Re: Auto repair manuals (Score 1)

As far as manuals go, a Chilton or a Haynes is a good first step if you need something to identify the major parts of your automobile, or if you have questions on the easier parts of auto repair, such as replacing your brakes. For anything larger than that, their instructions consist of many one-or-two-sentence steps that really leave a lot to be desired as far as clarity is concerned.

Chilton/Haynes seem to be the typical manuals found at autoparts stores and libraries, so there is always that around if you need it. What some dealers seem to use and what I've recently purchased was a Helm manual. I haven't had a chance to use it yet on my Integra(an occasionally-satisfying high-revver) but from looking through it, it appears that the people that wrote it actually performed the procedures before(and maybe even after! Huh!) they wrote it. There is pictures of difficult to reach/see/understand things and tips on how to do things easier. I was amazed.

One thing that Ive realized is important in automobile repair is having the right tools for the job and in this case I think you could generally consider a Helm manual to be a good tool to have. You may not use it or need it for what you're doing, but it's good to have nearby juuust in case. Mine was only $64 and will most likely be well worth it.

Not affiliated with Helm, Acura or anyone at all now that I think about it.