The Car Care Book

by Haefner, Ronald G

• ISBN13: 9781401835538
• ISBN10: 1401835538
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-01-12
• Publisher: CENGAGE Delmar Learning

Summary

This updated edition introduces readers to the three areas of concern that car consumers typically face: learning about the major systems of a car; the basics of inspection and maintenance; and the financial aspects of owning and operating an automobile. Each section of the car is broken down into systems and subsystems to help learners digest important concepts. The common tools needed to perform car maintenance and various minor repairs are also identified. A segment on building a preventative maintenance program is included which can be tailored to car owners' needs, driving styles, and climate. Finally, coverage is devoted to the financial aspects of the car, including buying and selling, insurance considerations, and the benefits of modern day leasing.

Table of Contents

PREFACE	v
1. WHAT MAKES THE WHEELS GO?	1	(20)
How It All Fits Together	1	(1)
Energy, Force, Work, and Power	2	(2)
Converting Heat Energy to Motion	4	(2)
The Engine as a Group of systems	6	(4)
Transferring Torque	10	(2)
Brakes	12	(2)
Steering	14	(2)
Suspension	16	(3)
Review Questions	19	(2)
2. TOOLING UP
Awareness-A Starting Point	21	(1)
Level of Commitment	22	(1)
Safety Precautions for Car Care	23	(4)
Inspection and Basic Maintenance-Under the Hood	27	(1)
Inspection and Basic Maintenance-Under the Car	28	(4)
Basic Mechanical Tools	32	(4)
Supplies and Accessories	36	(3)
Maintenance and Minor Repairs-Under the Hood	39	(1)
Maintenance and Minor Repairs-Under the Car	39	(1)
Tune-Up and Basic Electrical Work	40	(2)
Review Questions	42	(1)
3. THE ENGINE	42	(23)
An Overview	43	(1)
The Basic Gasoline Engine	44	(10)
Routine Engine Maintenance
Engine Problems	54	(11)
Review Questions
4. THE FUEL SYSTEM	65	(28)
An Overview	65	(3)
Gasoline	68	(3)
Fuel Tank	71	(1)
Fuel Pump	72	(1)
Fuel Filter	72	(1)
Air Cleaner	72	(2)
Fuel Delivery System	74	(5)
Emissions Control	79	(5)
Safety Precautions for Fuel System Maintenance	84	(1)
Fuel System Maintenance	85	(3)
Fuel System Problems	88	(3)
Diesel Differences	91	(1)
Review Questions	92	(1)
5. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	93	(40)
An Overview	93	(1)
The Battery	94	(4)
Safety Precautions for Battery and Electrical System Maintenance	98	(1)
Battery Maintenance	98	(8)
The Starting System	106	(2)
Starting System Maintenance	108	(1)
The Charging System	108	(2)
Charging System Maintenance	110	(1)
The Ignition System	111	(3)
Ignition System Maintenance	114	(1)
Lights and Accessories	114	(6)
Maintenance for Lights and Accessories	120	(1)
Electronic Devices	121	(3)
Maintenance for Electronic Devices	124	(1)
Electrical System Problems	124	(6)
Future Electrical Systems Are Here	130	(1)
Review Questions	131	(2)
6. THE LUBRICATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS	133	(32)
The Need for Cooling and Lubrication	133	(1)
The Lubrication System	133	(4)
Safety Precautions for Lubrication System Maintenance	137	(1)
Lubrication System Maintenance	138	(6)
Lubrication System Problems	144	(1)
The Cooling system	145	(9)
Safety Precautions for Cooling System Maintenance	154	(1)
Cooling System Maintenance	155	(3)
Cooling System Problems	158	(5)
Review Questions	163	(2)
7. THE DRIVETRAIN	165	(32)
Drivetrain Functions and Options	165	(2)
Transmissions	167	(1)
Manual Transmission Clutch	167	(3)
Manual Transmission	170	(2)
Automatic Transmission	172	(3)
Differential	175	(2)
Front-Wheel Drive	177	(1)
Rear-Wheel Drive	178	(2)
Four-Wheel Drive	180	(2)
Safety Precautions for Drivetrain Maintenance	182	(1)
Routine Checks and Lubrication	183	(6)
Drivetrain Preventive Maintenance	189	(2)
Drivetrain Problems	191	(3)
Shifting Problems	194	(2)
Review Questions	196	(1)
8. TIRES AND BRAKES	197	(30)
Tires	197	(7)
Routine Tire Maintenance	204	(5)
The Brake System	209	(9)
Antilock Brake System	218	(2)
Traction Control	220	(1)
Parking Brake	220	(1)
Safety Precautions for Brake System Maintenance	221	(1)
Routine Brake System Maintenance	221	(2)
Brake System Problems	223	(2)
Review Questions	225	(2)
9. SUSPENSION AND STEERING	227	(26)
The Suspension System	227	(10)
Routine Suspension Maintenance	237	(1)
Steering Systems	237	(3)
Power Steering System	240	(1)
Wheel Alignment	241	(5)
Routine Suspension and Steering Maintenance	246	(2)
Suspension and Steering Problems	248	(4)
Review Questions	252	(1)
10. HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT	253	(26)
The Heating System	254	(2)
Routine Heating System Maintenance	256	(2)
Heating System Problems	258	(2)
Air Conditioning System	260	(5)
Automatic Temperature Control Systems	265	(1)
Routine Air Conditioning System Maintenance	265	(2)
Air Conditioning System Problems	267	(2)
Optional Equipment	269	(8)
Review Questions	277	(2)
11. YOUR MAINTENANCE PROGRAM	279	(50)
The Importance of Maintenance	279	(2)
Individualizing Your Maintenance Program	281	(6)
Daily Maintenance	287	(2)
Weekly Maintenance	289	(1)
3,000-7,500-Mile Maintenance	289	(17)
12,000-15,000-Mile Maintenance	306	(1)
30,000-60,000-Mile Maintenance	307	(6)
Replace Spark Plugs, Inspect Ignition system	313	(12)
Interior Care	325	(1)
Exterior Care	326	(2)
Review Questions	328	(1)
12. A LOOK AT REPAIRS	329	(16)
Recognizing Repair Needs	329	(1)
Should You Do It Yourself?	329	(1)
Changing Tires	330	(4)
Changing the Alternator	334	(1)
Changing Valve Cover Gaskets	335	(2)
Changing the Thermostat	337	(2)
Searching for Repair Services	339	(5)
Review Questions	344	(1)
13. THE FIX-IT/DUMP-IT DECISION	345	(8)
Understand Your Motivations	345	(3)
Evaluate Maintenance and Repair Costs	348	(1)
Estimate Market Value of Your Present Vehicle	349	(1)
Set Your Budget	350	(1)
Consider Total Ownership Costs	350	(1)
Understand the Impact of Your Decision	351	(1)
Review Questions	352	(1)
14. BUYING TIPS FOR PARTS AND INSURANCE	353	(16)
Buying Parts	353	(5)
Buying Insurance	358	(4)
Buying Extended Warranty Protection	362	(1)
What to Do in an Accident	363	(4)
Review Questions	367	(2)
15. BUYING A NEW CAR	369	(24)
Deciding to Buy a Car	369	(1)
Be a Prepared Shopper	369	(2)
Information Sources	371	(2)
The Test Drive	373	(1)
Features and Options	374	(1)
Determining the Value of Your Car	375	(3)
Getting the Value Out of Your Car	378	(1)
To Buy or to Lease	379	(3)
Paying for the Car	382	(1)
Determining the Vehicle Cost	383	(2)
Additional Costs (Add-Ons)	385	(1)
Low-Hassle Options	386	(1)
Negotiating Yourself	387	(1)
Going to the Dealership	388	(1)
Tactics and Tricks of the Trade	388	(3)
Review Questions	391	(2)
16. LEASING	393	(12)
Leasing Considerations	393	(2)
Lease Versus Loan	395	(1)
Some Things You Need to Know about a Lease	396	(6)
What to Expect at the End of the Lease	402	(1)
Some Final Tips	403	(1)
Review Questions	404	(1)
GLOSSARY	405	(26)
INDEX	431