What is the best way to learn car maintenance/repair in spare time?

dxkj

Lifer
Feb 17, 2001
11,772
2
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Just curious. I would be much happier if I could do the majority of the small things myself.
 

KLin

Lifer
Feb 29, 2000
30,294
623
126
goto a library and pick a chilton's manual and start reading. Or find a 2nd job as a mechanic's apprentice or something ;)
 

blackdogdeek

Lifer
Mar 14, 2003
14,453
10
81
Originally posted by: KLin
goto a library and pick a chilton's manual and start reading. Or find a 2nd job as a mechanic's apprentice or something ;)

yeah i'd get a job at a shop.
 

CaseTragedy

Platinum Member
Oct 24, 2000
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Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
Originally posted by: KLin
goto a library and pick a chilton's manual and start reading. Or find a 2nd job as a mechanic's apprentice or something ;)

yeah i'd get a job at a shop.
they'd just hire someone with zero experience?


-Case
 

Homerboy

Lifer
Mar 1, 2000
30,890
5,001
126
buy beater car, chilton's for said car, and a nice set of wrenches...
make it go again.
repeat for another make/model

 

blackdogdeek

Lifer
Mar 14, 2003
14,453
10
81
Originally posted by: CaseTragedy
Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
Originally posted by: KLin
goto a library and pick a chilton's manual and start reading. Or find a 2nd job as a mechanic's apprentice or something ;)

yeah i'd get a job at a shop.
they'd just hire someone with zero experience?


-Case

well maybe if he was willing to accept $0/yr :)
 

notfred

Lifer
Feb 12, 2001
38,241
4
0
What is the best way to learn car maintenance/repair in spare time?

Whenever your car breaks, or comes due for maintenance, fix it yourself. That is the best way.
 

KLin

Lifer
Feb 29, 2000
30,294
623
126
Originally posted by: CaseTragedy
Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
Originally posted by: KLin
goto a library and pick a chilton's manual and start reading. Or find a 2nd job as a mechanic's apprentice or something ;)

yeah i'd get a job at a shop.
they'd just hire someone with zero experience?


-Case

If the shop needed a gopher or someone to answer phones starting out they probably would.
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Best bet is to go to the local Tech/Comm. college and go to the shop class and ak the Teacher/Mechanic what are the most basic classes to take and take one of those. They have them at night and sometimes on the weekend.

Easy, and you don't have to mess up your car to do. :)
 

thebestMAX

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2000
7,508
136
106
Nothing better than experience.

It really isnt rocket science but the old cars were much easier to work on with out elaborate tools and testers. Routine maintenance really doesnt take much.
 

brtspears2

Diamond Member
Nov 16, 2000
8,659
1
81
I usually wait for my car to break, bust out the Haynes/Chiltons manuals and waste about half my day figuring out how to follow the paragraph of instructions and one photo.
 

DougK62

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2001
8,035
6
81
Haynes and Chilton manuals are both crap - not worth the paper they're written on most of the time. If you're going to buy a manual get the ones that the shops use. For GM it's Helm.

The best way to learn is by being taught. Find a brother/father/friend/etc that knows their stuff and have them help you when your car breaks.
 

Templeton

Senior member
Oct 9, 1999
467
0
0
The best way to learn really depends on the type of learner you are. If you pick things up after being shown how, then take some classes, or start hanging around a mechanically inclined friend. What's always worked best for me is to do some reading and have at it. Pick up a haynes or chiltons for basic stuff, for more advanced stuff, you'll definitely want the shop manual for your car. Look for local car clubs, preferably clubs that focus on your model of car, the people in these groups are usually extremely knowledgeable, and very willing to give any type of help you could need. Online car groups are great too, chances are if you are having a problem, someone else has already had it, and will know what to do.
Good luck
 

dxkj

Lifer
Feb 17, 2001
11,772
2
81
I might take a few classes at a comm. college. I have no relatives within a 300 mile radius, so that option is out. To those who recommended getting a job in a shop, notice the "spare time" in my thread subject. I dont have time to get another job :)
 

GalvanizedYankee

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2003
6,986
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Read the free articals..Text..Preventive maintenance is the key.

I've been a mechanic all my working life and Haynes has served me well, 90% of the time, for bikes and cars.

Register at Autozone, they have some good general repair articles and a decent database on different car models.

Do not buy crap tools, Sears is the price-point :) Never push a wrench, always pull. You are less likely to bust a knuckle pulling.

Read the safety chapter in your Haynes Manuel ;)