Training for Book Authors
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
Do-It-Yourself With a Automotive Service Or Repair Manual
Copyright (c) 2007-2023 Quinton Becker
It can be quite expensive to have your car in a mechanic's garage these days. Even fees for oil changes and tire rotations have increased dramatically over the years. One way to save money on these types of expenses is to buy the parts and tools needed and do the maintenance or make the repairs by yourself.
The owner's manual that came with your vehicle can tell you everything you need to know about how to operate your vehicle. It may also tell you how often general maintenances should be performed, how many pounds of air to put in your tires, etc. However, these manuals do not usually explain how to perform the service requirements or how to replace broken parts. In order to become an expert do-it-yourselfer, you will need to buy a service and repair manual for your specific car or truck.
Manuals such as these can be found all over the Internet. There are websites that boast of being factory-authorized distributors that carry only the manufacturers' manuals. Other websites offer manuals that group the vehicles by model, year, and/or make. Some are even classified between imported and American made automobiles. It really doesn't matter which type of manual you purchase, just as long as it is for the vehicle you need to repair.
These manuals come in two different formats. Some car owners prefer the standard book format because it can be taken right out to the vehicle being repaired. This allows the information and diagrams to be right at your fingertips. The possible problems with using the book format are that the book may be bulky to handle, or it could get increasingly dirty or oily with each subsequent use. If these are concerns of yours, the manuals are also available on Compact Discs (CDs). The benefit of this format is that you can look up specific information on the CD and print out exactly what you need at that moment. After the repairs are made, the printed instructions can be thrown away.
Either form of manual will be extremely helpful in explaining anything you need to know about how your car works, or how to work on your car. The price for a new manual in either book or CD format varies according to the model of your vehicle; however, it is possible to find used ones online for a little less money. Of course, purchasing a used book for car repairs is kind of like buying a used textbook. If the person who owned it before you knew what they were doing, the notes in the margins could be very helpful. But, if the past owner was a complete idiot, you are better off ignoring the "tips" he left behind. The trouble is, how do you know the difference if you don't know anything yourself?
These manuals cover topics ranging from how to replace your windshield wiper blades to how to rebuild your engine. They can help with troubleshooting and diagnostics, engine performance, fuel systems, and even body parts. If you have always wanted to be your own mechanic, this type of do-it-yourself manual may be all you need to get started.
There are a couple of things to look for before settling on a particular service and repair manual. One of the most important things to find out is who wrote or put together the manual. You want to make sure whoever it was, had plenty of prior experience working on cars, such as an independent repair shop owner or certified technician. The second thing to look for is pictures and diagrams. Some people can learn just by reading the information, but being able to see what the parts look like and how they fit together is going to make things much easier for the do-it-yourself person.
Even if you don't plan on servicing your own vehicle or making your own repairs, a service and repair manual can come in very handy. It is always good to have some idea of what things are and how they work, especially before taking your car in to be worked on by someone else. If the repairs are expensive, you will understand why. If someone is trying to rip you off, you may actually be able to figure it out before that big check is written.
Knowledge is a beautiful thing. When you have the right information at hand, you can make educated and informed decisions. The knowledge that you gain by having a manual for your particular make and model of vehicle could realistically save you the expense of the repair manual in very short order. If the information that you learned by reading your manual prevents you from being ripped-off, or it helps you to make one repair on your own, it can easily pay for itself the first time you use it.
It is not always necessary to change auto insurance companies to save money on car insurance. Getting a better price elsewhere often encourages insurance agents to offer additional discounts to existing customers. For Oklahoma drivers, the website http://CheapOklahomaAutoInsurance.com/ can help them with the auto insurance quotes research process. For consumers in other states, try http://maxroo.com/updates/auto-insurance-quotes/ Quinton Becker writes about automotive topics.
|
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Technology Articles || Related Categories: Home and Garden Articles and Shopping Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Quinton Becker
What Are OEM Auto Parts? And Why Should They Be Considered?
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-06-22 |
Word Count: 698 |
Page Views: 6863
| Votes: 26 |
Rating: 1.81
Purchasing OEM auto parts is an excellent way of ensuring that
the replacement parts you buy will fit your car. OEM auto parts
are particularly important if you own a high-performance
automobile...
Understanding the Maintenance, Repair and Replacement of Ball Joints
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-06-15 |
Word Count: 538 |
Page Views: 32846
| Votes: 68 |
Rating: 3.01
A ball joint is an important component of your car's suspension,
located on the front end of the vehicle. Ball joints will wear
out over time and cause handling problems as they continue to
deteriorate. It is important that you have these joints
inspected, particularly if you are experiencing handling problems
with your vehicle.
The Three W's of Oxygen Sensors
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-06-08 |
Word Count: 658 |
Page Views: 6377
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 1.36
Unless you are an automobile mechanic or work around car parts,
you probably do not know anything about oxygen sensors. Of
course, the name itself gives a pretty big clue, but still leaves
a lot to the imagination. The fact is, oxygen sensors are very
important to the overall function of a vehicle. The following are
what could be referred to as the three W's of oxygen sensors:
Taking Care of Your Car's Braking System Can Prevent Accidents
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-06-01 |
Word Count: 616 |
Page Views: 7841
| Votes: 25 |
Rating: 1.68
A brake rotor is a vital part of the braking system on your
vehicle. A brake rotor, in conjunction with brake pads, brings
your car to come to a quick and complete stop. If you have a worn
brake rotor, you should have it replaced as soon as possible for
your own safety.
Performance Parts Can Help With Better Horsepower Or Gas Mileage
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-05-25 |
Word Count: 754 |
Page Views: 6208
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 2.15
Performance parts are often better in quality than the factory
replacement parts. The cost difference is generally minimal, and
when you add in the fact that they outperform the factory
replacement parts, it is really no contest.
Low-Riders, Street Racers and Everyday Drivers Should Be Aware of the Camber in a Car's Suspension System
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-05-18 |
Word Count: 721 |
Page Views: 5960
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 2.15
The camber kit in your car's suspension system adjusts the angle
of your tires, and increases the size of your tire footprint -
how much of each tire comes into contact with the pavement. If
you lower your car without installing a camber kit, there are
some major handling problems that will arise. While street racers
and low-rider buffs are the people who could use the camber kit
most often, everyday drivers often consider it to be an
economical safety improvement for their vehicles.
Do-It-Yourself Automotive Axle Assembly Repair Tips and Tricks
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-05-11 |
Word Count: 619 |
Page Views: 7383
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 2.52
Replacing an axle assembly is not as difficult as you may think.
For front-wheel drive cars, and for some rear-wheel drive cars,
this can be a do-it-yourself job. You will want to review the
repair manual of your vehicle to decide, based on your own
mechanical skill, whether you feel comfortable tackling this
project yourself.
Don't Let Your Car's Alternator Leave You Stranded
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-05-06 |
Word Count: 630 |
Page Views: 19819
| Votes: 51 |
Rating: 2.98
An alternator is one of the most commonly dysfunctional auto
parts. Without a properly functioning alternator, your car will
simply refuse to run. A faulty alternator can leave you stranded,
but luckily, a low-performing alternator often shows warning
signs that indicate its malfunction before it ceases to work.
Being able to recognize these warning signs, and knowing what to
do next, may prevent you from getting caught in an inconvenient
or dangerous situation.
Car Antenna Replacements Are Quick And Easy When You Know What To Do
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-05-04 |
Word Count: 586 |
Page Views: 18253
| Votes: 41 |
Rating: 1.90
Antennas are not the most durable parts of a vehicle, and are
prone to requiring replacement or repair. There are many ways in
which a car's radio antenna may be damaged. Unfortunately, one
of the most common causes for antenna damage is vandalism... The
good news is that repairs are fairly easy and straight-forward.
In this article, we will tell you how-to replace a retractable
car antenna.
Brush Guards Can Protect Cars and Trucks in Low-Impact Collisions
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-04-29 |
Word Count: 649 |
Page Views: 9563
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.18
It may seem like an odd addition to a passenger car that is until
you stop to realize that most police departments use them on
their cars as well. Brush guards protect cars and trucks from
minor damages that might otherwise be sustained in a low-impact
collision with a vehicle or a tree.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Quinton Becker Articles
Most Recent "Technology" Articles
How MrBean Led the Computer Industry
Written by: Jennifer Robinson |
Distributed: 2010-11-02 |
Word Count: 917 |
Page Views: 5197
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.00
1955 seemed like any other year to most people, but
unbeknown to the world '55 was to prove the arrival of the
geeks. Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Tim Berners-Lee and Eric
Schmidt were all born in 1955.
The Definition of Renewable Energy - Present and Future Outlooks
Written by: M.S. Rochell |
Distributed: 2010-07-29 |
Word Count: 563 |
Page Views: 4620
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 2.00
The definition of renewable energy does not just include
wind, solar, water and geothermal energy sources. There are
some exciting new possibilities for harnessing a new and
little known form of renewable energy that is already in
abundant supply in our world.
Do-It-Yourself Automotive Axle Assembly Repair Tips and Tricks
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-05-11 |
Word Count: 619 |
Page Views: 7383
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 2.52
Replacing an axle assembly is not as difficult as you may think.
For front-wheel drive cars, and for some rear-wheel drive cars,
this can be a do-it-yourself job. You will want to review the
repair manual of your vehicle to decide, based on your own
mechanical skill, whether you feel comfortable tackling this
project yourself.
Car Antenna Replacements Are Quick And Easy When You Know What To Do
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-05-04 |
Word Count: 586 |
Page Views: 18253
| Votes: 41 |
Rating: 1.90
Antennas are not the most durable parts of a vehicle, and are
prone to requiring replacement or repair. There are many ways in
which a car's radio antenna may be damaged. Unfortunately, one
of the most common causes for antenna damage is vandalism... The
good news is that repairs are fairly easy and straight-forward.
In this article, we will tell you how-to replace a retractable
car antenna.
Blu-ray Players Loading Times
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-04-21 |
Word Count: 322 |
Page Views: 6254
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.80
The disc loading times of Blu-ray Players have always been a
tricky issue with users. Why does it take forever for
Blu-ray discs to load? Why are there no menus? Find out the
answers by reading this informative article...
Big Brake Kits Offer Extra Stopping Power for Family and Performance Cars
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-04-15 |
Word Count: 617 |
Page Views: 5495
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 2.00
From the car aficionado to the daily commuter, all drivers should
consider improving the safety of their vehicles. One of the best
safety improvements available on the market is the addition of a
big brake kit. Brakes are obviously critical in any car. But if
the horsepower in a vehicle has been amplified, and the breaks
have not been adjusted to accommodate that horsepower, it is
likely that problems will occur.
Cutting IT Costs: A Software Change May Be “Just The Ticket” To Trim Your Bottom Line
Written by: Clark Tanner |
Distributed: 2008-07-22 |
Word Count: 649 |
Page Views: 4838
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.60
Current economic trends are forcing more and more companies to
look for creative ways to reduce spending. When Senior Management
decides to cut the budget across the board, even IT departments
feel the crunch. That is why CTO's and IT Directors now have a
new mandate. They must scrutinize every dollar they are spending,
and make a decision as to what expenses are tied to 'must
haves' versus 'nice to haves'.
Garmin Dominates US Market for GPS Devices - But Stock Still Takes a Big Hit
Written by: Jim Woods and Paul Carton |
Distributed: 2008-05-06 |
Word Count: 663 |
Page Views: 4307
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.00
When it comes to mapping out winners and losers in the GPS
devices marketplace, we turn to the guidance of our 15,000-member
ChangeWave research network. And what they've told us is that
Garmin (GRMN) - the top GPS manufacturer in the world - has
achieved near total domination of the U.S. marketplace.
123di V5: A Review of the Digital Photographer's Library In A Box
Written by: Royce Tivel |
Distributed: 2008-04-24 |
Word Count: 1519 |
Page Views: 5002
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.20
123di contains much more than just the practical tutorials for
image processing. It has comprehensive theoretical coverage on
the technical aspects of digital photography. These sections are
great for understanding technical areas that can help you both
select your photographic equipment and use it effectively. 123di
explains both the *why* and the *how* of digital photography.
The Many Pay Offs And Benefits To You From Having A Good Auto Fuel Economy
Written by: Benji O. Anosike |
Distributed: 2008-04-08 |
Word Count: 1758 |
Page Views: 4573
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 1.09
Just about everybody and every institution in the society,
including the government of the day, frequently tell us that
having lower prices and costs for fuel would be just about the
most desirable and beneficial thing for the society and for
almost everybody - economically, politically, and militarily.
Most Viewed "Technology" Articles
How to Download Voicemail Messages and Save to CD or MP3
Written by: Howard Richman |
Distributed: 2007-11-07 |
Word Count: 999 |
Page Views: 157951
| Votes: 131 |
Rating: 3.15
Have you ever wanted to permanently backup your answering machine
messages or store your voicemail messages to your computer before
they are auto-erased? Learn how to permanently save those cute
messages from your children or important business messages.
Car Antenna Replacements Are Quick And Easy When You Know What To Do
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-05-04 |
Word Count: 586 |
Page Views: 18253
| Votes: 41 |
Rating: 1.90
Antennas are not the most durable parts of a vehicle, and are
prone to requiring replacement or repair. There are many ways in
which a car's radio antenna may be damaged. Unfortunately, one
of the most common causes for antenna damage is vandalism... The
good news is that repairs are fairly easy and straight-forward.
In this article, we will tell you how-to replace a retractable
car antenna.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Types Of Truck Bed Liners
Written by: Thomas Maverick Tucker |
Distributed: 2006-08-29 |
Word Count: 840 |
Page Views: 9677
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 1.76
A vehicle is typically the second largest purchase that a person
will make in his or her life, second only to a home. Because of
the high cost of automobiles, it makes sense that you would want
to do the best job that you can to protect your investment. There
are many ways that you can protect your vehicle and if you have a
pick up truck, you will most likely want to protect the bed of
your truck with a bed liner.
ITIL 101: Understanding the Basics
Written by: Anne Sych |
Distributed: 2007-01-11 |
Word Count: 488 |
Page Views: 8935
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 1.75
In the world of IT management, ITIL is the buzzword being heard
around the globe. So what is ITIL and how does it affect your
organization? Let's take a closer look!
Analysis of Candlepower, Lumens, LUX and Foot Candles
Written by: Magnalight |
Distributed: 2008-02-20 |
Word Count: 774 |
Page Views: 8171
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.73
LUX represents the amount of useful light that enables you to see
something at that distance. For example, if I took a book and
walked out 100 feet, how much light would I have to read by?
Tissue Culture Applications To Improve Crops of Strawberries, Raspberries, and Blackberries
Written by: Patrick Malcolm |
Distributed: 2006-09-22 |
Word Count: 763 |
Page Views: 7944
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 2.08
Why berry plants "run out" and what is being done about it.
Do-It-Yourself Automotive Axle Assembly Repair Tips and Tricks
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-05-11 |
Word Count: 619 |
Page Views: 7383
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 2.52
Replacing an axle assembly is not as difficult as you may think.
For front-wheel drive cars, and for some rear-wheel drive cars,
this can be a do-it-yourself job. You will want to review the
repair manual of your vehicle to decide, based on your own
mechanical skill, whether you feel comfortable tackling this
project yourself.
Using Security Cameras
Written by: Jerry Tarrer |
Distributed: 2007-04-23 |
Word Count: 736 |
Page Views: 7373
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 3.58
Crime continues to rise not just in a physical sense but also in
the world of white-collar business. Security cameras have become
a worthy ally to many in the detection and prevention of crime. A
simple observation of the city will tell you security cameras are
everywhere these days. Once used in their infancy as a
traffic-monitoring device, remote security cameras are becoming
the weapons of choice in the war against terrorism and crime
around the world.
How To Get the Best Lighting For your Photos
Written by: Cheryl Miller |
Distributed: 2006-05-31 |
Word Count: 576 |
Page Views: 7186
| Votes: 28 |
Rating: 1.86
Lighting will make or break your photo. You can do all sorts
of experiments with lighting to really make some stunning and
amazing pictures. Before we go into that lets go over a few
points about lighting that will make your photo picture
perfect.
How to Counter - Spy Phone Invasions of Privacy
Written by: Jerry Tarrer |
Distributed: 2007-02-23 |
Word Count: 973 |
Page Views: 6554
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 2.10
The rise of electronic bugging, terms used in phone spying, how
to protect yourself from electronic bugging.
Highest Ranked "Technology" Articles
Using Security Cameras
Written by: Jerry Tarrer |
Distributed: 2007-04-23 |
Word Count: 736 |
Page Views: 7373
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 3.58
Crime continues to rise not just in a physical sense but also in
the world of white-collar business. Security cameras have become
a worthy ally to many in the detection and prevention of crime. A
simple observation of the city will tell you security cameras are
everywhere these days. Once used in their infancy as a
traffic-monitoring device, remote security cameras are becoming
the weapons of choice in the war against terrorism and crime
around the world.
How to Download Voicemail Messages and Save to CD or MP3
Written by: Howard Richman |
Distributed: 2007-11-07 |
Word Count: 999 |
Page Views: 157951
| Votes: 131 |
Rating: 3.15
Have you ever wanted to permanently backup your answering machine
messages or store your voicemail messages to your computer before
they are auto-erased? Learn how to permanently save those cute
messages from your children or important business messages.
Garmin Dominates US Market for GPS Devices - But Stock Still Takes a Big Hit
Written by: Jim Woods and Paul Carton |
Distributed: 2008-05-06 |
Word Count: 663 |
Page Views: 4307
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.00
When it comes to mapping out winners and losers in the GPS
devices marketplace, we turn to the guidance of our 15,000-member
ChangeWave research network. And what they've told us is that
Garmin (GRMN) - the top GPS manufacturer in the world - has
achieved near total domination of the U.S. marketplace.
Analysis of Candlepower, Lumens, LUX and Foot Candles
Written by: Magnalight |
Distributed: 2008-02-20 |
Word Count: 774 |
Page Views: 8171
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.73
LUX represents the amount of useful light that enables you to see
something at that distance. For example, if I took a book and
walked out 100 feet, how much light would I have to read by?
Diesel or Gas - Loud Smoking Dinosaur or Fuel Gulping Monster
Written by: Simon Byholm |
Distributed: 2007-06-27 |
Word Count: 852 |
Page Views: 4894
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 2.63
In this article I'm going to discuss the properties of the
diesel and gas engines, and compare them to each other. I'm
specifically referring to their use in automobiles.
Do-It-Yourself Automotive Axle Assembly Repair Tips and Tricks
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-05-11 |
Word Count: 619 |
Page Views: 7383
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 2.52
Replacing an axle assembly is not as difficult as you may think.
For front-wheel drive cars, and for some rear-wheel drive cars,
this can be a do-it-yourself job. You will want to review the
repair manual of your vehicle to decide, based on your own
mechanical skill, whether you feel comfortable tackling this
project yourself.
An Automobile Driver? Several Benefits Why It Pays You Dearly, Any Way, For You To Have A Good Fuel Economy
Written by: Benji O. Anosike |
Distributed: 2008-03-31 |
Word Count: 1757 |
Page Views: 4981
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.50
Following below, are some of the most significant reasons and
benefits, aside from simply the personal economic or financial
benefit accruing to the individual motorist, why it will still
pay you, any way, to have a life of good fuel economy any way,
regardless.
The Importance of Proper Sanitization in the Homebrewing Process
Written by: Mark Thurnau |
Distributed: 2006-08-24 |
Word Count: 628 |
Page Views: 4666
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.41
Sanitization is perhaps the most vital step that must be
consistently undertaken during the entire process of homebrewing
process, yet it is perhaps the one aspect of homebrewing that is
most often rushed or overlooked. Problems with sanitization are
the number one reason why homebrew beers fail.
The Future Of Inkjet Cartridges - Could it be Without Cartridges?
Written by: Rich Martin |
Distributed: 2007-04-24 |
Word Count: 434 |
Page Views: 4300
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.40
I do not know about you, but I do remember the days of the first
Polaroid camera that would develop a black and white or color
picture in just one minute. Wow, at that time, it was great. You
did not have to wait days to receive your pictures. I know I am
dating myself, but there is a reason why I am telling you this
story. There could be a similar story brewing for the future of
inkjet cartridges.
7 Good Reasons For Buying A Laptop Online
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2008-03-31 |
Word Count: 885 |
Page Views: 6314
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.13
Ever wonder why more and more people are purchasing their laptops
online? Well, now you can discover what they already know... here
are 7 good reasons to buy your laptop online.
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 809
Total Views: 5572
Article Rating: 1.75 of 5
Votes Cast: 16
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2010-04-22 10:15:00
Internal ID: #4320
|
|
|