I'm so automobile stupid

[EmperorNero]

when it comes to cars, I'm in the dark. how would a guy like me learn about cars on his own?

I'm planning on buying "automobile for dummies"...should I get that? if no, what would you recommend?

 

[Ranger X]

How about "How to be a guy for dummies"??

J/K

 

[Imported]

I'd get some magazines that are primarily about the type of car you want.

 

[vi edit]

Edmunds

A very, very good site for beginners. Look on the left hand side of their site for their consumer advice. They have several very good articles on what to look for in a car, how to tell if you are paying too much, and how you should go about financing.

Very, very helpful. Not too mention very addictive.

Also, check their town hall forums for disscussions on vehicle performance/reliability.

 

[vi edit]

doh! misread your post

You want to learn about cars in general huh? Hmmm...that's sort of difficult. Cars are very, very different from one another. As others have said, it's best to look for sites/magazines aimed twords the particular automobile/manufacturer that you are interested in.

 

[Soybomb]

I agree with vi_edit if you're wanting to learn stats and what all the numbers mean etc. If you're talking about fixing it yourself, buy a cheap, beat up, abused car that you're kind of interested in, buy a factory service manual to go with it form the dealership and overhaul it (remove, rebuild engine, changes brakes, axle shafts, etc). For me there was no way better than hands on to truly understand it!

 

[Moonbeam]

I can't interpret poetry, I don't know cars....

Geez, forget about cars, get yourself a book on how to have faith in yourself. Try, "I'm OK, You're OK"

Look at Bush. He doesn't know anything and he's running for president.

 

[vi edit]

bad moonbeam! naughty moonbeam! Don't pervert a car thread with politics

 

[Ronstang]

Books are not real helpful unless you already know something about cars. It is almost impossible to teach someone how to wrench with just a book. I think you should get some books on general car knowledge/repair to help you understand all the systems and parts of a vehicle, but practical experience is the only way to learn. This involves a lot of experimentation and mistakes.

Do you have an interest in a particular type of car? If so then I would suggest looking into some of the local car clubs that center around that particular vehilce. Car clubs a are a wealth of info and experience. People are usually friendly and most are willing to help newbies learn, if you approach he situation correctly.

Most clubs don't require a person to actually own a vehicle, their only requirement is desire and passion. I really think this would be your best place to start if you are totally clueless about cars. If you have friends that are into cars that is another great place to start. I have been helping the local kids for years learn about cars since most of their fathers don't know diddly. It is very rewarding. It is always best to have someone to go to when you need help.

 

[shr00m]

Work part time in a junk yard dismantling parts...you will learn quickly.

 

[HKSturboKID]

Well....if you don't have a car...first things first GET A CAR.
Trust me you'll learn as you go along. Especially when your car broke down and you bring it to a mechanic and they rip your @ss off so bad that you'll learn faster than you can say Oil Change.

Been there, done that.

So thats what a fuse looks like....

 

[EmperorNero]

no, there're no specific cars I would like to learn. the reason I want to learn about cars is prevent car mechanics ripping me off...and plus, I would rather do it myself. and no, I don't have a car and I would not rather have it not break down so I can learn: I would rather learn now to prevent it from breaking down often. the thing I want to learn is the general stuff about cars: such as how to do an oil change, what a rotor and spark plug is, etc. and I think working at a junk yard or buying a beat up car (or a car for that matter) is out of the question in the near future.

 

[geno]

Buy a repair manual for your car - you'll learn so much from that. And most importantly - ask around. Talk to people and ask questions, that helps immensly as well.

 

[cxim]

most community /JR colleges have night noncredit courses in basic auto repair.

 

[navap]

bump

 

[Mday]

i am stupid stupid. =)

 

[geno]

navap, is there a reason you're bumping a bunch of threads or are you just being a nef?

 

[Moonbeam]

Listen to public radio's Car Talk.