if you're too lazy and don't wanna get up from your computer go to howstuffworks.com it's actually got a lot of good stuff about everything you'll need to know

 

Great thread!!!!! I'm also looking to learn more about my cars.

Thanks for the info...

 

Very much helpful to me also i was not much interested in cars up to i seen Tokyo Drift but when i watch it i am really crazy for cars now...and eager to know about more and more...

 

Best advice I can give as a gearhead to the bone and as a master certified tech is erase any and all memories of any of the fast and the furious movies from your head. All three of these movies lay the BS on so thick that it was like watching a cartoon for me...lol. You have to remember these are hollywood movies and that is all they will ever be.

IMO the best way to learn is to start off as a tool monkey. Find out when someone you know is working on their car and offer to lend a hand. at first you will be doing nothing but fetching tools, but this will allow you to learn terminology and see how things are repaired without investing anything but time. :-)

Anyone who really knows what they are doing will be glad to explain what they are doing when they are doing it. And, remember, ask them ALOT of questions!

 

I’d say buying something old and taking it apart can be beneficial but only to a certain extent

Technology changes and knowing old technology usually only applies at a basic level like how to change oil, rotate tires, that kinda stuff

Pick certain manufacturer and learn from there I say…that way you get to start w/your fav.

 

if u wanna learn like basic sorta things about how cars work and the parts and all that check out this site its some pretty smart stuff http://www.howstuffworks.com/
go to the auto section . i think they even have a thing that explains how VTEC works which is great if u wanna get inot hondas

 

Here's another informative link: http://www.carbibles.com/

 

And some online repair manuals (Chilton's?): http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm

 

Some good advice. Also there's usualy someone on craigslist.com or ebay trying to unload their old UTI(a tech college) books. The one big mistake above is the starting with old cars part. Seriously the only thing that has got more complex from 65 to 95 was the electronics. The mechanical systems have gotten simpler. The one important thing is that size matters. For the first project pick a big hood with a little engine. Find something that makes you think they could have put another engine in there without squeezing and it will make for a much more pleasant experience. So if the car you see working on had a v6 and I4 engine options. PICK THE 4.

 

You can start learning on whatever car you're driving assuming it's not a classic or something rare and valuable.

Get plenty of books and go to forums and learn from others. If you have a friend who's a gearhead, that's great, too.

Truth be told, most car repairs are rather simple - remove bolts, change out a few things, put bolts back in. In my experience, the only time car repairs REALLY get tricky is when a bolt is stuck or the bolt head is rounded off, something of that nature. That and when it's hard to get at what you're trying to take off - being able to contort around any number of objects is a valuable skill.

Just be sure to always take your time, do plenty of research before hand, and try your best not to get frustrated. If you get stuck or can't figure something out, just take a step back, take a few deep breaths and relax.

Oh! And buy tools when you need them. Start out with a set of metric wrenches, a decent set of screwdrivers, jack stands, and a hydraulic jack and go from there. A socket and ratchet set is invaluable, too.