The Internet Is Your Car’s Best Friend

Here’s a list of online resources for new car owners. And when I say ‘new’ I mean, ‘new to you’. It’s been on my mind a lot as I move from a Nissan to a Volkswagen. There’s a lot to know going from 87 to 91 octane gas. As I familiarize myself with my new car, these are sites I’ve been visiting recently with some input from Twitter pals.

1. Consumer Reports – If you haven’t already used them to research your car, then read up on which tires to buy when you have to replace them.

2. Gasbuddy.com for finding cheap gas near you!

3. Fuelly.com for tracking your fuel efficiency and how your vehicle rates against others of the same make or in general. If you decide to join Fuelly, go ahead and friend me! (or Flexo!) (Any other PF bloggers on Fuelly?)

4. Haynes for an auto manual. They tear apart cars, photograph them and explain how to fix stuff yourself. It’s a must if you are doing your own oil changes or need to know what the heck the dealer’s service shop is talking about. Oddly, it was cheaper for me to buy it at Advance Auto Parts for about 19 bucks than directly from Haynes. But get one wherever you can find it cheapest. Another friend (via Twitter @corprew) recommends Chilton. I’ve never used them, but I trust this guy’s endorsement. He keeps a really old truck running for interstate road trips.

5. Internet forums about your car. It can be helpful to read up in the forums on topics like accessories, repair costs, dealer reviews. Via Twitter @bashen recommends two brand neutral sites, Repair Pal and DriverSide. I’m already on a GTI forum asking newbie questions.

6. And finally, even though your mom rolls your eyes when she hears their names, Click and Clack, the Tappert Brothers at CarTalk. I like Ray and Tom and they certainly do offer decent advice with a hearty belly laugh.

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