tbizcuit

Hi I am 18 and driving an 06 F150 king ranch. My other car is a 1990 mustang 5.0 lx. I'd love to become my own mechanic but I'm going to study business in college and don't know anyone who knows a lot about cars. Any clue on where to start and learn the ins and outs? How'd y'all get into it?

Mad Irishman

Sometimes the best teacher is just to dive in and figure it out. I'd recommend getting some quality repair and maintenance manuals. I've also learned a lot from doing some You tube searches and don't forget the fine folks on this site. There is a wealth of knowledge available here just for the asking.

DirtRoadKid

internet my friend. youtube and google can guide u throw alot these days. learned more on youtube videos and forums than i did in mechanic courses at college lol. my brother is the same as u . just turned 18 a week ago and owns a 05 fx4 and 01 stang gt 5 speed. doesnt really care for taking things apart thats why he has me i guess haha

screamineagle

Good advice above^^^. Dig in and get your hands dirty and The inter web

Prof

I did by having an inoperative truck that had to get me to a job where I must go to support two kids, a mortgage and crushing student loans and not having money to waste on toys or tweaks, researched the problem, bought a manual and did it myself through trial, error and necessity.

That pretty much sums it up. YMMV, and clearly already does.

edwin108

There's a lot of good info on YouTube. Check out EricTheCarGuy, ScannerDanner, realfixesrealfast, robinsonsauto, and briansmobile1.

MGD

~~~double post - sorry ~~~

MGD

Hi & welcome!

Agree with what was already stated.

I'll add:

-Start small - even karts, lawnmowers, dirtbikes, etc will give some basic fumdamental concepts.

-See if a local community college, etc offers auto mechanics classes in the evenings. If so, enroll.

-Expect to make mistakes - a LOT of them. This is fine, as it is a very good way to learn. as long as you don't REPEAT those mistakes. Don't let this discourage you.

-Work on whichever vehicle in yer stable is NOT yer primary daily driver.

-Ask questions - LOTS and LOTS of questions. Preferably BEFORE you execute something yer not sure of, lol.

Buy the proper safety equipment - safety glasses/face shield, nitrile gloves, mechanics gloves, etc, etc. Check out Harbor Freight, TSC, etc. Princess Auto in Canuckistan.

Invest in good tools. Expensive stuff you can always rent for now - some parts places lend for free if you buy stuff from them.

best of luck!

Cheers
MGD

Prof

Really? That's it? Seriously? Man - you ARE bipolar...JUST KIDDING.

Listen to MGD, the MGD is wise, the MGD is good...

MGD

LMFAO !!!

That's IT. I'm-a puttin' ye on IGNORE, ya Curmudgeon



MGD

PS - OP, ol' Bubba fergot ta mention - leverage yer local Library.