Best way to learn

[cdotson86]

Howdy,
Im 22 and I am wanting to learn how to fix my own vehicles. Whats the best way if one doesn't have any friends that know how to help? Whenever something breaks, should I just go buy a haynes book and try to fix it myself.....and when I fail get it towed to a shop? Haha...Any help would be great
Chris

 

[triumphrider-1]

I don't know how mechanically inclined you or your family are, but I got a Haynes manual and picked my fathers brain when I got stuck. A good back-up is here.

 

[swamprat]

Start small. Maybe replacing brake pads or something like that. Haynes or Chiltons are decent books but dont have half the info that you will find here.
I would buy a decent code scanner for engine dianogstics. People here will answer any question you have as long as you follow a few tips.

Search first because somebody more than likely has had the same problem

always give year make and model

we will be glad to help you. we were all in the same spot before.

 

[cdotson86]

Thanks!

 

[JohnnyO]

Your local community college may have a continuing education course (i.e. non-credit) in basic auto repair.

 

[RobbieD]

Howdy,
Im 22 and I am wanting to learn how to fix my own vehicles.

The desire to learn is by far the main thing. You'll do fine.

The suggestions already made are right on target. Do get yourself a Chiltons and/or a Haynes manual, look into courses, and hang around here at TRS. There's some outstanding wrenches here that are generous with their knowledge. And, TRS's "search" function is a powerful tool.

Good luck!

 

[snake]

Its tough if you don't know anyone who is mechanically inclined. I have two "interns" that hang around my shop and help out, and both are pretty good with tools so far, one is 13 and one is 14. Their parents allow them to hang out because they know the education they are getting is valuable, and they also trust that nothing is going on besides shop stuff... They generally work for free, but if I really need them for something and the job pays I'll slip them a $20 every once in awhile. Of course they eat and drink way more than that...

 

[Mark_88]

The way I learned was buy the manual (Haynes or other) and if you're not sure...go to a local junkyard and practice...that way you know how they come apart and if you really want to do the job right...put it back together...

However, that is rarely the case with junkyards...since most of the parts are rusted beyond using again...but at least you will see how things fit together...take a camera and shoot a few pics if you have one...you can pretty much make your own 'manual' from the pics you take if you're careful and do it step by step...

Other than that...have fun...and persist...and welcome to the new addiction...

 

[Will]

The first thing is to figure out HOW it works. After that, all repairs are easy.

Don't spend your time trying to SEE what's broken. Spend your time figuring out how it works. Then the parts that are out of whack will jump right out at you.

I would get the factory books for your truck. Haunt Ebay until they show up if you have to. They are soooooo much better. Use the internet to see how things work. You have to get good at troubleshooting to fix your own stuff.

 

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Once you know how it works, you can usually fix it. A friend with knowledge will put you YEARS ahead of playing with a (crap) haynes manual everytime you have a problem. Especially when electricity comes into play.

 

[4x4fun]

the best thing iv found is having the balls to turn a wrench in the first place....but like some one said start small like breaks, use one side as an example of how it should look the start on the other, also on bigger things or stuff with alot of parts i get a card bored box and kinda make an exploded view of stuff. putting things in order as they come off, write notes on the box and push the bolts thru the box so i dont lose them. i like to add half the time i think its gonna take to the end of the project ie an hour project i give my self an hour and a half. just to be safe

 

[4x4fun]

and knowing the theory behind something is more inportant then knowing what size bolts there are. and before i do something i like to ask people for the lil stuff that you dont you know like you need to have the car running when adding atf

 

[Insanejughead]

All of these guys have good sound advice for starting off. Start small and study how things work as you pick them apart. You will be amazed at how physics will come naturally when you look at how things are pieced together. You'll see wear marks from how something moves, you'll see pivot points for things that rotate, you'll catch onto what NOT to touch to keep something from leaking (and how to fix it if it does leak).

My suggestion is to get a good understanding of how engine vacuum works and why it's necessary. Once you understand that it'll open up worlds of knowledge that can assist you in making your engine run better. This is more advanced stuff, but it may come naturally to you soon enough.


Electronics in your truck are a must to know, but you'll need a book and this website to understand those. I still have aLOT of things to figure out about those, as they are a pain.

 

[cdotson86]

Thanks everyone! I think I'll start with my own oil changes and stuff. I already know how to do that. My trucks about to hit 100k soon, so ill so my own spark plugs, wires, fuel filter and stuff like that. Thanks again guys!