The Best Auto Repair ManualsWhenever I purchase a vehicle, whether new or used, one of my next purchases is its repair manual. This is different from the owner’s or operator’s manual. The owner’s manual explains the operation of the automobile along with basic maintenance while the repair or service manual explains how to repair, rebuild, or service any part of the vehicle. A repair manual quickly pays for itself in time saved and information learned by the do-it-yourselfer. Having a parts breakdown of major components is a great help when several pieces jump out at you during disassembly (This happens quite often to me as I seem to have somehow cornered the market on Murphy’s Law). It is also a necessary reference when making critical adjustments such as valve clearance or proper tightening torque for any given fastener. Without this information, quality vehicle service can become dubious if not impossible, especially when working with today’s technologically complex autos.So which manual is the best to buy? Certainly, many are available. There are several companies whose sole purpose is publishing service manuals for a wide selection of vehicles. Clymer, Chiltons, and Haynes just to name a few. There are also manuals that are vehicle specific and others that focus on generic service of any vehicle. Still others focus on a specific component or sub-system, such as fuel injection or transmissions.The best manual to buy is dependent on what you are trying to accomplish. If you are trying to learn general auto repair then a generic service manual is best. It will explain the basics without focusing on a specific car company or model. If you wish to become proficient in a single aspect of vehicle repair (such as alternator rebuilding), buy a manual written especially for that system.Since most of us are not auto mechanics by trade, we probably are using the manual to repair our own auto and it is best to buy one specifically for it. This type of manual will show pictures and explain procedures on the identical components contained in your vehicle, making repairs easier by referencing exact parts instead of generic systems. It’s always nice to see images of exactly what you are working on.There is one more consideration when deciding which manual is best for you. Take into account your own abilities. Manuals written by publishing companies are not as detailed as the genuine repair manual published by your vehicle’s manufacturer. These manuals are the same ones used by the mechanics at the dealership. They are very specific to your model and year and contain more information than any other. They can, however, be more technical and require more mechanical knowledge to use.In answer to our question, “which manual is best”, I think we can sum it up as follows: If all you want to do is change oil, maintain tire pressure, replace the air filter, and a few other basics, the owners manual will provide all the information you need. If you want to go beyond the basics and start servicing more complex systems, then the publishing company repair manual is your best choice. If you go this route make sure your model and year are included and try to find a manual that covers as few years as possible. For example, if you own a 2000 VW Beetle, the title “VW Beetle 2000, 2001” is much better than “VWs 1995 through 2007”.If you are mechanically proficient and want as much information as possible buy the genuine service manual published by your auto’s manufacturer. This will give you as much data as a professional mechanic. It will cost three to five times more than after market manuals, but if you wish to service all aspects of your vehicle, it’s worth it. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society