If you’re interested in restoring an old car, doing your own repairs, or simply want to know how cars work, there are tons of ways to get started.
However, what if you’re starting from scratch and don’t have any repair knowledge?
Thankfully, there are plenty of educational resources on the internet to help point you in the right direction.
Here are the best ways you can learn to work on cars online.
Watch Youtube Tutorials
If you’ve never worked on a vehicle before, finding videos made by mechanics on YouTube is a great way to get started.
In fact, there are several channels that provide basic tutorials for all kinds of cars imaginable.
Some of the most popular channels include:
- Chris Fix,
- Real Fixes Real Fast,
- Eric The Car Guy,
- South Main Auto Repair, and
- Scotty Kilmer.
Keep in mind that these channels range from beginner concepts—such as replacing windshield wipers or checking oil—to more advanced servicing like changing fuel pumps.
For this reason, it’s important to find content that matches your level of knowledge.
This may take some time, but the effort is worth it if you want to know how to start working on cars.
Look Over a Haynes Repair Manual
Believe it or not, consumer car manuals don’t always give you much information to make your own repairs.
However, there are companies out there that make their own repair manuals for different makes and models.
These manuals are invaluable resources for those wanting to know how to learn car repair online.
The most well-known company that offers repair manuals is Haynes. To get a manual for your own vehicle, just visit their website and enter the year, make, and model of your car.
For most models, you can either order a printed manual or an online manual. Prices range anywhere from $25 to $50, depending on the specific manual you order.
This option is a great way to start doing your own repairs or servicing. The instructions provided in these manuals are far more in-depth than those in consumer versions.
So if you are confident in learning from doing, this may be the best option for you.
Ask Questions on Forums
Sometimes, there are questions you may feel better asking an expert or someone else with automotive experience.
In these situations, you may want to consider seeking out an auto repair forum.
There are several forums that are a good place to start. CarJunky.com is probably the most popular forum for DIY projects.
The forum has actual automotive mechanics respond to your questions and guide you in the right direction.
For beginners, you should also check out Eric The Car Guy’s forum. However, make sure you find a forum that caters to beginners.
There are many forums that only deal with threads from professional mechanics rather than those learning to fix cars.
Figure Out How to Service Your Own Car
For more specific information regarding the make and model of your car, you could always try looking for answers to common repair questions.
For example, if you search “how to change oil on a 2012 Honda Civic,” you’ll probably find a bunch of different resources explaining how.
These may range anywhere from videos to written instructions. Just remember that not all sources are credible.
A good rule of thumb is to stick to anything verifiable, such as instructions written by mechanics or auto parts stores.
Take an Online Auto Repair Course
If you don’t know where to begin to learn how to fix cars online, a great place to start is by taking a beginner’s course such as Stratford Career Institute’s auto mechanics course.
Our introductory course goes through all the basics of auto repair and maintenance.
This includes things such as:
- Auto shop tools,
- Engine servicing,
- Electrical systems,
- Fuel delivery and ignition, and
- Manual and automatic transmissions.
While we start with basic preventative maintenance such as oil changes or battery replacement, we also go much deeper into other topics.
Engine disassembly, intake systems, and transaxle servicing are just a few of the more in-depth topics we explore in our course.
In addition, upon the completion of our course, students receive some tools and equipment to get them started – at no extra charge.
Things to Keep in Mind When Starting Your Auto Repair Journey
When embarking on a new project or learning a new skill, the process can be intimidating, especially when it involves something as expensive as a vehicle.
However, it doesn’t need to be a stressful endeavor.
If you want to learn how to fix cars online, keep these things in mind:
- It’s okay to take your time. Understanding the intricacies of a functioning vehicle won’t happen overnight. Repairing a vehicle involves a lot of trial and error, especially if you’re doing it on your own.
- You might want to try getting a junker. If you aren’t confident enough to work on your own vehicle, try buying a junk car that you don’t need as your daily driver. These cars often cost only a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars and are usually just for learning, not safely transporting people.
As long as you consider these things while learning to repair vehicles, you can have a fulfilling experience.
Enroll in Our Auto Mechanic Course Today
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced hobbyist that wants to fill the gaps in their knowledge, this course is for you.
From basic to advanced repair techniques, you can learn the construction and mechanical operation of a vehicle, both inside and out.
To learn more about our auto mechanic course, contact us or enroll today.
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Stratford Career Institute offers an affordable online course that covers the basics of auto repair.