Online Auto Repair Manuals Reviews the The AutoMD App

We've already mentioned the Automd Apple device app on this blog a couple of weeks ago, when we posted about alternatives to Online Auto Repair Manuals. And we think it's now time to provide you with a full review—even though we said we wouldn't do so until the app's creators come up with a new version.

Okay, so here are the details of the app:

Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/automd-mobile/id369361977?mt=8

Description: Get “how to” repair guides, cost estimates for repairs and local shops info all from your iPhone with AutoMD Mobile – the mobile version of AutoMD.com.

• Free
• Category: Utilities
• Updated: Mar 01, 2011
• Current Version: 1.4.1
• 1.4.1
• Size: 2.6 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: US Auto Parts Network, Inc
• © AutoMD, Inc
  

Rated 4+

At first glance, the app really does offer a wide array of functions, as well as a fairly large collection of information that you can access online through the app. The estimate feature is particularly helpful, as you'll find the prices to be quite consistent. Plus, you can check if the auto repair shop you're at is overcharging for the repairs on your car.

The issue, however, starts with accuracy. If you visit the AutoMD web site, you'll find fairly accurate information on their how-to guides and their step-by-step articles. That doesn't seem to be the case with the site's app, though. Still, there are a lot articles and pieces of information that you can use when you're in need of instant help on the road.

If you want mobile access to auto repair information, the AutoMD app is an excellent start. If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, just hook it up to a data connection or over Wi-Fi and you can find easy answers to your questions. It's free, as we said, so it's no problem if you don't like the app once you try it out.

Alternatives to Online Auto Repair Manuals: Mobile Apps

the AutoMD iPhone app

So you don't want to bother with online auto repair manuals, huh? We understand—sometimes the sheer unfamiliarity and the inaccessibility of the content found in these beloved resources can hinder certain DIY mechanics in terms of growth and training.

Well, the good news is that there are plenty of alternative options that you can turn to should you find auto repair manuals (especially those of the online variety) unsatisfactory or not to your liking. For example you can always turn to applications or apps that can be installed in mobile phone operating systems.

One good example of a reliable mobile app is the AutoMD app for iPhone, iPad tablet, and the iPod Touch media device. You can find the app at this link. It's a good all-around tool; there are still many quirks in the app's current version, but most of it is pretty serviceable. The app offers repair estimates, a shop finder, how-to guides that are linked to the AutoMD website, TSB and recall information, and some other stuff that you can access. It's a free app, anyway, so do give it a try if you like. We'll come up with our own review sometime. Maybe when the next version is released, to be fair.

Additionally, some automakers do provide customers with mobile apps that are focused on particular vehicle models, so you get the power of a manual in the comfort of your own mobile device. Plus, most of these are optimized to be written in a language that many will find relatively easy to understand.

If you own a vehicle, you can look up your ride's manufacturer's web site and check if they offer manual information online (like Mercedes-Benz does). You can also check your respective app store to see if the manufacturer also provides mobile apps. We'll tackle more alternative options in the future, so do stay tuned!