Haynes manuals go online for web wise grease monkeys

Haynes, famous for helping thousands of amateur mechanics identify their sump from their dipstick with its manuals, is preparing to offer users an online helping hand.

The publisher has signed a deal with Business Systems Group (BSG) to enable its 300 UK car manuals and 130 motorcycle manuals to be downloaded chapter by chapter from its website.

Haynes hopes users stuck under the bonnet in the middle of the night will log on, find the relevant passage and download the technical guide for a charge. Motor enthusiasts will be able to 'rent' the information for a limited period of time or buy the manual outright.

Using software from BSG subsidiary Webgenerics, users will be able to build online accounts (or 'workbenches') where chapters can be stored. If, after purchasing one or two sections, customers then wish to buy the whole book, the payment for the sections will be taken into account.

According to Ian Mauger, business development director at Haynes, the instructional nature of the manuals lends itself particularly well to the web.

"It's very, very convenient," he told silicon.com. "If you're stuck on a Sunday afternoon and want to get the information you'll be able to get it exactly when you need it."

A chapter will sell for between £3 and £4 each, a full manual will cost £14.99 to download.

If the online payment scheme is successful, Haynes plans to expand the service to cover its other titles in caravanning, travel, DIY, maritime and aviation.