Customer Reviews

Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book with my 16-year-old daughter in mind. Since she used half of her own hard earned money to make her first car purchase she is interested in knowing how to maintain it properly. She started asking me questions and I didn't know all the answers, so I decided to buy Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care. I didn't want a book so mechanically complex that she wouldn't read it, so I'm glad I found this book! The pictures and illustrations are excellent. The author of Auto Upkeep simplifies complex automotive systems in a way that keeps her attention and mine. My 14-year-old son has also begun reading it!

My only regret is that I didn't buy this book before my daughter bought her car. I know it would have saved us some money. I never took "auto shop" in school, so I learned things the hard way. It's great to know that I am helping my kids learn the basics easily and early in life.

I highly recommend this book!!

What a novice idea! Someone finally wrote a book that I can use in a beginning automotive class! I've taught for 30 years+ and have never seen an automotive book that doesn't intimidate students. They actually like this one and enjoy reading about cars. In my classes I usually have 20% girls. At the beginning of the year I always say things to set their minds at ease. After handing out these books, and letting the class look through them, I could see the tension and fear vanish not only from the girls, but from the guys also. I would highly recommend this book for students of automotive classes and for the novice out there!

What a great book for those of us who are not mechanically inclined. It has tips and information on everything from purchasing a vehicle to how often to service the various components ~ from oil to tires to coolants. It also has great 'tech tips' on the various items and even gives basic estimates in the price guide portion of different items. A must for any new driver.

Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care by automotive expert Michael E. Gray is a practical and straightforward guide for anyone who owns a car or is considering buying one. The no-nonsense basics for beginners concern everything from insurance payments, to fluid level checks, to simple facts about the fuel, cooling, ignition, steering, braking systems, and much, much more make. Auto Upkeep an excellent and very highly recommended primer and self-teaching tool which is enhanced with accompanying CD-ROM contains activities, website links, and study questions.

I recently finished my copy of Auto Upkeep, and I was impressed with the easily understood language Mr. Gray used to explain the different components of an automobile. In this day and age, when so many people's knowledge of their car is limited to filling up the gas tank, this book is an invaluable tool. I would recommend it to all drivers with limited knowledge of how their car actually works. The information in this book will help readers understand the reasons for basic car care, and will help readers understand the mechanic at the unavoidable yet dreaded trips to the shop. This book will help car owners save money through proper care of their vehicle, and may help avoid "disaster" through preventative maintenance.

The author has also detailed the steps of auto shopping and financing, which will be very useful for the young car buyer contemplating a major purchase.

I was especially impressed with the author's frank commentary on the sustainability of fossil fuel powered vehicles in this country, and his information on more energy-efficient vehicles.

I am a high school tech teacher. I purchased this book as a resource for my junior classes. I am very impressed with the time and effort that as been spent on this book. If you are just starting out and want to learn more about your car than I suggest this book, you will not be disappointed.
The web site and the CD are a great resource as well. I spent hours just surfing the links and informaton. (Bravo, Bravo)the book is a class act.

Thanks for the excellent resource and best of luck on future text.

Recently I attended a Saturday auto clinic that was held by a local repair shop. The technicians went over the basics of how to change a tire, inspect belts, check oil, and other general car care tips. At the end of the session I asked if they had any recommendations for a good book to continue learning about how to take care of my car. They suggested Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care, so I bought a copy. I like how this book sticks to the basic things that I need to know. It is definitely a good resource to have.

I believe this book holds up to its name. Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care is a book that helped me better understand cars, their parts, and the importance of servicing. I also found the tech tips and web links useful. This book contains a lot of practical information. For example last month I needed a new set of tires for my 2000 Toyota Camry. Auto Upkeep clearly explained the tire buying process and gave me the information I needed to feel confident when I went to Sears to purchase a set. Recently I had a specific car question so I tried out their online "Q & A" guide at rollinghillspublishing.com and I got a quick personalized response. I would recommend Auto Upkeep to any car owner out there.

Detailed work book starting with automotive basics, going onto buying an automobile, automotive expenses, safety, auto care, checking of fluids, electrical systems, cooling systems, braking systems plus much more. A recommend for those who want to educate a young driver, or have a begineers automotive class that needs a new work book. Easy to read with supporing photos to aid the reader. The CD is a nice addition which has activities and study questions.

This is an excellent book that covers all the basics. From buying a car to how the engine runs, everything is here. Beyond just telling you what kind of battery to buy, or what kind of oil you need, the author explains how the engine runs so that you can build your own car know-how. In addition to the "how & why" information that is presented, the author provides "tech tips" that give the reader the insight of an obviously experienced mechanic and share the author's "learned by experience" ideas. The book also comes with a CD containing projects and learning worksheets, and provides websites for interactive learning opportunities beyond what is on the written page. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn the basics about their car, and the experienced car owner will no doubt benefit from the "tech tips" and the extras included in the book.