No mechanic experience. Want to DIY. Any good tips? Options

[gts4]

I can repair / solder circuit boards, laptops, and phones but don't know much about cars. I want to look after my celica on my own. Any tips? I own a basic tool set and have changed flats, headlights and car decks but that's about it. I'd like to do my own brakes and basic maintenance. Ideas? Youtube? Get a Haynes manual? Official Toyota service manual PDF? Thanks.

This post has been edited by gts4: Oct 13, 2014 - 1:46 PM

[SwissFerdi]

Start small. Preparation and the right tools are 90% of the work/effort. Don't cheap out on safety.

Do the engine oil first, maybe change the air filter element. Inspect/change the spark plugs (I should do this myself, actually).

Check fluids: brake master, clutch master, power steering, coolant, window washer. Replace the wipers.

For the brakes: if the rotor doesn't come off, insert a bolt into the hole on the face of the rotor mounting hub. It will push off the hub on the car. If the piston in the caliper won't retract when trying to remount, use a C-clamp to push it back in, little by little.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Oct 14, 2014 - 12:07 PM