Auto Fundamentals (Hardcover)

by Martin T. Stockel (Author), Chris Johanson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Auto Fundamentals leads students through the design, construction, and operation of all major automotive systems. It is intended for those who need a sound foundation in the basics of automotive technology. The information in this text is easy to understand and applicable to all vehicles. Each automotive system is explained in detail, starting with its basic function and progressing to the construction and operation of the individual components making up that system. This systematic approach helps students gain a thorough understanding of automotive components and systems. Auto Fundamentals promotes pride in the trade and an awareness of the importance of the certified automobile technician. An entire chapter is devoted to exploring career opportunities and obtaining additional training in automotive technology.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 607 pages
• Publisher: Goodheart-Willcox Co (January 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590703251
• ISBN-13: 978-1590703250
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #203,574 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great way to start learning automotive technology, March 27, 2009

By	Mark Phelps - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I recently took a class from the local community college that used this book as a textbook. I found it to be a great help in learning about cars. I had no experience with cars at all, beyond driving them. I wanted to get enough knowledge to do some repairs myself and to be able to keep my eye on the mechanics that I deal with. After finishing with this book and the class I am now confident enough to tackle many of the repairs that I would have spent hundreds of dollars on at a repair shop.

This book goes into great detail about every major system on an automobile. It shows how each type of system has evolved over the years. For example it talks about both carburetors as well as fuel injection. It covers ignition via a distributor with points as well as other methods up to direct ignition. Despite the comment made in another review this book does have a very good grasp of the science involved. Electrical concepts are covered in more detail than most people will ever need.

I am a software engineer so technical topics aren't too hard for me. This book might be a bit too in-depth for someone who has little science education. I also think that using it with a class helped the concepts to sink in better. I strongly recommend a class at a vocational school or community college as a way to come up to speed. If you are a tinkerer and you just want to learn by playing around in your garage then this book is probably more than you would get through unless you are highly self-motivated.

The chapters don't depend on each other too much, however, and the book would be useful for reviewing the fundamentals of certain systems without trying to comprehend an entire automobile from bumper to bumper.

This book was the perfect answer for my need.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for a n00b to car theory., June 27, 2009

By	Wilson Leung "wilson" (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've only just covered the first 4 chapters, but I've found the book to be easy to read and understand for a beginner to car mechanical theory.

I'm a simple software/electrical engineer hybrid, and I've never had the chance to go all out an understand what was happening beneath the bonnet of my car. I decided to grab a book and do some self reading to satisfy my curiosity. It's been a great read, and I finally understand how a lot of the parts of the engine come together and work.

I did not intend to use the book to teach myself how to maintain a car. So it may not suit that purpose. But it's definitely a good read if you don't know where a flywheel is located, or what the timing belt does.

9 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars For vocational school students, June 4, 2005

By	misterbeets "misterbeets" (Safe Harbor, MD USA) - See all my reviews

Using many diagrams and a utilitarian style, this book aims to train future mechanics. No chances are taken ("inverted" is defined) and no fact is too obvious (dipsticks are explained). The authors struggle with the science: the two contradictory conventions for depicting current flow are explained as an ongoing scientific controversy; engine oils are "distillated".

There is nothing special about the content; it follows the format of the ASE auto tech tests. The abundant manufacturers' diagrams help, but I feel sorry for anyone forced to learn from this book.