Guides for people who fix their own cars

Short, practical answers from someone who keeps old cars running.

• How to keep a car maintenance log that's actually useful

  What to record for every repair and service, typical service intervals, and why part numbers matter most. Paper, spreadsheet or app.

• How to track what your car really costs to keep running

  Keep one running total per car: what to count, planned versus bought, and when a repair is worth doing.

• Where to buy car parts online

  Find the right part number first, then compare Autodoc, eBay, Amazon, RockAuto and local parts shops in one search.