how to learn about cars and engines

[MacIvan]

The best way to learn about cars and engines is to combine hands-on experience with structured online learning. Start by identifying your specific interest, whether it's basic maintenance, performance tuning, or electric vehicle technology. Then, use a mix of YouTube tutorials from credible creators, online courses from platforms like Coursera, and practical work on your own vehicle or a project car. Engaging with online forums and local car clubs provides real-world context and immediate help.

Learning Method	Time Commitment (Weekly)	Key Resources	Skill Level Targeted
Online Video Tutorials	2-3 hours	YouTube (ChrisFix, Engineering Explained)	Beginner to Advanced
Dedicated Online Courses	3-5 hours	Coursera, Udemy (SAE International courses)	Beginner to Intermediate
Owner's Manual Study	30 minutes	Your vehicle's manual	Beginner
Forum Participation	1-2 hours	Reddit (r/cars, r/mechanicadvice), specialized forums	All Levels
Hands-on Practice	2-4 hours	Basic tool set, project car	Intermediate to Advanced

Begin with the fundamentals. Understand the internal combustion engine—the basic four-stroke cycle (intake, compression, power, exhaust). Learn to identify major components under the hood: the engine block, air filter, battery, and oil dipstick. Changing your own oil and air filter is a perfect first project that builds confidence. For modern cars, familiarizing yourself with OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) is crucial. A simple scan tool can read trouble codes, helping you diagnose issues.

Don't underestimate the power of your car's owner's manual; it's a treasure trove of model-specific information. As you progress, attending local Cars and Coffee events or joining a club allows you to talk to owners and see modifications up close, making the learning process social and directly applicable.

[SanAdeline]

Get your hands dirty. Seriously, that’s it. You can watch all the videos you want, but you won’t really get it until you’re under the hood. Start with something simple, like changing your own wiper blades or air filter. The feeling of actually doing it, of seeing how the parts connect, is what sticks. I learned more from changing my first set of spark plugs and messing it up than I ever did from just reading. It’s okay to be slow and make mistakes; that’s how you learn what not to do next time.

[DelAlejandro]

I'm a visual learner, so YouTube was my classroom. I found a couple of channels where the hosts explain things clearly without a lot of fluff. I’d watch a video on how to change brake pads, then go to the garage and follow the steps with my phone propped up. It’s like having an expert looking over your shoulder. Documentaries on the history of car companies or how specific engines were developed also gave me a bigger picture understanding of why things are designed the way they are.

[DeAriana]

Talk to people. Go to a local car meet and just walk around. When you see a car you like, ask the owner about it. Most enthusiasts love talking about their projects. You'll learn about common problems, good parts brands, and little tricks you won't find in a manual. Online forums are great for this too. Post a question like, "What's this weird noise?" and you'll get a dozen helpful answers with personal stories attached. It turns learning from a solo study session into a community activity.

[Ida]

Break it down into systems. Don't try to learn the "whole car" at once. Focus on one system per week. Week one: the engine—what are the main parts? Week two: the cooling system—how does it prevent overheating? Week three: the brakes. Understanding how each system operates on its own, and then how they interact, makes the complexity manageable. Use simple analogies; an engine is like a air pump, the transmission is like a bicycle's gears. This systematic approach builds a solid foundation without being overwhelming.