Maintain, diagnose, and fix your own car-this practical guide makes it easy
With Auto Repair For Dummies, working on your own car is more accessible than you think. This book teaches you the basics of how cars work and how they break. It also gives you the confidence you need to fix many common issues yourself-along with the wisdom to know when it's time to take it in. With a focus on tech-savvy, time-saving solutions, this updated edition covers simple fixes like jump-starting your battery and changing a tire, along with more advanced topics like working on brakes, steering and suspension. Think you can't work on your electric or hybrid vehicle? Think again. With this guide, you can take control of your car, no matter what it runs on.
Get a crash course in how cars work and what it takes to maintain and repair them
Learn everything you need to diagnose common issues in your car's major systems
Buy the tools you'll need, locate resources specific to your car and-when all else fails-find a good mechanic
Great for first-time drivers, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to save money on car maintenance, this is the go-to Dummies guide for getting under the hood with confidence.
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting to Know Your Vehicle 5
CHAPTER 1: Introducing Essential Skills for Every Driver 7
CHAPTER 2: Conducting Preventive Maintenance 27
CHAPTER 3: Stocking the Modern Toolbox. 39
CHAPTER 4: From Start to Roar: How Your Car Springs to Life 61
Part 2: Powering Up with Air, Fuel, and Fire 81
CHAPTER 5: The Electrical System: Your Car's Digital Nerve Center 83
CHAPTER 6: Tuning Your Electrical System 109
CHAPTER 7: Re-imagining Fuel Systems 141
CHAPTER 8: Maintaining Your Fuel System 161
CHAPTER 9: Exhaust and Emissions: Cleaning Up after the Combustion Party 179
CHAPTER 10: Driving into the Future: A Deep Dive into EVs and Hybrids 195
CHAPTER 11: Delving into Diesels 211
Part 3: Staying Cool and In Control 229
CHAPTER 12: Inside the Cooling System: How Heat Moves and Parts Work 231
CHAPTER 13: Cool under Pressure: Real-World Maintenance and Troubleshooting 243
CHAPTER 14: Liquid Gold: The Lifeblood of Your Engine 261
CHAPTER 15: Brake Check: How Stopping Power Has Evolved 281
CHAPTER 16: Stop and Roll: Keeping Brakes and Bearings in Check 299
Part 4: Smoothing the Ride: Steering, Tires, and Transmissions 317
CHAPTER 17: Steering and Suspension Systems Smooth the Way 319
CHAPTER 18: Smooth Moves: Tires, Balance, and Alignment 339
CHAPTER 19: Shift Happens: Transmissions and Drivetrains 357
Part 5: Handling Car Crises and Choosing Help 377
CHAPTER 20: Staying Calm in Emergencies 379
CHAPTER 21: Decoding Leaks, Squeaks, and Strange Sensations 393
CHAPTER 22: What to Do If Your Car Drops Dead or Won't Start 401
CHAPTER 23: Picking the Right Mechanic 409
Part 6: The Part of Tens 417
CHAPTER 24: Ten Car Care Habits That Save You Money 419
CHAPTER 25: Ten Ways to Save Fuel and Energy 423
Appendix: Monthly Maintenance Checklist 427
Index 429
