If your not a mechanic how did you learn to work on cars?

Question

If your not a mechanic how did you learn to work on cars?

Answer 1

the automotive parts stores sell books on cars that are very descriptive telling you step by step instructions for just about everything on a car or truck.

Answer 2

my boyfriend

:D

Answer 3

My dad isn't a "professional" mechanic but he is awesome at fixing vehicles.He didn't take a class or anything,he just started when he was younger going out and messing around with them.Sure he messed some things up but he learned alot too.He said it was the best way to learn it.

Answer 4

I have friends who are mechanics (spending a lot of time asking 'what's that?'  'what's wrong?'  'why're you doing that?' etc.) and my good ol' Haynes repair manual.  ^_^

Answer 5

grew up in a shop with my dad. took classes. internet. and stilldont know and never will know everything

Answer 6

only being able to afford crappy cars, not enough bread to pay a mechanic

Answer 7

Knowledge is an on going thing, every day you learn something new. If you want to know how to do anything, you have to pursue it until you master it or it masters you. Classes, reading, hands on with a mentor. Trade school, be what you want to be by going after it. THE ONLY PERSON THAT CAN MAKE YOU STOP IS YOU.

Answer 8

read manuals, and hot to guides. Just trial and error. or I would ask some one at an auto parts store if they could explain it.

Answer 9

well the expensive way is to go to school for it.. other than that i think you have to know somebody in the business..  thats what i'm guessin cause i been tryin to figure that out for myself

Answer 10

go to college and take the class

Answer 11

School; don't work free for a backyard mechanic.

Answer 12

Here is my best answer, and the same way that i learned to work on cars at the age of 14. Buy a $100 piece of junk, buy a Haynes or Chiltons manual from Autozone or similar place, tear the car down per instructions, replace the usuals like rings, bearings, gaskets, etc and put it all back together. As you do this, you'll learn all the names of parts, torque specs, etc...Then when you fix that one up real nice, buy another of different brand/model and try again! Not only can you make money by repairing these cars and reselling them for profit, but you'll learn more faster than any class you can take!

AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS!!! alot of mechanics, and the techs at Autozone, Oreillys, Advanced, Pep Boys, etc are all usually willing to help or offer advice!

Answer 13

I get all my info on forums and even find people locally that will help for some pizza and beer.  After a while I learn to do things my self.  I still have people come help because we have a great time.

Answer 14

trial and error..

Answer 15

My husband is not a mechanic, but he knows everything about motors.  He learned from his father, who was a mechanic in WWII, and he'll pass that knowledge to our son.

Answer 16

you start out small, changing or rotating your own tires etc. you need a tool assortment not huge but the basics.

www.mycarandineedhelp.com its my web page for helping young people interested in mechanics its free. all you need to do is ask example how does the engine run? ill explain the basics to you and we go from there.

Answer 17

a few classes at a community college..but there is always stuff to learn about cars...so i still have lots to learn.