a great love for British cars. In the early ’90s, I purchased a used Jaguar at a good price. However, it started to miss badly and backfire, causing me to take it to a local Jaguar dealer. Unfortunately, they told me that the repairs would cost a whopping $4,300, which left me feeling disheartened. I brought the car back home to park it as junk, feeling devastated. My husband, trying to find a lever to pop the hood, noticed a plug dangling from underneath the dash. He quickly found where it went and plugged it back in, and to our surprise, the car ran perfectly! It was a simple plug that had come unplugged all along. We were relieved as we didn’t have $4,300 to pay for the repairs, so finding the problem ourselves was a blessing in disguise.
Tammy Sons
CEO, TN Nursery
DIY Brake Upgrade Achievement
In my experience, I have had a lot of success with DIY repairs and upgrades for my personal vehicle. I have always been interested in cars and learning how they work, so when it came to maintaining and improving my own car, I was eager to do it myself. One successful DIY story I can share is when I replaced my car’s brake pads and rotors. It was a task I had never done before, but with the help of online tutorials and guidance from experienced friends, I was able to successfully complete the repair. Not only did this save me a significant amount of money compared to taking it to a mechanic, but it also gave me a sense of accomplishment and confidence in my abilities. Additionally, I was able to customize my car with upgraded high-performance brake pads, which greatly improved its braking performance.
Pavel Khaykin
Founder & CEO, Pavel Buys Houses
Dash Camera Installation Win
I installed a dash camera in my car on my own. The process was quite simple. The key part was figuring out the right way and time to connect the rear camera to the brake lights at the back of the car.
For my successful DIY story, I remember being a bit nervous at first, unsure if I could handle the electrical aspect. But after doing some research and watching a few tutorials, I felt more confident. I carefully followed the instructions, paying close attention to the wiring. The moment I connected everything and saw the dash camera working perfectly was really satisfying. It felt great to have added this useful feature to my car by myself. This successful experience has encouraged me to take on more DIY projects for my vehicle. It’s a rewarding feeling to know you can improve your own car with your hands and a bit of know-how.
Craig Focht
Cofounder & CEO, All Pro Door Repair
Exhaust System Upgrade Success
Solving complex problems is part of the daily routine, which translates well into personal projects. I took on the challenge of upgrading the exhaust system on my car. With a blend of engineering principles and meticulous planning, the project was a success, resulting in improved engine efficiency and sound. This experience was not just about enhancing the car’s performance but also about applying professional skills to personal passions, proving that technical expertise can make a significant impact outside the workplace.
Will Li
Hardware Engineer, MOKO Technology