Hands-On Training

• The best way to learn about the mechanics of a car is hands-on. If you don't know what you are doing, being under the hood of a car can be somewhat dangerous. It's best to get a friend or family member who knows something about cars to walk you through some of the mechanics of how a car works. Help others change their oil or other simple tasks. Tell them first that you want to learn how to do it yourself so they should explain everything they are doing step by step. After you have a little experience and understanding, then ask someone to help you change your oil, spark plugs or some other simple task.
  
  If you want to get deep into understanding the mechanics of a car, you can attend schools that specialize in teaching auto mechanics. Schools such as Lincoln Tech and WyoTech teach auto mechanics to people interested in making a career out of being an auto technician. Community colleges and high school night schools also offer hands-on courses on basic auto mechanics. The obvious advantages with being hands-on and in front of a car is that you gain real experience. Taking courses can be expensive and time consuming. However, this is your best bet if you do not know anyone who is good at working on cars or has the time to teach you.
  
  

Reading

• For understanding the physics and complexities of a car's mechanics, you could study physics, chemistry and other sciences. To get down more specifically into the mechanics of automobiles, you can get books from the library on basic car repairs. The best kind of book you can learn from is a Chilton or Haynes manual. These manuals are available from most auto parts stores and have pictures telling you what different parts are and detail the basics of repairing specific cars. The pictures and illustrations are very specific to each part of the car. The instructions are clear and understandable. Get one that corresponds to your car so that you can see how your specific car works. You'll be able to take what's in the manual and find it in your car.
  
  The advantages of reading books about car mechanics is that they are easily accessible and inexpensive. You can also learn on your own time. However, reading does not give you real experience, so therefore it may not give you a complete understanding of the physical work auto mechanics requires.
  
  National chains of auto-repair and auto-parts shops sometimes offer free repair guides, some quite extensive, for the do-it-yourselfer. Some of these are specific to the car model. In some cases, free registration is required on the website.
  
  

Interactive Software

• Chilton, autoeducation.com and others offer interactive software that can be installed on your computer to help you learn. These generally will let you zero in a part, and offer you a cutaway look inside, plus text describing what the part does and how it works.
  
  

Message Boards

• Edmonds.com, haynes.com, carjunky.com and other car-centric websites offer message boards on which you can ask questions and receive advice from mechanics and other do-it-yourselfers.