Whether you’re working on your own car or in the shop at work, having access to a good auto repair manual is essential. Choosing a quality guide that’s easy to use, stays current and covers the types of cars you’re most likely to see in your shop is key. Choosing between a subscription model and one-time purchase also plays into your decision. Consider your budget and how often you’ll need the manual before you buy.
While traditional print Download Workshop Manuals still have their charm, digital options are fast becoming a shop staple. They’re easy to use and offer more detailed instructions than a simple how-to book. The only downside is that some of these digital guides can be expensive, so you’ll want to do your research before you settle on a specific product.
How to Choose the Right Format for Downloadable Workshop Manuals
Some of the most popular options for digital auto repair manuals are Chilton, Haynes and ALLDATAdiy. Chilton’s online manuals are highly praised, as they’re known for providing clear instructions with lots of photos and diagrams. Haynes’s digital manuals are a little less comprehensive, but the company offers an easy-to-use interface and is renowned for their advanced parts catalogs and wiring diagrams.
Tim Hicks is a 25-year-old Australian with an interesting hobby: He trawls the nooks and crannies of the internet looking for manufacturer service manuals and then posts them for free on his website. He used to do this for laptops, but his efforts were met with a strongly worded cease and desist letter from Toshiba.
