Having a reliable set of online auto repair manuals to guide you is a surefire way to make DIY car repair much, much easier. If you look at the big picture, you’ll see that these online auto repair manuals, particularly the free online repair manuals, are perhaps the primary tool that empowers the novice DIYer. How so?
Looking at things closely, you’ll find that online car repair manuals are like the elementary school books for DIYers; they teach about the ABCs of automotive repair. It may seem easy to many experienced mechanics and enthusiasts, but not all people have a clear grasp of the various concepts and the technical know how you’ll need when tackling automotive repair.
There are many who struggle with anything but the most basic of maintenance or servicing tasks. That’s not to belittle or demean anyone who’s like that. That is why things like free online auto repair manuals exist—in order to give the common man the knowledge necessary to perform particular car repair, maintenance and service tasks on his or her own.
Others may argue that many, if not most, of the available online repair manuals are still too technical for many people. Well, it just depends on which repair manual service you subscribe to. There are different services one can use, and one should be aware of his or her preferences when choosing which service to patronize. There are online manuals that offer the kind of content that is easily understandable by most people. It’s all a matter of assessing the services and features as well as reading up on testimonials and reviews.
These online repair manuals, more specifically the free ones, really are great tools that give power to the DIY beginner. Everyone has to start somewhere, and if you’re just getting your feet wet in automotive repair and customization, getting a reliable car repair manual is a great place to start.
A Look at Miscellaneous Charges: Extra Auto Repair Shop Charges You Should Know
In one of my previous posts last week, I talked about the usual breakdown of the rate that auto repair shops typically charge. These include the labor rate, the cost of the parts, and the miscellaneous charges. In this post, I’ll take a closer look at the broad term “miscellaneous” that you’ll find in your auto repair receipt.
What is this miscellaneous charge, and what are the items covered by this? Well, miscellaneous charges usually involve the supplies used by mechanics in performing the repair in your vehicle. These supplies could include the towel used by the shop, plus other shop chemicals such as penetrating oil and cleaner. The latter includes chemicals such as brake cleaner, elements used in cleaning the parts being repaired.
If you look at receipts from different auto repair shops, you’ll notice the difference in the way these shops compute the miscellaneous charge. Although there are shops that still compute the miscellaneous charge according to the actual items used, tallying each item on the receipt and indicating the price opposite each item, most shops today charge a flat rate for the miscellaneous fee, regardless of the actual supplies used. In the case of the latter, the rate varies from one shop to another. Some shops have a fixed rate for the miscellaneous charge while others compute this charge according to the billing of the labor hours, usually a certain percentage of the total labor rate.
This computation can be at the disadvantage of some customers, especially those whose cars were repaired without actually using a lot of shop supplies—that’s similar to paying for nothing. Therefore, if at all possible, you must go for auto repair shops that charge the miscellaneous rate per item, according to the actual supplies that have been used. This way, you know that you only pay for something that has given your vehicle direct benefits.
When in Doubt, Consult an Online Repair Manual
Stock knowledge can be a very powerful thing. You’ll be able to remember trivia and facts in an instant, and you won’t have to constantly review stuff you’ve learned or consult sources just to verify if some piece of information is correct or accurate. Still, there are times when your vault of stock knowledge can fail, and this is disastrous for anyone working on an automobile. After all, getting the wrong specs or performing the incorrect procedure on a car can lead to disastrous and expensive results.
When you don’t really have the answer for anything related to auto repair, that’s your cue to log on to the Internet and get your trusty online auto repair manual. It’s all about getting fast and easy access to the sort of information you require to work on your ride and finish important repair or maintenance tasks.
There are also manuals that provide schedule and specification info, so if you’re not sure how much torque this bolt requires or how often you need to service that component, you can always check using the manuals you are able to get your hands on.
And remember the best thing about the World Wide Web: you can get a lot of information for free. You don’t really have to spend a cent (well, except for paying your Internet service provider) just to get reliable information and accurate online repair manuals.
So, when in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult an online car repair manual. We can’t always count on stock knowledge to carry us through the day, and sometimes it is definitely best if we have a reliable resource to confirm if our stock knowledge is accurate as well. Start finding good online repair manuals immediately and build up your collection. You’ll never know when you will need information, so you should at least have a few manuals on hand.
When you don’t really have the answer for anything related to auto repair, that’s your cue to log on to the Internet and get your trusty online auto repair manual. It’s all about getting fast and easy access to the sort of information you require to work on your ride and finish important repair or maintenance tasks.
There are also manuals that provide schedule and specification info, so if you’re not sure how much torque this bolt requires or how often you need to service that component, you can always check using the manuals you are able to get your hands on.
And remember the best thing about the World Wide Web: you can get a lot of information for free. You don’t really have to spend a cent (well, except for paying your Internet service provider) just to get reliable information and accurate online repair manuals.
So, when in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult an online car repair manual. We can’t always count on stock knowledge to carry us through the day, and sometimes it is definitely best if we have a reliable resource to confirm if our stock knowledge is accurate as well. Start finding good online repair manuals immediately and build up your collection. You’ll never know when you will need information, so you should at least have a few manuals on hand.
What to Say and What Not to Say to Your Mechanic When Bringing Your Car for a Repair
Are you prone to automotive rip-offs? The fact is, auto repair shops and mechanics who have the habit of ripping their customers off choose their victims. They don’t actually prey on every customer that comes in. They only prey on people who show that they’re easy to deceive. And, they sometimes get their clue from the things that the customer says.
So, what are the things that you should say and should not say to your mechanic if you want to avoid an automotive rip-off?
What to tell your mechanic: A description of the symptoms you are experiencing in your vehicle.
If you’re having a problem in your drive, you should tell your mechanic in detail exactly what you are experiencing. Describe any noise that is evident, any vibration originating from somewhere in your car, etc. This will help the mechanic in the diagnosis.
What not to tell your mechanic: Your own assumption about what the problem might be.
Auto repair shops and mechanics on the lookout for a customer that they can rip off can use your assumption to tell you of a problem that does not actually exist and charge you for a repair that they don’t actually do. So, keep your assumptions to yourself and let the mechanic do his work.
What to tell your mechanic: A description of previous repairs done on the vehicle and past problems encountered, if any.
Information about any repair done or problem encountered in the past months will give your mechanic the whole picture and may just make the diagnosis faster and easier.
What not to tell your mechanic: That you’re not familiar with the part that is problematic.
This can raise the red flag among mechanics looking for a chance to trick their customers. They know that a clueless customer is easier to deceive, so telling them that you don’t have knowledge about your vehicle will greatly increase your likelihood to be ripped off.
Online Repair Manuals: Google Tips
Use quotation marks
Enclosing your search term with quotation marks will net results that are exact matches to what you searched for. This will allow you to filter through pages that contain your keywords, except they occur separately, so it’s not really what you want.
Limit your search terms
You need to know exactly what you want to look for. If you’re looking for a generic repair manual, indicate it in your search. If you want a diagram for a particular component or system, make sure you type that in your search query. Don’t be too conservative with your search. Don’t say “Porsche Repair Manual” if you really wanted to look for a “Porsche 911 Service and Maintenance Schedule.”
Use the “Search within results” function
Once you’ve already gotten an initial page of results, you can still search through those results! Neat, huh? This is a good way to look for particular content using only the results you already have, instead of searching through the whole World Wide Web.
The * Wildcard Can be Really Helpful
Not many use the * character in their Google searches, but it can be quite useful. The * will stand for any term, so if you are unsure about what should be part of your search keywords, you can use this to help look for viable results. For example, if you don’t remember the full name of a certain part, you can let the * do the trick.
These are just a few tips when working with Google searches to look for free online repair manuals. As we’ve discussed previously, there are still many other avenues through which you can find reliable online car repair manuals, and we’ll save the tips and tricks for those for a later post.
How Not to be an Easy Target of Auto Repair Rip-Offs
Similar to many other things, the auto repair world can be like a jungle. The strong preys on the weak. There are auto repair shops and mechanics that will try to rip off a customer who looks like an easy victim. So, you need to always look alert when bringing your car to a shop that you have never tried before. You need to look like someone who knows about vehicles so that a mechanic planning to rip you off will have second thoughts. Here are some tips:
Learn automotive basics. Regardless of the level of your knowledge and interest in automobiles, there are basic automotive tasks and concepts that are easy to learn. Even if you don’t have inclination towards vehicle repairs, you can still be familiar with a few things in your car. You must get yourself acquainted with the parts found under your hood. When it comes to this, and more, you can rely on your vehicle manual. This manual contains all the information about your ride, from its parts to the service intervals of certain components. Knowing this, it will be easier to see when a mechanic is trying to deceive you.
Learn to ask. Give out the symptoms you’re experiencing and ask for possible problems. Although there is risk in this, it’s better to ask than to assume and then find out later on that your assumption was wrong. By asking questions, you also tell the mechanic that you want to know everything about your car, and that could hinder a possible rip-off.
Learn to listen to your instincts. It is very important to establish trust with the auto repair shop in which you bring your vehicle. If you’re not comfortable and if you distrust the mechanic working on your ride, it’s best if you transfer your vehicle to another shop or to a mechanic that you trust.
Rip-offs by auto repairs shops might be common, but you can avoid being a victim with the given tips above.
Getting Some Free Online Auto Repair Manuals
Last time, we touched on how you can look for free downloadable online auto repair manuals. We mentioned the benefits of being able to cut down on repair expenses since you'll be doing the jobs yourself instead of paying your auto mechanic by the hour. In this post, we'll try to provide some more pointers and we'll even add a few links to get you started.
There are blogs that offer a wide array of different online repair manuals, auto repair guides, and just general information on various vehicle makes and models from all sorts of model years. You can find general specification manuals, schedules for periodic maintenance and service of various auto parts and systems, general repair manuals for particular vehicle models, installation instructions for specific vehicle components and accessories, and a load of stuff related to car repair.
Here are some good examples of sites that compile auto repair manual information, and they also have the added benefit of providing download links for a wide variety of manuals all in PDF format. The first one is http://www.freeautorepairmanualz.com, with its blog-style entries per manual. The good thing is that they are all sorted out by make in the sidebar, so you can use that to filter through their stuff. You can also use the search button above the sidebar to check if they have what you need. The other site is http://www.autozmagz.com/, which functions basically like the site discussed above. The difference is that you'll download the PDF file right away when you click the Download link.
There are many other sources for free auto repair manuals and free general car repair information. All you have to do is look for what you need specifically, including your vehicle's make and model in order to make sure that the results you get are relevant.
How to Avoid Phantom Parts, Services, and Repairs
Services and repairs that were not performed but were charged to you. Parts that you paid for but were not actually installed in your vehicle. This kind of trickery is a common practice among some auto parts shops, and many vehicle owners have fallen into this trap. But, that doesn’t mean you would. You can avoid this kind of rip-off by being watchful and alert. Take action and try these preventive practices:
When a mechanic tells you that a service or repair has to be performed, ask to watch while the mechanic works on your vehicle. This way, you’ll be sure that you are charged for a service that has been actually completed.
And if the mechanic says that a part is damaged and needs to be replaced, you can check the old part or even ask for it back to be sure that it is indeed replaced with a new one. The exceptions to this include alternators, distributors, and some parts that have a core charge. These parts will be remanufactured or recycled when damaged, and they should be returned to the manufacturer. If you want to take the part back, you’d have to pay a certain amount to the auto parts shop for the charge.
In relation to seeing or getting your old part back after a replacement has been supposedly installed, it’s also important that you know the part that you ought to receive—even just the basic, which is the look of the part. This is important so that you’ll know whether the old part that the mechanic returns to you is the right part. Otherwise, the mechanic can easily give you a different part taken from just any vehicle.
By remembering all the mentioned pointers above, you can be sure that auto repair shops and mechanics will treat you right.
Looking for Car Repair Manuals Online
Most people usually just go to the mechanic to get their cars fix when problems start to arise. Well, not everyone can afford costly repair jobs all the time, and there is a lot of money that you can save by simply getting a reliable auto repair manual and performing repair and maintenance tasks on your own.
You don't even have to go out and actually buy your own personal car repair manual. There is always the Internet, which you can use to gain access to free online car repair manuals. All it takes are a few well-placed searches and some well-defined keywords and you can find the solution to your automotive problems.
There are many download routes you can choose to find your online car repair manuals. For example, some forums use file-sharing sites like MegaUpload, 4Shared or Rapidshare to share Pdfs or scanned manuals to other owners and enthusiasts. This is a great way to get free information, since all you have to do is download the files.
You can also search blogs that share that kind of information about auto repair. Some of them also offer download links to car repair manuals and how-to books. There are even some that provide sections of actual vehicle technical manuals.In some cases, you can also find a few auto repair manuals shared via peer-to-peer applications and even in torrent form.
The key is to know what you are looking for. After all, if you don't know the search terms or how to limit your search to get the best results, you could end up in a wild goose chase for that elusive auto repair manual. We will cover tips and tricks in searching for online auto repair manuals in a future post, so make sure you watch out for that.
Auto Repair Shops: A Look at Phantom Parts, Services, and Repairs
This is a very common form of deception and rip-off that many vehicle owners encounter with auto repair shops and mechanics. You bring your vehicle to the shop because of a problem, and the mechanic tells you that there is a damaged part and that you need a new replacement. You give the mechanic a go signal to replace the part and leave everything at that, trusting that the mechanic will do the right thing—only for you to find out later on that the supposedly damaged part was actually in good condition and was not replaced, and you paid for nothing. That is, if you find out.
Phantom parts, services, and repairs pertain to parts that were supposedly installed and services and repairs supposedly performed, but were not. These are just another trick performed by some auto repair shops and mechanics to rip you off of your hard-earned dollars.
This kind of trickery comes in two common forms.
- Mechanics do not perform the entire service and repair. They do not replace the part that they said to be damaged. In cases like this, a mechanic complicates an otherwise very simple problem, telling you that a replacement part is needed when all that’s actually required is a little tweak here and there to restore the operation of the old part. Then, once your car works fine, they’ll tell you that they have already replaced the part when actually they have not.
- Mechanics perform the service or repair, but not as extensively as mentioned. They replace the part, but not with a brand new part but with just another part from a random vehicle. Although this can remedy the problem in your ride, the truth is that you still have been ripped off.
You may not know it, but it’s very easy for some auto parts shops and mechanics to perform phantom services and repairs. But, you can avoid being deceived. How? Check out the next post.
Online Auto Repair Manuals Save the Day
Here's a story: My friend was having some problems with his '03 Nissan Pathfinder. See, the air conditioning system on his old (well, relatively old) SUV was usually acting up. The AC was turning on and the blower was also on, so we suspected something was up with the fans.
I asked him if he still had his ride's user manual so that we can check the layout and possible troubleshooting info. The bad thing is, he had misplaced or lost the darned manual when he moved to our town a couple of years back.
So I took my laptop and got my browser open, and we proceeded to search for some information on his car's air conditioning system. We Googled and Googled until we came across this site with a lot of vehicle-specific manuals in PDF document form. Some even addressed specific issues or had particular system information.
Right there, smack on the first page, was information on the fan control amplifier of a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder. While we still didn't know if the fan control amplifier was at fault, it was a start. We can start performing some diagnostic tests on the system to find out what was causing the AC trouble.
Since we passed the first check concerning the blower motor, we knew we had the proper manual. So we started checking the fan control amplifier's power supply, proceeded to check the body ground circuit, then checked if there was proper voltage going to the amplifier itself. Turns out there were some busted harnesses, and we just swapped them out right after to restore proper AC function.
The Internet is really an excellent source of information if you just know where to look. If you search hard enough, there are online repair manuals that you can find for your specific vehicle make and model.
Auto Repair Shop Services: What are You Actually Paying For?
My last post was all about asking the right questions when bringing your vehicle to auto repair shops so that you will be fully informed about what is to be done to your car. In the process, you become fully informed and you become less prone to a rip-off.
Moving on, another thing that you must be fully aware of is the repair rate of the shop to which you bring your vehicle. I’ve asked this before, and I will ask this again: do you really know what you’re getting from your money?
Generally, the amount that you pay to auto repair shops covers any or all of the following:
* Labor rate or flat rate. Both of these refer to the rate for the actual work done to service your vehicle. However, while labor rate is often computed per hour, flat rate pertains to a fixed rate for a given service, regardless of the number of hours consumed. An example of a service with flat rate is a tune up.
* Parts. As the name implies, this pertains to the amount of a replacement part that is to be mounted in your vehicle as a replacement to a damaged part or as an upgrade. The price of the part may vary, depending on whether it’s new or remanufactured.
* Miscellaneous. Many shops will charge you for the supplies used in performing the vehicle service. These supplies include such things as rags. Other shops also have additional charges such as disposal fees.
It is very important to be clear with your mechanic about the breakdown of charges in your repair bill. You must know the exact items included so that you’ll be aware where your payment goes, down to the very last cent. The auto repair shops and their mechanics should be able to provide you with the comprehensive breakdown.
Online Auto Repair Manual Reviews: Haynes
Welcome to another installment of our reviews on online auto repair manuals. This time, we’ll be putting Haynes Manuals under the microscope. Technically, Haynes isn’t an online car repair manual service, but it’s an auto repair manual service that you can access online. The manuals are actual published books rather than digital ones.
Haynes already has a massive collection of vehicle-specific manuals, and you can simply search for one using the Haynes site [http://www.haynes.com/]. On the top bar, you just input the year, make and model of your ride to see what your options are. You can also browse through the catalog on their site and see the lists and cross-references to check if your ride is covered.
If, however, you want a manual for a vehicle that isn’t in their database yet, you will have to wait 5 months to get your manual. That’s because the company has a “complete teardown and rebuild” system. They actually get a car (or a few cars) of a particular make and model and tear it down piece by piece to better understand the systems and components.
It’s a really cool system, because you know that you’re getting as accurate bits of information as possible. That’s also an excellent source for all of the detailed photos, diagrams and repair/service procedures that you’ll find in each manual.
Aside from automotive repair manuals, Haynes also publishes techbooks and guides for bikes and ATVs. You can also avail of Spanish repair manuals.
If you’re the type who prefers something tangible that you can actually see and flip through, Haynes Manuals are excellent for your car repair needs. Plus, you don’t have to pay annual subscription costs because your purchase is a one-time deal. You don’t get the instant access and searchable topics of online car repair manuals, but you get something that you can consult even when you don’t have access to a computer and the Internet.
If, however, you want a manual for a vehicle that isn’t in their database yet, you will have to wait 5 months to get your manual. That’s because the company has a “complete teardown and rebuild” system. They actually get a car (or a few cars) of a particular make and model and tear it down piece by piece to better understand the systems and components.
It’s a really cool system, because you know that you’re getting as accurate bits of information as possible. That’s also an excellent source for all of the detailed photos, diagrams and repair/service procedures that you’ll find in each manual.
Aside from automotive repair manuals, Haynes also publishes techbooks and guides for bikes and ATVs. You can also avail of Spanish repair manuals.
If you’re the type who prefers something tangible that you can actually see and flip through, Haynes Manuals are excellent for your car repair needs. Plus, you don’t have to pay annual subscription costs because your purchase is a one-time deal. You don’t get the instant access and searchable topics of online car repair manuals, but you get something that you can consult even when you don’t have access to a computer and the Internet.
Online Auto Repair Manual Reviews: Chilton
“Where smart enthusiasts click for service information”—that’s the tag line that Chilton DIY Online Auto Repair Manuals. In this post, we’ll be taking a quick look to see if it stays true to that promise.
Chilton DIY is made by Cengage Learning, a Singapore-based provider of modern learning solutions for both traditional and virtual learning environments. On the whole, Chilton DIY offers a healthy mix of features. You get detailed spec sheets that also contain corresponding maintenance schedules, illustrated step-by-step procedures for servicing and repairing your ride, troubleshooting vacuum and wiring diagrams, and access to certified mechanics that can answer questions (at a small price, of course). There are also videos and animations that can make it easier to learn and understand certain procedures.
All you need to access the manual is to make sure your computer complies with the minimum requirements, though you most probably will be able to use it as long as you have a decent computer or laptop by current standards. System requirements are Adobe Flash and Shockwave players, Windows XP or Vista operating system, Internet Explorer 6 or higher or Mozilla Firefox 2 or higher, and a high-speed connection.
Now let’s go to another important factor: cost. A Chilton DIY subscription will cost you $24.95 annually, with a 30-day option for $14.95. If you’re getting one, might as well take the 12 months because you get better value that way. That’s good for registering one vehicle. The price is right about the cost of an actual vehicle-specific manual from other sites like Haynes, with the difference being this is all online. If you’re not too keen on paying monthly or annually, you can opt for more generic Chilton DIY Total Car Care CD-Roms, which fetch for $19.95 each.
Overall, Chilton DIY is a good online repair manual alternative. If you’re willing to pay the yearly fee, the complete set of information in a manual for a particular vehicle make and model should be well worth the price.
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| Chilton DIY screenshot |
All you need to access the manual is to make sure your computer complies with the minimum requirements, though you most probably will be able to use it as long as you have a decent computer or laptop by current standards. System requirements are Adobe Flash and Shockwave players, Windows XP or Vista operating system, Internet Explorer 6 or higher or Mozilla Firefox 2 or higher, and a high-speed connection.
Now let’s go to another important factor: cost. A Chilton DIY subscription will cost you $24.95 annually, with a 30-day option for $14.95. If you’re getting one, might as well take the 12 months because you get better value that way. That’s good for registering one vehicle. The price is right about the cost of an actual vehicle-specific manual from other sites like Haynes, with the difference being this is all online. If you’re not too keen on paying monthly or annually, you can opt for more generic Chilton DIY Total Car Care CD-Roms, which fetch for $19.95 each.
Overall, Chilton DIY is a good online repair manual alternative. If you’re willing to pay the yearly fee, the complete set of information in a manual for a particular vehicle make and model should be well worth the price.
Questions to Ask When Bringing Your Car to Auto Repair Shops
The first step to avoiding a rip-off from auto repair shops is awareness. And to be aware of the work that is to be done on your vehicle, you must investigate and make inquiries to the shop mechanic when you bring your vehicle in for repair. Keep yourself fully informed. Ask the following questions:
- Will the inspection be charged? Most shops will inspect your vehicle for free, but it is still a good idea to ask. This way, you won’t be surprised when you see an inspection fee in your bill.
- What will be included in the bill? Other than the labor charge and the replacement part needed, if ever, what other items will be included? Will there be miscellaneous charges such as disposal fees? Again, you would want to know these to avoid elements of surprise.
- Of course, what is the problem with the car and what does the mechanic plan to do about it? Will it require a simple repair or is a replacement part needed? If so, will it be a new part, a remanufactured component, or a used one?
- Will the shop provide a warranty to the work that it has performed on your car? Asking this question will force a mechanic to make his work above standard so that the shop won’t have to deal with warranty issues later on.
- How long will the work take? This question will ensure that your mechanic will take your car as his priority and work on it promptly. Similarly, this will tell you whether the mechanic is doing a good work. You can compare the time given to you to the usual time that the said service consumes—you will find your needed information online.
An informed customer is an empowered customer—and this also applies to you when bringing your vehicle to auto repair shops. By asking the right questions, you establish control of the situation and you become less prone to getting ripped off.
Auto Repair is Made Easy Thanks to Online Auto Repair Manuals
Perhaps you’ve encountered a problem with your car and didn’t know how to fix it, or you might not even know what caused the problem in the first place. So you go to your nearest mechanic and pay a fine sum to get your car fixed. If you want to do repair jobs on your own, don’t worry—there are always online auto repair manuals that you can use to give you the lowdown on what to do and how to do it.
With online car repair manuals, fixing your car’s problems and performing maintenance jobs become much easier. Plus, you get your ride back in excellent working condition without having to spend more money to get professional mechanics to work on the vehicle. The first thing you’ll need to have, of course, is the willingness to learn and to be able to do these tasks on your own.
These online repair manuals cover practically all aspects of auto repair, from maintenance to diagnosis and troubleshooting to the actual process of fixing particular issues. What makes it easier even for DIY beginners is that there are step-by-step instructions that are quite easy to understand. Never mind if you only have a basic or shallow grasp of automotive components and systems; manuals also provide explanations on what a certain part does and what its role is in the overall operation of your vehicle.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started working on your car by yourself. After all, with online repair manuals, auto repair becomes easier. All you need is to arm yourself with the information you’ll need to understand and solve the problem at hand. As a mid-80s cartoon used to say, “Knowing is half the battle.” When it comes to fixing your car, online auto repair manuals can provide that knowledge that will get you through any battle.
With online car repair manuals, fixing your car’s problems and performing maintenance jobs become much easier. Plus, you get your ride back in excellent working condition without having to spend more money to get professional mechanics to work on the vehicle. The first thing you’ll need to have, of course, is the willingness to learn and to be able to do these tasks on your own.
These online repair manuals cover practically all aspects of auto repair, from maintenance to diagnosis and troubleshooting to the actual process of fixing particular issues. What makes it easier even for DIY beginners is that there are step-by-step instructions that are quite easy to understand. Never mind if you only have a basic or shallow grasp of automotive components and systems; manuals also provide explanations on what a certain part does and what its role is in the overall operation of your vehicle.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started working on your car by yourself. After all, with online repair manuals, auto repair becomes easier. All you need is to arm yourself with the information you’ll need to understand and solve the problem at hand. As a mid-80s cartoon used to say, “Knowing is half the battle.” When it comes to fixing your car, online auto repair manuals can provide that knowledge that will get you through any battle.
How to Deal with Auto Repair Shops that Might be Trying to Rip You Off
In my last post, I mentioned a few pointers about avoiding rip-offs by auto repair shops. Avoidance is the key. But, no matter how you avoid these, there are still instances when you will find yourself in the middle of an uncomfortable situation with a mechanic who might be trying to rip you off. Here are some things that you can do:
- If the mechanic tells you that he has replaced a part because it’s damaged, and is now asking you to pay a higher amount than you agreed on earlier, ask to see the original part that has been replaced. See if it is indeed damaged in any way. Don’t agree to pay the additional amount if the mechanic can’t show you the replaced part. The mechanic may have performed what is termed as a “phantom service” (more on this in one of my upcoming posts).
- If a mechanic is charging you for a repair that he said he performed without you seeing it, ask a warranty from the mechanic. This way, you can save on your money when you encounter a premature problem with the part that has been supposedly fixed. Get the warranty in writing.
- Don’t pay at once without checking the bill. If there are items that look suspicious, clarify them with the mechanic before paying for them. This will eradicate any feeling of distrust and dissatisfaction that you might have.
- And of course, if a rip-off has happened and auto repair shops refuse to settle the problem with you, you can always complain to authorities and authorized bodies such as the Better Business Bureau.
By knowing all these, you won’t be left out feeling angry about a deception. You can instead channel your energies into doing the appropriate thing to do to deal with rip-offs by auto repair shops.
Online Auto Repair Manuals versus Paper Manuals: And the Winner is…
We’ve said that there is a shift in the preferences of both manufacturers and consumers towards digital manuals. In this post, we’ll see which type is actually better: online auto repair manuals or printed paper car repair manuals. Let’s start the slugfest right now!
Digital versus Paper
We need to conserve natural resources and care for our environment. Among the green initiative manufacturers are employing is to use less paper so that trees can be spared. We can advocate that as well, and we can do this by using paperless means to help us in auto repair. This involves using digital manuals. Printed manuals, naturally, make use of paper. Go figure. Winner: online auto repair manuals
Accessibility
A vast majority of people can access the Internet in this day and age. That makes online repair manuals very easy to consult; just turn your computer or laptop on, connect to the web, and search for whatever it is you need to do. While that is generally the case, what happens when there’s a power outage or your Internet provider is having problems involving your connection? You won’t be able to get to your online car repair manual. For printed versions, you can just get it from your bookshelf and thumb through the pages anytime you want. Winner: Tie
Content
When it comes to printed car repair manuals, the depth of the information you’ll be getting varies depending on which one you purchased. You can even get specialized ones meant for particular vehicle makes and models. With online auto repair manuals, however, you get all the content you’ll need in just a single site or database. Winner: online auto repair manuals
Cost
There are free auto repair manuals. Enough said. Winner: online auto repair manuals
Well, that’s it for our head-to-head comparison—for now. It looks like online car repair manuals have the decided advantage. Make sure you try one if you haven’t already, just so you can see for yourself if online manuals are perfect for you.
Digital versus Paper
We need to conserve natural resources and care for our environment. Among the green initiative manufacturers are employing is to use less paper so that trees can be spared. We can advocate that as well, and we can do this by using paperless means to help us in auto repair. This involves using digital manuals. Printed manuals, naturally, make use of paper. Go figure. Winner: online auto repair manuals
Accessibility
A vast majority of people can access the Internet in this day and age. That makes online repair manuals very easy to consult; just turn your computer or laptop on, connect to the web, and search for whatever it is you need to do. While that is generally the case, what happens when there’s a power outage or your Internet provider is having problems involving your connection? You won’t be able to get to your online car repair manual. For printed versions, you can just get it from your bookshelf and thumb through the pages anytime you want. Winner: Tie
Content
When it comes to printed car repair manuals, the depth of the information you’ll be getting varies depending on which one you purchased. You can even get specialized ones meant for particular vehicle makes and models. With online auto repair manuals, however, you get all the content you’ll need in just a single site or database. Winner: online auto repair manuals
Cost
There are free auto repair manuals. Enough said. Winner: online auto repair manuals
Well, that’s it for our head-to-head comparison—for now. It looks like online car repair manuals have the decided advantage. Make sure you try one if you haven’t already, just so you can see for yourself if online manuals are perfect for you.
How to Avoid Being Ripped Off by Some Auto Repair Shops
You might be familiar with all the deceptive practices of many auto repair shops, but the more important thing that you must learn is this: how to keep out of them and avoid being a prey to these practices. Here are a few tips:
- If you go in for a free inspection or a free service and you’re told afterwards that the mechanic has found a problem that needs immediate repair, ask questions. Ask what the problem is and what its symptoms are. Ask for complete explanation about the problem. Check the part that is supposedly damaged to see whether it really looks worn, torn, or broken. If you’re not convinced that there really is a problem, ask for a second opinion.
- If you bring your vehicle for repair and the mechanic gives you a quote or an estimate, see to it that it’s put to writing. This way, in case the mechanic tries to charge you with a higher price later on, you have proof about your earlier agreement.
- If you notice symptoms of a problem in your ride, do some research before bringing your car to auto repair shops. Check out forums and ask questions. This way, you’ll have an idea about the possible problem. When you get to the shop, you’ll know what to ask and the mechanic will realize that you are in the know. Any mechanic planning to rip you off will have second thought about doing it.
Some auto repair shops will rip you off once they get even the slightest chance to do so, but remember that the outcome is in your hands. So, be on guard when bringing your vehicle to the shop, especially if it’s your first time in that shop. Familiarize with all that you should do to avoid possibilities of deception.
Some Benefits of Using Online Auto Repair Manuals
Did you know that many manufacturers from different industries are switching to digital manuals? Even those fancy and glossy PlayStation 3 game manuals are disappearing into the void in favor of manuals that you can access online and in the game itself. Even manuals for auto repair are becoming quite obsolete, and we have the internet to thank. Online auto repair manuals are the “in” thing right now, mainly because of the ease and speed of access they offer.
Using online manuals provides mechanics and DIY enthusiasts like you with a wide range of information that you can access within a few clicks of the mouse. You won't need to flip through page upon page or filter through a load of text just to find what you need to know. After all, you can just browse through various sites that offer a boatload of auto repair information and even manuals in different document formats.
Aside from online content, there are online auto repair manuals in program form that you can download. These programs contain a treasure trove of auto repair information, including databases of problems, diagnostics and actual procedures. With a collection of content and a user-friendly interface, even the most un-tech-savvy will be able to maneuver through the menus and dialog boxes to find their desired how-to advice. Of course, make sure you do download one with a manageable interface.
Auto repair can be difficult for many people, especially those who are only starting out doing their own repairs or maintenance tasks. With the help of online auto repair manuals, however, things will definitely get easy enough that you can perform any task on your ride without having to go to your mechanic. You save on repair costs this way, and you also won’t need to spend on expensive auto repair books.
Using online manuals provides mechanics and DIY enthusiasts like you with a wide range of information that you can access within a few clicks of the mouse. You won't need to flip through page upon page or filter through a load of text just to find what you need to know. After all, you can just browse through various sites that offer a boatload of auto repair information and even manuals in different document formats.
Aside from online content, there are online auto repair manuals in program form that you can download. These programs contain a treasure trove of auto repair information, including databases of problems, diagnostics and actual procedures. With a collection of content and a user-friendly interface, even the most un-tech-savvy will be able to maneuver through the menus and dialog boxes to find their desired how-to advice. Of course, make sure you do download one with a manageable interface.
Auto repair can be difficult for many people, especially those who are only starting out doing their own repairs or maintenance tasks. With the help of online auto repair manuals, however, things will definitely get easy enough that you can perform any task on your ride without having to go to your mechanic. You save on repair costs this way, and you also won’t need to spend on expensive auto repair books.
The Most Common Rip-Offs Practiced by Some Auto Repair Shops
Auto repair rip-offs are a common practice among some auto repair shops. These shops prey on unsuspecting customers using tactics designed for deception. If you’re bringing your vehicle to a shop that you’ve never tried before, it pays to practice caution and to be on guard to avoid rip-offs. Below is a list of the most common deceptions practiced by some repair shops:
Free Inspection and Free Service Scams. You’ll see these ads posted by many repair shops—free auto inspection, free change oil, and many other services offered for free. It’s important to note that many of these are genuine, services designed to serve customers. However, there are some that are formulated as a means of deception. How? Some auto repair shops will perform an inspection or service for free, only to tell you afterwards that they have found a problem with your vehicle upon inspection and then recommend that you let them fix it—at a very expensive rate. In most of these cases, the problem they will tell you is not even existing.
Accelerated Service Intervals. When you check your vehicle manual, you’ll see a list of common maintenance procedures that you need to perform at given intervals—according to the manufacturer. However, when you bring your vehicle for repairs, some shop mechanics will tell you to do maintenance—replace parts like filter and change fluids—at a shorter interval. Some of them even go to the extent of doing the service (without your permission) and charge you later on.
Sudden Price Hikes. In connection with the second, you must watch out for auto repair shops that charge way higher than the usual estimate cost given by the mechanic. They’ll tell you they found other problems, which they repaired without telling you, and then charge you for them.
These three are just among the few, but there are other practices that you should watch out for. You must know how to deal and avoid things like this when going for repairs. How? Watch out for the next post.
Introduction: Auto Repair Awareness Can Save You Dollars
Automotive repairs are getting more and more expensive. But, do you really know what you’re getting from your money?
I know how auto enthusiasts like you value your car, and I know how difficult it is to entrust it to the hands of another—especially a stranger. If you want to be sure that your car will be taken care of and that you will be satisfied with the service that you get from auto repair shops, it is in your hands to take action and ensure that your hard-earned money is put to good use.
One thing you need to do is to guarantee that the auto repair shop to which you bring your car will treat you fairly. Watch out for the tricks that some shops and mechanics practice in order to rip their customers off and earn additional dollars.
This is not a secret: there are many auto repair shops (not all of them, though) that are dishonest to their clients. How do you combat these kinds of shops? How do you avoid getting ripped off?
The answer is awareness. You need to know about the typical forms of dishonesty practiced by mechanics. You need to watch out for them. Similarly, you must have even just a little knowledge about your vehicle so that you won’t be easily fooled. Learn to ask the right questions when bringing your car to shops. Also, do some research when your vehicle encounters problems so that you’ll have an idea about the needed amount of work when you go in for repairs. If at all possible, ask referrals from friends so that you won’t have to take your chances on a shop that you’ve never encountered before. And lastly, know the actions that you must take if you find that you were ripped off by auto repair shops.
All of these, and more, I will talk about later on in this blog to help vehicle owners and enthusiasts like you get the most from your auto repair budget.
Best Reasons Why Online Auto Repair Manuals are a Worthwhile Investment for DIYAuto Mechanics
Before you try to tear your vehicle apart, make sure you find out the fundamentals of automobile repair, which you can get from online auto repair manuals. Without online auto repair manuals to help you through the process, you will be in for problems and large expenses. Lots of online auto repair manuals are yours for the taking, so why don't you obtain some online auto repair manuals?
When you're clueless about how to fix an issue in your car, online auto repair manuals come in handy. That is why online auto repair manuals exist: they are made to help you comprehend quickly how to repair certain damage in your car.
You might be wondering why there's a need for online auto repair manuals. Printed auto repair manuals are quickly becoming a thing of the past, while online auto repair manuals are in demand these days. It's no wonder because the Internet is the in thing these days, and online auto repair manuals cater to car owners who would rather fix their car on their own than spend a fortune in auto repair shops. Do you think you're one of those people who are in need of online auto repair manuals?
The benefit of downloading online auto repair manuals is that you can have access to online auto repair manuals at lightning speed and use them right after. It won't take you long to find the site that contains a database of online auto repair manuals and download them thereafter. Rather than checking multiple pages of printed repair manuals, you can save more time by just clicking through different links to find and download online auto repair manuals. If you always have a stressful schedule, then you will find online auto repair manuals the perfect DIY repair companion. For people who hates wasting away even just minutes of their life, easily downloadable online auto repair manuals are just perfect. If you make online auto repair manuals your friends, they will defnitely take care of your DIY repair needs.
If you're looking for convenience, then online auto repair manuals will never disapppoint. For example, you can have your online auto repair manuals printed so that you can take them with you as you fix your car in your car port. When you can't understand, for instance, how a wiring goes into a certain electrical system in your car, then the ability to print online auto repair manuals proves to be very useful.
On top of that, online auto repair manuals are less costly than printed repair manuals. With online auto repair manuals in your garage, you won't need to hire an auto technician to do the repairs for you. Finding it hard to choose between going to the local repair shop and getting online auto repair manuals for DIY projects? Listen, pal. Using online auto repair manuals is certainly the better option.
When you browse the Internet for online auto repair manuals, you can find online auto repair manuals in various formats such as ebook, PDF, audio, and video. If your online auto repair manuals are in either ebook or PDF format, then you can immediately print them for quick reference. Simply put, online auto repair manuals give you flexible options.
In addition, a lot of online auto repair manuals include location diagrams to help you visualize the various systems in your vehicle. What's more, online auto repair manuals include the most commonly occuring problem in cars with the same year, make, and model as yours. Up-to-date information in terms of diagnosing, fixing, and repairning cars is extermely important. That is what online auto repair manuals can offer. Suffice it to say that all these advantages are unique to online auto repair manuals; rarely would you find them in printed auto repair manuals.
Online auto repair manuals are indeed excellent substitutes for printed auto repair manuals. Aren't online auto repair manuals simply helpful?
You need not worry about locating online auto repair manuals. Why is that so? Because the Internet is teeming with plenty of online auto repair manuals to pick from. It's simple: you just go to a search engine, key in the year, make, and model of your car plus the word "manual" and off you go to find online auto repair manuals. Afterwards, the search results will show you the links to different sites that cater to car owners who are looking for online auto repair manuals. These online auto repair manuals may be available at no cost or for a certain fee.
To make your search for online auto repair manuals a lot easier, you can narrow it down so that you won't have to browse through lots of results pages showing links to online auto repair manuals. What if you need online auto repair manuals that focus on brake problems of 1995 Ford Mustangs? Simply type in the following search terms: year, make, and model + repair manual + brake issues so that you can get specific search results on online auto repair manuals that you need.
You also need to take into account only those online auto repair manuals made with accuracy in mind. In doing so, you'll be confident about doing the right repairs. You need to pick only reputable brands with almost perfect content so that you can ensure that you will get accurate online auto repair manuals. In case you find obvious errors in the content, don't bother reading those online auto repair manuals anymore and start looking for other manuals on the Internet.
Comprehensive and detailed information is also a quality of good online auto repair manuals. Details are the foundation of all online auto repair manuals, and without them, DIY repairs will be pointless. As a novice auto repair DIYer, you need easy-to-understand steps on repairing certain vehicle problems. Look for user-friendly and direct-to-the-point online auto repair manuals. How do you exactly do that? It is important to look at the ease of navigation of the online auto repair manuals. That way, you ensure that you can easily understand the methods stated in the online auto repair manuals. An intuitive search feature is a bonus point when you're looking for online auto repair manuals. This feature makes it a lot easy for you to look for any information you need in a jiffy.
A number of online auto repair manuals come in monthly or annual subscriptions. You get to save a lot of money for an investment that can last for a long time. As explained earlier, online auto repair manuals are less expensive than printed manuals. Because you want the best care for your car, you deserve nothing but the best guidance that high-quality online auto repair manuals offer.
Get yourself some online auto repair manuals to take out the guesswork in car repair and steer clear of costly repair bills. And when you finally get hold of online auto repair manuals, you can start that challenging yet satisfying and money-saving job called DIY auto repair. So, are you ready to take on the difficult task with the guidance of your online auto repair manuals? Enjoy worry-free DIY repairs wth online auto repair manuals that are within your reach.
When you're clueless about how to fix an issue in your car, online auto repair manuals come in handy. That is why online auto repair manuals exist: they are made to help you comprehend quickly how to repair certain damage in your car.
The Pros of Using Online Auto Repair Manuals
The benefit of downloading online auto repair manuals is that you can have access to online auto repair manuals at lightning speed and use them right after. It won't take you long to find the site that contains a database of online auto repair manuals and download them thereafter. Rather than checking multiple pages of printed repair manuals, you can save more time by just clicking through different links to find and download online auto repair manuals. If you always have a stressful schedule, then you will find online auto repair manuals the perfect DIY repair companion. For people who hates wasting away even just minutes of their life, easily downloadable online auto repair manuals are just perfect. If you make online auto repair manuals your friends, they will defnitely take care of your DIY repair needs.
If you're looking for convenience, then online auto repair manuals will never disapppoint. For example, you can have your online auto repair manuals printed so that you can take them with you as you fix your car in your car port. When you can't understand, for instance, how a wiring goes into a certain electrical system in your car, then the ability to print online auto repair manuals proves to be very useful.
On top of that, online auto repair manuals are less costly than printed repair manuals. With online auto repair manuals in your garage, you won't need to hire an auto technician to do the repairs for you. Finding it hard to choose between going to the local repair shop and getting online auto repair manuals for DIY projects? Listen, pal. Using online auto repair manuals is certainly the better option.
When you browse the Internet for online auto repair manuals, you can find online auto repair manuals in various formats such as ebook, PDF, audio, and video. If your online auto repair manuals are in either ebook or PDF format, then you can immediately print them for quick reference. Simply put, online auto repair manuals give you flexible options.
In addition, a lot of online auto repair manuals include location diagrams to help you visualize the various systems in your vehicle. What's more, online auto repair manuals include the most commonly occuring problem in cars with the same year, make, and model as yours. Up-to-date information in terms of diagnosing, fixing, and repairning cars is extermely important. That is what online auto repair manuals can offer. Suffice it to say that all these advantages are unique to online auto repair manuals; rarely would you find them in printed auto repair manuals.
Online auto repair manuals are indeed excellent substitutes for printed auto repair manuals. Aren't online auto repair manuals simply helpful?
Where to Download Online Auto Repair Manuals
To make your search for online auto repair manuals a lot easier, you can narrow it down so that you won't have to browse through lots of results pages showing links to online auto repair manuals. What if you need online auto repair manuals that focus on brake problems of 1995 Ford Mustangs? Simply type in the following search terms: year, make, and model + repair manual + brake issues so that you can get specific search results on online auto repair manuals that you need.
How to Determine the Best Online Auto Repair Manuals
There are numerous forms of online auto repair manuals. You should make sure that the online auto repair manuals you choose is made specifically for the year, make, and model of your vehicle. Otherwise, you'll just waste your money for auto repair information that's not suitable to your car anyway; that's why you need online auto repair manuals.
You also need to take into account only those online auto repair manuals made with accuracy in mind. In doing so, you'll be confident about doing the right repairs. You need to pick only reputable brands with almost perfect content so that you can ensure that you will get accurate online auto repair manuals. In case you find obvious errors in the content, don't bother reading those online auto repair manuals anymore and start looking for other manuals on the Internet.
Comprehensive and detailed information is also a quality of good online auto repair manuals. Details are the foundation of all online auto repair manuals, and without them, DIY repairs will be pointless. As a novice auto repair DIYer, you need easy-to-understand steps on repairing certain vehicle problems. Look for user-friendly and direct-to-the-point online auto repair manuals. How do you exactly do that? It is important to look at the ease of navigation of the online auto repair manuals. That way, you ensure that you can easily understand the methods stated in the online auto repair manuals. An intuitive search feature is a bonus point when you're looking for online auto repair manuals. This feature makes it a lot easy for you to look for any information you need in a jiffy.
A number of online auto repair manuals come in monthly or annual subscriptions. You get to save a lot of money for an investment that can last for a long time. As explained earlier, online auto repair manuals are less expensive than printed manuals. Because you want the best care for your car, you deserve nothing but the best guidance that high-quality online auto repair manuals offer.
Get yourself some online auto repair manuals to take out the guesswork in car repair and steer clear of costly repair bills. And when you finally get hold of online auto repair manuals, you can start that challenging yet satisfying and money-saving job called DIY auto repair. So, are you ready to take on the difficult task with the guidance of your online auto repair manuals? Enjoy worry-free DIY repairs wth online auto repair manuals that are within your reach.
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