Opening up my email on Tuesday morning, I was confronted by email with a batch of unsolicited articles from a journalist/copywriter who had used Google and AI to generate content on the technical aspects of cars and car components. After carefully reading through the articles, I was astonished by how inaccurate they were. This experience drove home the point that when it comes to seeking advice about cars, relying solely on internet searches is not the solution. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why depending on internet searches for car advice can lead to more harm than good, and why it's essential to consult with a professional mechanic or dealership for accurate and reliable information.

When it comes to cars, it's natural to turn to the internet for advice. Whether it's looking for DIY repair guides, product reviews, or opinions on different models, the internet is a vast repository of information on all things automotive. However, when it comes to getting advice on car-related issues, it's essential to be cautious about where you source your information from. While the internet can be a useful tool for research, it's often not the most reliable source of car advice. In this article, we'll discuss why you should never get car advice from the internet but rather consult a competent mechanic or dealership.

Let’s look at a few of the reasons car advice on the internet is dangerous:

Lack of expertise

The biggest issue with getting car advice from the internet is that the people providing the information may not be experts in the field. The internet is full of self-proclaimed "experts" who may have little to no experience or formal training when it comes to cars. (Remember stay-at-home mum of three Karen who knew more about Covid than every Doctor, Virologist and Infectious Disease Expert out there? Yes, her overweight, unemployed balding husband is also out there, giving car advice to all and sundry.)  As a result, the information they provide may not be accurate or could even be harmful if followed.

One-size-fits-all advice

Another problem with internet car advice is that it tends to be generic and one-size-fits-all. The reality is that every car is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Following generic advice found online could lead to further damage or more significant issues with your car. There is a reason that every manufacturer publishes a service manual for each of its’ models. And each service manual differs. Who best knows what your car needs, the engineers who designed and built your car, calculated and tested the design life and optimal performance of each component, or some who YouTube vlogger who has no technical background but is an easy-on-the-eye blonde?

Country Specific

Following on from One-size-fits-all advice, it is also worth noting that car advice that is specific to a particular country can vary widely due to differences in regulations, driving conditions, weather, and other factors. For example, the types of tyres recommended for driving in snowy conditions in Canada may be very different from those recommended for driving in dry, hot climates in Africa and Australia. The service interval in dusty climates for air filters vary widely from those in other parts of the world. Sometimes the filter is entirely different, bigger in size and uprated to cope better. South Africa, notorious for poor roads and potholes, often get cars with uprated suspension systems. We also sometimes get de-rated engines because of the octane of fuel. Additionally, the laws and regulations around car maintenance and repair can also differ from country to country.

Localization Of Parts

Local content requirements are regulations put in place by governments to promote local manufacturing and production of goods, including cars. These requirements often mandate that a certain percentage of a car's parts must be locally sourced or produced in order for the car to be sold in a particular market. This means that even though a car may look identical to its overseas variant, it could have different parts and components. We have seen this time and time again when building the StartMyCar database matching parts to vehicles. A W204 Mercedes C180 is not identical in all respects to the European W204 C180. Alternators, Tyres, Diffs are examples of parts which are often manufactured and fitted locally.

Misleading or false information

The internet is full of misinformation, and car advice is no exception. It's easy for people to share misleading or false information about cars, either intentionally or unintentionally. Unfortunately, this can cause car owners to waste time and money on unnecessary repairs or even cause damage to their cars.

No accountability

When you get car advice from a mechanic or dealership, you have someone to hold accountable if something goes wrong. They are trained professionals who can be held responsible for their actions. However, with internet car advice, there's no one to hold accountable. If you follow advice found online and it leads to further issues, you're on your own.

Warranty concerns

If your car is still under warranty, it's best to consult the dealership or a mechanic before making any repairs or modifications. The internet is full of DIY repair guides and tutorials, but if you attempt to repair your car yourself and void your warranty, you could end up costing yourself more money in the long run.

The Internet Is Useful, But…

The internet can be a valuable resource for car owners when it comes to diagnosing car problems. It can provide information about common issues and potential solutions, and it can also help car owners locate nearby mechanics or dealerships that specialize in their make and model of car. However, there are also limitations to the information found on the internet, and it's important for car owners to be cautious when using online resources to diagnose car problems.

When it comes to using the internet to diagnose car problems, one of the biggest advantages is the wealth of information that is available. Online forums, blogs, and repair websites can provide car owners with detailed information about the symptoms of various car problems and potential solutions. This can help point car owners in the right direction when it comes to identifying the cause of their car's issues, which can make it easier for a mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem.

However, there are also downsides to relying solely on the internet for car problem diagnosis. One of the biggest risks is that the information found online may not be accurate or reliable. There is a lot of misinformation and outdated advice online, and it can be difficult for car owners to distinguish between reliable sources and less trustworthy ones. This can lead to wasted time, money, and even more serious problems if the wrong repair is attempted.

In addition, there are certain car problems that should not be diagnosed or repaired by amateurs, regardless of the information found online. These include issues with the car's electrical system, engine, transmission, and safety systems. Attempting to diagnose or repair these types of problems without the proper knowledge and tools can be dangerous, and it can also cause further damage to the car.

You Need To Weed Out The Misinformation

To weed out misinformation on the internet when it comes to diagnosing car problems, it's important for car owners to be discerning about the sources they use. There are many trusted sites that offer reliable and accurate information about common car problems and repairs. These sites may be run by car manufacturers, industry organizations, or reputable independent sources.

When looking for reliable sources online, it's important to consider the author of the article and their pedigree. The author should have experience and expertise in the field of car repair or maintenance, and their credentials should be clearly stated on their website or article. Look for authors who have worked in the industry for a long time or have a track record of providing accurate information. Does the author have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and industry experience in designing O.E. parts for automotive powerhouses like  Ford and Toyota? Is he perhaps a Mechanic who has spent most of his life working on cars? A CV joint specialist or a French Cars specialist or someone with unmatched experience and expertise in his field?

In addition, it's important to consider the reputation of the website or publication where the information is found. Look for sites that are well-known and respected in the industry and avoid sites that have a history of spreading misinformation or questionable content. You can also look for sites that have been endorsed by industry organizations or other trusted sources.

Another good way to weed out misinformation online is to cross-check the information you find with other sources. If you come across conflicting information, seek out additional sources to verify the accuracy of the information. You should also consult with a trusted mechanic or dealership to get a professional opinion about the issue.

It's important to note that when it comes to diagnosing car problems and determining the best course of action for repairs, your manufacturer's service booklet should always be considered the authoritative source. Your manufacturer's service booklet contains detailed information about your specific make and model of car, including recommended maintenance schedules, parts, and repairs. This information has been developed and tested by the manufacturer and is specifically tailored to your car's unique specifications. The fact that some redneck in Arizona drove 100 000kms on the same set of spark plugs or that he hasn’t changed his oil in 6 years and his car is doing just fine, does not mean you should. Will he pay for your engine repairs?

In the case of conflicting advice found online, your manufacturer's service booklet should always be given priority. While other sources may provide useful tips and suggestions, they may not take into account the specific needs of your car or the potential risks associated with certain repairs or modifications.

It's also worth noting that following advice found online that conflicts with your manufacturer's service booklet can potentially void your car's warranty. This can be a costly mistake and could ultimately lead to more serious problems down the line.

Summary

Googling car advice can be equated to googling medical advice. Just as a headache could have multiple causes, a car problem could have various underlying issues. While the internet can provide some potential solutions or causes, it's important to remember that these sources are not always reliable or accurate.

Similarly, when it comes to medical advice, you wouldn't rely solely on the internet for a diagnosis or treatment. You wouldn’t ignore symptoms pointing to an impending stroke because someone on the internet had a headache and said it went away on its own with two Panados. You also wouldn’t call an ambulance convinced you have a brain aneurysm, when it may be just a regular headache. Instead, you would seek out a medical professional who can properly diagnose and treat your condition. Similarly, when it comes to diagnosing and repairing car problems, it's best to consult with a professional mechanic who has the experience and knowledge to properly diagnose and repair your car.

Just like how you may ask a doctor questions or suggest possible conditions, you can also ask a mechanic questions or suggest possible issues. Take whatever advice you found on the internet and run it by your mechanic. He can decide if it is sound or laughable (like the blogs I received and subsequently trashed). However, it's important to remember that the mechanic is the expert and their experience and knowledge should be trusted above any information found online.

But here is one really good use of the internet, searching and finding the parts you need for your next service or repair. And where better to start than at www.startmycar.co.za, home to the largest range of vehicle parts and accessories in Africa.