I'd like to learn more about cars.

manzanoj · February 23, 2005

How can I learn more about the mechanics of my truck? Or cars in general. I know how to: check my truck's oil, add/check tire pressure, add windshield fluid, change a tire, and jump a car. It's sad I know . Could someone point me in the right direction?

Ape0r · February 23, 2005

Great place to start:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/

SlamminL5s · February 23, 2005

get yourself some auto manuals from autozone... those always help!

99silveradoz71 · February 23, 2005

A Haynes manual for your truck wouldn't be a bad buy. A lot of the info down there isn't overly detailed, but they do put some quick/effective directions for basic fluid checks and that sort of thing.

asilverblazer · February 23, 2005

Hang around here.

mcreyaufmiller · February 23, 2005

Go to Barnes and Noble or some other book store. Check the automotive section. There are a lot of good books out there, just don't start to deep, get the ones that will give you the basice and work your way up from there.

USA1Fan · February 23, 2005

I second the Hayne's Manual. It's one of the first things I buy when I get a new vehicle. They normally cover all the routine do-it-yourself type maintenance items. They also used to cover in-depth pretty much how to take anything in your vehicle apart and reassemble it, step by step. But lately they seem to have been partially paid off by the manufacturers, since they don't go into nearly as much detail (instead I've even seen a few sections where they even TELL you they recommend you take it to the service department for some things ). They aren't too expensive either- the last one I bought cost me just over $20.

If you get to the point that you want to do even more technical stuff, you can always pay a few hundred and get the GM manuals (on CD now only? not sure.). THOSE cover everything.

gnutruk · February 23, 2005

If you really, SERIOUSLY, want to get into it, and if you can make the time, check out your local community college. Many of them have adult re-entry programs that have both daytime and evening schedules (evening hours for folks that work).

Some community colleges offer two levels of programs.

The first is career-track immersion, leading to a degree for mechanics who will go on to work in the business.

The second is what might be called an "enthusiast" program, tailored for folks like yourself who want to take control of the maintainance of their trucks at levels beyond simple oil changes, etc.

The community college where I live used to have such a program, but they shifted it over to the local Adult Education Department - still real good, though.

You get to work hands on, side-by-side with a professional. Given how high-tech modern vehicles have become, the equipment available in community college programs - such as computer diagnostic machines - while not comparable to the equipment available at a large dealership, will allow you to get a deeper understanding - BY DOING - than you will ever get by reading a book, as important as reading is.

Check out your local community college.

gnutruk

Mark_in_Tulsa · February 23, 2005

There is also as mentiond earlier that there is a ton of FREE info on the web. Just google up any question you may have.

Also learn about tools as well. Nothing more embarrassing than a bud asking you to hand him the vice grips, and you hand him a shovel.

Just remember we all here at one point didn't know a single thing about cars and trucks.

99silveradoz71 · February 24, 2005

Just remember we all here at one point didn't know a single thing about cars and trucks.

Oh how true is that

Wingnut · February 24, 2005

I still don't know anything about them.

sjspor · February 24, 2005

Both the local BOCES (regional vocational high school) or Comm. College offer non credit adult courses at night here. The have oil burners, plumbing, motorcycle repair, and yes.. cars. The classes run like 8 or 10 weeks, you can work on your car even. They cover the most of the major areas.

Auto Mechanics

Learn preventive maintenance and the repair of

automobiles. Topics include starting and charging

systems, engine operation and theory, fuel

systems, ignition systems, brakes (including

ABS), alignment and suspension, manual and

automatic transmissions, heating and cooling

systems, NYS inspection, engine controls,

sensors, and more. Students may bring their own

vehicle to be worked on, with Instructor permission.

EXTRA FEE: $65 textbook & supply fees.

TR-08B $595 78 Hrs 26 Sessions

Mon & Thurs 6:30 - 9:30 PM

hihosilverado · February 24, 2005

Both the local BOCES (regional vocational high school) or Comm. College offer non credit adult courses at night here. The have oil burners, plumbing, motorcycle repair, and yes.. cars. The classes run like 8 or 10 weeks, you can work on your car even. They cover the most of the major areas.

Auto Mechanics

Learn preventive maintenance and the repair of

automobiles. Topics include starting and charging

systems, engine operation and theory, fuel

systems, ignition systems, brakes (including

ABS), alignment and suspension, manual and

automatic transmissions, heating and cooling

systems, NYS inspection, engine controls,

sensors, and more. Students may bring their own

vehicle to be worked on, with Instructor permission.

EXTRA FEE: $65 textbook & supply fees.

TR-08B $595 78 Hrs 26 Sessions

Mon & Thurs 6:30 - 9:30 PM

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is pretty much what I did a few years back. I took some basic mechanic classes as well as auto body repair. I think I neglected all of the real studying I had to do at UT at the time and devoted it to cars! Haha, well it all turned out good anyhow and the money I make now provides the fuel for my passion for cars. I have found that you cant really learn anything without doing it hands on and being prepared to mess up a few times. I have an old Dodge truck that I used as my learning tool, and I will probably tackle the engine and tranny rebuild when I have time and garage space. Working on my truck or even just washing it is a real stress reliever for me. If you have the time and energy take some classes. Things really do change though, I remember we did not even touch anything with OBDII when I took the classes, it used to be much easier to work on them without complex computers, now there is a lot of computer stuff involved that the average shadetree just doesnt have. Maybe down the road we will all be able to handle it with a laptop and a data cable. Until then, some stuff has to be left to the pros.

GnatGoSplat · February 25, 2005

One of my favorite old books is Reader's Digest Complete Car Care Manual.

I've seen it at my local public library so I'm sure your library may have a copy.

It's an old book, published in the early 80's so it's kind of out of date, but it's a good way to learn the basics. I read it cover to cover when I was a kid, and I found it to be a very good book. I still keep it around because a lot of the maintenance instructions and photos (like what fouled plugs looks like) is still a good reference.

After learning the basics, pick up a Haynes, Chilton's, or better yet, factory service manual for your specific vehicle. That way you can learn all there is to know about your car.

With just those books and internet forums, I've been able to do everything automotive that I've needed to do, even slightly more advanced things like changing head gaskets and intake manifold gaskets.