how to learn

[matt chard]

Im a teenager and want to learn how to acually repair a car so when I get one (which will most likley be a car that needs work) I know how to fix it. So far my experience is basically building a pedel bike from random bike parts, changing oil on a car, changing rotars, and break pads... thats all I know how to do. I am slowly building up a tool kit so I have the right stuff when I need it, but whats the point of the tools if you dont know how to use them? So any suggestions on how to learn would be appreciated.

 

[53 hemi]

Car / truck pre 1987. Factory service ( shop ) manual. Patience. Buy a vehicle that will already pass inspection and is drivable. There will be plenty of things to fix, don't worry.

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you work on a particular car, there is nothing wrong with a Haynes or Chiltons book. They give you some very basic knowledge but for a beginner that is absolutely fine. I still break mine out looking at the torque sequences/specs.

 

[Chaznsc]

Recommend a VW Bug or Bus. Easily repairable and damn near indestructable. I cut my teeth on one and they are a lot of fun.

 

[Tscott]

I'm not the best mechanic or the best fabricator but everything I know I have learned by researching a topic and then jumping in with both feet. I tell my wife you don't have to be smart to do this stuff, you just have to be dumb enough to start the project. All these skills are related. Wrenching is wrenching so find something mechanical you enjoy and dive in.

Tom

 

[matt chard]

So theirs acouple books out their on the basics? Read those and wait until I get a owners manual and that will help me to?

 

[matt chard]

I am a fairly good researching but how would you know where to start researching when "theirs a funny noise coming from the car"?

 

[NUTTSGT]

So theirs acouple books out their on the basics? Read those and wait until I get a owners manual and that will help me to?

Yes. Stop buy a "half-price books" store, if you have one local. You can find some decent books on every subject for cheap.

http://www.hpb.com/

 

[aka Larry]

If you have a choice (and you may not) be sure to buy a car with a large on-line knowledge base. For instance the NA 90-97 Mazda Miata. Almost anything you have issue with someone else has BTDT and can help you. Chilton's, Haynes, and other how-to books are well documented on this car (and others). It's easy to work on and doesn't require a bunch of expensive-as-hell SSTs to repair.

 

[matt chard]

We dont have many stores up here in michigan but im sure if I could get some book names I could read them on kindle or order them off a website

 

[Super Sport]

Honestly, you already know more than I did when I started driving. I had an uncle who taught me a couple of the basics, but other than that I was on my own. I did, and still do, rely heavily on the internet for information. Model specific forums are a great wealth of information. Google can be your best friend. Haynes or Chilton manuals are good for basic stuff, factory manuals (which are sometimes available in PDF for free online) are better.

For tools, I started out with a Craftsman 283pc set, and built up from there as I needed. Actually, I really started out with a couple of small 3/8 socket sets first before buying that big set. Then I bought a drill, a jack and stands, more hand tools, a bigger tool box, more hand tools, specialty tools, etc. You won't need most tools right away, buy them when good deals arise or when you need them.

 

[djcslice]

Join a forum for the particular car brand and/or model. Most car forums have a plethora of DIY's and walk throughs.

 

[matt chard]

I live off google for everything anyways, and do you think for a socket set I should go with a more known craftsman like brand or napa little more expensive carlyle set?

 

[matt chard]

I have a hammer, really nice drill set, lots of cresent wrenches, tape measure, screwdrivers, I think the next step up is a socket set, im looking at carlyle 12 piece 3/8 drive 6pt set in both standard and another set of the exact same but metric, and then buy some cheaper wrenches.....

 

[LB-1911]

I live off google for everything anyways, and do you think for a socket set I should go with a more known craftsman like brand or napa little more expensive carlyle set?

Here are your two previous discussions;

looking for a decent socket/wrench set
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=207747

dewalt vs. carlyle sockets?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=207829

 

[hoffman912]

In addition to manuals, I also recommend getting on a forum for what ever make/model you have. for example if you go the vw route, get on a vw forum, etc. there will be lots of resources available to ask questions, many threads to read to learn from.. just like here. I learned a TON by just reading what others were doing in fixes, repairs, upgrades and how tos, as well as by asking a lot of questions myself.


also ask the guys on those forums which books are the best to get. they know whats good, and whats junk.

 

[matt chard]

You mean a thread on what book to get?

 

[Gerald O]

Do they have an auto shop class in your high school?

When I was a teenager I got my first car at 15 years old for $25. It was a basket case but complete. Took auto shop and rebuilt the engine in class, meanwhile learning about other systems and working on those at home. By the time I was old enough to get my drivers license I had the car back together and road worthy, and learned a few things.

 

[jives]

All good advice above. Here is how I would rank your priorities.

1. Join a car-specific discussion board, and a basic DIY board. Read them daily, even if
you do not have a problem.

2. Have on hand a repair manual (Chiltons, etc.), the owner's manual, and anything
else like it.

3. Take autoshop in high school if you can. It is a shame, but many schools have
abandoned the trades.

4. If you do have a problem, Google it up one side and down the other. It is how I
now repair just about everything, from my Kia's blown blower resister to the fridge
to the computer.

5. Dive in.

 

[I PLAY FOR KEEPS]

I would recommend an auto class at your local community college (Being that most high schools have cut them.) Generally tuition is pretty cheap and it can give you a great foundation.

 

[matt chard]

I am just starting drivers ed in less then a month, and my school does have a class but im pretty sure you must be a senior to take it

 

[matt chard]

What do you mean by car-specific discussion board?

 

[I PLAY FOR KEEPS]

What do you mean by car-specific discussion board?

Like a forum dedicated to a specific car of your preference. For example - I own a chevy silverado and used to visit gmfullsize. com. So try to find a forum dedicated to the particular vehicle your interested in.

 

[Krash Kadillak]

In addition to all the book-learning, you need to get some intense practical experience, preferrably with more vehicles than just your own. Some ideas (not all of which may be applicable to you specifically)

- High school auto shop
- Scout your neighborhood for a homeowner that works on a lot of cars. Offer to become a helper in exchange for his knowledge.
- Any of your buddies have a dad who knows what he's doing?
- Check around for local vehicle clubs - maybe an off-roading club. They're usually pretty good at teaching.

 

[matt chard]

Alright thanks

 

[RPH]

Where in Michigan are you located? Some of us members live up there too. Always willing to help.

 

[TheClaw]

Hard to add what everybody has already said and Jives has summarized. Once you have the car, start with the basics, change the oil, adjust the brakes, tend to what needs to. Ask for help here and on your car's forum.

Joining a local Club is a real good suggestion. Chat it up at cruise nights or local shows.

If you need parts, got to a dismantler (junk yard). Take off the needed part yourself from the junked car, thats half the battle of "remove" in "remove & replace"

When you get frustrated, and you will, walk away. Come back. Now some here might say a good whack from a BFH works in that situation, but I've always regretted that.

Good luck!

 

[crewchief888]

Hard to add what everybody has already said and Jives has summarized. Once you have the car, start with the basics, change the oil, adjust the brakes, tend to what needs to. Ask for help here and on your car's forum.

Joining a local Club is a real good suggestion. Chat it up at cruise nights or local shows.

If you need parts, got to a dismantler (junk yard). Take off the needed part yourself from the junked car, thats half the battle of "remove" in "remove & replace"

When you get frustrated, and you will, walk away. Come back. Now some here might say a good whack from a BFH works in that situation, but I've always regretted that.

Good luck!

if you cant fix it with a hamer, you have an electrical problem



at your age finding a "mentor" might be a good idea.

show an interest in "all things mechanical"
car shows, swap meets, cruise nights, usally good places to meet car people.
i have noticed in my past experiences, a lot of car/truck clubs can be extremely "clickish".
if you dont have the same kinda car/truck, ie: show cars, antiques, 50's crusiers, muscle cars, jeeps, ect, ect., they can be sometimes downright rude.

couple years ago, i was at a truck only show, it was open only to trucks/suvs, 2x4 or 4x4
i was parked next to a guy who (in my opinion) had a killer '55 ford PU. really nicely built, but definitely driven, cruiser.
he had belonged to a couple of local car clubs, and was looked down upon, cuz he had a truck

at the end of the day, he was amazed by some of the engineering, and thought processes that went into a few of the 4x4's that were there, mine included, he's been back to every truck show since, and always has a great time just BS'n with other truck owners.

 

[InPrimer]

Just to remind you again stay away from Range Rovers or any other high end vehicles the cost and parts can be prohibitive, Vw, S10, Rangers, Honda are cheaper to repair,,Save a little $$ and check out garage sales and pawn shops for tools , sometimes neighbors have extra tools left over from when they were younger and you might be able to score tools etc maybe for trading for lawn mowing or fix it stuff that the older folks can't no longer do. Hey it's out there stay honest and you will be rewarded ..............Good luck

 

[theoldwizard1]

...So far my experience is basically building a pedel bike from random bike parts, changing oil on a car, changing rotars, and break pads... thats all I know how to do...

Stay in school and brush up on your spelling

pedal
rotors
brake
that's


Or if you are a terrible typist, like me, use a web browser with a built in spell checker.

 

[brownbagg]

go find you a 60 model car or truck and just rebuild it, jump in two hand and enjoy yourself, find a old jeep or something. build a hot rod, that be the quickest way to learn and you could pick up chicks

 

[matt chard]

Sorry, im on a tablet and its somewhat hard to type on it, and I do try to keep the grades up! and I live 10 miles out of houghton Michigan

 

[matt chard]

And I will admit even if it is hard to type on my tablet, I am not the greatest speeler you will meet.

 

[RPH]

I live in thumb. Bit far for us to help each other. But I am willing to work with you on things. Just pm me with questions and I will answer. Always willing to help as somebody did it for me.

 

[matt chard]

Alright thanks

 

[dolfans]

Do you have an idea what kind of a auto you want? If so mybe you can go/get in a pull it patrs yard. You can find what autos there and what parts you want/need. Good luck and have fun

 

[Twiggss]

The junkyard is also a good area to practice some of your wrenching skills. Break their stuff not yours.

 

[justanengineer]

Ive found that reading a lot is the key to learning. Ive also found that even those who dont care for reading seem to enjoy it when theyre reading about things that interest them. For basic auto mechanics, Id suggest looking for a general "how-to" book in the library. The best usually resemble a school textbook bc in reality, they are.

Beyond that, I cant believe nobody has suggested learning while earning. Get a J-O-B in a local shop. Let it be known that youre eager to learn and are not too good to sweep floors, take out the trash, wash cars, make coffee, be a "go-ferrr"....whatever they want you to do. Simply hanging around a working shop and talking to the mechanics will teach you a lot pretty quickly. If you have family friends' in the trade or with shops of their own, stop by and visit/hang out. Most adults are more than willing to teach a kid who is well behaved, trustful, and not "in the way" or pestersome. When I was still in school one of my Dad's buddies owned a local body shop that catered mostly to hot rods and muscle cars. I knew that if I stopped by about 4 pm, work was usually being cleaned up for the end of the day and I could walk through the shop with the boss asking questions and hed gladly show off the day's work.

 

[matt chard]

Theirs one shop near my house and my parents know the mechanic well and im going to stop in and ask if I can hang around and if he can teach me some stuff.

 

[Rodbolt]

Get your hands on some old factory service manuals and read them. When I was your age I buried my nose in these books and by the time I was fourteen I had rebuilt an automatic transmission and was moving on to the engine in my first car. I went on to trade school after high school and worked as an ASE master technician for fourteen years. Learn the fundamentals of how an internal combustion engine works. Find an old lawn mower and take it apart.