Auto upkeep: basic car care, maintenance, and repair

1. Introduction and how cars work -- Introduction -- Objectives -- Major automotive contributors -- Automotive milestones -- How cars work -- Engine identification -- Vehicle identification -- Common fuels and designs -- The future -- Summary -- 2. Buying an automobile -- Introduction -- Objectives -- Purpose of Buying -- Buying steps -- Summary -- 3. Automotive expenses -- Introduction -- Objectives -- Car payments -- Insurance -- Fuel expenses -- License and registration -- Maintenance and repairs -- Summary -- 4. Repair facilities -- Introduction -- Objectives -- Key characteristics of a quality repair facility -- Facility types -- Estimates and repair orders -- Warranty considerations -- Summary -- 5. Safety around the automobile -- Introduction -- Objectives -- Laboratory safety -- OSHA -- Safety equipment -- Fire extinguishers -- Automotive lifts -- Lifting a vehicle safely -- Using jacks and jack stands -- Safety around airbags -- Summary -- 6. Basic tools -- Introduction -- Objectives -- Common hand tools -- Lifting tools -- Tire tools -- Measuring tools -- Electric related tools -- Oil change and lube tools -- Cutting and grinding tools -- Inspection tools -- Cleaning supplies -- Specialty tools -- Vehicle service manuals -- Summary -- 7. Auto care and cleaning -- Introduction -- Objectives -- Automotive finishes -- Exterior care and cleaning -- Interior care and cleaning -- Engine compartment cleaning -- Finish repair -- Forgotten part lubrication -- Summary -- 8. Fluid level check -- Introduction -- Objectives -- Types of fluids -- Summary -- 9. Electrical system -- Introduction -- Objectives -- Electrical terms -- Battery -- Starting system -- Charging system -- Fuses -- Lights -- Computer -- Summary -- 10. Lubrication system -- Introduction -- Objectives -- Purpose of engine oil -- Understanding oil ratings -- Synthetic oil -- Oil filters -- Changing the oil and filter -- Summary -- 11. Fuel system -- Introduction -- Objectives -- Fuel system purpose -- Fuel system components -- Crude oil distillation -- Gasoline properties -- Diesel properties -- Refueling -- Improving fuel economy -- Cylinder deactivation -- Fuel prices -- Summary --

12. Cooling system and climate control

Introduction

Objectives

Cooling system purpose

Cooling system components

Coolant properties

Coolant flow

Heater core

Cabin air filter

Air conditioning

Summary

13. Ignition system

Introduction

Objectives

Ignition system purpose

Ignition system generations

Ignition system components

Summary

14. Suspension, steering, and tires

Introduction

Objectives

Suspension system purpose

Suspension components

Steering system purpose

Steering system components

Tire classifications

Tire care and maintenance

Summary

15. Braking system

Introduction

Objectives

Braking system purpose

Types of brakes

Braking system components

Brake fluid

Antilock brakes

Electronic stability control

Parking brakes

Summary

16. Drivetrain

Introduction

Objectives

Purpose of the drivetrain

Transmission fluid

Drivetrain components

Drivetrain systems

Summary

17. Exhaust and emission system

Introduction

Objectives

Exhaust and emission purpose

Exhaust components

Emission components

Emission testing

Summary

18. Alternative fuels and designs

Introduction

Objectives

Purpose of alternatives

Biodiesel vehicles

Flex-fuel E85 vehicles

Natural gas vehicles

Propane vehicles

Bi-fuel vehicles

Hybrid vehicles

Electric vehicles

Solar vehicles

Hydrogen powered vehicles

Technological issues

Summary

19. Automotive accessories

Introduction

Objectives

Interior accessories

Electronic accessories

Exterior accessories

Hauling and towing accessories

Summary

20. Common problems and roadside emergencies

Introduction

Objectives

Diagnosing problems

Common problems

Roadside emergencies

Summary

Appendix A. Online/workbook activities

Appendix B. Acronyms/abbreviations

Appendix C. Text features

Procedures

Q & As

Tech tips

Calculations

Trouble guides

Servicing

Web links

Career paths

Glossary

Index

Order information

Online/workbook information

Reviews.