Learning "The Car" - Need Suggestions

Kaibi Tsukushino

Kaibi Tsukushino

Goddess of Mystica
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I'm interested in learning about how cars work, and interested in learning the parts, in depth maintenance, etc. Does anybody know of any books or websites that have really valuable visuals and lessons (interactive or not) on how to learn about the car, its history, parts, and maintenance? :monster:
 
Yeah, I realize it's pretty broad. But I really need to start at the beginning. Hence, why I asked such a broad question. Thank you for the information on fluids and oil. I know there are ways to make a car easily run without oil... like on biodiesel, or water, or electricity. I think I may research that, too, so that when I get a car, I can transfer some of the energy over. I wonder if Wiki-How has an article on this. *researches*
 
You actually don't really need to follow that "get your oil changed EVERY 3 months or EVERY 3k miles!" rule if you're in a bind for cash or you just forget. You can go a bit further (like every 7k for your average, everyday driving) depending on the kind of car/what kind of oil you use. If you have synthetic under the hood, you could go even further, up to about 15,000-ish miles. The rule was created simply as a gimmick to scam people out of their money for a simple check up that you can do yourself at home.

It's not wrong to want to check and see how your oil is doing every few thousand miles or so, but you don't have to change it religiously like the people at Jiffy Lube say you do. :3
 
I might be able to change it myself, 'cause I know my boyfriend knows how to change oil. So I don't think that's a big deal, money-wise. He can just show me how to change oil.

As far as maintenance, I'm thinking of things I can learn to do on my own, rather than like at Full Service gas stations or Mechanic's Shops, etc. :D Thnx for the tips.
 
Yeah, you should definitely learn how to do the basics like changing oil, changing a tire, etc. Those things are incredibly easy to do yet most of the time drivers won't even touch it because they're too afraid (and or lazy). Then they go and spend a ridiculous amount of money for someone else to do what is actually a rather simple job.

I don't know too many websites out there for you, but I'm sure Google could be your best friend for the easy stuff. :] You might want to consult individuals who can give you reliable information for the more difficult processes later on, though. Good luck!
 
Yeah, I definitely want to educate myself, because given the time when I have to see a mechanic, I don't want to be screwed out of my money because I don't know how to do anything. If I know basics, I have the one-up, so that they can't sneak around something. Mwahaha.

I think I've tried looking at Google options, but I had a difficult time coming up with sites that were a consolidated source with a variety of information. I will continue the search, naturally. I may end up trying to get a book or two on the topic.
 
Kaibi Tsukushino said:
Yeah, I definitely want to educate myself, because given the time when I have to see a mechanic, I don't want to be screwed out of my money because I don't know how to do anything. If I know basics, I have the one-up, so that they can't sneak around something. Mwahaha.
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Just make sure you are friends with a mechanic, that way you won't get screwed. However learning about cars, engines etc won't stop you from getting screwed over. But if you simply want to learn for the sake of it, I'd suggest that you go to a libary and get a couple of basic books about enginges etc. Or watch some TV shows about cars.
 
I will look at the libraries for How-To books... but the only TV show I know that is about cars is Pimp My Ride, and (as cool as that is) I don't think that'll help very much. Hmm...

PS... maybe there is a "For Dummies" book. That'd be fun. :D
 
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some ppl here might know a couple of things.

I fixed up my parents old piece of crap which had been lyin in the driveway for 2 years. hadnt been moved in all that time, nothin done to it, took me a while to figure everythin out but in the end I got it up n runnin.

Otherwise, there are books you can buy for the exact model of the car you got, you can get em at most places that sell car parts (dunno bout places like kwik-fit though).

hope it helps
 
i know a little about cars and all that, changing engines, body work, all the goodies... the best book for you would be a chilton's book of your cars make and model. if u need to know, give me a yell my way
 
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