car maintenance info image
cats
Does anyone know if there are any basic car maintenance courses that a woman can take either in person or online? I live in the New York/New Jersey area? I have a new car and want to learn as much as possible since I don't want to be ripped off by mechanics.
Answer
There are lots of shops that put on car care seminars, usually focused towards women. They really do want to help you understand, because people who understand about their vehicles and are knowledgable about the basics and such, are more likely to take care of thier vehicles and trust mechanics on larger jobs, because they understand what is going on. So don't think that just because it is put on by a shop, that they don't really want to help you.
They usually teach you the basics about car care, what needs maintenance, how to inspect the vehicle yourself and do basic car care, then they go over your specific vehicle with you and point out important things and what to do. They usually also give you tips on dealing with shops, what to ask, what to do, how to make sure you aren't getting ripped off, etc.
Not all mechanics are a rip off, in fact many of them really do care. They take pride in their work and want to do the job right. Not many other people, in many other jobs, are required to purchase thousands of dollars worth of tools, equipment, training, etc. just to get a good job. But they can be hard to find sometimes...
Anyhow you can find some of these shops online, at carcare.org which helps shops put on seminars like this. You may find them in advertisements as well. Being in a large area like you, I think they would be pretty easy to find. Even if a shop isn't currently putting one on right now, they may be willing to give you a private lesson, or you and some friends. At our shop we will gladly set up appointment times, after work, to help our customers learn about their vehicles... I am sure you could find someone around you that does the same thing, so ask some of your friends and family who they use as a mechanic, and if they know if they offer anything like that.
Also, since you are in a large area, there might be other people who put something on like that. Almost all community colleges put on courses as well, usually not expensive and easy times for people to attend. There are also many books available to help you learn about this stuff. Some websites I like are:
http://www.innerauto.com/Automotive_Systems/Electrical_System/Spark_Plug_Wire/ (Go to the bottom and you will find animations and info about different systems on the vehicle)
http://www.acdelco.com/index.jsp (go to parts information on the top, or maintenance and there are a few links to good information about the different systems, maintenance, how to know when they need service or repair, etc.)
And autozone.com has some helpful things as well. You can actually select your vehicle information and see some repair guides and get reminders about maintenance.
Or another site, which costs about 25 dollars a year, is http://www.alldata.com/products/diy/index.html (take a look at the demo and see what information it can give you. It has all the info from the owner's manual and much more, a very good site specific for your vehicle.)
There are lots of shops that put on car care seminars, usually focused towards women. They really do want to help you understand, because people who understand about their vehicles and are knowledgable about the basics and such, are more likely to take care of thier vehicles and trust mechanics on larger jobs, because they understand what is going on. So don't think that just because it is put on by a shop, that they don't really want to help you.
They usually teach you the basics about car care, what needs maintenance, how to inspect the vehicle yourself and do basic car care, then they go over your specific vehicle with you and point out important things and what to do. They usually also give you tips on dealing with shops, what to ask, what to do, how to make sure you aren't getting ripped off, etc.
Not all mechanics are a rip off, in fact many of them really do care. They take pride in their work and want to do the job right. Not many other people, in many other jobs, are required to purchase thousands of dollars worth of tools, equipment, training, etc. just to get a good job. But they can be hard to find sometimes...
Anyhow you can find some of these shops online, at carcare.org which helps shops put on seminars like this. You may find them in advertisements as well. Being in a large area like you, I think they would be pretty easy to find. Even if a shop isn't currently putting one on right now, they may be willing to give you a private lesson, or you and some friends. At our shop we will gladly set up appointment times, after work, to help our customers learn about their vehicles... I am sure you could find someone around you that does the same thing, so ask some of your friends and family who they use as a mechanic, and if they know if they offer anything like that.
Also, since you are in a large area, there might be other people who put something on like that. Almost all community colleges put on courses as well, usually not expensive and easy times for people to attend. There are also many books available to help you learn about this stuff. Some websites I like are:
http://www.innerauto.com/Automotive_Systems/Electrical_System/Spark_Plug_Wire/ (Go to the bottom and you will find animations and info about different systems on the vehicle)
http://www.acdelco.com/index.jsp (go to parts information on the top, or maintenance and there are a few links to good information about the different systems, maintenance, how to know when they need service or repair, etc.)
And autozone.com has some helpful things as well. You can actually select your vehicle information and see some repair guides and get reminders about maintenance.
Or another site, which costs about 25 dollars a year, is http://www.alldata.com/products/diy/index.html (take a look at the demo and see what information it can give you. It has all the info from the owner's manual and much more, a very good site specific for your vehicle.)
What is a good site to get general car maintenance info for free?
RCandMoonP
I'm looking for a site that I can research part numbers, air pressures and general information about keeping my car running smooth. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Answer
autozone.com has complete car care manuals online for free
autozone.com has complete car care manuals online for free
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