Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care, Maintenance, and Repair

by Michael E. Gray, Linda E. Gray

From choosing an insurance policy to performing basic maintenance and repair, Auto Upkeep is the do-it-yourself automotive guide for the driver in you. The Auto Upkeep Workbook accompanies the text, explaining additional step-by-step procedures that can easily be performed with basic tools. It will help you become confident in accomplishing simple, but important, preventative measures on your vehicle - all while saving money. Chapter 1
Car Identification Activity
Identify an automobile by make, model, year, and type. Chapter 2
Buying an Automobile Activity
Differentiate between MSRP, dealer invoice, and dealer cost. Chapter 3
Automotive Expenses Activity
Calculate automotive expenses. Chapter 4
Repair Facilities Activity
Choose a quality repair facility. Interpret a repair invoice. Chapter 5
Automotive Safety Activity
Identify the location of emergency and safety equipment. Chapter 6
Basic Tools Activity
Identify basic tools that are used in automotive shops. Chapter 7
Interior Cleaning Activity
Clean the inside of a vehicle.
Exterior Cleaning Activity
Clean the outside of a vehicle.
Waxing Activity
Wax the finish on a vehicle. Chapter 8
Fluid Level Check Activity
Safely check the fluid level in various vehicle components. Chapter 9
Battery Activity
Safely clean and test the battery.
Charging Activity
Safely test the alternator.
Starting Activity
Safely test the starter. Chapter 10
Oil and Filter Change Activity
Safely change the oil and filter on a vehicle. Chapter 11
Fuel System Activity
Identify the components of the fuel system. Change the air filter, CCV filter, PCV valve, and fuel filter. Chapter 12
Air Conditioning Activity
Inspect and identify the components within the air conditioning system.
Cabin Air Filter Activity
Replace the cabin air filter on a vehicle.
Cooling System Activity
Safely test, inspect, and service the cooling system. Observe thermostat operation. Chapter 13
Ignition System Activity
Install spark plugs. Inspect, test, and install spark plug wires. Inspect and install distributor cap and rotor on conventional or distributor systems. Chapter 14
Suspension and Steering Activity
Safely inspect and perform basic service procedures on suspension and steering components.
Tire Inspection and Rotation Activity
Safely inspect tires for wear and rotate tires. Chapter 15
Brake Inspection Activity
Safely inspect disc brakes. Chapter 16
Drivetrain Activity
Safely inspect drivetrain components. Chapter 17
Exhaust and Emissions Activity
Safely inspect exhaust and emission components. Chapter 18
Payback Period Activity
Calculate payback period. Chapter 19
Auto Accessories Activity
Estimate the cost of accessories for a vehicle. Chapter 20
Changing a Flat Tire Activity
Safely change a spare tire.
Jump-Starting Activity
Safely jump-start a vehicle.
Lighting Activity
Replace various lights on a vehicle.
Replacing Wipers Activity
Replace wipers on a vehicle.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Edward Grigoryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic, as the name implies. Does a fine job introducing all of the automotive systems basic function and operation, as well as some of the easier maintenance and repair that can be done by a DIYer. Good stepping stone to breeze through for more advanced study. Supplemented with Eric the Car Guy's and Chris Fix's Youtube channels, as well as some random automotive engineering lectures on Youtube when I want to go deeper has given me a pretty solid appreciation and understanding of how cars work and how to diagnose and carry out intermediate level repairs confidently. For extra advanced reading, I consult the Principles of Automotive Vehicles (TM-9-8000), a technical manual put out by the Department of the Army for army engineers. That work can be found online in pdf format for free and is worth consulting for the beautifully detailed hand drawn schematics alone.

[Knoxx · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is okay if one buys it for a specific purpose. It is more of a basic explanation about how things work than about how to maintain them, keep them working, and fix them. For a simple explanation of how the parts of a car work together and what it does, the book is okay. What really annoyed me were the references to climate change and--in a book about Auto Upkeep--why do they need to promote evoluton? That's right; in a book about automobiles, they talk about "sea plants and animals that lived hundreds of millions of years ago." Not only do they promote evolution as fact, but they also ignore other alternative scientific explanations such as much pressure in a short time--as in a global flood. Could the authors not have simply stuck to Auto Upkeep without injecting a theory of evolution? I would not expect a biologist to insert car care tips in his or her biology book, and I do not expect or want a mechanic to inject evolutionary theory as fact in a car care book. That was enough to ruin the entire book for me--along with the many references to climate change, environmentally friendly advice, telling us how much oil the US uses in comparison to the rest of the world in relation to our population, etc. If the authors wanted to write a book about auto upkeep, they should have done so.

[Arminzerella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to automotive care and maintenance. Even if you aren’t motivated or confident enough in your own skills to do your own repairs, it will give you a basic grounding in your car’s various systems (which will help the layperson understand their repairs person), how they work, how often they should be serviced, and how much parts and labor might be expected to cost. Diagrams, photos, and colorfully labeled boxes (tech tips, service, web links, trouble guides, and more) help organize the information in this well, and clearly written text. Activities for students are also included on the authors’ website: www.autoupkeep.com.

In-depth repairs are not discussed - you will want to consult your car's service manual (or a database) for more detailed information and diagrams that pertain to your specific vehicle (year, model, make).

[Chris Jaffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book. It was the textbook in a class I took - AUTO 1040: Automotive for Non-Majors. That's who the audience for this is: people who don't know much about cars, but want to learn something. The chapters are brief, and contain plenty of pictures to demonstrate what's being talked about. The little boxes for servicing & trouble guides I found especially helpful - and they are all listed alphabetically in the back, too.

[Ian McPherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I'd like to start by saying that this has been one of the most helpful books I've read in quite some time. As a new car owner, I knew little to nothing about cars, how they work, or how to maintain them. this book gave me a great understanding of the basic concepts involved in car ownership and car maintenance/ repair.

From changing the oil to putting air in your tires, this book cover all of the day to day needs that one would find themselves needing on car adventures. It also provides great insight into how the car works, how to go about fixing the cars, how to regularly check on them, and how to go about repairing them. I initially got this book when I noticed my tire pressure was low on all four tires. At the time, I was incredibly nervous and had a slight feeling that I had done something wrong to damage my vehicle. But, after reading the book , I realized that tire pressure is just another part of car repairs that are totally normal. from the book, I gathered that I lose air pressure from driving on brick roads. As I take them often, the uneven path gradually pushes air from out of the tires over time. So, after a few months, the tire pressure naturally gets lower and needs to be filled.

The book also showed me the process to refilling my tires. I started by purchasing a tire pressure gage, to regularly monitor my tire pressure throughout ownership of my vehicle. Then , the book referred me to my cars owners manual to figure out which tire pressure suits my vehicle. After researching my car, I went up to the local WaWa and filled my tires up like a champ! it's funny , filling my tires was something really small and not very difficult, but just doing it myself gave me a great amount of satisfaction.

All in all, it's a great book for those looking for a bit of basic information on their car. it gives solid information on the mechanics, upkeep, and repair. After reading this book, I certainly feel a lot safer in my car, and definitely more in control of whatever situations I may run into.

[Jacob Rex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the basics of owning a car. Explains clearly how most of the car works and how to maintain those aspects. I would recommend this to anyone who is new to owning a car or wants to learn more about their vehicle in one sitting.

[Justine Thomas]

it kinda sux.it has good info, but it doesnt explain things enough and leaves alot of important things out. but its good for the general idea