Showing posts with label car repair manuals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car repair manuals. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

ALLDATA Online Repair Manuals Reach 80,000-Subscriber Plateau

When it comes to mechanical auto repair information, few companies can lay claim to the kind of success that ALLDATA has reached. The California-based company announced recently that it has just reached the 80,000-subcriber mark.

ALLDATA is still increasing its market share, backed by its recent releases of the ALLDATA Collision S3500 and the ALLDATA Repair S3000 manuals just this fall. The company continues to bank on strong and innovative products and services as it maintains its position as one of the leading providers of manufacturer repair information.

ALLDATA pioneered the online auto repair manuals scene, as it introduced the first electronic auto repair manual in North America shortly after its founding back in 1986. Many subscribers have flocked to the service thanks to its reliability—since the company sources its information directly from the manufacturers without any editing or without summarizing the material, subscribers get access to accurate and usually exclusive data.

At the moment, the ALLDATA repair and service database includes an extensive line of some 22,000 units of engine-specific vehicle models covering the model years 1982 to the present. The company’s products cater to the collision repair industry as well as the mechanical industry and of course the automotive repair and maintenance industry. Even some DIY mechanics are subscribing to the service.

"We have had rapid adoption to our latest product releases because we are committed to building products that drive the market forward and more important, are critical to our customers' businesses," said Jeff Lagges, president of ALLDATA. "We are constantly researching market trends and anticipating the next generation of products to assist our customers. We have been a leader in this field since the day we sold our first unit, and we intend to remain out front. Our goal is simply to help automotive repair shops deliver excellent service with factory-correct OE information and to thrive as a result."

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Manuals Wanted: Mechanics Want Access to Dealer Info

In Massachusetts, there are thousands of independent repair shops that are currently having a hard time simply because they don’t have the kind of information that dealerships are privy to. These auto shops are waiting for the passing of a state bill that will give them access to that information.

"These independent garages are investing in manuals and they are really getting the Cliff Notes version," said Art Kinsman, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition. "They can go buy manufacturer scanning tools, but without dealer codes or satellite links to the manufacturers, the tools are only partially valuable to them."

Without access to such information, Kinsman says that the auto repair shops are forced to send their potential customers to the various dealerships simply because their garage doesn’t have the capacity to access the computer codes for diagnosing different vehicle problems. The codes are displayed by scanning tools bought from the manufacturer. The sad thing is that only the dealerships know which issue some codes are associated with. Not even access to premium online repair manuals can remedy certain situations.

The bill is the answer to many of these issues that plague the shops. "The bill requires manufacturers to sell for a fair price - and make available for purchase - repair codes, information, and diagnostic tools for fixing cars,” says Kinsman. "There are a lot of good dealers out there, but if you bought the car, you ought to get it fixed where you want."

Last year, the bill was already passed in Senate. The House, however, never came to a vote on the bill. This is so even when there are already 64 co-sponsors for the bill.

Among the co-sponsors is State Representative David Linsky. "I believe that independent auto repair shops should have all the access codes and information that is necessary to fix cars," Linsky said. "People shouldn't be forced to go to a dealer and pay expensive prices to have their cars repaired. Owning and operating a car is expensive enough as it is.

If you want more info about the Right to Repair Coalition, you can go to righttorepair.org.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

More Online Owner’s Manuals via Edmunds.com


Since we upped that post about the interactive online manuals for the Mercedes-Benz SLK and then the Tesla Roadster, we thought it would be nice to compile all of the online repair manuals information concerning these valuable resources.

There’s only one problem. Edmunds.com has already beat us to the punch. They already have a listing for practically every vehicle make along with the links to those makes’ respective web sites. Edmunds has also conveniently provided answers to questions like “is my car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) required?” or “do I have to pay to access these online car care manuals?” They have also provided info on which model years you’ll be able to find a manual of.

It’s really a great list, and we applaud the writers for making the effort to track down all of those sites and all of those links just to provide a comprehensive list of online manuals for a wide range of car owners.

If you’re not in the mood to use your computer when you need to find some information about a particular part or system inside your vehicle, you can always order a printed owner’s manual. Ordering information is usually provided in the manufacturer’s site, or you can get one online via car repair manual retailers.

Want to see the list? Just click here to jump on to the Edmunds index of online owner’s manuals.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Keeping Things Green with Online Auto Repair Manuals

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to help the drive to keep Mother Earth happy is to cut back on the consumption of paper products. This is largely why many companies are already shifting a lot of business processes involving packaging and documentation. Mobile phones are coming in smaller eco-friendly boxes. Many tech stuff come with virtual manuals instead of paper manuals. Heck, even auto manufacturers aren’t shying away from this practice—which is why we now have a lot of models with online manuals.

Online auto repair manuals are great because they never consume any trees (um, for paper, right?) and all they do is cause a little eye strain (although you might be able to view them using your spankin’ new laptops, netbooks or tablets or other mobile devices with fancy optimized displays that won’t cause too much strain on your precious orbs of sight).

Car owners can still purchase paper / printed manuals since sometimes there really is nothing more convenient than a book you can read through without having to rely on technology—just good old brain processing power. Still, there’s no denying the economic and ecologic impact that adoption of purely online or digital resources can bring.

Maybe you think I’ve just been watching too many reruns of An Inconvenient Truth or that special about Garbage Island, but it’s true—I think all of the little ways people and business come up with to reduce carbon footprint and encourage recycling will all add up to have a big effect. That’s just another reason why I love online auto repair manuals so much.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

DIY is easier with Online Auto Repair Manuals

One point we’ve been trying to completely drive home is that you’ll be able to perform a wide variety of DIY automotive tasks with the help of online auto repair manuals. We’ll constantly keep “reminding” you of this as we go along, no matter how many times we need to repeat and repeat and repeat it. As long as it works, right?

There’s no need to be afraid of DIY Auto repair as long as you have the tools you’ll need to do the job (and as long as it is within the capacity of the DIY mechanic to pull off; after all, there are certain tasks that simply call for the help of an auto repair shop that has the kind of heavy duty equipment that most DIY mechanics simply don’t have and can’t afford).

Knowledge is one of the most important things here. You may start out with zero skill, but if you take the time to read up and gain the knowledge you need to perform your own repairs and maintenance tasks, you’ll be able to learn the ropes eventually. Just make sure you put in the work; there’s no use subscribing to an online auto repair manual service if you’re not even going to try and read it or understand the text.

Additionally, simply getting an online auto repair manual isn’t enough. You need to make sure that what you have contains quality and accurate information. Otherwise, you’ll just be stumbling like a blind man. If you go for the free online repair manuals, make sure you check them for quality and accuracy. For paid subscriptions, make sure you carefully pick a service that has all the stuff you’ll need and require.

Once you have the tools, the rest should follow—and you’ll be well on your way to a happy DIY mechanic experience.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

The Coffee Shop Mechanic

A weird thought crept into my mind just a while ago as I took a cab to work because I have yet to fix my 2008 Ford Taurus, and it has to do with this particular scene you see often, whether in real life or in fiction (films, TV series, sitcoms, even books and short stories). A lone writer is sitting inside a coffee shop (Starbucks, or some other) and he is writing on a notebook or working on his laptop (or netbook, or what have you) while a Venti-sized cup of caramel macchiato lies to his right. Cliché, right?

Well, here’s something that might not be so cliché. Picture the same scene, but this time, it’s not a writer that’s sitting there with his favorite caffeine source. What we have now is an auto mechanic, chilling as he browses through his online repair manuals to see what he has to do to fix a certain issue or to install a replacement component in place of a failed one.

See, that’s the wonder of technology—anyone with the will to learn can use it to make life better or easier. With our easy access to online auto repair manuals, anything is possible. You can even go to the can and take a dump with your laptop in tow. No time wasted!

Not that I’m saying you should troop down to the local coffee shop and leech off their broadband connection over Wi-Fi every time something goes wrong with your car; all I’m saying is that having 24-7 access to online repair manuals, online service manuals and other stuff afforded by your subscription is definitely something you can enjoy practically anywhere there’s an Internet connection.

Plus, the image of the DIY mechanic brushing up on his tech skills in a cozy couch sipping coffee is really quite nice, especially if you’re a mechanic like me who doesn’t really have a comfortable chair in his garage (not even a stool—which reminds me, I should get one when I have extra cash).

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The Importance of User Interface in Online Repair Manuals

Just like all of the other types of computer applications, online auto repair manuals need to have a good user interface design. This is because the user interface, or UI for short, has a direct impact on the user experience and how easily the owner can use the manual for his or her benefit.

Usability is a primary component of user experience. Here’s how Wikipedia defines usability:
Usability is the ease of use and learnability of a human-made object. The object of use can be a software application, website, book, tool, machine, process, or anything a human interacts with.

It’s all about how the user interacts with the software; in this case, it’s the online repair manual. Does it have the appropriate buttons or links where the user can easily see them? Are the menus clear and easy to navigate? Does the layout of the online repair manual work well? These are some factors that affect usability.

Of course, unless there are screenshots of a particular online repair manual, you likely won’t be able to know whether the one you get is user-friendly or not. I guess that’s where reviews come in. Usually, though, screenshots are included on most product pages. You can also try searching Google Images and see if there are any screenshots for the online car repair manual you want to research about.

Personally, I value accuracy of the content more than good user interface design. After all, you would certainly much rather have accurate information than a pretty manual. Still, having a good UI is really helpful, and it can certainly make the life of DIY mechanics much easier.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Manuals Definitions from Motor Era

One of my favorite web sites related to auto repair and cars in general is Motor Era (www.motorera.com). Aside from providing a history of certain automakers (Cadillac, GM) and car models (Firebird, Trans-Am, Corvette) and even Honda motorcycles, you can find one of the most comprehensive online glossaries that deal with auto parts.

I recently looked up the meanings of the various manuals as stated in Motor Era. Let’s have a rundown, shall we?


Owner’s Manual
http://motorera.com/dictionary/OW.HTM#Owners_Manual

Every new vehicle is supplied with a handbook which gives the basic\ instructions for operating the controls. It includes a maintenance schedule and Specifications such as the type and quantity of fluids. For instruction on repair work, you will need a Service manual which may be ordered from the dealership which sold you your vehicle.


Repair Manual
http://motorera.com/dictionary/RE.HTM#Repair_Manual

A book which details the procedure for repairing one or more components of a vehicle. Compare Service manual.

Service Manual
http://motorera.com/dictionary/SE.HTM#Service_Manual

A handbook published by a vehicle manufacturer or a specialized publishing company that contains instructions and Specifications for the maintenance and repair of a specific car. It may include Wiring diagrams and Troubleshooting guides. Most service manuals deal with only one make, model, or year, and nearly all are intended for professionals or the very experienced amateur.

Maintenance Manual
http://motorera.com/dictionary/MA.HTM#Maintenance_Manual

A book of instructions detailing routine maintenance.


Those are pretty much in line with our own definitions of these respective online repair manuals. Well, if you want to learn more and find out which part is which, you can head on over to the Motor Era dictionary of automotive terms by clicking here.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Going DIY vs. Hiring a Mechanic

There’s this age-old debate (well, is there really?) that pits the DIY route against simply getting your trusted mechanic to do a job for you when you need your car fixed. Well, both really do have advantages and they all mostly have to do with your situation.

The main advantage of DIY is the cheaper cost. Naturally, if you do whatever task has to be done by yourself, you won’t have to pay anyone any labor fees. Anyone who has had his car repaired can attest to the experience—nay, the shock—of finding a huge amount billed under labor after getting the receipt from the shop. That is eliminated when you do things the DIY way. Of course, that means you’ll still be spending on tools, equipment and replacement or upgrade components. Maybe you’ll also be shelling out a few bucks for subscriptions to reliable online auto repair manuals. Depending on how much you tune or modify or repair, you could end up either saving money or blowing more on parts.

If you only need to work on your car when something goes wrong, or if you don’t have time to study DIY auto repair, then it might be more practical to just go to the mechanic on the occasion that a component breaks down or something. DIY car care is no laughing matter, and you can’t just expect to wing it (unless you’re one of those geniuses with an inborn aptitude for mechanical work or affinity for vehicle systems).

The best thing to do is to weigh your options. Check out some general car care books or online repair manuals and see if the stuff discussed in their pages is the sort of stuff you’d be able to understand and eventually do by yourself. The choice is yours, and the power is in your hands.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Cars Need Checkups, Too

I almost forgot that it was our company’s APE today. APE means Annual Physical Examination, which is the company’s way of ensuring it employs people who are well and healthy.

As I was getting all sorts of examinations done—blood chemistry, eye or vision tests, X-rays, the whole gamut—I realized that we are quite similar to cars in this way. People are just like cars, and vice versa. Once in a while, we need to be checked up on—much like the routine periodic maintenance of cars. Every so often, we need to be “fixed,” and so do cars.

While going through the entire APE process, I also thought that there are still many who don’t go out and do the necessary preventive maintenance on their cars. It’s like a physical exam; you check to see if everything’s in great shape, so you can also detect if there’s anything wrong. This way, you can do something about it before it becomes a pain in the butt.

So go check your online repair manuals now and see when your ride is due for its next “checkup.” Your precious ride needs that kind of care and attention so that you can always ensure that it is at its best condition. You’ll enjoy it more if you take care of it properly.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Online Repair Manual Reviews: Autodata Online

We’re going on a roll early this 2011, and now we’re bringing you another online car repair manual review. Taking center stage today is Autodata Online (http://www.autodata.ltd.uk/online.asp)

These are the minimum system requirements you’ll need to have on your laptop or personal computer: a broadband internet connection, a Firefox 3 or Internet Explorer 7/8 web browser, and a 1024x768 minimum screen resolution. Bare minimum, in this day and age, so most people will be able to use it.

Just how thorough is the information on Autodata Online? Thorough enough that pirated copies are being sold, and Autodata itself is cracking down on these unauthorized sellers. The service provides a wide range of manuals for a variety of applications, and users can easily select their car from the list. Autodata also has specialized manuals that deal specifically with timing belts, chains and even wheel alignment, aside from motorcycle data, diagnostic trouble codes and technical data.

The technical information you can find in each manual is sourced directly from the manufacturers. Autodata uses over 30 years of experience as well as its close relationship with automakers to come up with the most accurate collections of data possible. Subscribers don’t have to worry about updates as well, because Autodata updates its manuals twice a year.

Aside from the comprehensive data available, Autodata Online’s information is presented in a concise and easy to understand manner. There are also supplementary information such as illustrations and diagrams, which definitely help in making the information more accessible and understandable.

Here’s one more added benefit, although it is only applicable to subscribers from the United Kingdom: Vehicle Registration Look Up. It’s something that UK subscribers can look forward to in the coming months.

If you’re in the market for an online repair manual, you won’t be disappointed with Autodata Online—especially if you live in the UK.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Types of Online Repair Manuals Post Roundup

Part 1: Generic Manuals | Part 2: Generic Manuals | Part 3: Vehicle-specific Manuals | Part 4: Vehicle-specific Manuals | Part 5: Diagnostic Manuals | Part 6: Diagnostic Manuals | Part 7: Maintenance Manuals | Part 8: Maintenance Manuals


Whew! We're finally done with that series on the types of online auto repair manuals. We're going to just have an entry that rounds up all of the posts from that series so you can have a convenient resource whenever you're confused about which particular type to get.

The bottom line to our long discussion is that there's really no clear-cut online car repair manual that will provide every individual's needs and that has all the answers you're looking for. You first have to know which type of information you require—and that is usually dependent on your task at hand or the issue you're encountering with your vehicle. That's when you will be able to decide which online vehicle repair manual to purchase. With all the available options you can find online, it's important to really identify the one type that's perfect for your needs before you go spending your hard-earned cash.

Now that that's out of the way, we'll now proceed to look for more news and updates about online repair manuals. We've got a lot more in store for you in this blog, so make sure you check back for more information, tips and tricks, updates and other stuff all about online auto repair manuals, right here at Repair Manuals Online!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Types of Online Repair Manuals part 8

Part 1: Generic Manuals | Part 2: Generic Manuals | Part 3: Vehicle-specific Manuals | Part 4: Vehicle-specific Manuals | Part 5: Diagnostic Manuals | Part 6: Diagnostic Manuals | Part 7: Maintenance Manuals


One final pit stop and we're done with our series on types of online automotive repair manuals! Last time out, we discussed all about maintenance and service manuals—these are the ones you'll need to stay on top of the various maintenance tasks you'll need to do on your precious vehicle, and these are the ones you'll need to know when you need to perform those aforementioned tasks. With so many components and with parts and systems becoming more and more complex and complicated, sometimes you simply need to have a handy maintenance manual that'll keep you on track and on schedule.

You'll be able to find a specific maintenance manual or service manual for practically all vehicle makes and models. Just remember to use the age-old trick of filtering your search terms. Try adding your ride's make and model info to the search string to find results that cater to exactly what you need.

Once you have your new maintenance manual, don't just let it go to waste. Take the time to fire up your personal computer and access the manual, so that you'll be aware of upcoming servicing tasks that are in the schedule. It's important to note these things for obvious reasons, but of course we can't prevent forgetting a few tasks every once in a while. Checking your manual regularly will help you avoid missing out on important tasks.

Aaaaaaand that's a wrap! We hope you enjoyed the past several posts about the types of online auto repair manuals avialable. At the very least we hope, that you learned a few things here and there, and that you'll be able to apply these things once you decide to finally get that online auto repair manual for your ride. The last part will be a recap and roundup of all the posts so you'll just have to consult one page to view them all.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Types of Online Repair Manuals part 7

Part 1: Generic Manuals | Part 2: Generic Manuals | Part 3: Vehicle-specific Manuals | Part 4: Vehicle-specific Manuals | Part 5: Diagnostic Manuals | Part 6: Diagnostic Manuals


We're down to the homestretch for this series of posts about the types online auto repair manuals you'll find on the Web. We've tackled three types so far: generic online repair manuals, vehicle-specific online car repair manuals, and diagnostic and troubleshooting guides. The last leg of our series is all about maintenance manuals.

Maintenance and servicing manuals are perhaps as important as standard vehicle-specific resources because they help vehicle owners keep in step of the various maintenance schedules and procedures. Remember what they say—an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. When dealing with cars, of course, this is indeed true.

Nothing is more satisfying than driving a well-maintained ride. Regular servicing and maintenance will lead to smooth drives, and you'll really know the difference once you're behind the wheel of a car with all its systems in excellent condition. To be able to do so, you'll need to enlist the help of a reliable maintenance manual.

Even though getting a maintenance manual that focuses on your ride's make and model, you'll do just fine with one that has a more generic approach. Most vehicle systems and even a lot of automotive parts and components operate on the same principle, so there will be a lot of information that you can use even if they don't refer to a specific car model or manufacturer from a particular production year. If you want a more detailed or specific result, though, you'll again need to resort to filtering your search.

That's about all the time we have for today. We'll continue talking about online auto repair manuals in tomorrow's entry. In our next post, we'll be giving our last words on maintenance and servicing manuals, and after that we'll also be wrapping up the entire types of online repair manuals series just for your convenience. Wait for it!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Types of Online Repair Manuals part 6

Part 1: Generic Manuals | Part 2: Generic Manuals | Part 3: Vehicle-specific Manuals | Part 4: Vehicle-specific Manuals | Part 5: Diagnostic Manuals

Hey there! So you're still with us for our Types of Online Repair Manuals series, huh? Good for you! Okay, so we've started on diagnostic manuals in the last post, and I'm sure you now know how important it is to have the proper diagnostic and troubleshooting tools at the ready each time you work on your precious ride.

When you're looking for online auto repair manuals that are specifically geared for diagnosis and troubleshooting, you can find better results when you customize your search using your vehicle's information—that is, include the year, make and model details of your car each time you look for an online diagnostic manual using Google or your preferred search engine.

You can also tailor-fit the search depending on the particular area on your ride that you think is affected. Some diagnostic manuals are divided into systems and components, so you might find a diagnostic aid if, for example, your ride is suffering from sloppy starts.

Of course, sometimes it would be much easier if you just head on over to web sites like AutoMD (www.automd.com) and use those sites' online diagnostic tools. However, if you can't find your vehicle in their listing or if your symptoms aren't yielding precise results, you might want to do your own troubleshooting—aided by your trusty online auto repair manuals.

All right, now that we've got diagnostic and troubleshooting manuals covered, it's time we headed on to the next topic. Our last topic (but definitely not the least!) revolves around maintenance manuals, so if your vehicle is up for servicing sometime soon, you've caught up with us at the right time. Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another round of information, only here at your trusted resource for anything and everything about online auto repair manuals!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Types of Online Repair Manuals part 5

Part 1: Generic Manuals | Part 2: Generic Manuals | Part 3: Vehicle-specific Manuals | Part 4: Vehicle-specific Manuals

Two down, a couple more to go. Welcome back to our Online Auto Repair Manual types series here at Repair Manuals Online! We're going strong now at part 5, and we've got an exciting topic coming right up. On this post, we'll be tackling another type of online car repair manual: the diagnostic manual.

You may be wondering what's so special about online diagnostic manuals. After all, some of the more thorough online auto repair manuals already come with their own diagnostic tools and troubleshooting guidelines.

Well, specializations exist for a reason. Diagnostic manuals cater to the needs of many a DIY auto mechanic. As vehicle components and systems become more and more complex, so does finding out what's wrong with them. You'll need to know exactly what part on your vehicle is affected based on the symptoms that you observe. If you've watched those old G.I. Joe cartoons from a decade or two ago, you'll see that knowing really is half the battle.

When you have the information needed to know what's really bothering your car, then you can fix the source of the problem. If you're unsure of the cause, you can end up causing bigger damage, and you'll have wasted a considerable amount of time, money and effort on a wild goose chase. That's where diagnostic manuals come in.

These online auto repair manuals that are specifically geared for diagnosis will ensure that you have the right troubleshooting methods and that you can get the proper results when it comes to identifying the root of your vehicle's problems.

We've got another post on diagnostic manuals tomorrow, then we'll move to the next online vehicle repair manual type on our list. Make sure you get back to us for more information regarding the types of online auto repair manuals available to DIY mechanics.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Types of Online Repair Manuals part 3

Part 1: Generic Manuals | Part 2: Generic Manuals

Welcome back to our series on the types of online auto repair manuals! We're now in part 3, and since we've spent the last two parts discussing just one type, perhaps it is high time that we moved on to the next one. Today, our focus will be on vehicle-specific manuals.

Vehicle-specific manuals are those that cover the technical data of a particular vehicle make and model from a particular model year. These online car repair manuals provide the right kind of info for those that are having issues specific to their car model.

Such online vehicle repair manuals provide a wealth of information when it comes to the particular model's common problems, along with diagnosis and troubleshooting of known issues. In addition to that, there may also be vehicle-specific solutions provided or suggested by the publisher itself.

What you can bank on when it comes to vehicle-specific manuals is that these provide information that is unique to your vehicle's make and model. That is, you'll be getting accurate data about your vehicle—from where this or that part is specifically located to which components are actually included in a certain system within your ride. This way, there won't be any confusion when you need to deal with a certain part or system, and you'll know that this part is really what you need to replace or fix.

We'll continue this discussion in the next part of our Types of Online Repair Manuals series of posts. We've got loads more in store for you, so make sure you check back in to learn more about the available online car repair manuals. Stay tuned for the discussion only here at Repair Manuals Online!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Types of Online Repair Manuals part 2

So, we've already discussed one type of online auto repair manual in the previous post. However, before we move on to the other stuff, let's keep discussing about the first one we've already tackled. After all, general online repair manuals are like the DIY mechanic's ABCs. These manuals cover the big fundamentals and the basic principles and the common issues that one needs to know before tweaking or replacing anything in a vehicle.

I've already given my first experience with repair manuals, with a generic book called the Popular Mechanics Complete Car Care Guide. Such generic repair manuals may not be as in-depth or as thorough as many experts would prefer, but then again people do have to start somewhere. You can't just read up about something in Wikipedia and expect to be able to grasp the fundamental concepts needed to take the next step.

It's not a bad thing if you want to go the generic route first before going to vehicle-specific manuals, and these generic car care manuals do offer a lot of advantages. For example, the language is plainer than more advanced books, as these generic variants are really intended for beginners or novices. It's all about using layman's terms.

Another advantage is that such generic online repair manuals can be cheaper, as those vehicle-specific manuals took more time and effort in terms of research and study to know the ins and outs of a single vehicle year, make and model. If you want physical manuals, they are also more accessible compared to those that are geared for certain makes and models.

If you're already well-versed in the basics, you can most certainly use a vehicle-specific online auto repair manual. But we'll be discussing that at in a future post. Wait for it!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Types of Online Repair Manuals

In order to get the kind of information you need, you'll also need to know the types of available online car repair manuals. Everything will depend on the problem—whether you'll be looking for a generic manual, a vehicle-specific manual, a diagnostic guide, or a maintenance or service manual.

The first thing we'll be discussing is the initial type on our list: the generic manual, or the general online auto repair manual. These are fairly common types, and you might not even need to buy anything. General repair manuals can also be bought off the shelves of leading bookstores in your area. Still, our focus here is on those car repair manuals found online, which offer not only convenience but a paperless resource that is accessible anytime you have your computer on (with matching Internet connection, of course).

You'll be able to find generic repair manuals online that are basically sorted by the make or by automaker. That's because car manufacturers often have typical things to look out for across a range of vehicle models. In the same vein, certain manufacturing peculiarities or trademarks will have matching issues on multiple models within their product line.

Additionally, there are some online repair manual publishers who really make it a point to focus on certain automakers (depending on demand, most probably) so there really would be a wealth of information on a particular manufacturer (say, Toyota) than others, and this info would be better suited for your vehicle should you own one from the aforementioned automaker.

That's about it for now. We'll discuss the other types of online auto repair manuals as we go along, so watch out for those. Once we've completed the rundown of online repair manual types, we'll round it all up so you can access the articles on one convenient post.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Things You’ll Find in a Generic Auto Repair Manual

Previously, we’ve already started discussing online auto repair manuals that have a generic approach. They help us get a good feel about the fundamentals of car repair and car maintenance, thanks to a complete selection of information about car parts and systems along with step by step guides on performing particular repair or maintenance tasks. But what exactly will you find in such types of car repair manuals?

First off, you get a dumbed-down approach to instructing about auto repair. That’s not a bad thing, and we shouldn’t be insulted. That approach will only help us better understand the contents. This serves as the primer to bigger and better things, the easy route to bridging the gap between understanding your vehicle and actually performing repairs and service on your ride.

In many ways, these generic auto repair manuals help establish the common sense behind how seemingly-complicated components work. You’ll know what it takes to get started, what you should know before you even pick up that wrench, setting up a toolbox, quick preventive maintenance tips, and other useful material for preparation.

Some car care manuals provide a per-system overview of general car maintenance and repair, plus some tips and tricks all about troubleshooting. You’ll also get some information about popular car care myths along with the secrets of your vehicle. Others offer glossaries that will aid in the understanding of the text itself. You get all of that in one practical package.

If you think that DIY car care and auto repair is very complicated and not very fun, then these generic auto repair manuals will be able to dispel those misgivings by letting you understand the inner workings of your vehicle using a language that most people will understand. Everyone has to start somewhere, and for most of us, we start with these kinds of manuals if we want to get a foot in the world of DIY auto repair.