Car Care Book [Paperback]

Fred Barbarossa (Author), Barbarossa (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2004 | ISBN-10: 0827333757 | ISBN-13: 978-0827333758 | Edition: 2 Sub

This book should be of interest to non-mechanic minded people interested in car maintenance technology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 373 pages
• Publisher: Delmar Thomson Learning; 2 Sub edition (February 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0827333757
• ISBN-13: 978-0827333758
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,683,116 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Know Your Car, February 22, 2011

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Acute Observer (N. Jersey Shore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Car Care Book (Paperback)

The Car Care Book, Fred Barbarossa & Saverio Bono

Fred Barbarossa is a teacher at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College. Saverio G. Bono teaches at Los Angeles City College. The 'Preface' says a car is more than a means of transportation for some people. Knowing how your car works can save you money. You can do some checks and maintenance yourself, or have it done. This can avoid expensive repairs and emergency breakdowns. Before you go on any long trip ask your mechanic to check your car; some can see or hear trouble before you become aware of it. Costs are rising for automotive repairs, and this hasn't changed since 1988. Most mechanics are trustworthy, but there are a few who will take advantage of you if you don't know much.

Chapter 1 provides an overview on how a car works. There are important safety considerations in Chapter 2. The Engine, the Fuel System, the Electrical System, Lubrication and Cooling, and the Drivetrain are described in Chapters 3 to 7. "Tires, Brakes, Suspension, and Steering" are described in Chapter 8. You should leave these repairs to a professional mechanic unless you have a lot of experience. "Heating, Air Conditioning, and Optional Equipment" are described in Chapter 9. Most local garages do not do these repairs, they refer you to a specialist who has the right equipment.

Chapter 10 explains the importance of maintenance. Your "Owner's Manual" is a good source for specific information. One very important thing you can do is to record all maintenance with the date and mileage. [An empty check register book is useful.] Chapter 11 discusses "do-it-yourself" repairs. You can change or rotate tires, and check the air pressure with a reliable air pressure gauge. Most modern cars have to be on a lift to replace parts (like a serpentine belt). Special tools are often needed.

Is there a time when you should get a newer car instead of fixing up your old one? Chapter 12 discusses the points to consider: performance, appearance, economy, reliability, safety, and comfort. [An automobile can be kept running for decades, visit some of those old car shows.] Some say if the estimated repair cost exceeds the selling value (or trade-in value) you should replace a car instead of repairing it. The average car lasts about eleven years (50% of those produced are still registered), but a lower percentage after fifteen years. A well-maintained car lasts longer, watch what is in the parking lots.

Chapter 13 has "Buying Tips for Parts, Cars, Money, and Insurance". Parts from Chain Stores or Salvage Yards may be of lower quality. Rebuilt starters and alternators are usually reliable. Manufacturers do not make replacement parts after ten years (p.336). Depreciation is the reason to buy used, the average three-year old car has lost half of its original value. Pages 340 to 344 have tips on buying used car. The remaining pages discuss loans (chattel mortgage or personal loans), and insurance. What about extended maintenance protection? Not if the manufacturer's warranty is still in effect. [Some say you shouldn't carry collision insurance on the average car if it is over seven years old. You will only get what the insurance company offers, and they will profit from selling your totalled car for parts.]