seeking mechanic knowledge (for me :) (auto, spark plugs, tire, lights)

[emmylou]

I am seeking some advice...
I live in Colorado (Denver area). I would really like to learn about cars, what makes it run and not run and everything in between. I can locate the oil stick...so I believe it would be mechanics 101...Do you know of any place in the Denver area that has a school or a shop that does this for people...I am very interested and just thought you might be able to help me out...
thanks!
em

[studedude]

check with Junior Colleges in your area. Many of them have automotive courses.

[Drilco]

also just a thought but find a good shop in you're area and ask if they need a parts runner or any help at all around the shop cleaning parts etc, you can get paid and learn at the same time. good luck.

[BoydS]

studedude, is correct ... check out your local junior or community college for classes. Typically they only offer a 2 year degree program, as do the technical or vocational schools. Not sure if you want to go that far as in obtaining a degree or not. Another resource would be your local bookstore or even the web, but I will say say nothing beats learning at an onhands school for many obivious reasons. In my area they offer basic auto car repair and maintenance at a school called "Leisure Learning". This school doesn't offer a degree, but just some of the simple basics of auto repair and maintenace. You may have a similar school in the Denver area. Another thought is auto forums on the web. Usually, there is some wonderful help from other folks out there. Certain sites have folks that are willing to help. Good luck and I hope you find the education your looking for.

[okie333]

x3 on studedude's suggestions, i took an automotive electronics class at a juco from a 30 years of experience GM technitian. You learn the basics, the right way to do things and you can ask all the questions you need to learn.

[usafracer]

Also look into the community resource center if you have one. I teach a basic tune up and oil change class 2 times a month. It only takes anout 4 hours and we cover changing oil, flat tire repair, spark plugs and wires, jump starting, changing head lights tail lights basic stuff like that.

[masonsdaughter]

Check out your local library. Our library is small, but it has some exellent books for explaining the different parts, systems, and what each one does and how they work. It's a great way to get an overview of mechanics and see if this is something you may want to pursue further. Outstanding attitude. And don't let them tell you a woman can't or shouldn't be a mechanic.

[Bail_Khan]

Librarys are great, but you can't learn eveything from a book. Expierience is great too. There is no substitute for education though, take a formal class or two if you can.

[Fastway57]

Emmylou, There are a number of schools here in Denver. But the Emily Griffith Opprotunity School has a really good introduction class for auto repair. I think they still have an autobody class also. The school is located off of Colfax and 14th street downtown.

[masonsdaughter]

Bail Khan,
I agree with you. There are no subsitutes for experience. I've learned more from hands-on and talking to or watching back yard mechanics than in all the books or classes I've taken. I only suggested the books so Emmylou could kind of get an idea if this is something she wants to put money and time into. Also, It helps to have some knowledge of what is going on before she starts classes so she won't be so apprehensive.
Emmylou, If you don't mind a little greas under your fingernails, mechanics can be fun.