Top Traits of a Bad Online Auto Repair Manual

We've always been discussing the positive side of online car repair manuals, so we here thought it was time for a change. All things have B-sides, and even these auto repair manuals can also have some negatives. Let's get right on to some of them now.

Internet Connection Required

Although the internet (especially high-speed Broadband connections) have seen widespread use in the past years, there are still some who refuse to rely on this technology to speed up processes or avail of some valuable resources and materials. Some DIY mechanics are among this group, and even some auto repair shops don't really prioritize an internet connection as an essential business tool.

Other car repair manuals may be unreliable over slower connections because of the sheer amount of data they have to fetch. Still, most are geared to be optimized even for slow connections, so make sure you check what kind of connection is required to access your online manual.

Too Technical?

Let's face it—auto repair involves a lot of technical stuff. This can be a very big obstacle for many who don't really have time to go into the nitty-gritty of automotive repair concepts. Jargon isn't a very good thing especially for people who are challenged when it comes to comprehension, so they might feel like they're not cut out for the task if they can't understand an auto repair manual.

Then again, some auto repair manuals are too technical in and of themselves. The level of detail varies from manual to manual, from provider to provider. This is a detail people need to look out for, especially when it involves a paid subscription. You wouldn't want to shell out money for something you won't be able to understand.


These are just two of the negative things one may experience when dealing with online car repair manuals, so don't hesitate to read up on reviews and look at detailed descriptions of the one you're looking to subscribe to before you enter your credit card details and commit valuable finances and other resources.

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.

Online Auto Repair Manuals Review: RepairSurge

I saw this site just a few days ago. I was so kept up with other stuff in the past that I never got around to seeing another online auto repair manual aside from the ones we've already tackled here. Anyway, we continue our reviews of online auto repair manuals today, and next in our lineup is RepairSurge (www.repairsurge.com).

“Never buy another repair manual.” That's the RepairSurge slogan, and you have to admit, it's a pretty lofty one. Good thing the company can back that claim to a fault.

Requirements to run the program or software aren't too demanding: a decent operating system on the computer, mostly Windows (Win 98, 2000, XP, NT, Millennium Edition, and Windows Vista); a fairly fast Internet connection, and either Paypal or a major credit card in order to pay for your purchased online repair manual.

While the coverage list seems bare, RepairSurge actually has a pretty extensive line of online repair manual information on a wide range of automakers, whether we're talking about domestic applications or import models. Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Jeep—you name it, RepairSurge lists it.

The online auto repair manual itself functions much like other window-based programs; you have a sidebar, a menu bar, and the main content area. The items are pretty straightforward, and the UI is very intuitive—if not quite attractive or even pleasing to the eye. But hey—at the end of the day, content is still king. You can't use a pretty menu to fix that car of yours, now, can you?

Pricing is at $14.99 for the online manuals, a good $5 off CD-ROM prices and in par (if not cheaper) than most other online auto repair manuals on the Web. That pricing should help RepairSurge position itself as one of the better alternatives available on the market.

Online Auto Repair Manuals from Resellers

Getting online auto repair manuals is pretty easy. You just Google for “online repair manuals” and you'll get pages upon pages of results, each linking to some online service or another. Of course, not all of these are the online car repair manuals themselves. Instead of providers, you get resellers.

These resellers, and in many other cases the affiliates, offer online auto repair manuals indirectly—that is, they are merely middle men getting you to try or buy a new online car repair manual.

For example, if you go to 10w40.com, you'll see not one, not two, but three online auto repair manuals that are up for sale: Haynes, Alldata DIY, and Mitchell 1 DIY. (If you want reviews, we've covered all of these three services in our review section. Do check them out if you have the time. Thanks!)

What's good about these affiliates or resellers is that you can get substantial discounts off the coupons that the resellers offer. That's a big help, especially if you're still unsure that you're getting your money's worth. Additionally, you're also helping the affiliates earn money by purchasing the online auto repair manual from them. It's a win win situation for everybody.

Another example, also from 10w40.com, is how they sell RepairSurge universal repair manuals at just $13.99, a full dollar off the regular price (which is also in turn slashed from the standard $19.95 fee). The site also sells ALLDATA manuals at $24.25, from an SRP Of $26.95. This price slash is accomplished by using a coupon.

So don't be taken aback if you see another site selling another online auto repair manual service. Not all of these are spam or scams. Make sure you stay critical of everything just to avoid becoming a victim. Many of the resellers are legit, so you shouldn't have much trouble finding one.

The Best Online Auto Repair Manual Ever

Michael Jordan is the best NBA player ever. The Beatles are the best band. But what about the best online car repair manual? Well, since we've been discussing our ideal repair manual traits ever since I could remember, and we've already reviewed a wide variety of online car repair manual service providers, perhaps we've already found the best one there is. Guess what?

There is NO best online auto repair manual.

As we've said before, different people have varied needs and requirements. You know what they say, “Different strokes for different strokes.” The important thing here is to identify what your needs are and then find the best online car repair manual service that will fit that need. You have to make sure that the one you choose is always custom-fit for the stuff you have in mind. It's as much about you as it is what's included in the online repair manual's package.

If you don't have the dough to shell out for a paid subscription to the different online auto repair manuals out there, then that defines your needs and requirements. You'll have to get the best free online repair manual for your DIY tasks, and that then becomes the best one for you. The paid ones are all out of the question. You know there are a lot of free ones out there that can provide for your needs just fine.

So, to close this article, we'll leave you by saying that there may never be a Michael Jordan of online automotive repair manuals. Sure, Haynes, Alldata, and Mitchell 1 DIY, and all the rest all have their strengths, and some are more preferred compared to others, but what you need defines what's best for you. And if you find that online auto repair manual, even if it's not among the big-name brands, then good for you! 

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."

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.