At Web2Carz, we like to help you work on your car yourself whenever you can. But there's only so much you can do. Even with a garage full of tools, there will inevitably come a time when all but the most experienced of shade-tree mechanics will have to seek the help of a professional.
If you've forgotten what it's like to shell out huge dollars for your car, here's a reminder. These are five services better left to the pros.

5. Tires

New Car Shoes Will Make You Sad

This seems like an obvious one, yes? But how many of us budget for tire replacement? There is almost nothing as unsatisfying for a car owner as driving a car with $500 worth of new tires. When the time comes, know your tire size and needs. This could definitely help you snag a better deal on something you'll probably never think about again ... until you have to replace them ... again.

4. Alignments

How does that even work?

No one outside of the offroading community plans on getting their wheels aligned. Most of us get in the car and go. If after awhile, the car feels like it's pulling in one direction, many of us just deal with it. But you shouldn't. It can lead to premature tire wear and road vibrations. A proper alignment is not something you can accurately do on your own, despite what your former-mechanic cousin might try to convince you of.

3. Axle Work

Plan on shelling out big bucks

If you're willing to roll up your sleeves, simple things, like swapping hubs and installing axle shafts, are fairly straight forward. If, however, you find yourself in need of something more extensive — a new pinion seal, or something that requres carrier removal — don't even bother attempting it. Find a trustworthy mechanic who's comfortable with axle work. It won't be cheap, but it will be well worth the investment.

2. Transmission Work

Striking fear into the hearts of most car owners

Craigslist is full of ads listing cars that need "transmission work". Why? Because the modern automobile transmission might as well be the Large Hadron Collider. Most of us will never understand how they work. We just know that when they start to act up, we'll have to make a decision as to our car's future. Put it down like a lame dog, or mortgage the house to fix it? Either way, you won't be diagnosing it on your own.

1. Head Gaskets

Could it get any worse?

The thing about head gaskets is, a bad one spells doom, and only the most seasoned DIY car owner has the gumption to tackle it. The vast majority of us will have to tow our rigs to a shop. And what's worse, this is never going to be a cheap fix. If you find yourself in this position, it's best to hand over the keys before you overthink the decision to have it taken care of.