Exploring the Library: Auto-Repair Manuals and Driving Tests in One Convenient Location

by Tina Kakuske, Director, Door County Library 

Chilton, long the staple of auto-repair manuals, has been used for years by those who work on cars, but the manuals are large, bulky books that take up valuable shelf real estate when libraries collect and store them.

Finding car-repair information has changed a lot over the years, and it’s now easy to navigate online with auto-repair databases. All libraries in Wisconsin have access to BadgerLink, where many databases – including Auto Repair Source – are gathered for easy access.

Auto Repair Source contains “step-by-step repair information, diagrams, maintenance schedules, parts and labor estimates, service bulletins and recalls” for “thousands of imported and domestic” autos. 

Go to doorcountylibrary.org; click on Resource Tools; then click on the Auto Repair Source logo to start a search. Finding repair information is as easy as entering the year, make, model and engine type for the vehicle you’re interested in. Repair information covers 1974 through 2022, and it comes from the original equipment manufacturers (OEM). All materials can be printed or saved and emailed.

Another vehicle-related resource is available on the Research Tools page of doorcountylibrary.org. Driving Tests provides the opportunity to take practice driving tests for car, CDL (commercial driver’s license) and motorcycle licenses. The current Wisconsin Department of Transportation Motorists’ Handbook is available there in text, audio and PDF formats, and you’ll find the Wisconsin Commercial Drivers’ Manual and the Wisconsin Motorcyclists’ Handbook as well. 

Several practice tests are provided free of charge, as is an exam simulator. This site is valuable for those who are learning the rules of the road, practicing before taking a driver’s test or just getting a driving refresher.