Table of Contents
Pop Quiz: Test Your Auto Care IQ: Can you tell the difference between an auto myth and a car care fact? vii
Introduction: The story of my auto airhead past-and how I became a certified #shecanic 1
Part I Get to Know Your Vehicle
Changing Your Vehicular Relationship Status: A fresh start for you and your car 16
Must-Know Facts About Your Car: The essential 411 for your specific make, model, and year: a handy guide and write-in form 19
Get to Know Your Dash: Decoding your instrument cluster and all those mysterious lights 24
Your Primary Care Technician: The different types of auto shops and how to choose a mechanic that's right for you 34
High Maintenance: Why maintenance isn't optional: a master schedule for car care 53
DIY #1 Under the Hood 63
DIY #2 Check and Add Windshield Washer Fluid 75
Part II Everything You Need to Know About How Cars Work
Anatomy of a Modern Car: A simple overview of the four major systems in a modern car 78
The "Three E's": Engines, Exhaust, Emissions: The engine, exhaust, and emissions systems-and oil and coolant, the engine's lifelines 82
DIY #3 How to Check and Add Oil 109
DIY #4 How to Check and Add Coolant 115
Motion Electric: The Electrical Systems and Computers Inside Your Car: Batteries, alternators, starters, and onboard diagnostics-how they work, and how to keep them working for you; buying and maintaining electric cars and hybrids 119
Transmission: An Orderly Transfer of Power: Rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and more: understanding and maintaining your transmission system 142
Brakes: The Most Important System in Your Car: The parts of your brake system, the magic of ABS, and diagnosing common brake issues 156
DIY #5 How to Check Brake Fluid and Power Steering Fluid 172
Keep 'Em Rolling: Tires and Wheels: All about psi, wheel alignments, and common wheel and tire problems 174
DIY #6 How to Check Air Pressure and Tire Tread 191
DIY #7 How to Change a Tire 197
Steering: Navigating Your Chariot: Anatomy of the power steering system, common repairs, and signs of a power steering issue 210
Suspension: Giving You That Smooth Ride: A piece of your car that goes bump in the night 217
Heating and Air-Conditioning: Keeping It Cozy: Low maintenance, high cost: a brief look at climate control 221
Gas: The Joys and Pains: Choosing your grade, and good habits at the pump 234
Part III Common Roadside Problems (and a Mini Buyer's Guide)
Buy, Sell, Ditch: How to Avoid a Clunker (or Tell When Your Car Has Become One) and Buy a Car You Can Afford: How to buy a car you can afford to maintain, and where to buy it; buying used without fear; test-driving like a boss; understanding warranties; and when to say good-bye 240
What to Do in an Emergency: Collisions, overheated engines, loss of brakes, flat tires, nonstarters, and must-have emergency tools and supplies 274
DIY #8 How to Jump-Start a Car 283
Graduation Time 287
Acknowledgments 288
DIY Index 289