Questions and Answers

Learning To Be An Auto Mechanic Q. Dear Vincent, I really want to learn to do auto mechanics. I am female and don't know where to start looking for this kind of instruction. I was able to take a community education class in auto repair for nine weeks a couple of months ago; but the course is not being offered now. I've been having hell to deal with finding someone to make necessary repairs on my car, 1990 Ford Taurus Wagon L, 3.0 liter engine, P/S, A/C.

I really need to know how to do things like struts, wiper motor, valve cover gasket, etc for myself so I don't go through a mess of aggravations every time something needs to get done on my car. I'd appreciate any feedback you can offer.

Thanks!
Anitra

A. The best thing to do is go to the local Community Collage and talk to the counselors there. Most likely they offer a course or, at the very least, know where you can go to take courses.

One way to learn how to do these kinds of jobs is to get a service manual for your vehicle from Chilton, Haynes or, my favorite, Alldata. They will give you step by step instructions on how to perform most of the basic repairs you will encounter.

EFI University offers classes in electronic fuel injection. I don't know where you live, but they have schools in Wethersfield, CT, Chicago, IL, Mira Loma, CA and Yakima, WA. You can check out their class schedule here.

You can always try getting a job at a local repair shop as an apprentice. Some shops and dealerships will take on an apprentice where they will start you out doing oil changes and work your way up the ladder.