Walkthrough

Welcome to the comprehensive walkthrough for Car Mechanic Simulator 2021! This section is your ultimate guide to navigating the intricate world of automotive repair, from your humble beginnings in a small garage to becoming a master mechanic with a sprawling empire. Unlike traditional RPGs, Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 doesn't feature a linear story with NPCs and boss battles. Instead, your "progression" is measured by your reputation, financial success, garage expansion, and the complexity of jobs you can undertake. This guide will provide actionable, step-by-step strategies to maximize your efficiency, profitability, and overall enjoyment.

We'll break down the core career mode into manageable stages, offering detailed advice on job selection, repair techniques, part acquisition, and strategic upgrades. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned wrench-turner looking to optimize your workflow, this walkthrough is designed to be a reference-quality resource.

I. The Starting Line: Your First Jobs and Garage Basics

Upon starting a new career, you'll find yourself in a basic garage with limited tools and a small amount of starting cash. Your immediate goal is to earn money, gain experience (XP), and build your reputation to unlock better jobs and garage upgrades.

1. Initial Setup and Interface Familiarization

• Garage Overview: Take a moment to explore your starting garage. You'll have access to a car lift, a diagnostic path (for suspension and brakes), an engine stand, a transmission stand, and a basic workbench.
• Tablet Interface: Your tablet (accessible via 'Tab' key on PC, or corresponding button on console) is your primary tool for managing jobs, ordering parts, and accessing the game's various menus.
• Job Board: The 'Orders' tab on your tablet displays available client jobs. Initially, these will be simple tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, or basic brake pad replacements.

2. Accepting Your First Job

Always start with the simplest jobs to get a feel for the mechanics. Look for jobs with a low difficulty rating (indicated by stars) and clear descriptions. A good starting job might involve:

• Oil Change: Requires draining old oil, replacing the oil filter, and refilling with new oil.
• Tire Replacement: Involves removing old tires, mounting new ones, and balancing them.
• Brake Pad/Disc Replacement: Simple component swaps.

3. Step-by-Step Repair Process (Example: Oil Change)

1. Accept Job: Open your tablet, go to 'Orders', and select a suitable job. The client's car will appear in your garage.
2. Examine Car: Use the 'Examine' mode (right-click on PC, or corresponding button) to inspect the vehicle. Look for highlighted red parts, which indicate damage or wear. For an oil change, you'll typically find the oil filter and oil drain plug.
3. Lift Car: Drive the car onto the car lift and raise it to access the underside.
4. Drain Oil: Locate the oil drain plug (usually on the oil pan). Use your wrench tool to remove it. Place an oil drain pan underneath to catch the old oil.
5. Remove Oil Filter: Locate the oil filter (often near the engine block). Use the oil filter wrench to remove it.
6. Order New Parts: Go to your tablet, navigate to the 'Shop' tab, and then 'Parts'. Search for the correct oil filter and the specified type of engine oil. Ensure you order enough oil (usually 4-6 liters, check the car's specs). Select 'Express Delivery' for immediate arrival (costs more but saves time).
7. Install New Parts: Once parts arrive, install the new oil filter and replace the oil drain plug.
8. Fill with New Oil: Lower the car slightly to access the engine bay. Open the oil filler cap and pour in the new engine oil.
9. Check Fluid Levels: Use the dipstick to ensure the oil level is correct.
10. Assemble Car: Re-install any parts you removed for access (e.g., engine cover).
11. Test Drive (Optional but Recommended): For some jobs, a test drive reveals hidden issues or confirms repairs.
12. Complete Job: Return to your tablet, go to 'Orders', and select 'Finish Job'. You'll receive money and XP.

4. Essential Early Game Tips

• Use the Diagnostic Path: For suspension and brake jobs, always use the diagnostic path. It will automatically highlight all worn components, saving you time and ensuring no parts are missed.
• Listen to Client Notes: The client's notes (in the 'Orders' tab) often provide crucial clues about the car's issues. "Squealing brakes" points to brake issues, "car pulls to one side" suggests suspension or alignment problems.
• Sell Old Parts: Don't just discard old parts! Place them in your inventory and then sell them from the inventory screen. Even worn parts fetch some cash.
• Salvage Parts: For parts that are not completely broken but heavily worn (e.g., 20-40% condition), you can try to "salvage" them at the workbench. This has a chance to restore them to a higher condition, saving you money on new parts.
• Prioritize Tools: Early on, focus on unlocking essential tools like the spring puller (for suspension work) and the tire balancer/mounter. These are crucial for common jobs.

II. Expanding Your Horizons: Garage Upgrades and Advanced Tools

As you gain XP and money, you'll unlock the ability to purchase garage upgrades and new tools. Strategic investment here is key to tackling more complex and profitable jobs.

1. Recommended Early Upgrades

Access upgrades via your tablet's 'Garage' tab.

• Additional Car Lifts: Crucial for multitasking. Having two lifts allows you to work on one car while another is waiting for parts or diagnostics.
• Welder: Essential for repairing exhaust components and some body parts.
• Tire Changer & Balancer: While you start with basic versions, upgrading these speeds up tire work significantly.
• Spring Puller: Absolutely necessary for disassembling suspension components to replace springs, shock absorbers, and bushings.
• Engine Crane: Allows you to remove entire engines from cars, crucial for engine rebuilds.
• Transmission Jack: For removing and installing transmissions.
• Test Path: A more advanced diagnostic area that checks alignment, brakes, and suspension simultaneously.
• Paint Shop: Unlocks body repair and painting jobs, which can be very profitable.

2. Unlocking the Junkyard and Barn Finds

These locations are excellent sources of cheap cars for restoration projects and rare parts.

• Junkyard: Unlocks relatively early. Here you can buy severely damaged cars at a low price. These are perfect for full restorations, which yield high profits but require significant time and investment. You can also scavenge for individual parts.
• Barn Finds: Unlocks later and are rarer. These are often classic cars in various states of disrepair, hidden in old barns. They are more expensive to buy but can be incredibly valuable once restored. Look for maps in crates found in the junkyard or purchased from the auction house.

3. Advanced Repair Strategies

• Full Engine Rebuilds: Once you have the engine crane and engine stand, you can tackle full engine rebuilds. This involves disassembling the entire engine, inspecting every component, and replacing worn parts. This is one of the most profitable job types.
• Body Repair and Painting: With the welder and paint shop, you can fix body damage and repaint cars. This adds another layer of complexity and profitability to your operations.
• Tuning and Performance Parts: As you progress, you'll unlock performance parts. These can be installed to upgrade a car's power and handling, often for tuning jobs or to increase the value of your restoration projects.

III. Mastering the Market: Auctions and Car Flipping

Beyond client jobs, buying, restoring, and selling cars is where the real money is made in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021. This is often referred to as "car flipping."

1. The Auction House

The auction house (unlocked after some progression) is where you can bid on cars. These cars are usually in better condition than junkyard finds but are also more expensive. It's a great place to find specific models for restoration or to quickly turn a profit with minor repairs.

• Strategy: Attend auctions regularly. Learn to quickly assess a car's value based on its condition and the cost of repairs. Don't overbid! Research market prices for fully restored versions of the cars you're interested in.
• Hidden Gems: Sometimes, cars with seemingly major issues might only need a few expensive parts replaced, making them profitable flips.

2. Car Flipping Workflow

1. Acquire Car: Buy a car from the Junkyard, Barn Find, or Auction House.
2. Full Diagnostic: Bring the car into your garage and perform a full diagnostic. Use the test path, diagnostic path, and manual inspection to identify every single worn or broken part.
3. Disassemble and Repair: Methodically disassemble the car, replacing all damaged components. For bodywork, use the welder and body tools.
4. Engine/Transmission Rebuild: If necessary, remove and rebuild the engine and/or transmission.
5. Paint Job: Send the car to the paint shop for a fresh coat of paint. Consider custom colors for higher appeal.
6. Interior Detailing: While not a direct repair mechanic, a clean interior (implied by a full restoration) adds to the car's value.
7. Test Drive: Ensure everything is working perfectly.
8. Sell Car: Place the car on the 'Parking' spot and access the 'Sell Car' option from your tablet. You can set your asking price. Be realistic but aim for a good profit margin.

3. Profit Maximization Tips

• Bulk Part Orders: When restoring multiple cars or tackling large jobs, order parts in bulk to save on delivery fees (if not using express).
• Salvage and Repair: Utilize the workbench to repair parts whenever possible. This significantly cuts down on costs.
• Reputation Matters: A higher reputation allows you to charge more for your services and sell cars for higher prices.
• Special Tools: Invest in the 'Repair Tools' upgrade from the 'Garage' tab. This increases the chance of successfully repairing parts at the workbench.
• Body Shop Upgrades: Upgrading your paint shop and body repair tools will improve the quality and speed of bodywork, leading to higher sale prices for restored vehicles.

IV. Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

Even experienced mechanics can run into issues. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:

• "Car still has issues" after repair:
  • Check Client Notes: Did you miss a specific request?
  • Full Diagnostic: Run the car through the test path and diagnostic path again. Manually inspect every system (brakes, suspension, engine, transmission, exhaust) for red-highlighted parts.
  • Fluid Levels: Did you refill all fluids (oil, coolant, power steering, brake fluid)?
  • Tighten Bolts: Ensure all bolts are tightened after assembly.
  • Correct Parts: Double-check that you installed the correct parts for the car model.
• Can't find a specific part:
  • Shop Search: Use the search bar in the 'Shop' tab.
  • Part Categories: Browse through the specific part categories (e.g., 'Engine Parts', 'Suspension Parts').
  • Disassembly: Sometimes a part is hidden behind another. Disassemble further.
  • Junkyard/Barn Finds: For rare or expensive parts, check these locations.
• Running out of money:
  • Take Simple Jobs: If you're low on cash, take a few quick, easy jobs to build up funds.
  • Sell Old Parts: Clear out your inventory of old, unused parts.
  • Focus on Profitability: Prioritize jobs with high profit margins or restoration projects that yield good returns.
• Reputation not increasing:
  • Complete Jobs Fully: Always ensure 100% completion and satisfaction.
  • Timeliness: Completing jobs quickly contributes to reputation.
  • Quality of Repairs: Using new or fully repaired parts (not just salvaged ones at low condition) helps.

By following this comprehensive walkthrough, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and rewards of Car Mechanic Simulator 2021. Remember to always be thorough, strategic, and enjoy the process of bringing these virtual vehicles back to life!