Hobby mechanic?
Discussion
Hi,
I've looked at this site for many years but only recently joined.
I am wondering how is the best way to start becoming a hobby mechanic. I want to be able to do most things under the bonnet, replace parts etc.
I am starting at the very beginning, I couldn't point out basic parts nevermind know what they do. I have always been in to cars but that has mainly been simply knowing makes and models.
I have ordered a book to start learning the basics but how do forum members believe is best to get into being under a car bonnet with confidence? I've read old posts where people have said look at apprenticeships, others have said buy a lawnmower, take it apart and build it again.
Any help, tips, pointers much appreciated. I would not be looking in to this as a career unless I really enjoyed it so it is purely from a hobby perspective.
Cheers in advance,
Ashley
I've looked at this site for many years but only recently joined.
I am wondering how is the best way to start becoming a hobby mechanic. I want to be able to do most things under the bonnet, replace parts etc.
I am starting at the very beginning, I couldn't point out basic parts nevermind know what they do. I have always been in to cars but that has mainly been simply knowing makes and models.
I have ordered a book to start learning the basics but how do forum members believe is best to get into being under a car bonnet with confidence? I've read old posts where people have said look at apprenticeships, others have said buy a lawnmower, take it apart and build it again.
Any help, tips, pointers much appreciated. I would not be looking in to this as a career unless I really enjoyed it so it is purely from a hobby perspective.
Cheers in advance,
Ashley
watch youtube videos until you have an idea on what to do , start off with basic stuff like an air filter and oil change
dont try and scrimp and get by with poundland tools , get something half decent like halfords or a known brand
join some owners forums and facebook and if you dont understand ask for help
dont try and scrimp and get by with poundland tools , get something half decent like halfords or a known brand
join some owners forums and facebook and if you dont understand ask for help
Ashley, you don't mention which car? this makes a big difference, say classic vs modern...the best way would be to join a club with members who have the same car, learn from them. Go to meets and 'kick tyres', get to know people and their cars. An apprenticeship isn't going to help you much, it will be too basic for your own car whichever it may be. If a 'classic car', try the 'practical classics' magazine, you should find articles/tips that will help no matter what the car, most importantly buy a manual dedicated to your car, Haynes do a large range although they are better suited to shall we say the simpler cars, I wouldn't trust it on something like a Porsche...
Pete
Pete
Ashtrax said:
I am wondering how is the best way to start becoming a hobby mechanic. I want to be able to do most things under the bonnet, replace parts etc.
I am starting at the very beginning, I couldn't point out basic parts nevermind know what they do.
Do you have a knowledgeable mate? If so, bribe him with beer to go through the basics with you - an hour with your heads under a bonnet should see the basics of what's where and does what sorted. A Saturday morning will see you able to do the usual bread and butter service jobs - oil & filter, air filter, plugs, brake pads, that sort of thing. Bigger and/or less routine jobs? Address those with him as they come up.I am starting at the very beginning, I couldn't point out basic parts nevermind know what they do.
Do you have a local college that does evening classes? They might offer something.
Many thanks for the replies guys.
Just to clarify it would be on modern cars mainly.
I have looked at local college for courses but most are full time as opposed to evening ones. On a previous forum post someone said that courses should be avoided because quite often you're stuck with teenagers who would rather be elsewhere. Don't know if that's just one person's opinion or people have experienced otherwise?
Thanks for all the comments they are appreciated
Just to clarify it would be on modern cars mainly.
I have looked at local college for courses but most are full time as opposed to evening ones. On a previous forum post someone said that courses should be avoided because quite often you're stuck with teenagers who would rather be elsewhere. Don't know if that's just one person's opinion or people have experienced otherwise?
Thanks for all the comments they are appreciated
Whereabouts are you? Try to find someone maybe on here who would let you pop round when they are having a play around!! I was brought up in the motor trade so I’m lucky in that respect although I would say unlucky really!!!! Just get stuck in and have a go, get something cheap and buy a Haynes manual, a tool kit and have a play! As said earlier you tube videos can also be useful. Biggest advice though is get a friend who knows their way around cars and glue yourself to them and just look, help and learn!
https://www.reed.co.uk/courses/car-maintenance-cou...
Would this be something that people would recommend?
Would this be something that people would recommend?
MaisiesDad said:
Whereabouts are you? Try to find someone maybe on here who would let you pop round when they are having a play around!! I was brought up in the motor trade so I’m lucky in that respect although I would say unlucky really!!!! Just get stuck in and have a go, get something cheap and buy a Haynes manual, a tool kit and have a play! As said earlier you tube videos can also be useful. Biggest advice though is get a friend who knows their way around cars and glue yourself to them and just look, help and learn!
Many thanks. Is there anyone on YouTube you would recommend? Ashtrax said:
https://www.reed.co.uk/courses/car-maintenance-cou...
Would this be something that people would recommend?
Hands-on would be far better than online - but, at £30, what's the worst that can happen?Would this be something that people would recommend?
I did an evening college course. Was one evening a week. Were no teenagers at all - was a mix of people all 30+ enthusiasts with a mix of stuff from hot hatches, motor mileage munchers, a fella with his own driving school car and an older chap with a classic MGB! Was a good course - started right from the beginning and covered all the basics. There was a more advanced evening course too which covered stuff like stripping an engine down but I didn't do it. Could do in the future I guess. Was well worth doing - I really enjoyed it. Did my first ever oil change on a Peugeot 306!
Have a toy car you don't need for work or whatever. An old shed. Then you can tinker and learn without worry.
What you don't want to do is start a job on the car you need for work at the weekend, and find yourself with a broken / missing bit or without some vital tool on Sunday night.
What you don't want to do is start a job on the car you need for work at the weekend, and find yourself with a broken / missing bit or without some vital tool on Sunday night.
Lollypops said:
I did an evening college course. Was one evening a week. Were no teenagers at all - was a mix of people all 30+ enthusiasts with a mix of stuff from hot hatches, motor mileage munchers, a fella with his own driving school car and an older chap with a classic MGB! Was a good course - started right from the beginning and covered all the basics. There was a more advanced evening course too which covered stuff like stripping an engine down but I didn't do it. Could do in the future I guess. Was well worth doing - I really enjoyed it. Did my first ever oil change on a Peugeot 306!
Were you doing the work on your own cars? I have a car on finance at min so don't think Ford would take too kindly to me tinkering or am I wrong?I am currently looking at practical courses but I've signed myself up to the online course I mentioned above.
Yet again thanks for all your help!
CrutyRammers said:
Have a toy car you don't need for work or whatever. An old shed. Then you can tinker and learn without worry.
What you don't want to do is start a job on the car you need for work at the weekend, and find yourself with a broken / missing bit or without some vital tool on Sunday night.
I'm hoping to do this once we've moved out of our mid terrace What you don't want to do is start a job on the car you need for work at the weekend, and find yourself with a broken / missing bit or without some vital tool on Sunday night.
already told the Mrs we 'need' a garage. Ashtrax said:
Were you doing the work on your own cars? I have a car on finance at min so don't think Ford would take too kindly to me tinkering or am I wrong?
I am currently looking at practical courses but I've signed myself up to the online course I mentioned above.
Yet again thanks for all your help!
In the later weeks you could work on your own car if you wanted to, for instance I stuck on a set of uprated brake pads on an old hot hatch I had. There was absolutely no requirement to though. They had a large stock of various cars to work on, from stuff they had donated and vehicles from insurance companies etc.I am currently looking at practical courses but I've signed myself up to the online course I mentioned above.
Yet again thanks for all your help!
I really recommend it. I had a qualified lecturer who had worked as a mechanic for years guiding us through it on actual cars rather than watching a YouTube video or whatever.
Buy a tool kit, a decent trolley jack and jack stands and start with oil changes and brake pads. Work your way up as you develop more confidence and skills. Don't skimp on tools, a rounded bolt or screw will cost more than the tool used on it.
Never get under a car if it's not supported by jack stands. They'll save your life.
Good luck.
Never get under a car if it's not supported by jack stands. They'll save your life.
Good luck.
Edited by alabbasi on Monday 2nd April 04:23
I have been driving for over 32 year and have always done my own stuff
No training no nothing In the early days I would study the haynes maunauls from front to back even if I never had a problem !
I always like to understand the car as much as can and I am still the same
These day I have enough money to get the garage to do the work but I what I pay them would pay for a holiday in the med so I having the holiday !
I am in the courier business I have always done this and at times it has been very tough . So my secret weapons have been vans that I have paid for with cash and I have maintained them myself . This is something I do not just because I have had too but because I enjoy it and when things are goods the profits go in my pocket
This is what I think the OP should buy
A decent 2 tonnes trolly jack with axle stands and chocks
A couple of good oil filter wrenches
A decent halfords socket set (I always use halfords never let you down if you are a home bodger) spend about £100 to £150 and try to buy when they have an offer on
screw drivers I recently got some engineering ones they are good as you can use a hammer !!
Code reader spend a bout 30 quid as when things get complicated it is often better to go to a garage that know about the black magic of engine managment
A couple of good hammers
A set of spanners again I use halfords I have the normal ones but also ratchet ones
A set of alen keys of all different sizes and gades but try to aim to find the halfords socket set that already has them
I great big iron bar on gemmy bar and a couple lengths of scoffold poles
From that point keep adding as you go and when you need it you will never stop addiing. My last purchase this week was a machine mart heavy duty ball joint remover !
As the others have said on here keep watch you tube films keep reading on line
I say also get the haynes manual for your car and really understand it
Buy a smart pair of overalls so you look like a proper Charlie engineer !!
No training no nothing In the early days I would study the haynes maunauls from front to back even if I never had a problem !
I always like to understand the car as much as can and I am still the same
These day I have enough money to get the garage to do the work but I what I pay them would pay for a holiday in the med so I having the holiday !
I am in the courier business I have always done this and at times it has been very tough . So my secret weapons have been vans that I have paid for with cash and I have maintained them myself . This is something I do not just because I have had too but because I enjoy it and when things are goods the profits go in my pocket
This is what I think the OP should buy
A decent 2 tonnes trolly jack with axle stands and chocks
A couple of good oil filter wrenches
A decent halfords socket set (I always use halfords never let you down if you are a home bodger) spend about £100 to £150 and try to buy when they have an offer on
screw drivers I recently got some engineering ones they are good as you can use a hammer !!
Code reader spend a bout 30 quid as when things get complicated it is often better to go to a garage that know about the black magic of engine managment
A couple of good hammers
A set of spanners again I use halfords I have the normal ones but also ratchet ones
A set of alen keys of all different sizes and gades but try to aim to find the halfords socket set that already has them
I great big iron bar on gemmy bar and a couple lengths of scoffold poles
From that point keep adding as you go and when you need it you will never stop addiing. My last purchase this week was a machine mart heavy duty ball joint remover !
As the others have said on here keep watch you tube films keep reading on line
I say also get the haynes manual for your car and really understand it
Buy a smart pair of overalls so you look like a proper Charlie engineer !!
Edited by jeremyh1 on Monday 2nd April 07:59
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