Customer Reviews

Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Well i have been working on cars for 18 year, started with my uncle who was an ASE Master Tech when i was 10 helping in his shop and went from there. the only reason i bought this book was the fact that im going back to school to get my degree in Automotive Systems and Automotive Management and this book was required for Automotive Systems. - off sudject some here but it really burns me up that companies now hire more based on a degree than experience but back on topic - anyway i have to admit after looking this book over i am very amazed at just how great its writen in terms of breakdown of systems and what they do and also the fact that it explain in depth where everyone can understand with out the auther talking down to the reader. its just a simple and amazing book that i would recommend to all mechanics, future students, as well as the average person. this book would be great just for someone that doesnt want to get ripped off by mechanics that are just after that $. if you know how a system works you can save $ by 1) describing the problem better when you take it in to the shop and 2) knowing when someone is trying to sell you work on your car that is not needed. i recommend this book to everyone and i am sure glad i found it! it is simple and amazing!!

Get this if you want a fairly comprehensive book of material on vehicle systems, maintenance, and repair. It's like "How Stuff Works" on steroids. Check the table of contents before buying to see what's discussed. I've browsed this book and have found information I couldn't find on the Internet because I didn't know what to search for. The instructions in this book have inspired confidence in me to do vehicle work more complicated than an oil change or tire change. If you care for repairing transmissions or engines, those topics are discussed too.

Automotive Technology has just about everything I hoped it would have. 4.5 stars due to some editing errors and electronics explanations I thought could have been worded better, so 5 stars with rounding.

I have the previous version of this book and I must say it is a very good book, except for one thing!!! I am currently a student about to complete automotive technology, and I found the when the class had to do the review questions you had to practically read every single line, and page in order to answer most questions, and even then you might get it wrong....even our instructor sometimes disagreed with some of the answers that were supposedly correct..

Anyway as a beginner the books has some outstanding sections specifically, the chapters on engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, fuel ignition, manual transmission/transaxle, suspension and steering, electronic engine control, and drivelines. Some of the reviewers are correct in saying this manual may be tough for some, cause it does require that you read it like an upper level college study guide which may be a difficult transition from high school to college.

The pictures are great for those who need color visuals to bring the point home. I use it at home when I can't quite figure out how to go about diagnosing a system problem. Of course the system approach is great, because once you understand how a specific one works you can just about figure out what direction to go, in order to solve an automotive repair problem. This Ginormous books helps......

We're reading this book in college, and it is for the most part detailed and accurate. Some explanations are confusing, such as the brake master cylinder valve names (each one is called something different by each manufacturer). Also, the author often uses Chrysler as an example, which makes automatic transmissions a little confusing. Their front clutch is GM and Ford's reverse clutch and their rear clutch is GM and Ford's forward clutch. Otherwise, the book is very informative, has some examples of problems, and has review questions for each chapter (so all the quiz/test questions come from the book). Unfortunately, some of the answers are buried somewhat obscurely, so you can't just read the bold words.

Overall, a great book for an automotive class. The only downside is that it's heavy (almost 1500 pages!).

I like that the book follows systems approach: from general to specifics in all subjects. I use it to brush up on particular areas before looking into service manual. Saves a lot of time and head scratching.

I just started taking an Auto Collision class and do not know much about cars. I already had a book for my class, which contains the basics of suspension, steering and electrical, but this book has given me more knowledge about the rest of the car. It's very easy to read, contains good pictures, and mine came with access to the online learning website. If you're getting into the automotive field and don't know anything, this might be a book to have.

The book runs through the basics of nearly every system in a modern automobile. It features excellent color illustrations as well as commentary when elaborating or sharing insight is warranted.

I was initially leery about purchasing such as expensive book, but I've already learned new things in areas I thought I had mastered. As a bonus, the book functions as a serviceable self-defense weapon in the form of a giant, black brick of doom. It also looks good on a bookshelf if you like to pretend you know how automobiles function.

Excellent service; book arrived earlier than expected.

Book is comprehensive, very readable, updated, and includes hybrids.

Eduardo Roma Burgos.

For those of you out there purchasing this book for an automotive class, ask your professor if its fine to use the previous edition, since this baby will run you for about a tenth of a thou, which in these times of non-abundance and redundance carves a chasm in your pocket. But yes, for those of you planning an automotive career, a new book would def be an investment. My prof allowed the previous edition be used for basic class. Major changes might've occurred in the electric motor industries, and you may not need that knowledge until you're in an advanced stage of learning. So if you're just entering the automotive industry through its learning side, consider using a used book (extend the lives of books!)- once you get deeper into the matter, deeper into hybrids and full electrics, resell the old edition (you might get half what you got it for) and use that money towards one of the newer, more expensive ones.

The good news about this book is that there is lots of information about all aspects of automotive technology. The bad news is that many explanations of systems operation stop short of providing a complete understanding of the system/components. It is also filled with misprints, gramatical errors, and incorrect drawings and diagrams that are sure to cause a great deal of confusion and frustration. Very disappointed with the editing, especially considering this is a 5th edition.