When doing your own auto repairs and maintenance, it’s always a good idea to have an auto repair manual handy. However, traditional printed manuals can be clunky and may not always have all the information you need. Also, you cannot ask for clarification in a printed manual in case you do not understand a part of the instructions. All of which is why the internet is increasingly becoming the place many car owners go to get answers to their auto repair questions. Here are some of the auto repair resources you can find online that can supplement your traditional manufacturer’s repair manual.

Haynes

Haynes is a well-known publisher of auto repair manuals. Printed manuals for a wide variety of makes and models can be ordered from the Haynes Online website for $25 plus shipping. However, in addition to the traditional manuals, the website also has a ton of well-produced and helpful how-to videos. These videos teach you how to perform basic and slightly advanced automotive maintenance procedures and repairs. Everything from oil changes to replacing broken hoses.

The professional database

ALLDATA provides troubleshooting guides and technical specification information for professional auto repair shops and dealers. The ALLDATAdiy.com website is the company’s offering for the average car owner looking for a source of professional-level auto repair information. For $27 a year, you get access to the entire database for a make and model of vehicle. With this subscription, you get detailed, printable guides, diagrams, and manuals. You also get access to bulletin boards where you can post your questions to other car owners – a great resource for those times when you find yourself stumped by a particularly perplexing car issue.

Free user-created repair guides

Finally, there are a plethora of user-generated auto repair guides and videos. YouTube, for example, is a great place to access step-by-step instruction guides on how to perform basic and complex car repairs. The quality of these guides varies, but with a little searching you can find some pretty good ones. The FreeAutoRepairManualz website is also a good resource, especially for those looking for more specialized guides for specific car models and types of repairs.