---
title: "Car Mechanic Simulator 2018: Beginner-to-Advanced Guide"
game: "Car Mechanic Simulator 2018"
game_url: "https://qna.gg/games/car-mechanic-simulator-2018"
author: "Qloud"
author_url: "https://qna.gg/players/Qloud"
topics: ["Beginners", "Mods"]
summary: "How to run a profitable garage in CMS 2018: taking and diagnosing jobs, tools and garage upgrades, skill priorities, making money with barn finds, the junkyard, and auctions, plus DLC advice and where the series is…"
url: "https://qna.gg/g/car-mechanic-simulator-2018-beginner-to-advanced-guide-23e3647e"
published: "2026-09-27T17:37:31.004Z"
updated: "2026-09-27T17:37:31.004Z"
source: "QnA.GG"
---

# Car Mechanic Simulator 2018: Beginner-to-Advanced Guide

How to run a profitable garage in CMS 2018: taking and diagnosing jobs, tools and garage upgrades, skill priorities, making money with barn finds, the junkyard, and auctions, plus DLC advice and where the series is heading.

*Researched September 2026 — current as of the final PC build (last Steam update July 2025; free-to-keep week 21-27 May 2026). Live games change; check the linked sources if something differs.*

> **Context (September 2026):** CMS 2018 (Red Dot Games, PlayWay, released 28 July 2017) is finished and supported only with small fixes. In May 2026 it was **free to keep** on Steam for a week (21-27 May), which brought a wave of new players; PlayWay reported the game's all-time player peak was broken by almost 300%. Over the years it received 21 DLC releases. The next entry, **Car Mechanic Simulator 2026**, is announced with co-op and is wishlistable. **CMS 2021** is the current full sequel.

## Quick Start

1. **Take jobs you can finish.** Early jobs list the problem or the parts to replace. Stick to those until you understand the car layouts.
2. **Use Examine mode.** It shows part conditions by color; worn or broken parts are what you replace.
3. **Unscrew in order.** Many parts sit behind others (e.g., brakes behind wheels). Remove outer parts first.
4. **Buy parts from the shop, not blindly.** Check the part name and the car model before you buy.
5. **Level up.** XP from jobs gives skill points; early skills speed up everything.
6. **Don't overspend on garage upgrades before you need them.** Buy tools when jobs require them.
7. **Explore money makers after the basics.** Barn finds, the junkyard, and auctions are where real profit is.
8. **Save before risky decisions.** For example, before buying a car at auction.

## The Core Loop

1. **Accept a job** from the order list.
2. **Diagnose:** read the description, then use Examine mode, test tools, and test drives.
3. **Disassemble** the parts you need to reach.
4. **Buy or repair** replacement parts.
5. **Reassemble** in reverse order.
6. **Complete the job** and collect money and XP.

Tip: Some jobs contain optional extras. Finishing the full list pays more.

## Your First Few Hours

| Stage | Focus | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| First jobs | Simple jobs with named parts (brakes, exhaust, suspension parts) | Learn Examine mode and disassembly order |
| Early levels | Spend skill points on speed and the repair table | Cut time and parts cost |
| First savings | Buy the diagnostic tools that jobs start asking for | Unlock better-paying job types |
| Mid game | Second lift, parts warehouse | Run two jobs at once and keep spares |
| Late game | Barn finds, junkyard, auctions, paint shop | Flip cars for large profits |

### Reading a job

Jobs come in two broad styles:

- **Named repairs:** the customer tells you which parts to replace. Check the list, replace exactly those parts, and finish.
- **Find-the-fault jobs:** the description gives a symptom. Use the matching tool (Path Test for suspension noises, OBD scanner for engine and electrical faults, compression tester for engine performance) to find the bad parts.

If a job's description mentions a symptom you can't diagnose yet, skip it; better jobs will appear.

### Disassembly habits

- **Work from the outside in.** Wheels come off before brakes; suspension parts often need the wheel and brake assembly out of the way.
- **Engine work may mean pulling the engine.** Some parts are only reachable with the engine out on a stand; that is a garage upgrade.
- **Use the lift.** Many undercarriage parts need the car raised.
- **Don't forget to refill fluids** if you replaced parts that hold them.

## Diagnosis Tools

| Tool / area | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Examine mode | Condition of visible parts; highlights bad ones |
| OBD scanner | Electrical and engine faults |
| Compression tester | Engine cylinder problems |
| Path Test | Suspension problems |
| Test Track | Overall car condition and driving issues |
| Race Track | Performance testing |
| Shock absorber tool | Tests shocks |
| Battery charger | Battery condition and charging |
| Dyno (with free Tuning DLC) | Horsepower and torque |

Many of these are unlocked through garage upgrades and levels.

## Garage and Upgrades

The garage starts small and can grow to a full workshop with three lifts. Key upgrades:

| Upgrade | Why it matters | When |
|---|---|---|
| Extra lift | More cars at once | Once you have steady jobs |
| Parts warehouse | Store parts for later | When you start flipping cars |
| Paint shop | Paint cars and liveries | For restorations and paint jobs |
| Repair table (skill) | Repair parts instead of buying new | Early, big money saver |
| Test tools | Diagnose problems without guessing | As jobs require |
| Multilevel parking | Store your cars | When you own multiple cars |

## Skills

Leveling gives skill points. Skills change by version, but priorities are:

| Priority | Skill type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Faster unscrewing / efficiency | Saves the most time |
| 2 | Repair table and repair abilities | Saves money on parts |
| 3 | Discounts on parts | Profit margin |
| 4 | Tools that unlock new job types | More income |
| 5 | Quality-of-life perks | Comfort |

## Making Money

### Jobs

The simplest income. Early levels offer easy jobs; higher levels offer harder, better-paying jobs. Watch time limits and pay.

### Barn finds

The Barn Find module lets you search abandoned barns for cars and parts. Buy a barn, look for cars (some classic), and haul them to your garage. Also check sheds for parts.

- Barn cars need extensive repair.
- Some are rare classics worth a lot after restoration.

### Junkyard

Scavenge for parts and rusty cars. Parts can be cheap, and rusty cars can be restored for profit.

### Auctions

Car auctions let you buy cars for resale or collection. Bid carefully; other bidders compete.

### Flipping rule of thumb

- Buy low (barn, junkyard, auction).
- Restore only what raises value (engine, body, paint).
- Repair parts at the repair table instead of buying.
- Sell when repairs reach diminishing returns.

### A first restoration, step by step

Your first flip is where most players lose money. A simple routine keeps it profitable:

1. **Pick a common car.** Parts for everyday models are cheaper and easier to find than for rare classics. Save the rare barn finds for when you have cash and skills.
2. **Inspect before you commit.** Use Examine mode on the car in the barn, junkyard, or your garage and note what is rusted, worn, or missing.
3. **Price the job.** Add up the parts you would need from the shop, then compare against what the car sells for restored. If the margin is thin, walk away.
4. **Strip only what you are fixing.** Every part you remove is one more to reassemble.
5. **Repair before you buy.** Put worn parts on the repair table first; only buy new when a part can't be repaired.
6. **Fix the big value items first:** engine, suspension, and body. Cosmetic extras rarely pay for themselves.
7. **Paint last,** and only what needs it.
8. **Test it** on the Test Track and Path Test so nothing obvious drags the value down, then sell or keep it in your parking.

### Where your money should go

| Stage | Best spend | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Early | Tools that jobs ask for, repair-related skills | Expensive garage expansions you can't fill |
| Middle | A second lift, parts warehouse, paint shop | Rare cars you can't afford to finish |
| Late | Barn finds, auctions, full restorations | Overpaying at auctions out of habit |

## Repairs and Parts

- **Repair vs replace:** Repairing is cheaper but requires skills and the repair table.
- **Tires and rims** are separate in CMS 2018; you can mix and match.
- **Seats, steering wheels, benches, and windows** are exchangeable parts.
- **Paint** full cars or single parts.
- **Parts warehouse** stores extra parts.

## Car Editor and Mods

A Car Editor lets modders add cars to the game, and the community has built a large library of modded cars. Mods can affect stability; back up saves before installing them.

## DLC

CMS 2018 has 21 DLC releases, mainly licensed car packs (Mazda, Dodge, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and others) plus themed packs like Wheeler Dealers, Vans & Campers, Hot Rod Custom Cars, and US Classic 60s. The **Tuning** DLC is free and adds cosmetic/performance parts and a dyno. Start with Tuning (free), then pick car packs you like.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

- **Buying the wrong part.** Double-check the car model.
- **Replacing everything.** Only replace worn or broken parts the job needs.
- **Ignoring the repair table.** It saves money.
- **Overbidding at auctions.** Calculate restoration costs first.
- **Upgrading the garage too fast.** Buy what you need.
- **Forgetting to reassemble.** A job won't hand back cleanly with parts left off; use the parts list to see what is missing before you try to finish.
- **Chasing a problem by swapping random parts.** Diagnose with the right tool first; guessing burns money fast.

## Advanced Tips

- **Use the parts list.** It shows what is missing.
- **Keep common parts in the warehouse.** Brake pads, filters, and spark plugs are often needed.
- **Restore classics.** Rare barn finds can sell high.
- **Test drive to confirm fixes.**
- **Paint only parts that need it** to save money.

## CMS 2018 vs CMS 2021 vs CMS 2026

| | CMS 2018 | CMS 2021 | CMS 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Finished, still sold | Current sequel | Announced, wishlistable |
| Co-op | No | No | Yes (announced) |
| Notes | Barn finds, junkyard, auctions, 21 DLC releases | Refined systems, often described as similar to a remaster | Co-op is the headline feature |

## FAQ

**Is CMS 2018 still worth playing?**
Yes, especially if you got it free in May 2026. It has a large DLC library and a mature mod scene.

**Is CMS 2018 free?**
It was free to keep for a limited week (21-27 May 2026). Outside that window it is a paid game.

**Should I buy CMS 2018 or CMS 2021?**
CMS 2021 is the newer game with refined systems; CMS 2018 is cheaper and has its own DLC cars.

**What is the best way to make money?**
Jobs early; barn finds, junkyard cars, and auctions later.

**Is there multiplayer?**
No. Co-op is announced for CMS 2026.

**Do mods work?**
Yes, via the Car Editor and community cars. Back up saves.

## Sources

- [Steam store page: Car Mechanic Simulator 2018](https://store.steampowered.com/app/645630/)
- [Grab CMS 2018 for FREE forever (Steam news, 21 May 2026)](https://steamstore-a.akamaihd.net/news/externalpost/steam_community_announcements/1833334318569653)
- [Free-to-keep week wrap-up (Steam news, 28 May 2026)](https://steamstore-a.akamaihd.net/news/externalpost/steam_community_announcements/1833968530889207)
- [PlayWay Publisher Sale and CMS 2026 co-op (Steam news, Aug 2026)](https://steamstore-a.akamaihd.net/news/externalpost/steam_community_announcements/1840944183777388)
- [Steam Summer Sale 2023 DLC list (Steam news)](https://steamstore-a.akamaihd.net/news/externalpost/steam_community_announcements/5124582150131354941)
- [Steam DLC list: Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 (Tuning DLC is free and adds a Dyno)](https://store.steampowered.com/dlc/645630/)
- [Wikipedia: Car Mechanic Simulator 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_Mechanic_Simulator_2018)