According to the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, there are over 25,000 consumer complaints filed concerning fraudulent auto repair every year. And while most shops are, in fact, honest, it’s easy to see how dishonest mechanics can take advantage of customers.

Auto repair professionals and do-it-yourselfers spend much time online searching for information related to cars. One of the most sought after information that anyone repairing an automobile wants is instant access online to repair manuals. If would be great if this information was available for free. But can you really get free auto repair manuals online? Read this article to find out.

Many drivers misunderstand what it means when a vehicle has been totaled (despite millions of cars being labeled as such each year). Most people think that such a car is deemed completely undrivable. In reality, this is not the case. Even though a total is ultimately taken off the road and retired, this may be done even if the vehicle can be fixed.

Most guys like to get their hands dirty and poke around under the hood figuring out the best way to make their own repairs. Because of the complexity of mechanical systems, engine components, and electrical wiring, older cars especially present a lot of opportunities for finding and fixing things are not working as well as they once did. As time and the elements take their toll on cars and trucks there are plenty of guys that are up to the challenge of keeping their beloved vehicles on the road.

The parts and systems under the hood of your car will eventually wear out. For example, your alternator might die, your transmission will begin shifting hard, and your engine may start to misfire. When your vehicle needs repairs or replacement parts, it’s tempting to drive to the dealership. After all, they’re the experts. The problem is, the service department at the dealer rarely has the best interests of their customers in mind. For them, the priority is profit.

You know when I was first learning to drive, my dad would jokingly say, “back-up until it sounds expensive”. Well, back in those days – the 50′s and 60′s – you actually could do that. You could smack into something and there would hardly be a dent or scratch in the old Chevy wagon.