How to learn?

Stheno

Hey guys,

Quick question, I'm starting to think it's time I learned some of the basics of taking care of my car.

I've no real equipment, and am not intending on getting into anything too heavy, but want to learn how to use diagnostics, where they fit in my car, how to do small jobs like replacing door straps, taking off panels in the doors etc, and replacing them.

I realise it's a lot to do with the car, (I've an alfa ) and I've found loads of advice in relation to my car on a dedicated forum, but I guess I'm just wary, I've no problem changing bulbs etc ,it's doing anything more that I'm wary of.

Is it a case of give something small a try, have a good mechanic as backup and learn from there?

Owen

Get yourself on to an Alfa forum first, there'll be people who've done jobs similar to what you want to do and they'll have posted how-to's with photos. [EDIT] Seen you've already done that.

Grab a Haynes manual for your car too. Most of what's in the Haynes manual you'll never use,but it's brilliant to learn how to change your oil, check your plugs, change your filters, stuff like that. It'll also show you how to get your door cards off if you're replacing door straps and things.

Stheno

Owen wrote: »

Grab a Haynes manual for your car too. Most of what's in the Haynes manual you'll never use,but it's brilliant to learn how to change your oil, check your plugs, change your filters, stuff like that. It'll also show you how to get your door cards off if you're replacing door straps and things.

Was thinking of a Haynes manual alright and just RTFM if that means anything?

Reminds me of when I first started building repairing pcs, there's an element of Just do IT, to it

It's exactly what you mention that I want to learn to do, small basics, nothing massive at all.

I'd agree with Owen's advice, I wouldn't be concentrating on diagnostics though to be honest. Look up the general basics on the net, how does your ignition system work, how the 12v from the battery provides the spark off the plugs to light the air/fuel mix in the cylinders. Find out about the valvetrain, how the belt moves the cams that control the valves, why engine lubrication is needed... hence why regular oil changes are needed. Makes changing oil a bit more interesting if you know why you're doing it.

Essentials really are a decent tool kit, iirc Halfords have their Pro range reduced again at the moment.

Wouldn't be bothered about removing door cards either unless you have to, pain in the arse of a job

Stheno

Stheno wrote: »

.............

Is it a case of give something small a try, have a good mechanic as backup and learn from there?

Yep, have your research done first though and have all the bits you need, be aware of the possible issues you may encounter and you may well be fine.

Hal1

Have a read of Pudzey's thread on here .

Mar4ix

some stuff yoll find in The "Today I did something to my car thread"

challengemaster

RJ: Halfords do have their Pro stuff reduced again, 50% off

Owen

Someone in Halfords can't do maths though, their 127 piece tool kit is advertised as being 50% off, but the original RRP was 189, and the new RRP is 129. Pity they haven't got that at half price, it's a great bit of kit.

Rich11

Serviced the car the other day for the first time, oil, filters, plugs, coolant, breaks, before hand, had no got a clew:eek:, bought a haynes manual:rolleyes:, and now i wonder why i used to spend all the money at machnics just for a service:mad:,
First time you do it it will take a while but after that you will be grand:cool:

Owen

Owen wrote: »

Someone in Halfords can't do maths though, their 127 piece tool kit is advertised as being 50% off, but the original RRP was 189, and the new RRP is 129. Pity they haven't got that at half price, it's a great bit of kit.

eMailed Halfords and got a reply. Inept as usual. 'Half price doesn't really mean half price'. In other words, they meant to advertise it as up to half price, but because they didn't, they assume everyone already knows that.

Nissan doctor

Peruse the thread below for lots of the basics and a few more advanced items..

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055422868