Engine Repair Troubles? Let the Library Help.

August 06, 2010

My daughter’s car broke down this week. This made me realize that, like my husband, there are quite a few do-it yourself car repair people out there. I see either you or your significant others coming in to find just the right auto repair manual needed for your particular situation.

Did you know that you have this information available to you in your home 24/7? That's right!

Mid- Continent Public Library subscribes to several automotive repair databases. Most of these databases are available to you remotely. All you need is your library card and a computer with internet access. Go to the library's website. You can log on to the databases using your 14 digit card number and your PIN number is your 8 digit date of birth.  Be sure and type 2 numbers for the day, 2 for the month, and all four numbers for the year. Find the Online Resources. Look for Research Databases and click on Automotive and Small Engines in the subject listings.

After that, choose the database title that will best suit your needs. Available databases that you will find are: Automotive Repair Reference Center,and ChiltonLibrary.com.

Both of these databases provide repair information for thousands of trucks, cars, and vans.

For those of you having small engine repair troubles, there is also, the Small Engine Repair Reference Center. It contains repair information and instructions for engines in ATVs, commercial mowers, farm tractors, generators, motorcycles, boats, outdoor power equipment, personal watercraft, snow blowers, snowmobiles, tillers, and more.

All of this is designed to give the do-it yourself people out there the information they want when they need it. There is never a convenient time for breakdowns to occur. You can now take comfort in knowing that even when the libraries are closed, the virtual library is still available to help you and my daughter get back on the road again.