I know the basics of whats under the hood of a car but I want to learn more w/o taking a class. Any help?

Question

I know where all the fluid tanks are, the spark plugs, filters, belts...you know the basics. I'm interested in vehicle tuning and customization. I dont mind having a professional fix up my vehicle but I really would like to learn more about autos and there is no automotive school where I live. Any help?

Answer 1

I would take a trip to the library. They usually have books that deal with car engine basics. You could also "volunteer" at a mechanic place just learning the basics and otherwise helping out.

Answer 2

Got to the library and look for Chilton manuals. These are for specific vehicles but you can learn a whole lot by reading them. There is however a major difference between "Book Smart" and " Hands-On". Start off small with a project like say a lawn mover or go-cart. These are all internal combustion engines and work simular to a car engine. Once you learn the basics everything else will be much easier to learn. Hope this helps : )

P.S. Always remain teachable....Only God knows everything!!

Answer 3

Library should have plenty of books on car repair---otherwise speed shops or online book stores and performance parts sites should have books with plenty of info on how to do mods and different tuning or tweaking stock or aftermarket add-on equipment. A factory service manual will help with troubleshooting and give you basic engineering of your vehicle---Eautorepair.net has online access for a fee or Helminc.com has the service manuals in book form to order.
Hang around speed shops and talk to other people that do performance upgrades and check message boards or forums. Join a car club in your area and go to swap meets.

Answer 4

i,ll tell you the easiest way to learn a lot about your own vehicle is to buy a good repair manual like a Haynes repair manual, and in it you will learn everything about your vehicle,basically all cars have the same components in them ,just different manufacturers,and the parts look different,but for the 15 bucks that the manuals cost its well worth it,you cant learn this of a web site ,you have to read it for it to stay with you,but it will help you a great deal,if you read a whole manual just like you would any other book i guarantee you when its done you,ll know a lot about cars,there's a lot of good information in one of those books,the key to all of it is to read it,good luck hope this helps.

Answer 5

Magazines have the latest tips. Hot Rod, Rod and Custom, Car Craft etc.

Answer 6

If you have a friend or family member who owns a shop then learn from them, the best way to learn is hands on

Answer 7

is there any garage around? they always need a good bit_h special the one that they don't have to pay. ( ask them if you can hang out and help for free you'll learn a lot that way.)