Clueless About Cars: An Easy Guide to Car Maintenance and Repair

by Lisa Christensen

A bewildered car owner often turns a car over to a mechanic hoping for the best. Master mechanic Lisa Christensen says it is just too big a risk to put the keys on the table and tell a local mechanic, "fix it." It's like handing over a blank check. Clueless About Cars describes in very simple terms each major system of the automobile, what can go wrong and how to prevent breakdowns. Step-by-step do-it-yourself instructions are provided for the most important engine maintenance routines and basic automotive repairs. The book translates automotive jargon into clear language and explains what car owners can realistically do for themselves, when they should see a mechanic and what they should expect. There is also vital advice on safety, including tires, brakes, suspension, steering, and dealing with breakdowns and emergencies. A separate chapter reveals tricks of the auto repair trade, and there are suggestions for how to buy or sell a car. A new chapter on hybrid cars, their components and their maintenance brings this new edition into line with contemporary environmental concerns.

Genres: Cars, Nonfiction, How To

176 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2004

Reviews

[Hilary]

This book was annoyingly written, but it did help me understand at last how brakes and steering work. I needed some super elementary stuff like that, but I also want more details (I already knew how to change my oil, which was the most significant procedure the author outlines.)

[Andrea Stoddard · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning of the book was interesting but after the first 2 or 3 chapter s it felt like drivers ed. Pretty much use common sense and don't be lazy. I didnt feel like I learned more than how a car basically works.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed a slew of car care books from the library to judge which one I'd like to own. This one by far has the best diagrams. They have enough detail to recognize the parts for what they actually are without being too complicated. I'll probably copy some of the pages to keep as reference. However, the subject matter of the book isn't as detailed as i wanted it to be. The writing of the book is pretty detailed, yet not complicated as some of the other books were. However, since it wasn't as detailed as a couple of books i read before this one, I actually didn't really read much of it. I just skimmed it hoping to gain new information, but no such luck. If you want a quick read for very basic car care, this may be the book for you.

[Jason Britt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has some basic information that may be useful to the complete novice, but there are websites that serve this purpose much better. Worse, some of the information is incorrect or misleading.

For example, the author says everyone should put on winter tires and wiper blades during the winter season, but that clearly does not apply in many cases depending on the climate. Using winter tires in Nashville would be a waste of money.

Another example during the oil change section is that the author suggest changing the oil filter and afterwards placing a pan under the car and draining the oil from the oil pan. In most cars, oil will drain from the filter area, so the pan needs to be under the car before either the filter or the oil plug is removed.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very worthwhile read. Having very little background knowledge on motor vehicles and their functions, this book gave a detailed enough explaination for me to comprehend and feel confident about using skills to purchase and care for a motor vehicle. I would highly recommend it to everyone wanting to learn a little more about their car.

[Emmannuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good "Automobile 101" course with a seemingly easygoing teacher that not only taught me the ins and outs about fixing a car but sprinkled in a little bit about what to do about buying and selling the car as well.

Really learned a lot from reading this and I can easily say that I got a lot out of this (like what the signs on a tire actually means).

[Pololadolo]

This book is a good book so far. I want to keep learning. My expectations is to finish the book. Also to learn more about cars

[Yari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I didn't want to remain clueless about cars. An easy well written book. The 2nd and last chapters are really the key ones.