Learning DIY Auto Repair

Learning to repair your own car is a great skill to have. It can save you money, make you more self-reliant, and is sure to come in handy at some point in your life. Here, we will go over some of the places you can learn car repair, and some of the skills you should focus on first. 

Where to learn

Nowadays, it is easier than ever to learn to perform your own car repairs. There are a wide variety of different resources for learning the skills needed to fix your car. Here are a few places to start. 

Youtube

YouTube is a great resource for learning how to do just about anything, including car repair. Simply search for your make and model, along with the repair you are looking to perform, and you are likely to find several videos that will walk you through the process, step by step. 

Repair manuals

There are many companies today that offer full featured repair manuals for every car imaginable. These guides are great because they show you exactly what you need to know to make every repair your car could ever need. Using repair manuals is best if you already have a basic level of knowledge about car repair, but they are invaluable for beginners as well. Using a repair manual in conjunction with a how-to video from YouTube is how many people get started with repairs. 

Community college

Chances are great that your local community college offers automobile repair courses. Community colleges are great avenues for learning new skills for several reasons. First, community colleges often have a wide variety of available class times, so taking an evening class after you get off of work is usually pretty easy to do. Second, community colleges are very affordable, and you can often find grants or scholarships for returning to school. Finally, class sizes are community colleges are often small enough that you’ll get plenty of one-on-one time with your instructors. 

What to learn

The fun thing about learning automobile repair is that it is a never-ending journey. There will always be something new to learn. With that being said, there are certain things you should learn how to do first, since they are required more often. 

Oil changes

Replacing your oil and oil filter is something you’ll have to do a few times a year, at least. It is a very simple procedure, and a great first project for anyone who is brand new to car repairs. 

Replacing drive belts

Learning how your drive belts work is a great introduction to understanding how your car operates. Replacing them is fairly simple, and gives you a great look at how the different systems in your car interact. 

Basic tuneup 

Performing a basic tuneup will help you to get comfortable working under the hood. Most basic tuneups consist of replacing your fuel filter, your air filter, your spark plugs (and possibly wires), and replacing your distributor cap and rotor. 

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