The Haynes manual enters the iPad generation

THAT enduring mechanic's companion - the Haynes manual - has been just given a 21st century makeover to help it appeal to iPad addicts and web whizzes.

Haynes said this week that they are now offering 50 of their car and bike workshop manuals in electronic form for the first time, called ManualsOnline, with sections designed with tablets (iPads, in plain English) and mobile phones in mind.

A spokesperson for Haynes Publishing told Life On Cars: "With over 150 million manuals sold worldwide, renowned motoring experts Haynes have been helping motorists perform essential maintenance on their cars for over 50 years. This new digital platform will make Haynes manuals available to a much wider international audience.

"ManualsOnline includes all the content from the printed Manuals with the additional benefits of a glossary of terms, searchable menus, quick links and ‘how-to’ videos. Online Manual content is also optimised for viewing on tablet or mobile device, so for the first time motorists will have access relevant tutorials, diagrams and technical information on the move."

Subscriptions to the fifty manuals, which includes everything from the Ford Fiesta and the Peugeot 306 to the classic Mini and the Land Rover Defender, cost just £25 per manual for a year, or £30 for lifetime access. Fifty more manuals will be uploaded onto the service over the coming months, with scope for more as time goes on.

To celebrate the launch of ManualsOnline Haynes are also running a prize draw, with four lifetime subscriptions up for grabs. More info on how to enter can be found on the Haynes Manuals Facebook page. More information about the manuals is available at www.haynes.co.uk/manuals-online.

Would you use an iPad or a smartphone in the garage instead of a printed manual? Life On Cars would love to know your thoughts...