Choosing An Auto Repair Guide That's Worth The Investment! When your car breaks down and it's out of warranty, chances are you try to see if you can't make the repair yourself. For me, a true mechanical idiot, all but the simplest repair is nigh impossible. However, I still have an auto repair guide to consult, if for no other reason than to be able to ascertain that (1) I'm out of my league and (2) so that I can take a stab at speaking intelligently to the auto repair guy and hope he won't be able to befuddle me to the point that I take his word for it when he tries to sell me a new engine when all I need is a fan belt. While my auto repair guide hasn't enabled me to make repairs on my own, I know it has saved me money at the shop. Before I was allowed to get my driver's license, oh so long ago, my Dad insisted that I read a book on how cars work. He said he would not allow me to obtain my license until I understood the basic workings of a car. I went through the auto repair guide for dummies diligently, chapter by chapter. Nothing made a bit of sense to me. I would never be an auto mechanic, that was for sure. He finally gave in, satisfied that I could change a tire. However, I was an excellent driver and could smell trouble by the sound of the engine. Some years later, my vintage Triumph convertible lost its fan belt. I didn't need an auto repair guide to make this determination. The car overheated and stopped. The problem was immediately apparent upon lifting the hood. The fan belt was broken and still in sight. At the British motors shop, the mechanic informed me that he would need to remove the engine to replace the fan belt! Before you think I'm the biggest chump around, listen to this: he hauled out the auto repair guide for my Triumph, referring to diagram this and diagram that, pointing out the corresponding parts on my vehicle. It was clearly apparent that he was telling the truth! Needless to say, this is the last time I bought a British car. When I sold the car, the proud new owner got my Triumph auto repair guide as well! The point here is that a good auto repair guide is one you can comprehend, with clear diagrams and text that makes sense, well organized and comprehensive. The simple stuff that I concern myself with, such as correct tire pressure, number of quarts of oil required and that sort of basic info, should be in its own section, not buried in a long diatribe on maintenance tasks. While it's usually true that you get what you pay for, this adage doesn't apply to auto guides. If you're a mechanical genius, the 1000-page guide may be the book of your dreams. For others, like myself, the $14.95 auto repair guide for dummies is all I need. I can go through the troubleshooting section and confirm my suspicions that I need a slow charge or a new battery. I'll also learn that I do not need a new solenoid or starter. When I take the car to the gas station to try a slow charge, the worst I'm facing is the purchase of a new battery. Without my well chosen book, I might have gotten socked at the shop for the whole nine yards! No matter what your level of skill in auto repair, the right auto repair guide is a good investment. You'll save money even if you don't know one end of a wrench from another! Summary Having a good auto repair guide can save you lots of money for auto service even if you do not perform the repairs yourself. Consulting these great guides can help you decide if you are being overcharged for repairs or if the shop is an honest one. If you have to replace a part on an older model car, you have the instructions right in front of you to consult. Related Articles Auto Repair Estimates Proper Auto Maintenance Related Sites