We’ve seen Mercedes-Benz do it with their cars—you know, all those fancy browser-based online interactive owner’s manuals. I don’t see how manufacturers can still not provide owners and mechanics with online car repair manuals that are specific to each vehicle. They’re even holding out important error code information that can help DIY mechanics or even professional auto shop mechanics diagnose problems accurately.
In this aspect, I think it’s high time that vehicle manufacturers make online car repair manuals available to everyone. Or at least provide them for vehicle owners so that they get an added advantage and so that they will be able to perform some of the tasks themselves to save money.
How can people master DIY car care and auto repair if the automakers won’t help them? Sure, they could always subscribe to paid manual providers that offer info from build-from-scratch methods, but I believe it would still be better if the manufacturers themselves provided this kind of information right from the get-go. Shouldn’t vehicle owners be entitled to information they’ll need to keep their car working properly?
Well, they do provide owner’s manuals, but a dedicated repair or maintenance resource could also be given to the millions of car owners out there. Then again, perhaps people won’t be investing in paid online auto repair manual subscriptions if they had this information available in the first place. But I can’t help but think that people still have to pay for things they should be given for free.
What do you think? Should automakers provide detailed online car repair manuals for their customers? Or should customers only opt to subscribe to paid third-party providers so they only need to decide when they actually need the subscription or the product? Anyway, we’ll leave you with that thought to ponder for tonight.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Updated Online Auto Repair Manuals
Even casual observers can see that automotive technology is evolving at unprecedented speeds. New features and tech come out each year. Just take that nifty new Magic Sky Control on the upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (it’s basically a sunroof that allows the driver to switch between transparent and opaque moods to suit his or her whim or mood).
That said, it is definitely important to have online auto repair manuals that are always updated (or at least periodically updated) so that pros and DIY mechanics alike can have access to the latest information. With all these advances in technology, it can be pretty easy to lose sight of all the developments and get lost in the midst of trying to troubleshoot ever-complex car components.
Keeping in step with the latest in automotive tech will empower DIY mechanics when it comes to performing repairs on even the most advanced of vehicle systems. When you’re confident that your online auto repair manual provider has you covered, you won’t have to worry too much even if there’s a complex part that you encounter a problem with.
Most vehicle model-specific online car repair manuals deal with particular problems encountered on those cars, and you shouldn’t have any problems when it comes to content since they do cover the stock systems that came with your car. This means that, unless you modified components or add some complex parts, you’ll find what you need in your manual.
Online repair manuals offer a wide range of information. Some of them are updated with new info when it’s available, so if you want to stay on top of things, better choose a repair manual online that has the option of being updated with current info. This way, you won’t lose track of the developments particularly when your vehicle is concerned.
That said, it is definitely important to have online auto repair manuals that are always updated (or at least periodically updated) so that pros and DIY mechanics alike can have access to the latest information. With all these advances in technology, it can be pretty easy to lose sight of all the developments and get lost in the midst of trying to troubleshoot ever-complex car components.
Keeping in step with the latest in automotive tech will empower DIY mechanics when it comes to performing repairs on even the most advanced of vehicle systems. When you’re confident that your online auto repair manual provider has you covered, you won’t have to worry too much even if there’s a complex part that you encounter a problem with.
Most vehicle model-specific online car repair manuals deal with particular problems encountered on those cars, and you shouldn’t have any problems when it comes to content since they do cover the stock systems that came with your car. This means that, unless you modified components or add some complex parts, you’ll find what you need in your manual.
Online repair manuals offer a wide range of information. Some of them are updated with new info when it’s available, so if you want to stay on top of things, better choose a repair manual online that has the option of being updated with current info. This way, you won’t lose track of the developments particularly when your vehicle is concerned.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Online Repair Manuals Out of Focus: Dealerships vs. Independent Shops 2
We’ve discussed the debate about which would be better to get your car serviced or repaired if your DIY skills simply can’t get the job done. There wasn’t really any conclusion, especially since we’re mostly concerned about online auto repair manuals in this blog.
We’ve mentioned that it is way cheaper to go to independent repair shops for periodic maintenance, servicing and repair. Why? That’s because the mechanics at independent shops charge much less when it comes to labor costs. The rates, according to an AutoMD.com study, are around 20 percent lower at independents on average.
What you get with the higher cost of labor at dealerships is expertise. The mechanics and staff at dealerships know their $#!+. Aside from intensive brand-specific training, they also have access to the complete range of OEM info for the manufacturer’s vehicles. Plus, dealerships are currently privy to some exclusive error codes that will be essential in the diagnosis and troubleshooting of certain problems.
Of course, many people prefer the personal contact they get when dealing with their mechanic of choice. It’s true that you only get to talk to receptionists at dealerships in most cases, so you might want to get the personal reassurance from your mechanic when something goes wrong in your vehicle.
The thing here is that both independent repair shops and high-priced dealerships have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. It’s really up to you to choose where you want to get your car serviced or repaired when you can’t do the task yourself. We still prefer DIY, of course, but sometimes you really have to go get some professional help. When that happens, we hope you consider all your options carefully so you can decide on the best route to take.
We’ve mentioned that it is way cheaper to go to independent repair shops for periodic maintenance, servicing and repair. Why? That’s because the mechanics at independent shops charge much less when it comes to labor costs. The rates, according to an AutoMD.com study, are around 20 percent lower at independents on average.
What you get with the higher cost of labor at dealerships is expertise. The mechanics and staff at dealerships know their $#!+. Aside from intensive brand-specific training, they also have access to the complete range of OEM info for the manufacturer’s vehicles. Plus, dealerships are currently privy to some exclusive error codes that will be essential in the diagnosis and troubleshooting of certain problems.
Of course, many people prefer the personal contact they get when dealing with their mechanic of choice. It’s true that you only get to talk to receptionists at dealerships in most cases, so you might want to get the personal reassurance from your mechanic when something goes wrong in your vehicle.
The thing here is that both independent repair shops and high-priced dealerships have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. It’s really up to you to choose where you want to get your car serviced or repaired when you can’t do the task yourself. We still prefer DIY, of course, but sometimes you really have to go get some professional help. When that happens, we hope you consider all your options carefully so you can decide on the best route to take.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Online Repair Manuals Out of Focus: Dealerships vs. Independent Shops?
DIY efforts are all good—you have your garage, your tools, your shiny new aftermarket auto parts and accessories, and your trusty ol’ online auto repair manual. Still, there will come one task that eventually stumps you and leaves you unable to solve the problem. When that happens, you will have to have your ride fixed by someone else.
When do you decide, and which one should you pick? Do you really go all the way to the dealership where you got your ride or do you leave it in the hands of a (hopefully trusted) mechanic. Did you know that 7 out of 10 vehicle owners prefer to go to independent repair or service professionals instead of to their dealer even if their cars are still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Of course, there’s a law that ensures that dealers will still honor the warranty in most cases even if you opted to have your car serviced and repaired at places other than the dealership. Just keep in mind that you stick to repairs and maintenance that won’t really cause a voided warranty. You’ll need to know the specific warranty terms on your car so you’ll know what to avoid. That’s where the owner’s manual comes in. After all, the manual—online or printed—is the one thing that can show you every detail about your car, including important warranty coverage information.
Dealers do have something going for them: they sometimes have access to exclusive info and you are sure that your car will be serviced by trained professionals. This training is specific to your dealer, so the dealer’s technicians and mechanics have more insider info and knowledge about your particular vehicle. This should make up for a steeper labor charge.
So, deciding between independent shops and your designated dealer should be done with care. Know all the facts, and don’t hesitate to consult your manuals.
When do you decide, and which one should you pick? Do you really go all the way to the dealership where you got your ride or do you leave it in the hands of a (hopefully trusted) mechanic. Did you know that 7 out of 10 vehicle owners prefer to go to independent repair or service professionals instead of to their dealer even if their cars are still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Of course, there’s a law that ensures that dealers will still honor the warranty in most cases even if you opted to have your car serviced and repaired at places other than the dealership. Just keep in mind that you stick to repairs and maintenance that won’t really cause a voided warranty. You’ll need to know the specific warranty terms on your car so you’ll know what to avoid. That’s where the owner’s manual comes in. After all, the manual—online or printed—is the one thing that can show you every detail about your car, including important warranty coverage information.
Dealers do have something going for them: they sometimes have access to exclusive info and you are sure that your car will be serviced by trained professionals. This training is specific to your dealer, so the dealer’s technicians and mechanics have more insider info and knowledge about your particular vehicle. This should make up for a steeper labor charge.
So, deciding between independent shops and your designated dealer should be done with care. Know all the facts, and don’t hesitate to consult your manuals.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Seek Quality Info from Paid Online Repair Manuals
Like all references and source material, online auto repair manuals aren’t made equal in terms of the amount of content and the quality of that content. Some are more detailed and thorough, while others take a step back and look at the bigger picture with a more generic take on the subject matter as compared to their competitors. See, that’s the deal when it comes to paying for an online auto repair manual subscription—you have to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth in when it comes to content quality and coverage.
There’s nothing like shelling out a big chunk of money every month for a substandard product. It just makes you want to punch somebody in the face. That’s exactly what you’ll feel when you subscribe to an online car repair manual provider and you find that its contents are not what you’re looking for or that the content doesn’t really provide what you need to perform even some common DIY tasks on your vehicle. You have to be more vigilant when you look at these online manuals and their sites. Don’t be taken in by marketing pitches alone. That’s why there are reviews, so you can make an informed decision after considering a lot of major and minor factors.
Content is still king—at least when it comes to online car repair manuals. That’s what you have to keep in mind the next time you Google for an online repair manual service and even think about entering your credit card information and hitting the checkout button on that online vehicle repair manual subscription. Be an informed consumer, even if you have to spend hours deciding on which service to patronize. It’s your money, after all—and you’ll be the one regretting if you don’t get the content your money is worth.
There’s nothing like shelling out a big chunk of money every month for a substandard product. It just makes you want to punch somebody in the face. That’s exactly what you’ll feel when you subscribe to an online car repair manual provider and you find that its contents are not what you’re looking for or that the content doesn’t really provide what you need to perform even some common DIY tasks on your vehicle. You have to be more vigilant when you look at these online manuals and their sites. Don’t be taken in by marketing pitches alone. That’s why there are reviews, so you can make an informed decision after considering a lot of major and minor factors.
Content is still king—at least when it comes to online car repair manuals. That’s what you have to keep in mind the next time you Google for an online repair manual service and even think about entering your credit card information and hitting the checkout button on that online vehicle repair manual subscription. Be an informed consumer, even if you have to spend hours deciding on which service to patronize. It’s your money, after all—and you’ll be the one regretting if you don’t get the content your money is worth.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Mastering DIY Using Online Manuals
For people who are going to engage in DIY tasks for repairing, maintaining or modifying their vehicle, having trusted online auto repair manuals is essential. While it is not required, we’ve said over and over again what a great boon these online manuals can be to your efforts.
Online car repair manuals don’t just offer a breadth of automotive, often vehicle-specific, information for you. There are also illustrations that will help guide you, and some online services even provide some videos for extra value and to make your job a bit easier.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, as they say. The same thing can be said for a DIY mechanic’s skill set and knowledge. You’ll need to build up know-how and experience as you go along, and online automotive repair manuals are excellent tools that can really help you get the job done.
Reading up on your ride’s particulars will allow you to know its ins and outs, and this will help you better deal with problems when they arise. That’s the beauty of having the convenience of online car repair manuals, because you can brush up on your technical know-how anytime you want as long as you’ve got a decent access to the Internet.
It’s not hard to master DIY auto repair if you have a good source material, and one such source that will really be able to contribute to your growth and mastery is a good online auto repair manual. Don’t hesitate to look for one that you can use for your ride’s specific model year and model because it will really prove its worth in the long run. Even if you go the paid subscription route, you’ll find that it is money well spent because you have access to detailed info that you can use for practically any DIY task.
Online car repair manuals don’t just offer a breadth of automotive, often vehicle-specific, information for you. There are also illustrations that will help guide you, and some online services even provide some videos for extra value and to make your job a bit easier.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, as they say. The same thing can be said for a DIY mechanic’s skill set and knowledge. You’ll need to build up know-how and experience as you go along, and online automotive repair manuals are excellent tools that can really help you get the job done.
Reading up on your ride’s particulars will allow you to know its ins and outs, and this will help you better deal with problems when they arise. That’s the beauty of having the convenience of online car repair manuals, because you can brush up on your technical know-how anytime you want as long as you’ve got a decent access to the Internet.
It’s not hard to master DIY auto repair if you have a good source material, and one such source that will really be able to contribute to your growth and mastery is a good online auto repair manual. Don’t hesitate to look for one that you can use for your ride’s specific model year and model because it will really prove its worth in the long run. Even if you go the paid subscription route, you’ll find that it is money well spent because you have access to detailed info that you can use for practically any DIY task.
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.
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.
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