Auto Repair For Dummies

Get the confidence and know–how you need to fix and maintainyour vehicle like a pro!

Want to handle basic auto repairs yourself? This easy–to–followguide gives you the nuts and bolts of diagnosing trouble andperforming simple maintenance and repairs on your vehicle. You′llexplore each system part by part and keep everything running intiptop shape. Plus, you′ll see how to go green on the road from recycling oil and parts to choosing alternatively fueledvehicles.

Get to know your vehicle understand automotive systems;check under the hood; change a tire; follow basic safety rules;change spark plugs, fuses, and the battery; and replace the airfilter and PCV valve

Keep cool and in control add and change coolant, find andrepair leaks, change the oil, and check brakes

Ensure a smooth ride choose, check, and care for tires;and understand balancing and alignment

Handle emergencies identify strange sounds and smells,jump–start your car, handle overheating, and more

Work with a mechanic find a reliable service facility,describe problems accurately, and get the best deal

Extend your vehicle′s value clean it inside and out,touch up paint, and fix dings and dents

Stay safe on the road install child seats properly; learnabout rollover protection, traction and stability control, andnavigation systems; and more

Open the book and find:

The inner secrets of your vehicle what makes it start,run, and stop

A step–by–step under–the–hood checklist

Advice on buying and using the proper tools

Driving techniques to extend the life of your car

Eco–friendly tips for saving fuel

Helpful illustrations that demonstrate repairs

Reproducible Specifications and Maintenance Records

The pros and cons of alternative fuels and vehicles

Part I: Getting to Know Your Vehicle.

Chapter 1: Things Every Driver Should Know.

Chapter 2: Preventive Maintenance: A Monthly Under–the–HoodCheck.

Chapter 3: The Way to Your Car s Heart Is through YourToolbox.

Chapter 4: What Makes It Go? The Inner Secrets of Your CarRevealed!

Part II: Powering Up with Air, Fuel, and Fire.

Chapter 5: The Electrical System: Your Car s Spark ofLife.

Chapter 6: Keeping Your Electrical System in Tune.

Chapter 7: The Traditional Fuel System: The Heart and Lungs ofYour Car.

Chapter 8: Keeping Your Fuel System in Tune.

Chapter 9: Diesels For Dummies.

Chapter 10: From Horses to Hybrids: Alternatively PoweredVehicles.

Part III: Staying Cool and In Control.

Chapter 11: The Cooling System Up Close.

Chapter 12: Keeping Your Car from Getting Heartburn.

Chapter 13: Oil: Keeping Your Car Young and Happy.

Chapter 14: It s the Brakes!

Chapter 15: Be a Buddy to Your Brakes and Bearings.

Part IV: Smoothing the Ride: Steering and Suspension, Tiresand Transmissions.

Chapter 16: Steering and Suspension Systems Smooth the Way.

Chapter 17: How to Keep Your Car from Getting Sore Feet: Tires,Alignment, and Balancing.

Chapter 18: Take the Drive Train: Understanding and MaintainingYour Transmission without Losing Your Mind.

Part V: Staying Safe and Dealing with Emergencies.

Chapter 19: Staying Safe on the Road.

Chapter 20: Troubleshooting Leaks, Squeaks, Smells, and StrangeSensations.

Chapter 21: What to Do If Your Car Drops Dead or Won tStart.

Chapter 22: When All Else Fails: Finding and Dealing with a GoodMechanic.

Part VI: Helping Your Vehicle Look Its Best.

Chapter 23: Keeping Your Vehicle Clean and Beautiful.

Chapter 24: Bodywork: Getting Rid of Dings, Dents, and OtherHard Knocks.

Part VII: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 25: The Ten Most Important Preventive MaintenanceMeasure.

Chapter 26: Ten Eco–Logical Ways to Save Fuel.

Appendix A: A Practical Glossary of Automotive Terms.

Appendix B: Specifications and Maintenance Record.

Index.

Deanna Sclar is an acclaimed auto repair expert and consumer advocate. She has appeared on hundreds of radio and TV shows including NBC′s Today show and the NBC Nightly News. Sclar lectures internationally on the ecological impact of vehicles and is active in promoting residential solar energy programs. Sclar is also the author of Buying a Car For Dummies.