Where can I get my car parts specifications? Oil filter size, etc...

[Kelvrick]

I lost my car manual but I need to find out what kind of parts my car needs, such as oil filter, air filter and such (toyota parts are too expensive for a college student).

Is there anywhere I can get one of those readouts like at Pepboys or Kragens, where they enter in my car info and the page tells them all the part sizes and such?

Thanks!

 

[notfred]

you can go to the oil filter section at the auto parts store and look in the big book that lists what oil filters go in what cars.

 

[RalphKramden]

Go to just about any auto parts store and they usually have the manuals for the parts next to the product.

 

[masterxfob]

i was going to tell you to get a helms manual, but it seems they don't like toyotas

 

[Kelvrick]

I know what type of oil filter my car needs, but I was just using that as an example. I just recently started working on my own car so I'd just like something to reference too.

I planning on getting a Haynes Manual, but its 20 bucks, so I just bid 4 bucks for one on ebay and its 2 days from completing. Does anyone have any recs for a better manual, if there is one?

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
Does anyone have any recs for a better manual, if there is one?

Not for $4 bucks. You may be able to get a complete service manual that covers basically EVERYTHING for the car, but those are expensive.

 

[LordUnum]

Originally posted by: notfred

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
Does anyone have any recs for a better manual, if there is one?

Not for $4 bucks. You may be able to get a complete service manual that covers basically EVERYTHING for the car, but those are expensive.

Yeah, and it's not necessary. Haynes or Chilton will clue you in on all the basics.

 

[Kelvrick]

Cool. Well, its like 7 bucks after shipping, but its still way cheaper then buying it retail.

I won't be needing those complete manuals, I'll stick with basic maint. until I get better at cars. Its just I bought tools yesterday and I'm bored today and I wanna start working on it.

EDIT: To sound like a complete car newb, but is there a specific place I put the car jack to bring up the car? I have the one in my trunk for putting in a spare tire, but I've never jacked up a car before. Is that one good enough for letting me change my oil?

 

[LordUnum]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
Cool. Well, its like 7 bucks after shipping, but its still way cheaper then buying it retail.

I won't be needing those complete manuals, I'll stick with basic maint. until I get better at cars. Its just I bought tools yesterday and I'm bored today and I wanna start working on it.

EDIT: To sound like a complete car newb, but is there a specific place I put the car jack to bring up the car? I have the one in my trunk for putting in a spare tire, but I've never jacked up a car before. Is that one good enough for letting me change my oil?

Actually, I think the more you do your own maintenance and get to know your car inside and out, the less you'll need to rely on the manual. As far as needing an expensive service manual, unless you need to rebuild an engine or tranny and/or need diagrams or pictures every step of the way, you'll be fine with the Haynes/Chilton for your year/model vehicle. Just dive in, start saving money and become more independent of $tealers and scheister mechanics.

 

[LordUnum]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
EDIT: To sound like a complete car newb, but is there a specific place I put the car jack to bring up the car? I have the one in my trunk for putting in a spare tire, but I've never jacked up a car before. Is that one good enough for letting me change my oil?

No way! I wouldn't advise working underneath a vehicle raised with that little tire jack most cars come with. Get a decent floor jack/jackstand set and/or ramp set. Should be $30-40 for either at most.

As for where to jack the vehicle up, either the car's owner's manual or the Haynes will let you know. If they aren't clear, try to jack on a strong piece of the frame nearest the wheels if possible. Have patience.

 

[Kelvrick]

Ok, so I'll go out and get myself a nice ramp or jack set. Any preferences? Is one better then the other?