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.

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Tell Us Your Online Repair Manuals Story!

It�s not everyday you get to hear about how online auto repair manuals have saved a person�s life (whether it�s in the literal or figurative sense). That is why we�re asking you for your stories that revolve around online car repair manuals!

It can be a loose anecdote that summarizes your experience dealing with car problems using your trusted online repair manual, a funny experience, some tips and tricks you might want to share regarding an online auto repair manual service, the works�there�s no holding back here.

If you want to share something, don�t hesitate to drop us a line by using the comments section. Commenting on any post will do, although preferably you will comment on this one.

So start typing those online auto repair manual stories now and get ready for the whole world to know your story!

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Determining the Top Online Car Repair Manuals

You'll find a wide array of of online auto repair manuals on the Internet. To obtain really accurate and in-depth information, make sure you get an online auto repair manual that is specifically made for your vehicle's year, make and model. If not, you'll only end up throwing away your hard-earned cash on something that isn't really going to help you.

If you manage to secure an accurate online auto repair manual, then you've got a winner. This way, you'll be able to perform your repair and maintenance tasks confidently and with the minimal amount of errors. Always nitpick on the brand of online repair manual that you're going to get, because it is important that you secure access only from reputable brands and publishers. Reputable brands usually mean reliable content, and this will mean you will get accurate online car repair manuals.

If you see a site with samples that contain glaring errors and inconsistencies, better steer clear of that particular service. Don't bother spending money on those, as you'll only be getting substandard quality and unreliable information. You can even end up spending more on botched repairs since the info on those manuals won't help you at all. The best recourse would be to look for online auto repair manuals elsewhere.

By no means are the points we've stated above the only factors you'll need to consider to find the best online auto repair manual for your vehicle and for your needs. However, those points are excellent places to start. Getting an accurate and trustworthy online auto repair manual is an important part of DIY auto repair, so make sure you take the time to learn about the options available to you so that you can make informed decisions. That is how you guarantee that you spend your money wisely on a service that's worth the expense.

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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.

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Much Ado about Wiring Diagrams

We mentioned in one post that one of the things you should look for in a good online auto repair manual is the presence of wiring diagrams. This is apart from your standard how-to content, general info, definitions, procedures, illustrations and videos. Why are wiring diagrams such a necessary component of online car repair manuals?

Wiring diagrams are really very useful when you�re dealing with electrical problems on your vehicle. Given the nature of complex automotive systems in this day and age, you�ll definitely encounter some electrical issues sooner rather than later. Complex electrical systems and circuits require a thorough and in-depth resource, and that�s where the electrical diagrams come in.

That is also why you need to get a reliable online auto repair manual service. Better opt for those complete tear-down and rebuild services so you are sure that you really get vehicle-specific information that is 100-percent accurate. You don�t want to mix up your ride�s electrical wiring now, do you?

Anyway, the bottom line is that wiring diagrams are important even if they may not seem like such a deal-breaker at the start. You�ll never know when you need to perform some wiring or rewiring tasks on your ride. The best thing to do would be to stay prepared in that event.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Types of Online Repair Manuals part 4

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

In the previous post, we've talked about those vehicle-specific manuals that are particularly suited for those who seek in-depth information about particular vehicle makes and models. The devil is in the details, as they say�and DIY auto repair is all about details. After all, you won't want to be removing a certain component when you're supposed to be working on another. That's only going to mess up your ride even more.

Of course, this type of online repair manual isn't limited to just those tried-and-true manual books that come with gadgets, computers and vehicles. You can also get vehicle-specific information from online documents and articles from websites. All you need to do is to filter your search so that you can tailor-fit your Google search results to match your ride's year, make and model information.

Once you have your search results, you can filter them further by looking for specific types of file formats. Manuals and similar documents can be in Adobe document format (.pdf) or text format (.txt). Some are even zipped to be compressed (.zip, .rar). You can also refine your search by limiting the search terms to include only the system or component that you need to work on for your next DIY endeavor.

Pro tip: Remember to have your computer's firewalls up to protect you from malicious files like trojans, viruses and malware when you download seemingly trustworthy documents and files from the Internet.

In the future, we'll go into more detail about vehicle-specific online auto repair manuals. In the meantime, we'll just head on over to the next type of online auto repair manual on our list. We'll be discussing diagnostic and troubleshooting tools in the next post, so watch out as our Types of Online Auto Repair Manuals series continues!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Online Repair Manual Reviews: RepairManual.com

Let�s get down to business as we start this new year. Back in December, we promised to bring you more news, information and reviews about the various online repair manuals available to the vehicle enthusiast and DIY mechanic. Our first review of the year is of repairmanual.com, a site that aggregates a bunch of online repair manuals that you can order.


It�s actually more of a searchable database rather than a single online repair manual service. For example, if you go to the menus, you can select the automobiles link and you�ll be directed to an alphabetical list of vehicle makes. Clicking a car manufacturer link will then lead you to a list of that manufacturer�s models. Clicking a model finally gets you to a list of different online repair manuals that you can purchase for that particular model.


It�s a pretty good listing, actually. Most vehicle makes and models are covered, and there are options from a number of online car repair manual service providers. Some model years even go as far back as the 60s, so you can find even some rare stuff and books that are hard to find. You can clearly see that there is an effort to make the collection as comprehensive as it can be.


What the site could use is a bit more description about the manuals on the results page, so viewers won�t have to make another click just to access the summaries. Another thing is that the website doesn�t really do anything to look like a modern e-commerce website. It looks like one of those sites built during the Geocities days of the Internet. Even then, the entire effort is solid and you get what you need out of the site. After all, it�s the content that counts.

If you want a no-frills and hassle-free way to order a online repair manual for your ride, check out RepairManual.com and see if they list what you need. Whether you�re looking for manuals about cars, vans, ATVs, bikes and even snowmobiles, this is one of the best places to check first.

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Happy New Year!

We would just like to greet everyone a very happy new year! We hope you've all had a bountiful New Year feast and let's welcome 2011 with a bang.

In terms of it being our maiden year, 2010 has been a blast! That's why it was a bit tough to let the past year go. But you know what they say, it's time to go into next-play mode. Bring on 2011!

It'll be a new year filled with new stuff and hopefully, a lot of that new stuff will involve online auto repair manuals. Count on us to keep you updated on that front in the coming year. Expect full coverage, insider information, the usual tips and tricks, and a variety of other stuff relating to these wonderful repair manuals that can be found online.

Now, if you'll excuse us, we have some more leftovers to attend tMore power to the DIY enthusiast and mechanic!

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