Auto Repair For Dummies, 2nd Edition (9781119543619) was previously published as Auto Repair For Dummies, 2nd Edition (9780764599026). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product.

The top-selling auto repair guide--400,000 copies sold--now extensively reorganized and updated Forty-eight percent of U.S. households perform at least some automobile maintenance on their own, with women now accounting for one third of this $34 billion automotive do-it-yourself market. For new or would-be do-it-yourself mechanics, this illustrated how-to guide has long been a must and now it's even better. A complete reorganization now puts relevant repair and maintenance information directly after each automotive system overview, making it much easier to find hands-on fix-it instructions. Author Deanna Sclar has updated systems and repair information throughout, eliminating discussions of carburetors and adding coverage of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. She's also revised schedules for tune-ups and oil changes, included driving tips that can save on maintenance and repair costs, and added new advice on troubleshooting problems and determining when to call in a professional mechanic. For anyone who wants to save money on car repairs and maintenance, this book is the place to start. Deanna Sclar (Long Beach, CA), an acclaimed auto repair expert and consumer advocate, has contributed to the Los Angeles Times and has been interviewed on the Today show, NBC Nightly News, and other television programs.

Autorentext

Deanna Sclar is an acclaimed auto repair expert. She has appeared on hundreds of radio and TV shows, including NBC's Today show and the NBCNightly News. Sclar lectures internationally on the ecological impact of vehicles and is active in promoting residential solar energy programs. Sclar is also the author of Buying a Car For Dummies.

Klappentext

• Perform routine repairs and maintenance
• Troubleshoot problems and handle roadside emergencies

• Save fuel and extend your car's life Get the skills to maintain your car like a pro! Want to handle basic auto repairs yourself? This easy-to-follow guide gives you the nuts and bolts of diagnosing trouble and performing maintenance and repairs on your vehicle. You'll explore each system and keep everything running in tiptop shape, including how to change coolant and oil, repair leaks, and check breaks. Along with learning about rollover protection, you will also discover how to utilize stability control. Plus, you'll see how to go green on the roadfrom recycling oil to choosing alternatively fueled vehicles. Inside...

• An under-the-hood checklist
• Advice on using proper tools
• Techniques to extend car life
• Eco-friendly tips for saving fuel
• Illustrations to help with repairs
• Pros of alternative fuels

• Choose, check, and care for tires

  Zusammenfassung
  Auto Repair For Dummies, 2nd Edition (9781119543619) was previously published as Auto Repair For Dummies, 2nd Edition (9780764599026). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product.

  The top-selling auto repair guide--400,000 copies sold--now extensively reorganized and updated

  Forty-eight percent of U.S. households perform at least some automobile maintenance on their own, with women now accounting for one third of this $34 billion automotive do-it-yourself market. For new or would-be do-it-yourself mechanics, this illustrated how-to guide has long been a must and now it's even better. A complete reorganization now puts relevant repair and maintenance information directly after each automotive system overview, making it much easier to find hands-on fix-it instructions. Author Deanna Sclar has updated systems and repair information throughout, eliminating discussions of carburetors and adding coverage of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. She's also revised schedules for tune-ups and oil changes, included driving tips that can save on maintenance and repair costs, and added new advice on troubleshooting problems and determining when to call in a professional mechanic. For anyone who wants to save money on car repairs and maintenance, this book is the place to start.

  Deanna Sclar (Long Beach, CA), an acclaimed auto repair expert and consumer advocate, has contributed to the Los Angeles Times and has been interviewed on the Today show, NBC Nightly News, and other television programs.

  Inhalt

Introduction 1

About This Book 1

How I Became Intimately Involved with My Car, and Why You Should Too 2

Conventions Used in This Book 3

How I Picture You 4

How This Book Is Organized 5

Icons Used in This Book 7

Where to Go from Here 8

Beyond the Book 8

Part 1: Getting to Know Your Vehicle 9

Chapter 1: Things Every Driver Should Know 11

Before You Tackle Any Job 12

How to Fill 'Er Up Yourself 16

How to Open the Hood 17

How to Take Anything Apart and Get It Back Together Again 18

How to Use a Jack Safely 20

How to Change a Tire 23

How to Get In When You're Locked Out 28

Chapter 2: Preventive Maintenance: A Monthly Under-the-Hood Check 31

Getting Your Bearings under the Hood 32

Check the Air Filter 33

Check the Accessory Belts 34

Check the Battery 35

Check the Coolant 38

Check the Hoses 40

Check the Dipsticks 40

Check the Brake Fluid 44

Check the Wiring 46

Check the Windshield Washer Fluid 46

Check and Replace Windshield Wipers 46

Check the Tires 47

Drive and Enjoy! 47

Chapter 3: The Way to Your Car's Heart Is through Your Toolbox 49

Shopping for Tools 50

Screwdrivers 50

Screwholders 52

Wrenches 53

Pliers 57

Gauges 59

Work Lights 61

Jacks 62

Jack Stands 63

Creepers 63

Fire Extinguishers 64

Funnels 64

More Things to Carry in Your Vehicle 65

Chapter 4: What Makes It Go? The Inner Secrets of Your Car Revealed! 69

Keeping Your Owner's Manual Handy 70

Introducing the Engine Control Unit (ECU) 72

What Makes Your Vehicle Start? 72

What Makes Your Vehicle Run? 77

What Makes Your Vehicle Stop? 80

Part 2: Powering Up with Air, Fuel, and Fire 83

Chapter 5: The Electrical System: Your Car's Spark of Life 85

Introducing the Engine Control Unit (ECU) 85

The Starting System 87

The Charging System 90

The Ignition System 92

Warning Lights and Malfunction Indicator Lights (MIL) 100

Other Electrical Gadgets 101

Chapter 6: Keeping Your Electrical System in Tune 103

Determining Whether Your Vehicle Needs a Tune-up 104

Changing Your Spark Plugs 105

Replacing a Battery 118

Changing Fuses 121

Dealing with Headlights and Directional Signals 123

Chapter 7: The Traditional Fuel System: The Heart and Lungs of Your Car 129

Basic Fuel System Components 130

Following Fuel through the Fuel Injectors 134

The Engine Block: Where the Fuel System and Ignition System Meet 139

Supercharging with Turbochargers 144

The Exhaust System 145

Chapter 8: Keeping Your Fuel System in Tune 149

Maintaining Your Air Filter 150

Replacing a Fuel Filter 153

Servicing the PCV Valve 156

Troubleshooting Catalytic Converters 159

Checking the Compression in the Cylinders 160

What to Do When All Else Fails 163

Chapter 9: Diesels For Dummies 165

Clean Diesels: Nontoxic Newcomers 165

The Pros and Cons of Diesels 167

What Makes It Go? 168

The Fuel System 171

The Electrical System 175

The Emissions System 176

Caring for Your Diesel 177

Getting Started on a Frosty Morning 182 <p&...