chiltons manual vs haynes

Once owned by the Walt Disney Company, Chilton is now under the leadership of Cengage Learning, which continues to publish the well-known line of automotive repair manuals and use the latest technology to offer new service manual options for car repair enthusiasts. Like many of the top manuals on the market, each Chilton manual includes detailed, step-by-step instructions for each repair and maintenance activity included in the text. All of the manuals are model specific, so you’re never left guessing whether the steps for a repair are the correct ones for your vehicle. Every Chilton manual covers vital procedures, such as drivetrain repairs, electrical system guides, and engine maintenance and overhaul instructions. They also include model-specific guides to trouble codes, noting what the code means, what sensors are associated with the code, and what vehicle parts are related to the code. A detailed list of the procedures included in each Chilton manual can be found on the company’s FAQ page. While Chilton manuals do provide some detailed pictures, illustrations and diagrams, they tend to be more focused on the procedure specifications and procedure details. This offers mechanics an exhaustive overview of the repair process, but may be more difficult to follow if you prefer more visual instruction. Chilton manuals are typically designed for mechanics with a basic working knowledge of vehicle maintenance and repair, so they may not be the best option for brand new mechanics. While beginners should still be able to follow the step-by-step instructions, they may need a little more patience and attention when using Chilton manuals, compared to mechanics who are already familiar with industry terms, specialty tools, and general maintenance procedures. Chilton’s also offers most of its service manuals in Spanish. Chilton manuals cover almost every automotive make and model, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans.

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Haynes By Tim 5 Comments Last Updated on July 31, 2020 by Tim If you’ve spent time working on your own car or WANT to start working on your own car, the odds are high that you’ve run into the familiar dilemma: which repair manual should you choose. Some people think that any manual is just as good as the next one, but you know better. A good repair manual can mean the difference between a quick and easy car repair, and a frustrating afternoon that makes you never want to see your car again. How many times have you come across that one key step in the repair that might as well be written in an entirely different language. For the do-it-yourself mechanic, nothing is more important than a detailed, easy-to-follow service manual. Both Chilton and Haynes service manuals offer step-by-step instructions and tips for a huge number of crucial car repairs, from basic oil changes to intensive engine repairs. But which one is truly the best option for your next project. Interestingly enough, Chilton is actually owned by Haynes; the Chilton brand was sold to Haynes publishing in 2001. However, both brands have continued to publish manuals for a wide range of vehicles, each presenting detailed information, pictures and diagrams in their own unique style. Table of Contents Is Chilton the Best Repair Manual. What’s Included in a Chilton Manual. Who Should Use a Chilton Manual. Which Car Models are Covered by Chilton Manuals. What Extras Are Offered by Chilton. Or is Haynes the Best Repair Manual. Who Should Use a Haynes Manual. Which Car Models are Covered by Haynes Manuals. What Extras Are Offered by Haynes. So Which One Should You Choose. The Middle Ground Is Chilton the Best Repair Manual. Chilton Publishing has been in business since 1904, and over the course of its long history has amassed a huge library of manuals and training materials.

In addition to the print and online manuals from Haynes, the company also provides a huge number of “ Tips and Tutorials ” articles providing free, detailed advice on everything from vehicle history to troubleshooting tips. The Chilton vs Haynes debate has been going on for years. Both offer outstanding automotive repair manuals for DIY mechanics, but each brand brings its own unique style to the table. Chilton manuals are typically the best manual for mechanics who already have a basic understanding of automotive repair, and are looking for a detailed guide for their car, truck, SUV, or van. Chilton is also a great option for mechanics who want to join an online community of other mechanics and automotive enthusiasts. Haynes manuals are typically the best manual for brand new mechanics, or those who prefer more illustrations and diagrams to guide their repair work. Haynes service manuals are also the better choice for those who need guidance for other vehicles, like motorcycles, ATVs or bicycles. The Middle Ground If neither of these two manuals really meets your needs, maybe they don’t have the problem you’re looking for, or the exact make and model of car that you’ll be working on. It can be handy to know a few credible online resources that address the same topic. A digital version might not be as friendly to the workshop as the hard copy, but they are often more detailed and specific than the printed versions and likely include plenty of helpful advice or peer reviews on any given car. Haynes and Chilton both sponsor their own online repair manuals, charging only a modest fee for a year long membership to whichever you choose to trust. Both websites have received high praise and a considerable following, and are in general taken as being just as reliable as the printed manuals. If you can put out the month for extras of these memberships, chances are you won’t be disappointed.

While the company has published motorcycle service manuals in the past, they do not currently offer a line of manuals for modern motorcycles. In addition to the print and online service manuals from Chilton, the company also provides on online community for both professional and DIY mechanics to connect and share questions, answers, and advice. Haynes Publishing was founded in 1960 in England, but quickly became a popular resource for automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts in the U.S. The company started out with a single book on building an Austin 7 Special, and has since expanded to almost 1,000 manuals on automotive, motorcycle and ATV repair and maintenance. With its simple and thorough instructions and easy-to-follow diagrams, Haynes manuals may be the best repair manual option for brand-new mechanics. Compared to Chilton manuals, Haynes tends to offer a lot more pictures and illustrations, however it can sometimes be more difficult to follow, as many standard procedures are referenced in other sections of the book. Haynes manuals also tend to spend more time explaining how and why specific procedures should be done in a particular way, which can be very useful for the beginner mechanic or experienced mechanics looking to improve their skills. Haynes also offers most of its service manuals in Spanish. Similar to Chilton, Haynes manuals also cover nearly every automotive make and model, with the exception of model ranges that only include a handful of vehicles. In addition, Haynes offers more than 200 service manuals for a range of motorcycles and ATVs. For those operating a step or two outside of the mainstream, Haynes also offers a series of “ Practical Lifestyle ” manuals covering topics from bicycle repair to “How to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse”.

Although these resources can be a lifesaver if your printed manual fails you, take extreme caution before following online advice from an unvetted source. No matter how confidently the comment section is speaking, they may be so categorically wrong that following their advice can cost you your car. Stick to trusted articles, resources, and retailers, and cross-check suggested methods before employing them to make sure that what you are doing is improving your car and not making it worse. Filed Under: Blog Comments Casey says October 9, 2018 at 6:04 am Great comparison and I have to agree. Started with Haynes when I was just getting into cars and then switched over to Chilton as auto repair has now become a little side gig for me. I’m finding that many vehicles now have online versions of repair manuals. As cool as that may seem, you better have a dedicated computer in your garage that you don’t mind getting oil and grease all over the keyboard and mouse. For me, I’ll stick to my printed manual. Very fortunately, having no experience diagnosing BMW’s before, after consulting the Chilton manual, the repair ended up being the first tried, and the easiest one to test for. Tim says December 6, 2018 at 4:01 pm That’s great to hear. I’m sure many of us had a similar experience with a “stealership” at one point or another. BTW, I really miss my E36 M3. Alan Van Kirk says February 25, 2019 at 2:46 am I really appreciate the insight, I work on the simple stuff, and take the major stuff to the real mechanic. With that said, they have helped me and left me infuriated. Poor photography which surprisingly and quite often is not even a year of vehicle covered by the manual. Missing key steps and lack of key fastener location information only the manufacturer or YouTube tell you about. And not the one year weird stuff but bread and butter, made for years drivetrains and bodies that any brand mechanic would know in two years of car-brand-work.

Those seeking specifically free advice need not fret, though, as several reputable digital resources are available to an aspiring mechanic free of charge. First among these is doubtless AutoMD. A free reference for car repair searchable by multiple different criteria. There is a questions and answers page, an extensive library of the most common problems that car owners will face, and a diagnosis tool to help you determine what the problem is and where you can look to fix it. If you happen to be a seasoned mechanic interested in helping others out, or see something incorrect on the site, AutoMD offers a number of ways to rectify erroneous instructions. Novices may find the shop locator of more interest, helping them get to a trusted service provider should their own attempts fall through. If AutoMD proves either too general or too basic for the problem at hand, try turning to AutoZone’s repair page. As a supplier of parts and tools of all kinds, AutoZone prides itself on not only having the right item to get your car up and running but also on making sure it gets done correctly. Their repair page is sorted by area of the car, skill level of the mechanic, and more. It includes both written guides and an extensive video library covering an impressive number of auto repair scenarios. AutoZone also includes the same crowdsourcing features that may be familiar from other websites, allowing experienced users to share their favorite tips and tricks or new mechanics to ask the public for help with a particularly tricky procedure. A shop finder is included, as well as a handy reference to other credible resources for every skill level. AutoZone also makes sure that no repair is beyond your capability by suggesting the right tools for the job. They offer purchase, loan, or rental services for all of them right on the front page.

Their manuals have more illustrations than Chilton while still providing ample written instructions. The focus in a Haynes manual is on following a specific procedure and explaining why that method is important. Unlike Chilton, Haynes manuals are less model-specific, with some information on multiple versions of a car. Repetitive instructions may be referenced in a single section of the book, requiring the user to flip through. This can prove a little confusing to some people, based upon their level of experience on those procedures. They also cover older motorcycles, although Chilton has since ceased publishing for two-wheeled vehicles. Haynes Haynes has a much smaller library due to its younger age, but still includes most lines since its founding. This doesn’t include some of the more limited runs. However, Haynes does have an active line of motorcycle and ATV manuals, as well as several off-the-wall practical guides for impractical things, such as surviving a zombie apocalypse. The Verdict As Chilton and Haynes are both comprehensive but in very different ways, there can be no clear winner. That said, both fit their own target audience, making each superior in their own ways. Here’s the verdict, based upon the strengths of each collection. Use a Haynes Repair Manual When: You’re new to auto repair and need a helping hand. These guides are chock full of important info on proper procedures. Best of all, it explains why you should do things a certain way. It’s almost like having a pro instructor by your side. You’re a visual leaner. The use of extra illustrations make the manuals easier to understand for many. You will also want to stick with Haynes for your motorcycle or ATV repairs, as they have an extensive collection available. Use a Chilton Repair Manual When: You have some auto repair experience under your belt and want the most comprehensive descriptions.

Chilton’s heavier reliance on text can make it tough for beginners, but once you’ve cracked an engine or two, these more verbose instructions can put you on the level of a professional for a wide range of repairs. This is also why many commercial garages have relied upon Chilton for generations. You’re working on pre-1960 vehicles. Because Chilton started off soon after automobiles became accessible to the general public, these manuals are an absolute must for older antiques. Do you need to fix your old Buick Roadmaster. Or possibly restoring a ’55 Thunderbird. Chilton is the only place you’re likely to find a comprehensive guide to these older treasures, which are too old to fit into the Haynes library (which only covers 1960 and up). Best Online Auto Repair Manuals So far, we’ve only talked about printed manuals, but let’s be honest. A busy garage would require an entire room to hold manuals for every make and model that passes through their doors. In addition, online repair manuals have the ability to be updated for any important technical service bulletins or part number changes (not so with printed manuals). This is why an online presence has become so important. In the online world, both Chilton and Haynes have a presence, but they’re met by three worthy competitors. Let’s take a quick look at these five digital options. ALLDATA While Chilton is the go-to for professionals in its printed form, ALLDATA rules the digital world. Their library covers over 30,000 vehicles from the 1980s to present. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow and include all the diagrams, parts numbers, and information you need to do an efficient repair every time. Click to Enlarge Owners of older vehicles aren’t left entirely in the dark, as the database has a selection of older vehicles as well. The guides for these are far less detailed, and you may need to call in to an expert to get some of the information.

Too add, neither Chilton or Haynes are any good refining at keeping the manuals up to date. I have found manuals published 5 years apart that were identical and had no updates but just a reprint of the outdated, wrong information with worse pictures to boot.If anyone reading this buys a Chilton or Haynes manual and in 24 hours it does not meet your needs, take it back to the store you got it from for a full refund and tell them it was not a good product, Hopefully these two rags will see all these returns from their distributors and get their acts together and really help DIYer’s as they tout and stop being on half helpful while taking peoples full money. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Haynes What Kind Of Tools Should I Keep In My Car Toolbox. Car Ramps vs Jack Stands for Oil Changes What Tools Could Help Me With My Gardening. Automotive DIYers make good use of these manuals to save money and get that sense of accomplishment. Meanwhile, commercial mechanics find the manuals essential due to the wide range of makes and models which pass through their garages daily. However, these manuals aren’t cheap, so you want to get the best for your buck. Do you go with the legendary Chilton, the European-born Haynes, or invest in a digital manual. Read on to learn the perks, problems, and general quirks of each option to help you determine which auto repair manual is the best. Information Chilton Haynes Vehicle Coverage Chilton Haynes The Verdict Use a Haynes Repair Manual When: Use a Chilton Repair Manual When: Best Online Auto Repair Manuals ALLDATA Mitchell1DIY eManualOnline HaynesOnline ChiltonDIY A Few Honorable Mentions Introducing Our Competitors Before we pit these manuals against each other, let’s take a moment to discuss the history of our two main competitors. While they have the same goal of making car repair easier, they have very different approaches. “I’m the King of Manuals!

” Says Chilton Originating way back in 1904, Chilton was the undeniable king of repair manuals for generations of mechanics. It has perhaps the most extensive library of any automotive repair manual publication. On top of this, the books get into high detail for every repair needed on a model-specific level, making them extremely useful for pros and amateurs alike. Surprisingly enough, ownership of the Chilton name has passed through a few very prominent hands, such as the Walt Disney company and none other than Haynes Publishing (as of 2001). Despite being owned by its only major competitor, Chilton’s style has set it apart and ensured these amazing guides continue to be made. “Hold My Oil,” Replies Haynes Designed more for beginners, the first ever Haynes manual was for the Austin 7 Special. Despite the company being founded in 1960, its straightforward and simplified instructions gave it fast popularity in both Europe and America. The current Haynes library includes manuals for not only cars, but also ATVs and motorcycles. All told, over 1,000 different Haynes manuals have been printed over the years. This debate has been going on since Haynes made its debut. This battle is exacerbated by the fact that these two giants have very different methods of handling material. Let’s take a moment to examine the two side by side. Information Chilton Chilton gets into extreme detail, providing written instructions covering every facet of your repair. There are plenty of illustrations, but these are usually meant as a companion to the text instead of being the main focus. Every volume is model specific, making it easier to work with onboard sensors, trouble codes, and parts replacement. For the DIYer, this makes them a one-stop reference for their vehicle, but a little more complicated for commercial garages that prefer a printed reference. Chilton sample page (click to enlarge) Haynes Haynes handles their information a little differently.

The online manuals are constantly updated to reflect any TSBs or recalls and even show current prices of OEM parts. While navigating an online manual takes a bit getting used to, ALLDATA has probably the best interface out there and the convenience factor is huge. Mitchell1DIY Just as Chilton and Haynes fight on par for the printed kingship, Mitchell1DIY vs. ALLDATAdiy is often the online version of the battle. While similar in many ways, the user interface and amount of data is the difference. Mitchell1 tends to lose out to ALLDATA simply because the database format is a bit harder to navigate. You may have to dig around a little to get the exact information you want, whereas ALLDATA has it all in one place. Where Mitchell1 shines is in the wiring diagrams. These are set up to be interactive, allowing you to highlight a specific circuit, making it easier to follow complex wiring patterns.Simply click on a vehicle make and model and you’ll get a list of all available manuals for that vehicle by year. Pretty much every vehicle make and model in existence is represented although manuals for some newer vehicles is not yet available. Simply select the manual you’re interested in, add it to your cart, pay via credit card or Paypal, and instantly download your manual. At times, they have a coupon available on their site so you may pay even less. One downside is that there is no set format that all manuals are in. It may be available in PDF format or various other computer files. Fortunately, eManualOnline.com provides instructions on how to use each. It’s a little extra hassle in some cases but worth it since you own the manual and don’t need to worry about monthly subscription fees. HaynesOnline As with Chilton, the Haynes database isn’t as comprehensive as the printed version. However, there are plenty of tips and tricks, as well as guides on how to fix most common issues such as tuning, engine repair, and a bunch of other repairs.

It’s still a good value when you think of it but ALLDATA is simply preferred by most mechanics so there’s no incentive unless you get this at a sales price. But the manuals frequently go on sale at Haynes.com so it’s worth checking out. ChiltonDIY Chilton’s online guides are far less comprehensive than their printed counterparts, but that doesn’t mean the database is useless. In fact, Chilton’s online guides include plenty of diagrams, instructions, videos, recall information, and a whole slew of other features. The lack of any vehicle specific info makes this free guide more limited in its scope than the Big Four. These will help you narrow down a problem based upon your own sensory information so you can get it fixed quick. Each guide gives detailed information on what you’ll need and how to fix problems for the specific vehicle, including crisp photo references. This includes parts numbers and easy-to-follow instructions. Related Posts: 8 Auto Repair Safety Tips to Avoid a Trip to the ER (or the Morgue) 7 Best Windshield Repair Kits (for DIY and Professional Repair) 6 Causes of a Manual Transmission Being Hard to Shift Categories Tips Comments Ray hofeling May 17, 2020 at 8:55 pm Thanks for the help on which book to get Haynes or chilton repair manuals I am more of an experienced mechanic if the book was for me I would get the Chilton because I have older cars to. The person I’m getting this book for is just new in the mechanic and so I will get him to Haynes manual he has a 95 jeep Cherokee that we’re changing the transmission out again thanks again Reply Sean May 18, 2020 at 4:53 pm I prefer Chilton myself, but you really can’t go wrong with either one. That said, nothing beats the service manual printed by the vehicle’s manufacturer.

Reply Elizabeth September 3, 2020 at 7:05 am Our area was hit by hurricane category 5 and my car with out in it now it does not want to start acts like it is the battery acts like it’s not getting any fuel but it will not start in it won’t turn over and I have no oil pressure Reply Sean September 4, 2020 at 9:29 pm Whew, that’s a bummer. It’s likely the car has electrical issues from water damage and maybe an oil leak if something got dinged by debris. If you’re checking the oil pressure by the dashboard indicator, that could even be a false alarm caused by water damage to the wires. The car should be examined by a mechanic. Scroll back to top. There are various service manuals available, but for the frugal budgeted you’ve probably owned either a Chilton or a Haynes brand manual for servicing your vehicle. Both offer complete step by step repair guidelines from beginning to end for tasks ranging from oil changes to brake pad swaps to clutch replacements, and offer many pictures and diagrams to visually direct you through each step along the way. Both also cover a wide range of vehicles, so whether you own a Chevrolet Corvette, a Ford Mustang, or a Plymouth Barracuda, chances are Chilton and Haynes offers a manual for you to follow their teardown guidelines to fix your car the right way. You can similarly find them for imports such as a Nissan Versa, Toyota Corolla, or Honda Civic, or even pickup trucks like a Toyota Tundra, Ford F150, or a Chevrolet C1500. As you can probably guess based on the short list above, if you have a vehicle, there is a pretty high chance Haynes or Chilton makes a manual for it. Of course this creates the dilemma of having to make a choice between a Haynes versus a Chilton manual for your car. Hopefully this breakdown will help to highlight the strengths of each brand so you can pick the one that is best suited to your needs.

The Chilton Total Car Care series of printed car repair manuals offers the do-it-yourselfer a complete maintenance guide that doesn’t require a PhD in automotive mechanics or design. Their manuals are written for people with a basic working knowledge of automotive repair, but they still allow a patient novice mechanic to complete service and repair by following simple steps. All of the Chilton brand manuals include model specific coverage. For instance, the Datsun manual will have information for working on both the fuel injection system of the 280Z as well as the dual SU carburetor system found in the 240z. Each manual includes step-by-step guidelines for an engine overhaul, a complete electrical guide, drivetrain replacement, and more. Each printed book will also include trouble codes for the models covered and what those codes indicate and what sensors and parts they are associated with. The Total Service series includes Automatic Transmissions, an Engine Code manual, and Fuel Injection Diagnosis and Repair. The System Specific series also includes automatic transmissions (Import Cars and Light Trucks from 1980-1984) and Brakes, Steering and Suspension. Haynes was first started in 1960 and have been a leader in automotive repair manuals for over fifty years. They offer manuals for almost every vehicle produced since the 1960’s and do offer some for vehicles even earlier than that such as the 1949 Volkswagen Beetle, Bus, and Fastback. Haynes manuals are offered in English and Spanish versions, and do also include other titles beyond automotive interests. They do offer both digital subscriptions (in yearly format) and paperback editions, whereas the Chilton manuals are only offered in paperback printing. Vehicle specific and technical books are available on specific subjects too. Both may offer a Suzuki Samurai manual, but you will notice that the attention to small details is a little different between the brands.

Each is written by an experienced technician based on a complete vehicle teardown and rebuild, so either is a good choice to aid in the successful weekend work on your project car. Generally speaking, Haynes manuals are written in layman’s terms and don’t rely on the reader to have quite as much automotive knowledge as the Chilton manuals do. Haynes manuals tend to be a little bit more diagram and picture heavy, which can make them easier to understand for mechanics who are still new to working on cars. They are written for the basic shade tree mechanic who has a basic automotive socket set. Overall, if you have a working knowledge of cars, you will likely find the Chilton manuals will suit your taste (although you will do just fine with a Haynes as well). If you are still relatively new to cars, Haynes manuals are ideal as they tend to offer information in a slightly more visual format. They also have the added benefit of being available in Spanish, if that is something you’d find useful. In the end, the Haynes versus Chilton manual debate is easy to answer, as either brand is a good choice to have as a basic resource for working on your car. All you have to do is choose the one that matches your learning style best. Happy wrenching! The accuracy of information on this website is not guaranteed. Working on vehicles is inherently dangerous; precautions must always be taken to avoid the many safety hazards present including but not limited to fire hazards, electrical hazards, chemical hazards, and a large variety of physical hazards. Always wear appropriate protective gear, always use common sense, always completely understand the task at hand, always understand your equipment and its limitations, and stay ever vigilant. You are solely responsible for your own safety. If ever in doubt, stop immediately and contact a professional mechanic.Review our Privacy Policy. Accept.