Auto Repair For Dummies

by Deanna Sclar

Book by Sclar, Deanna

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, How To, Cars, Self Help, Education, Technical

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was calling my name! It helped to diagnose & repair the PCV hose when the engine was dying at red lights. If you think I meant to say PVC, this book might help you too.

[Leo Glowacki · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a decent book. It's a good overview of auto work both mechanical and body, and I like that she explains how things actually work before telling you how to fix them. However, there's several things in this book that got on my nerves. First, the author is a bit inconsistent on telling you whether or not you should jack up your car yourself and doesn't provide instructions on safely doing so. This is a very important topic in any beginner book on auto repair, and likely endangers her readers more than helping them. Second, this book was published in 2009, but reads like it was potentially published even earlier. For dummies could use a 3rd edition of this book, especially since much has changed since it was written, and some small portions of the book are likely now known to be incorrect (like the myth of getting more fuel from the fuel pump on a cool morning). I think this book is good for those wanting an easy introduction, but I wouldn't recommend it as anyone's sole source of information on the topic because of the aforementioned issues.

[Elaine Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know basically nothing about cars. Didn't even get my license until I was 26. So I'm trying to learn, finally. I got this and one other book out of the library. Of the two, I liked this one better. Clear explanations, helpful pictures. I was able to check almost all the basic stuff under the hood of my truck, which made me feel really handy! (Also, I figured out that I was very low on coolant, and was able to top it off. Go me.) Never did finish it, for various reasons, but I think I want my own copy.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this in my "broke college kid" days when paying somebody else to fix my ailing POS car just wasn't an option. That being said, this book saved me an inestimable amount of money and worry, with the added bonus of teaching me how cars work. These days, with detailed "how-tos" for just about anything a Google search away, it spends most of its time collecting dust on the shelf. But when I decided to embark on an open-ended road trip a couple years back, this tome and a somewhat outdated atlas were among the first things I packed. Good thing, too, since it seems that large chunks of our county are still very much "off the grid".

[Alberto Tebaldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an extremely complete, well researched and useful book that really made me understand better how cars work and how to take care of it. Useful for learning and practical with so many useful tips and table. Totally recommended to whomever want to understand better cars and go the mechanic with some knowledge already.

[Pich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auto Repair

This book is for anyone to gain knowledge to take better care of their car. I love this book, I learned and improve so much for my car. Thanks dummies and the author.

[BP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot more from this book than the title lead me to believe I would. I used knowledge from this book to change my oil, spark plugs, starter and more. I also learned about the different systems(cooling system, electrical system, fuel system etc.) that make up automobiles and the various parts in each system. There's even a nice troubleshooting section towards the end that can help you pinpoint and solve common issues with your car.

I keep this book nearby for quick references. I highly recommend it to anyone who's just gotten their first car or who feels clueless when looking under their cars hood.

[Brandon Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book

[Leonardo Tomás Cardillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Tara Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Хорошая книга для тех, кто хочет хотя бы немного разбираться в устройстве машины. Я тоже когда-то начинал с подобных материалов, и это реально помогает понимать, что происходит под капотом и как избежать лишних трат на СТО. Но даже с такими знаниями некоторые вещи лучше доверять профессионалам. У меня была ситуация, когда машина потеряла тягу, и понадобилась качественная замена картриджа турбины. Обратился в сервис, где этим действительно занимаются, и остался полностью доволен результатом. Сделали все быстро, объяснили простыми словами и вернули машине нормальную динамику. Так что книгу читать точно стоит, но если дело касается такой работы, как замена картриджа турбины, лучше не экспериментировать, а обратиться к специалистам. Это сэкономит и время, и нервы.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to be more interested in cars than I am now. I enjoyed reading Auto repair for dummies. My favorite chapter was the one about alternative fuel vehicles.

I liked that the book said what repairs I could do and which once probably should be left to professionals. What else can I say about auto repair for dummies? It was fun reading about all the parts of the car. The book talks about The systems that make up automobiles. I think I know more about cars because of reading auto repair for dummies.

I also liked that the author talked about some of her personal experiences with her cars.

I still like learning about cars but, am more interested in how to repair bicycles or radio control cars than automobiles now though.

[David Wurtsmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

As evidenced by the fact that it took me over a year to finish this book, I think it's fair to say that cars just aren't my thing. I can't fault the author for that though, the information herein is well organized and presented in a very accessible manner, I just personally found this book a real slog to get through. Still, I'm glad I read it because it will help me to protect my investment in my primary mode of transportation, and to avoid being price gouged by mechanics and parts salesmen who can smell ignorant consumers. I intend to continue reviewing this book on a semi regular basis going forward; maybe it'll all sink in eventually.

[EMMANUEL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book to have a reliable book to be a reference to the parts of a car. I always have a strong support for the Dummies print series, for that the Dummies books has never failed me.

I didn't use this book to understand how to fix a car. That was not my intention. This book was for educational purposes so that when I do ever need to have my car maintained or repaired, I would have some level of knowing and understanding of what is being said. So I wouldn't be scammed or cheated by these car mechanics and the car companies.

[Susan Janda · Rating 5 out of 5]

At Mobile Mechanic of Columbus, we recognize the significance of routine oil changes in preserving the well-being and durability of your car's engine. Our Oil change service offerings are tailored to ensure your engine operates seamlessly, minimize overall wear and tear, and boost fuel efficiency. Thanks to our hassle-free mobile service, getting your oil replaced has never been more convenient!

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke a car down into parts and had a section with multiple chapters on each part. Each chapter included a description of the part, how it works and steps on how to perform different maintenance procedures.

This book gives me confidence to buy a car from a private party instead of a dealer.
I plan to also read Deana's book Buying a Car for Dummies before I buy a used car.

[TheBobolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a car guy. Never cared much about the inner workings of an engine, transmission or cars in general. But reading this book made me understand my car better, care for it more and even make small repairs myself. Highly recommended to each and every car owner. Trust me, if you don't understand how it works, you will after reading this book.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much respected the knowledge of mechanics after reading this book. It basically gave me the ability to have a decent conversation with my mechanic but I was far from fixing anything, other than changing my oil.

[Alanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took some wonderful notes on this, really loved it.

[Ron Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy

I am not a car guy so I bought this book to have a better understanding of what the mechanics were telling me . I recommend it for Dummies like me .

[Ethan Giacomel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, well written

[Joe Langdale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful informative book. The layout and overload of information aren't great, maybe some colour would have helped too.

[Michael Reardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! Most of us, including myself, should know a lot more about the things that get us around. I keep this in my car now. The female author is hilarious too.

[Jena Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think everyone who has a car should have basic knowledge about how cars work. I don’t intend to ever fix my car, but I like to know what mechanics are talking about.

[Namito Yokota · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ended up not finishing, but a great book with helpful insights. One of those books that I’ll be going back to do learn more about a specific topic.

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how I managed to avoid learning anything about cars for 30 years. Well, this was the perfect introduction to cars and car maintenance. I really enjoyed going through this book and realizing what is probably obvious to most, cars are cool. The content in the book is repetitive but that didn't really annoy me. It is a good book to start with if you know almost nothing about cars because you have been busy with your life doing other things.

[Matthew R. Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. I can't say I haven't learned anything from it; in fact, I've learned a lot! However, the author's personal opinions on things like pollution, alternative fuels, hybrids, and electric cars crop up everywhere and get in the way of what would normally be a great read.

I recommend it to anyone who is interested in how cars work and is interested in turning a wrench under the hood now and then. If anything, it makes a great reference.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so maybe I'm a dummy. But that's why I love this book so much. When I started working on my car I didn't know a carburetor from an alternator...and every other book assumed that I did. This book walks the reader through the entire car step by step giving confidence to poke and prod under the hood.

Great stuff that'll be my constant go-to resource for all things car repair.

[Maradox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to auto repair, and a good read even if you don't have a car. We all need to know how to change a tyre as well as how to change oil and, if necessary, transmission fluid.

Reading this book also ungated other auto repair books and guides for me, for example Sullivan's Autoshop101.com as well as various repair manuals for common cars like the Honda Civic.

[Lacie]

You probably need more tools than most of us have to save a substantial amount of money on repairs, but helps you not look so dumb when you go into the shop. We went in once to find out that we needed grease on our axle.

[Shirley]

An excellent introduction to the inner workings of cars at the time.

Gave me the confidence to sling the lingo with my mechanic, change my own oil and figure out what the bad noise coming out from under the hood actually was.