AUTO REPAIR
PAUL BIRKHEAD – DECEMBER 5, 2010

With the economy the way it is right now, more and more people are choosing to keep their vehicles longer. Unfortunately, that means those same people might have to deal with more car repairs than they’ve had to in the past. It is a common fact, as cars age, that certain parts get worn down or break altogether. However, the library has resources that can help those who are willing to tackle auto repairs on their own.

Perhaps the most recognized resource the library offers on car repair is our collection of Chilton service manuals. For over 100 years, the name Chilton has been the standard for auto repair and maintenance guides. These manuals are still found in most mechanic shops and their stained and tattered pages attest to their use. The library has a great number of Chilton manuals, and while some are kept in the reference section, there are several copies that can be checked out. Most years are covered and they are often broken down into volumes that cover either imported or domestic models.

Another resource that the library offers is 24/7 access to an online automotive repair database. This resource is called the Auto Repair Reference Center (ARRC) and comes courtesy of NC Live. To access ARRC from home, you’ll need a valid Rowan Public Library card number and PIN. If you don’t have a PIN or can’t remember what it is, stop by the library and ask for a new one. Make sure you bring your library card or an ID with you. You can get to the ARRC through a link on our website – www.rowanpubliclibrary.org. Once at our home page, click on the ‘Find It Online’ link. Then, click on the ‘NCLive – Access from Home’ link. At this point, put in your library card number and PIN, and then follow the instructions for obtaining the current password for NCLive. Once at the NCLive site, scroll down the page and click on ‘Hobbies & Interests’ and you’re almost there. The final step is to click on the Auto Repair Reference Center link and you’re in. I know it might seem like a lot of work to get there, but I’m confident you’ll find the ARRC worth it.

The ARRC has repair and maintenance information on over 35,000 vehicles from the 1940’s to the present. Everything you might need to service your car can be found inside: from factory drawings, technical service bulletins, wiring diagrams, maintenance schedules, and even information on recalls. What makes this online database so handy is that new repair procedures and updates are continually being added. There are also thousands of images in the database, and most have been configured to make it easier to view and print them. Not sure you can handle a repair yourself and are thinking of taking your vehicle to a mechanic? There is a labor time guide and repair cost estimator included in the database.

Whether it’s something routine like changing a car’s oil, or a major repair such as replacing a transmission, most auto repair projects can be intimidating for the common person. However, just knowing that the library has resources to help you might instill enough confidence to tackle a job. Stop by the Rowan Public Library and let us help you keep your car running.