In today’s economy, people are looking for ways to stretch their hard-earned dollars. One method is to extend the life of your car or truck by doing repairs yourself. But with vehicles becoming more and more complicated, having access to repair manuals that include step-by-step instructions, diagnostic guidelines, and wiring diagrams is absolutely critical. That’s where the library comes in! CADL maintains a large collection of these resources from industry leaders like Chilton’s, Mitchell’s and Haynes. We offer books that can be checked out, reference guides you can use in the library, and an online database that can be accessed from the library or home.
Most Chilton and Haynes books can be checked out. Find them by searching our online catalog and using your make and model as keywords. The Mitchell guides can only be used in the library. The Downtown Lansing Library has the largest repair manual collection in the CADL system, and we’ve devoted an entire section on the 2nd floor to these books. They’re in alphabetical order by make and model so they are easy to browse.
Chilton’s offers an amazing online database that can be accessed from our website. (Using it from home requires a current CADL card.) From cadl.org, click on Research Tools in the left side menu, then select Automotive The database lets you specify a year, make and model from drop-down menus, and provides a list of resources for your specific vehicle. Information goes all the way back to 1940! That year lists 15 makes including DeSoto, Nash, Packard and Studebaker, with over 50 of models available from that year alone. Coverage continues through 2009. The data is available in three different categories: maintenance, repair and bulletins/recalls. Everything can be printed-wiring diagrams, instructions, illustrations, etc.
We also have a limited selection of DVDs that could help you with repairs and maintenance.
So the next time you hear a strange rattle, or the mechanic says you need your “whatever” replaced, remember the resources at the library. You might be able to complete the work yourself!
In addition to repair resources, the library has other valuable information about vehicles: instruction manuals for detailing vehicles and custom painting; information on hot rods, scooters, ATVs, and collector cars; and histories of vehicle manufacturers. If there’s a book you’re interested in, let us know and we’ll try to locate copies for you.
Capital Area District Library Reference Department is located at 401 S. Capitol Avenue in Lansing, MI. Contact them at 517-367-6346 or by e-mail at reference@cadl.org.
This was printed in the April 11 – April 24 edition.
