The Lady Mechanic's Total Car Care for the Clueless: A Manual for Car Owners (Paperback)

by Ren Volpe (Author) "Because cars are so complex you might have concerns about safety..." (more)
Key Phrases: lugnut wrench, clutch master cylinder, clutch fluid, Automobile Accident, Other Maintenance (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
One of the problems with technical manuals written to teach us all about a subject we don't understand and that already intimidates or confuses us is that the manual itself fills our tired little brains with so much technical jargon and extraneous information that we end up not remembering two-thirds of it anyway. Not here! Volpe has written a book for the people who don't want to change their own oil or tune up their engine, but need to know what it means and what to do when the oil light comes on or the dash indicator light says "check engine." Admit it: this applies to a lot of us--and probably you.

Volpe covers the essentials: what to do and when to do it (maintenance); deciphering lights, leaks, noises, and funny smells; how to find a good mechanic; how to jump-start a battery and change a tire; and even offers tips on buying a used car, all in clear, everyday language that even you can understand. Interspersed with humor and sound advice gleaned from the author's experience as a mechanic and a teacher of auto mechanics for 10 years, this book is compact--made to fit into your glove compartment--and that's where it ought to be the next time you pull out of the driveway. --Mark A. Hetts

From School Library Journal
YA-A simple, straightforward guide to basic car care with a focus on preventive maintenance. Volpe lists what to do every month, winter, year (or 15,000 miles), two years (or 30,000 miles), and four years (or 60,000 miles) to make sure a car continues to run smoothly. She covers everything from "checking fluids-yes, by yourself" to changing a tire to jump-starting a battery. The author explains what to do if you break down on the road or get into an accident. As part of her "don't let yourself get cheated" attitude, she discusses buying and selling vehicles. In addition to an extensive glossary, she supplies a list of "Common Car Sounds and Words that Describe Them" and "Common Car Problems and What They Sound or Feel Like." The object is to help car owners communicate with their mechanics. The directions are clear, precise, and easy to follow; the style is engaging; and the author's sense of humor helps to make the topic less intimidating. This is an upbeat, comprehensive guide.
Susan Salpini, Kings Park Library, Burke, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 197 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1st edition (June 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312187335
• ISBN-13: 978-0312187330
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 4.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,035,411 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best $11 I've ever spent., September 3, 1998

By	Windy writes (Chicago) - See all my reviews

Despite the fact--or maybe because of it--that Ren Volpe's book is written in the most basic of language (I thought most people knew what the windshield wipers were) this is a very empowering book. All the things you want to know before you go to a mechanic, or take a long drive in bad weather by yourself are here. I took this book in one hand, my owner's manual in the other and marched outside to learn about my car. If my boyfriend hears me say "Ren Volpe says" one more time he may try to SELL the car, but, gosh, I feel better.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy-to-read, must have book for any woman, November 19, 1998

By A Customer

Wow! I thought I was clueless, until I read Ren Volpe's book. It made me realize that I am actually a safe driver, and know the basics in order to maintain a car (in my case, quite an old one).Anything that was new to me about car care was easy-to-comprehend and even easier to implement once I opened the hood and took a peek. The Lady Mechanic's Total Car Care for the Clueless is a must-have book. I keep mine in my glove compartment!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good compact guide to cars for the clueless..., October 31, 2001

By	N. Ernst "nmernst" (NJ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

with good advice and checklists for any car. Some of it was a little confusing though...ie: how to handle stopping in traffic with a standard transmission...I won't get into it here. She is good at pointing out where things are, but the book lacks enough illustrations. The lingo used is kept to a minumum (most needed words/phrases are given) but more help here also would have been good. The glossary is okay, but not great.