Table of Contents
Chapter 1 The Basics 3
What Every Driver Should Know 4
Types of Cars 6
A Look Under the Hood 8
Identifying Your Car's Fluids 12
Finding a Good Mechanic 16
Routine Maintenance Checks 18
Ten Tips for Maintaining Your Car 20
Chapter 2 Be Prepared 23
What to Carry in Your Car 24
Roadside and Emergency Safety 28
Avoiding Lockout 30
How to: Safely Raise a Car 32
How to: Change a Tire 34
How to: Jump-Start a Battery 38
How to: Check and Change a Fuse 42
Chapter 3 The Engine 45
How the Engine Works 46
Common Engine Problems 50
How to: Check and Add Engine Oil 52
How to: Change the Engine Oil 58
How to: Inspect and Change Accessory Belts 64
Chapter 4 The Drivetrain 69
How the Drivetrain Works 70
Common Drivetrain Problems 72
How to: Check and Fill an Automatic Transmission 74
How to: Check and Fill a Manual Transmission 76
How to: Check and Maintain CV Joints and U-Joints 78
Chapter 5 The Fuel System 83
How the Fuel System Works 84
Common Fuel System Problems 90
How to: Change the Fuel Filter 92
How to: Inspect and Replace the Air Filter 96
How to: Inspect and Replace the PCV Valve 98
Chapter 6 The Ignition System 101
How the Ignition System Works 102
Common Ignition System Problems 104
Spark Plug Location 108
How to: Change the Spark Plugs 110
How to: Change Spark Plug Wires 114
How to: Test for Spark 118
Chapter 7 The Cooling System 121
How the Cooling System Works 122
Common Cooling System Problems 125
Locating Leaks 126
How to: Check and Add Coolant 130
How to: Flush and Fill the
Cooling System 132
How to: Replace a Hose 136
Chapter 8 The Air Conditioning System 141
How the A/C System Works 142
Common A/C System Problems 144
How to: Check for Leaks 146
How to: Add Refrigerant 148
How to: Clean a Smelly A/C System 152
Chapter 9 The Exhaust System 155
How the Exhaust System Works 156
Common Exhaust System Problems 158
How to: Replace an Exhaust Gasket 160
How to: Change an Oxygen Sensor 164
Chapter 10 The Computer System 167
What the Computer System Does 168
Common Computer System Problems 170
How to: Check for Codes 172
Chapter 11 The Electrical System 177
How the Electrical System Works 178
Common Electrical System Problems 180
Troubleshooting the Starting System 182
How to: Replace a Taillight Bulb 184
How to: Replace a Headlight Bulb 186
How to: Check the Charging System 188
How to: Clean the Battery Terminals 190
How to: Change a Battery 192
Chapter 12 The Braking System 195
How the Braking System Works 196
Common Braking System Problems 200
How to: Inspect the Brakes 202
How to: Change Brake Pads and Rotors 206
How to: Check and Fill Brake Fluid 212
How to: Bleed the Brake System 214
Chapter 13 Steering and Suspension 221
How the Steering and Suspension Systems Work 222
Common Steering and Suspension Problems 226
How to: Check and Fill Power Steering Fluid 230
How to: Lubricate the Suspension System 232
How to: Inspect Shocks and Struts 234
Chapter 14 Tires and Wheels 237
Wheels 101 238
Tires 101 240
Choosing the Right Tires 244
Common Tire Problems 246
How to: Cheek the Tire Pressure 248
How to: Add Air to a Tire 249
How to: Rotate Your Tires 250
Chapter 15 The Exterior 255
Common Exterior Problems 256
Washing and Waxing Your Vehicle 258
How to: Wash a Car 259
How to: Wax a Car 261
Paint Imperfections and Rust Problems 262
How to: Remove Scuffs in Paint 264
How to: Restore Headlight Lenses 266
How to: Inspect and Replace Wiper Blades 268
How to: Inspect and Repair Weather Stripping 270
Appendixes
Maintenance Schedules 272
Terms to Know 274
Index 276
