

“Hold My Oil,” Replies Haynesĭesigned more for beginners, the first ever Haynes manual was for the Austin 7 Special. Despite being owned by its only major competitor, Chilton’s style has set it apart and ensured these amazing guides continue to be made. Surprisingly enough, ownership of the Chilton name has passed through a few very prominent hands, such as the Walt Disney company and none other than Haynes Publishing (as of 2001). On top of this, the books get into high detail for every repair needed on a model-specific level, making them extremely useful for pros and amateurs alike. It has perhaps the most extensive library of any automotive repair manual publication.

Originating way back in 1904, Chilton was the undeniable king of repair manuals for generations of mechanics. While they have the same goal of making car repair easier, they have very different approaches. “I’m the King of Manuals!” Says Chiltonīefore we pit these manuals against each other, let’s take a moment to discuss the history of our two main competitors.
