Best Books for Mechanics of All Ages
January is National Hobby Month, and we are all about highlighting our love of cars and our own automotive hobbies! Today’s blog post will be focusing on books to help you learn the most about the things you love: cars! Check out our picks for great books on mechanical fundamentals, technology, auto repair, and more.
Starting with books for the youngest mechanics among us, we hope to inspire future generations of gearheads and automotive enthusiasts. As you continue reading our list, you’ll find books from novice level to expert and professional. It’s a great way to build a library of reference books to turn your hobby into the professional career of your dreams.
Car Science: An Under-the-Hood, Behind-the-Dash Look at how Cars Work
By Richard Hammond of Top Gear
Split into four sections, this book examines “How It Works,” key concepts in Physics, the future of cars, and a timeline of automotive technology along the way. It’s a great book for adults to read with kids and inspire new, young minds into the field of mechanics and service. Learn together, play together, grow together!
Pocket Genius: Cars: Facts At Your Fingertips
By DK
Aimed at kids 12 and under, this is a great guide for families to help kids learn more about the history of the automobile, examine facts and key points about different makes and models, and brilliant colorful photos to engage and encourage them to keep reading.
This is an excellent illustrated book with clear, concise terminology, and linework illustrations and diagrams which make it a great choice for beginners. By the end of this book, you’ll have a great working knowledge of how your vehicle works and a fundamental understanding of auto related terms.
Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service
This book is in its fifth publication due to its easy-to-read reference points for beginning and professional automotive mechanics. It’s incredibly informative and in-depth in the principles of diagnosis and service broken down into short, easy to digest sections.
This is a fascinating option for gearheads as it breaks down the science behind what makes our favourite cars go go go! All of your time spent driving, tuning, modifying, and adjusting your car will help you gain even more of an understanding in the realm of physics. Learn how your knowledge and experience can be translated into the basics of physics. The book breaks everything down into easy to understand principles and terminology, using automotive and motorsports as reference.
Auto Fundamentals
By Chris Johanson, Martin T. Stockel, Martin W. Stockel
Now in it’s Twelfth edition of publication, this is a great book which explains everything from design to construction to functionality. The most academic book on the list, this is technically a college level textbook, but would serve as an excellent reference book. This would be a fantastic option for those who are well-versed in hobby mechanics and looking to make the jump to professional hired work. You’ll even find recent, up-to-date information on hybrid engines and vehicles.
Auto Repair for Dummies
By Deanna Sclar
Perhaps your love of cars has always been behind the wheel as opposed to under the hood. Why not expand your horizons with practical knowledge in auto mechanics thanks to this great jumping off point! With over 400,000 copies sold, it is an indispensable guide to how cars work and how to fix ‘em. You’ll be able to understand how to fix dents and scratches, jump-start your car, identify and diagnose problems by sounds or smells or noises, and much much more! It will give you a great head start on your quest for knowledge
Today’s Technician: Automotive Engine Performance Classroom and Shop Manuals
By Ken Pickerill
This is the 6th edition of this comprehensive book on practical and technical skills for automotive technicians. It’s great for students and professionals alike, with its in depth explanations of both performance and driveability. You’ll learn everything from theory to diagnostics to tests to tools and service. It’s a two book set that will be indispensable in your library!
Did we miss your favourite book?
Let us know and we may include it in a future blog!
