If you want to be a mechanic, you will have to gain knowledge from every corner, including auto mechanics books written specifically for budding and experienced mechanics. In fact, some books written for mechanics can also be useful for DIYers.
They can help you perform a number of car-related activities, thus making you capable of handling small jobs on your own. This will save you trips to the mechanic, allowing you to reduce expenditure. If you gain enough knowledge, you can even sit for exams and find a job as a mechanic.
However, the huge number of options out there can make it difficult for some users to pick the right auto mechanics book. To help you in this regard, we have covered 15 of the best auto repair books.
Best Auto Mechanics Book
Let’s have a look at our 15 favorite auto mechanics books. We have selected a variety of books suitable for a wide range of audiences. You will definitely find what you’re looking for.
1. Auto Body Repair Technology
Written by James E. Duffy, this is one of the most popular books for mechanics. You can download the Kindle version of this mechanic book if you are an eBook lover. Paperbacks and hardcover versions are also available.
The book incorporates the latest ASE Education Foundation’s Collision Repair and Refinish Program Standards and Task Lists. It covers electric and hybrid vehicles in detail.
You will have a great time going through this book as it is written in simple words and contains clear photos that make it easy to understand procedures.
One of our favorite topics in the book is collision repair. It can be a good pick for mechanics who deal with collision-related issues. However, it may be a little too expensive for some users. Look below for some affordable auto mechanics books.
2. Auto Mechanics Fundamentals
This book by Martin W. Stockel is designed to give you a complete understanding of the operation, construction, and design of automobiles. The good thing about this automobile mechanics book is that it starts with the basics and then gets more complicated.
Once you are through the book, you will understand almost all the units in an automobile and how they are connected to each other.
Some neat illustrations are also available in the book. However, it may not be suitable for experienced professionals.
Look below for some advanced auto mechanics books.
3. Auto Repair and Maintenance
Written by Dave Stribling, this can be a perfect option for readers who want to know their car better. Stribling has 20+ years of experience writing and dealing in cars.
It’s written for DIYers and hobbyists and contains easy lessons and tips on how to maintain your vehicle.
Since it’s for consumers and not professionals, it can help you gauge the cost of repairs. The book is written in simple English and contains color photos and illustrations.
While it’s a great book, some readers may find it too simplistic. Look below for some advanced auto mechanics books.
4. Auto Repair For Dummies
Written for aspiring and new mechanics, this book by Deanna Sclar contains tips on how to extend your vehicle’s life and save fuel. The author is one of the most well-known names in the world of car repairs and has appeared on several TV and radio shows.
The book contains information on how to troubleshoot problems and repair your vehicle. Topics are explained in simple language and contain illustrations, too.
However, since the book is for dummies, it does not contain very complex information. On the plus side, it is easy to read and can be effective in helping you save money on maintenance.
5. Automotive Chassis Systems
If you are a chassis engineer or a mechanic willing to understand the chassis system then get your hands on this book from James D. Halderman.
A little more expensive than similar books on the market, it’s a part of the Pearson Automotive Professional Technician Series.
The book is written for students going for ASE certification, but can be suitable for professionals as well.
You can use this without worries as it has been peer reviewed for accuracy.
6. Automotive Engines: Diagnosis, Pepair, Rebuilding
This Tim Gilles guide is among the best automotive mechanics books covering automotive engines including diagnosis, rebuilding, repair, and operation.
One of the most attractive things about this book is the presence of case histories that will help you prepare for the real-world. This is important because a book is of no use if it does not teach you to use what you have studied in the book.
While the book is very informative, since it is written for students, some users may find it boring and verbose. Look below for some entertaining auto mechanics books.
7. Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair
Tim Gilles is back on the list with this book available in hardcover and Kindle formats. It covers eight major areas of automotive technology and can be a good pick for those who want to know about hybrid and electric vehicles.
You will find a lot of similarities between this one and Automotive Engines: Diagnosis, Repair, Rebuilding in terms of course material. Since it comes from the same author, the presentation is also similar.
It can be a great pick for technicians who want to know about the latest technologies in automobiles.
8. Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis and Service
Another James D. Halderman presentation, this is a little more expensive than other books on the list. It’s designed for use in schools and contains a lot of topics including information on modifying and designing automobiles, making it one of the best mechanic books.
However, you may find that it only touches some topics and does not go into details. Hence, it may only be suitable for beginners and not pros.
9. Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems
If you are looking for a cheap product then your search ends here.
Written by Tony Candela, this book will help you understand automotive wiring and electrical systems.
This is very vital for professionals, students, and hobbyists as the wiring system can be quite confusing to understand but it’s important to grasp if you want to know how a vehicle works.
It explains not just wiring but also the basics of the electrical system including amperage, Ohm’s law, voltage, and resistance. By the end of the book, you will have a clear understanding of automotive circuits.
10. Fundamentals of Medium/Heavy Duty Diesel Engines
If you deal with diesel cars then this book from Gus Wright can be a good pick. It may be a little expensive but the material it contains is worth it.
Since it’s based on the 2014 National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, it is said to be suitable for students but professionals and those who enjoy learning about cars can also try this one.
11. Haynes Repair Manual
If you own a Nissan vehicle [Frontier pick-ups (1998 to 2001), Xterra (2000 and 2001) or Pathfinder (1996 to 2001)] then this manual from Haynes can be a good choice. Haynes is a known name in the world of manuals and this book will prove to you why.
This is one of the few books on the list that’s written in the form of a step-by-step manual and is suitable for car owners. It’s designed to help you save money by acting as your mechanic.
Clear photographs will make it easier to understand procedures. However, some basic information appears to be missing from the book.
12. How Cars Work
If you want to know how cars work then this affordable book by Tom Newton can be a good pick. It’s an illustrated guide that explains over 250 car parts making it one of the best automobile mechanic books.
The main purpose of this book is to introduce you to different car parts including what they look like, what they do, and where they are found.
There is also a test at the end of each chapter to help you gauge your performance.
The book will not teach you to repair vehicles but it will put you in a position to talk with mechanics and understand problems.
13. How To Build a Car
If you are a car enthusiast who wants to build his or her own machine then consider this Adrian Newey guide. It’s among the best auto mechanic books due to the wide information it offers.
Newey is a popular car designer and is known for his love for Formula cars. You will notice his ambition in this book as it’s written for F1 fans and racing enthusiasts.
The book will tell you what happens at the factories including technical details. However, don’t expect to be able to build your own car once you’ve read the book. It will only educate you about the processes.
14. How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Elactrical Systems
Stop looking through auto mechanic books and get your hands on this beauty by Tracy Martin.
It is not very uncommon for automotive electrical systems to malfunction. This book is designed to help you identify and solve issues on your own.
It is written as a guide and covers all the basics including the tools you will need to evaluate and solve issues related to the electrical system.
15. Troubleshooting and Repair of Diesel Engines
Written by Paul Dempsey, this is among the best auto technician books about diesel engines.
A very interesting thing about this book is the flow. It starts with history and moves to the theory before going deeper. While it’s a great book, it will not give you all the answers you’re looking for. However, it will put you in a position to ask questions and understand engines.
These were 15 of the best auto mechanics books out there. While they are all great, a single book will never be enough to understand cars. You’ll have to learn everything from car parts to how they work to DIY repair tips so you can fully understand your vehicle.
Read more: Honest Review of Best Auto Mechanic Schools In The US 2021.
