The moral of the story in this article is basically ‘never underestimate the importance of your car’s workshop manual’! This statement might have automatically triggered the question why like a volcano on steroids in your mind which is only natural as 90 % of vehicle owners don’t spend more than 3 hours with their workshop manuals.
The reason as to why they are so important is that workshop manuals contain a detailed description on how to troubleshoot problems and repair a vehicle. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to not just dismantle parts, but also test and rebuild components that otherwise may seem completely alien to a non-mechanic.
Most car owners spend thousands of dollars on maintenance simply because they take their cars to auto repair shops at the slightest hint of trouble with their cars, which for the most part is unnecessary as many of these repairs or services could be done without leaving your garage.
Those who have tried to fix their own cars more often get frustrated when they find themselves covered in grease and their car still won’t start or due to ignorance find that there is a required tool that they do not own.
The funny thing is the fact that all this would not happen ‘only if’ they had a workshop manual. The manual will provide you with a detailed description of everything that a D.I.Y mechanic will ever need to fix his or her car. From jacks, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers right up to socket wrenches, penetrating oil and rubber mallets among others will be listed as the tools required towards properly maintaining your vehicle in tip-top condition.
At this juncture, it is worth to mention that the workshop manual will also indicate which tools are needed based on the type of repair the D.I.Y is attempting. Even simple pointers such as needing a fuse kit to change fuses and having oil pans at hand for changing oil is listed in these manuals.
From a general perspective, car owners who own workshop manuals, but do not own tools are better positioned to tackle problems with their vehicles. This is due to the fact that when their cars give them trouble, they would be able to pinpoint the source of the problem and know what needs to be done by referring to their workshop manuals diligently.
Obviously, the easy solution would be to send the vehicle to a certified mechanic; however, as mentioned earlier, your bank balances will take a hit. For those who do not have their manuals, it is advised that they get on based on the make and model of their vehicle.
Knowing about your car and how to manage and fix simple things is always an advantage for drivers as they reduce the risk of being stranded in the middle of nowhere quite significantly. Get a car workshop manual for yourself or download it if you must, but keep it in your car, in your glove compartment and go through it from time to time and save yourself not just the trouble, but also save yourself from wasting time and money.
