Haynes Automotive Manuals are the gold standard of DIY car-repair books. The publisher offers how-to volumes for dozens of consumer cars, serving at-home mechanics with the knowledge and step-by-step instruction needed to perform all manner of car repair and maintenance. Particularly if you are newer to wrenching, Haynes manuals, which are dense with images, are geared (sorry, not sorry) toward those who need or prefer visual instruction and references.
And right now, a year’s subscription to the interactive online version of Haynes manuals are on sale for 50 percent off — running you $15 versus $30. Should you prefer a physical book, those are discounted too; they’re on offer for $25 (regularly $30, also).
In many ways, the digital manual is a better buy. Printed manuals offer instruction and visual references for maintenance and repair, plus wiring diagrams for DIY electrical work. Digital versions provide the same resources, but also offer features like printable versions of some step-by-steps, color photos and video tutorials; besides, the online version is searchable.
Depending how you look at it, Haynes manuals are either replacements for or supplements to the other popular DIY car how-to book series by Chilton. Those rely less on imagery, and therefore may not be the best bet for folks who are new to car maintenance and/or are working on a car they aren’t familiar with. If you are a newer mechanic, I’d begin with Haynes. (Interestingly, Chilton owns Haynes, and publishes both concurrently.)
As someone who has worked on cars for decades, I’m still no pro mechanic; having a manual at hand is absolutely essential. I’ve used both Chilton and Haynes books in the years I’ve wrenched. Indeed, this deal is close to my heart right now; a couple weeks back, I purchased an older Jeep Cherokee, and have already begun improving and replacing and fixing it up with the help of DIY manual instruction. (And swearing. Lots of swearing.)
Bottom line: whether you’re a new mechanic or have tons of experience, it’s always good to have guidance at your fingertips. Haynes manuals are the perfect place to start, and an essential part of any DIYer’s library.
