Who Uses Auto Repair Manuals?

When taking the time to fix a vehicle, repair manuals are used to help the mechanic get the job done right. Many times the mechanic happens to be the vehicle owner, at home in his garage, with the hood propped up or the car up on ramps. While do-it-yourselfers are becoming a rare breed, with the increased sophistication of technical instruments needed in auto repair, the need still exists for reliable instructions to get the job done fast. When time is of the essence, online car repair manuals can save the day.

Cost

Home auto repair is always less expensive than taking a vehicle to a professional auto mechanic. As long as the person knows what they are doing--or can learn quickly--it is cheaper. They still need to diagnose the problem and buy the parts, but the labor is free. And, since repair shops charge by the hour, home repair is a better option. As long as the do-it-yourselfer has a manual to follow, the repair can be made for less and without waiting for the shop to have an opening in its schedule.

Classic Cars

Classic car enthusiasts believe in the preservation of American muscle cars and classic trucks that laid the foundation for vehicles as we know them today. Many of these cars and pickup trucks are restoration projects that have been sitting in barns and garages for years. They need some love, money and old-fashioned know-how to get them back in running or show condition. The best restorations will enable them to participate in car club shows and cruise-ins during the spring, summer and fall. Wintertime is when most car enthusiasts pull out their classic Mopar, Ford or GMC repair manual to make necessary upgrades and adjustments for the next season. These books are hard to come by in regular bookstores, but are easily found on specialty Internet websites and sometimes on vendor tables at car shows.

Buddy System

Car repairs sometimes take more than one pair of steady hands to complete. Working on certain parts, like car engines or a truck transmission, is always easier with a helper. Whether a child or grown-up, one part of the helper's job description includes reading repair manual directions out loud. Some home mechanics use the professional Autodata manual series, but for basic condensed instructions, they turn to Haynes auto repair manuals. And, when detailed steps are necessary, Chilton's repair manuals should be used. When the helper is not reading from the instruction book, they still can be useful in holding the flashlight to help the mechanic see bolts and parts in dark, hard to reach areas.