Repair Manuals

The best way to get a start in finding out more about the cars and trucks you own is to buy a Haynes Manual. I like them better than any other books offered. With the exception of the dealer repair manual. But these are a lot cheaper than a dealer book. This manual is based off of a complete tear down of the vehicle. I buy one of these for each brand of car that I own. If I sell it, I keep the book. You end up with a library of repair books, and who knows....you might buy another one of the same vehicles down the road. Parts stores sell these for $14-$25 depending on the brand of car. My Passat book cost more than my Chevy and Ford books. I feel like a Fleet Manager. I maintain all of my families cars and trucks. They have a problem they call me and we trouble shoot over the phone discussing the way that the vehicle is acting. I have gotten each of them to buy repair manuals so that they can help me find the problem. It has also made it to where each of them are more confident and can often fix it themselves.

More Tips...Volkswagon Check Engine Light On

Tired of looking at your check engine light? Don't be intimidated when it comes to working on a car. Everyone needs a starting point.

How much does a shop say they charge to "check " your engine light?.....Most charge $30-$60. You can have an auto parts store check it for free, but they can't erase the code that comes up. So when it comes time to find out why your "service engine" light is on, spend the money on a new tool instead of paying someone else. This is a great way to build up your tool box!



I paid around$60 for this code reader. I can read and erase codes and find out what the general problem is. The biggest problem when taking your vehicle to a shop is that "you" have "NO CLUE" what the problem is. This leaves the door open for dishonesty, and the possibility of "added charges". Not saying that all shops are dishonest, but there are plenty of people out there that will throw parts at a problem not knowing how to fix it, but you will still be the one paying the bill. It pays to have an idea what is wrong. Kind of like the people going into surgery and writing on the body part, "This Leg."

HOW TO SAVE ON MECHANIC WORK

Tired of paying for high priced mechanic work? Don't think you can do it yourself? Let's help!
Here is a list of Basic Tools needed.
1. Cresent (adjustable) wrench
2. Flat scew driver
3. Phillips scew driver
4. Latex gloves
5. Socket set(metric & standard)
6. Ratchet and extension
7. Oil filter wrench
8. Pliers


These tools alone will help you to save money doing it yourself instead of paying to have it done.