Vyvyan Lynn - The Complete Idiots Guide to Auto Repair

Table of Contents

Ive written on many topics, from natural disasters to how to pick a great Easter bonnet. Research is part of a writers life, and topics of great interest spark the curiosity factor, causing a rapid firing of questions. This book is just that for me, a rapid firing of questions about a topic that can and will save my readers money, time, anxious moments by the side of the road, and yes, maybe even lives. Car maintenance that makes vehicles safer on our highways can be incorporated into a busy schedule. Its all a matter of learning what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Then it just becomes part of your life.

Everything you want to learn, but would rather learn on your own, will be covered in this book. How do you get your hood to release after you pop the switch inside the car? How do you check your fluid levels? How do you know what fluids go where and how much fluid should be added? You will learn these basics and more. You will also learn how to work on your vehicle safely. Yes, you can work on your vehicle with no problems if you pay attention to safety rules, learn and follow each repair step, and never start a job you dont have adequate time to finish.

Cars fascinate, intrigue, and excite me. They grant a trip to the grocery store or a brief respite from the rest of the world. However, the freedom of driving comes with extreme responsibility. My son will tell you that the advice I gave and still give him is Focus. When you are in the drivers seat, your job is the road no matter what your passengers are doing.

So accept extreme responsibility each time you get behind the wheel. However, if you take a few moments and get into a regular routine of keeping your car in the best possible condition, your focus will most likely become a pleasure.

While you may or may not want to do your own repairs, this book will give you a critical basic knowledge base. This knowledge base enables you to speak with a technician with confidence. Just imagineinstead of saying, I hear a strange wurrrrRRRRrrrrwuRRRrrr noise when I try to start my car, you can say, Im hearing a noise that most probably indicates a need to check the charge on my battery. Auto knowledge is auto empowerment. And this knowledge is appreciated by technicians.

The book is set up in three parts, with four appendixes. Lets take a look at what youll be learning.

Part 1, Deciding to Learn About Your Car, gives you car basics, information about extended warranties, what tools you will need for basic repairs, and a chapter that tells you how to incorporate a regular maintenance routine.

Part 2, Identifying and Troubleshooting Your Cars Systems, shows and explains the systems that make up your car as well as gives you information on how to maintain your systems and troubleshoot problems.

Part 3, Showing Off Your Vehicle, tells you when and how to keep the outside of your car sparkling and the inside clean. This part also aids you in basic body and interior repairs.

I took great care with the appendixes. This is where you go to look up a problem quickly, find a term or great car resource, and find handy maintenance checklists and a vehicle fact sheet.

The aim of this book is to make this job a part of your life. It takes about three weeks to create a habit. So read at least the first part of this book and begin creating habits like checking the oil and tires and cleaning the windshield while your car is filling up with gas. Then go on to the other jobs. Once you know what to do and begin to see positive results, youll be hooked on your new regular car-maintenance routine.

Inside every chapter you will find valuable sidebars:

I would like to thank Robert and Theresa Russell for their wonderful helpful natures and auto-care know-how. Id also like to thank Lynn Northrup for her hard work on this manuscript.

The Complete Idiots Guide to Auto Repair was reviewed by an expert who double-checked the accuracy of what youll learn here, to help us ensure that this book gives you everything you need to know about auto repair. Special thanks are extended to Tony Molla.

Tony Molla is the vice president of communications for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in Leesburg, Virginia. With over 40 years of experience in the automotive service industry, Tony is an ASE-certified automotive technician, author of more than a dozen technical and car-care manuals, and recipient of several Outstanding Editorial Achievement awards.

All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be or are suspected of being trademarks or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. Alpha Books and Penguin Group (USA) Inc. cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of a term in this book should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.

Congratulations! You are embarking on a mission. On this mission you will develop a newfound intimacy with your vehicle that may just turn into a love affair. If you arent already enamored, just give us a few pages. Well begin with the most important information: safety guidelines for working on your vehicle. Then youll learn how to open the hood and change a tire. This is knowledge that will make you feel more confident while driving. Well also chat a bit about octane levels before moving on to information youll feel better knowing before you buy a vehicle. Well tell you about extended warranties and give information about car dealership service departments and how to get your technician in your corner. Next we move on to what tools youll need to have in your car in case of a roadside emergency and the tools youll need for basic repairs and regular vehicle maintenance. The last chapter equips you with a regular maintenance routine for your vehicle. Well tell you what you need to do to what and when youll need to perform basic maintenance.