Improving practical car knowledge

flibbage0

flibbage0

flibbage0

Soldato
Joined
6 Jun 2010
Posts
5,160
I would like to consider myself a petrolhead even though I've had little experience driving different cars or even working on cars.

I can just about do simple maintenance however anything else then I'm completely out of my depth.

Even if it's not directly hands-on I see several prominent members on this forum and other forums that have an almost (what I consider at least) encyclopedic knowledge of certain brands, e.g. Fox and BMW's.

I guess the main questions are: How do I improve my ability to work on cars without screwing it up and also improve my knowledge at diagnosing and knowing general flaws?
 
By doing it, changing brake pads/discs, air filters, oil changes, plugs, removing wheels etc...

There really aren't many other ways as it's always completely different when you read about it and do it (like a stuck bolt stumping you)
 
have a dealer or mechanic feed you questionable information and I guarantee swift gain of knowledge further to 'independent study'. :D
 
Picking up an old motor to do up and get sorted is one way to pick things up - less risk of expensive mistakes while you're learning, and often that's how a lot of people started off their mechanical knowledge and skills when they were younger.
 
I've learnt an awful lot from EricTheCarGuy on YouTube. Whilst the repairs are not necessarily on vehicle makes/models that I own it's an interesting watch and certainly helps when issues crop up.

As for working on your own vehicles, try and pickup a service manual and/or the Haynes Manual.
 
Buy yourself a half decent set of sockets and spanners (halfords pro or lidl have them occasionally), a Haynes manual and get cracking. Research anything you're not sure about on google and owners clubs.
 
I worked in a fleet workshop when I was younger which was brilliant for showing me little bits and pieces when they were quiet - other than that it's just been a case of making my own mistakes really.

Car specific forums are quite a good source as you tend to get very detailed guides written by someone who will probably have gone about things the same way you will, without air tools or easy ramp access
 
As above, take it apart, fix it, put it back together.. If you end up with screws left over, you've gone wrong somewhere.

It's exactly how i'm learning. Like taking the steering wheel off, forgot about steering lock, put a breaker bar in the wheel and held with my legs to get it undone :D
 
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