These days, cars are computers on wheels. But you can still teach yourself to catch faults and diagnose problems before you take it to the garage. Minor DIY repairs aren't only useful when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere. Knowing what's wrong with your car can also save you money when negotiating a repair bill at the car shop.

Turn to these ten websites and car troubleshooting resources that may not make you a greasemonkey instantly but could be the first tool kit you open.

1. 2CarPros

2Carpros

The car troubleshooting Q&A website continues to thrive after two decades. Here, you can get your inquiries related to car repairs answered by a community of knowledgeable car owners. The queries regarding auto repairs are categorized according to the car make and components, helping you narrow down to a solution.

The repair guides combine step-by-step instructions with illustrations and should assist you in gaining a solid understanding of the fixes involved.

2. AutoMD

AutoMD

Start with the how-to guides and how-to videos on car diagnosis and repair. You can also drill down by make, model, type of guide, repair by state, and repair by city. You should take advantage of tools like the repair cost estimator and AutoMD's "question tree" diagnostic process that helps diagnose car problems by symptom, area, visual inspection, and possible reasons.

Compare costs and features on over 300,000 auto repair shops across the U.S. if you need a professional garage for repairs. The website is operated by U.S. Auto Parts, a publicly traded, leading online auto parts retailer.

3. CarTalk

CarTalk

They do offer bad jokes along with reviews on all types of four-wheelers and a search tool to choose from 30,000 mechanics, reviewed and tested by Car Talk's community. The site's community of car owners and shoppers share their experiences and opinions. Head to the Mechanic Files page and describe your car problems for answers.

Cartalk.com also provides information on services and parts such as insurance, warranties, tires, and car shipping. The site hosted a Peabody-winning popular radio show on NPR whose re-runs you can still listen to on NPR and other podcast networks.

4. CarComplaints

CarComplaints

Car Complaints is a massive database of automotive feedback submitted by vehicle owners over the years. Based on this complaint data, the site presents graphs showing automotive defect patterns by the vehicle's make, the component, or the specific problem.

This visual breakdown could be handy for buying a new or a used car. Then, you can find out if the problem in your vehicle is generic for all cars of that make. These clues can help you avoid specific cars or look into the fixes for the issues.

5. AutoZone

AutoZone

Many sites like AutoZone are part of the automotive replacement parts and accessories dealer network. But several of these sites also host support articles on troubleshooting car problems on your own.

Head to the DIY Advice Home page on the site for guides on how to keep your vehicle running smoothly. You will find articles categorized by car parts, like the engine or filters. Then, you can also read about the best products to go with your DIY car repair projects.

And if all fails, you can use the map-based search tool on the site to find a repair shop near you.

6. Mechanic Base

Mechanic Base

Using the search tool on Mechanic Base is like asking your neighborhood garage for advice. The article search box is a straightforward route to free information on car-related solutions. You will find articles on auto repair, maintenance, guides, reviews, videos, and other automobile information here.

The site says they focus more on European cars such as Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, but American and Asian vehicles are also covered.

7. Haynes Manuals

Haynes

The well-known Haynes website from the U.K. is a great option for those looking for a wide range of car and motorcycle repair manuals. Before that, browse the Tips & Tutorials page for a lineup of everyday car maintenance tasks you can do yourself.

The repair manuals are not free. So, before purchasing a manual, use the Fault Finder search box to diagnose the problem. It will give you a basic idea before directing you to the appropriate manual for the fix. The site also provides free Haynes Foreign Language Technical Dictionaries in PDF format that list technical car maintenance terms.

8. iFixit Car and Truck Manuals

IFixit

Haynes isn't free, and you may not find the make of your car there. There are other freely available car guides and repair manuals like iFixit, which are worth a look. The popular DIY repair site lists 58 car brands and different makes under each.

To help you diagnose and fix your car, the Techniques section is a good primer for beginners. iFixit is more famous for gadget repairs, but their automotive resources are worth a look, too.

9. Reddit

If all fails, communities like Reddit rely on crowdsourced knowledge, and solutions to your car problems aren't any different. There are several automotive subreddits that you can tap into for instant answers.

10. YouTube

YouTube is one of the largest search engines in its own right. It can also be a black hole for car nuts, as there are channels and videos on every automotive topic you can think of. DIY channels that help you maintain or fix your cars are plentiful, so pick a few suitable for beginners and experts alike.

How's Your Car Maintenance IQ?

Between these ten websites, you should be able to diagnose any issues in your car. Cars are run by chips now. But even simple acts of maintenance will help you get to know your vehicle better... and become a better driver in the process.