Newbie Question

[Dagrik]

Looking for the opinion of those more experienced in vehicle maint/repair (just about everyone):

1) I am looking to get into maintaining my own vehicle as much as possible, and thought about attending the local Community College about a class or two. However, with some family limitations, that may not be possible. Second to this, what are some suggested ways of getting to learn these skills?

2) Aside from the general vehicle maintenance knowledge, I figured I should also pick up a resource for my specific vehicle. Just from roaming on the internet, I see there are a few companies generally accepted for their maint guides, but there are also the Ford Workshop Guides if they can be found, and a bunch of CDs being sold on ebay, etc. Which of these would be the best source (or most helpful source) of information when it comes to starting to work on my truck?

Thanks all!

 

[extra-medium]

Check YouTube how how to videos on changing oil if you aren't familiar with doing it. Also search for spark plug replacement, brakes, head lights and brake lights, and any other things you would feel necessary. As for media go with a Haynes or chiltons manual that goes in depth with repairs.

 

[mbrando1994]

The best way to learn something like this or any trade for that matter is a two step process.

First you want to do your 'classroom' portion of the learning. Get service manuals, read up on the many different systems of your car first and then branch out to 4x4, trucks, etc. Look up videos on YouTube. There are many great creators like Eric the Car Guy and Chris Fix. They have hundreds of how to videos for people getting started.

The next step is actually performing those learned tasks on the actual vehicle. This is where you actually get the experience and know how to become better at it. It isn't always as easy as it looks in the videos. Always prepare for failure should it happen. If you ever don't feel confident enough to do something or don't have the proper tools, don't start it. Either go back and rewatch videos, read more books, or simply research the topic more in depth. Get the proper tools, and then have another look at it.

A common mistake is new mechanics working on their daily driver. This is a big risk especially if its your only mode of transport. Invest in a junker car about $500-$1000. It won't be perfect but that's the point. It's easy to find vehicles that require moderate maintenance but nothing too serious in this range. Never do major projects on your daily driver unless you're certain you can finish them.

Tools are another thing. You want to only buy tools you will need right away. Invest more money in tools you'll use more often and less in a tool that will sit in the drawer 11 out of 12 months a year. Obviously invest good money in jacks, jack stands, and a starter ratchet set. Those three items are not items you want to cut corners on, buy the best you can afford.

Start with simple maintenance items like fluid flushes and renewals. Oil changes are among the easiest. Work your way into steering fluid then coolant, then brake etc. Always read the fine print with these as missing a step or using the wrong fluid can severely damage your car.

Once mastering those, work on simple things like brakes and suspension. Nothing too crazy just replacing pads, rotors, end links, tie rods, you name it, there's many parts on a car.

I wouldn't recommend any engine work until you fully understand how an engine works and how they're put together. Start on something less expensive like a lawnmower. Haynes even makes a manual to get started with small engine repair.

Most importantly, never give up. If this is something you are interested in, go for it. There will be times you want to scream and never touch a ratchet again. You're learning so you're going to make mistakes, and probably break things. This is though the process of learning, it's how you learn from those mistakes and use that knowledge in the future that really matters.

Best of luck
-Brandon