DIY Car Maintenance and Repair: A Hands-On Guide to Keeping Older Vehicles Running Strong is the ultimate manual for car owners who want to take control of their vehicle’s health without relying on a mechanic. Written for beginners and experienced DIYers alike, this comprehensive guide walks you step-by-step through the essential maintenance, diagnostic, and repair skills needed to keep aging cars safe, reliable, and roadworthy.
With over 30 detailed chapters covering everything from oil changes and brake jobs to engine troubleshooting, electrical diagnosis, and even full system restorations, author Rex Halden equips you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to service your car from bumper to bumper. Whether you’re maintaining a daily driver, reviving an abandoned project car, or simply saving money on shop visits, this book teaches you how to:
Understand your car’s systems: engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and electronics
Perform preventative maintenance that extends vehicle life
Diagnose strange noises, check engine lights, and performance issues
Use multimeters, OBD-II scanners, and specialty tools like a pro
Tackle common failures and emergency roadside fixes
Restore neglected vehicles, including paint, rust, and interior repair
Packed with real-world advice, safety tips, and over 500 pages of practical instruction, DIY Car Maintenance and Repair is more than a manual—it’s a mechanic’s mentor for anyone who wants to drive smarter, save money, and gain mechanical independence.
