Auto Repair For Dummies by Deanna Sclar
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Book Reviews of Auto Repair For Dummies
Book Review: Good book for the amature mechanic
Summary: 5 Stars
Good advice and clear directions for the novice mechanic.
Highly recommended.
Book Review: super informative
Summary: 5 Stars
Has been an all-inclusive auto resource. For newbies, but is packed with stuff.Book Review: Author Did A Good Job
Summary: 4 Stars
From past experience, I've had varied success with the "Dummies" series, therefore I was somewhat doubtful when I ordered this book. Based on the previous reviews here at Amazon.com, I ordered it and, after reading the book, I was not disappointed.I bought the book primarily because I wanted a source I could use to help teach my 14 year old son about automotive repair - he just bought his first car (with my approval, of course). The author did a good job of explaining basic automotive repair & I did find much of the book to be useful in helping me explain many things to my son. I too learned a couple of things from the book, having spent several years maintaining various vehicles. A few of the illustrations are poor, but most are either adequate or good.
The author does an especially good job of convincing the reader that simple automobile maintenance is doable if you know what to do (following her detailed instructions), use common sense & have the right tools. I wish more people were "car maintenance savvy" and the author's attitude strongly reiterates this theme. I also firmly believe in doing your own repairs - it's convienient, money and time saving, satisfying and you have peace of mind knowing the job is done right - the author does a good job of emphasizing these points.
I disagree slightly with the author in regard to repairing older cars. True, most older cars needing an engine rebuild should be terminated, however, I've found many older cars ARE worth rebuilding and can provide reliable and very inexpensive means of transportation. As rebuilding engines is totally beyond the scope of this book, and in most cases the author is correct, this is a very minor point. Overall, I'd still highly recommend this book to anyone who either wants to know the basics of automotive repair - either for the do it yourselfer's, or for anyone who wants to become more knowledgeable about maintaining your expensive investment & understanding your mechanics recommendations and expectations.
If you have any intentions of working on your car, I'd recommend getting a manual specific to your car make & model to accompany this book (like a Haynes manual, or similar).
Book Review: Good Beginner Book
Summary: 4 Stars
Is this book a little basic in some parts? Whole-heartedly I'd have to say yes. Yes she does cover simple things like what a screwdriver is, how to open the hood, etc. But, what is basic to some maybe complex for others even if so-called experts can't understand why some things are more difficult than others for new people.
Just for info, a lot of cars today have the disc and drum brake configuration (not just old clunkers but newer vehicles) so coverage of the drum brakes is essential. Would I recommend you popping off the drum and tearing apart the wheel cylinder, springs, and brake shoes after reading just this book...definately not. If you want to get a little more familiar with whats inside the calliper or drum then by all means, this book will accomplish that. She also covers all the other major systems of an automobile in a language that anyone can understand.
This book was never intended to turn someone into a mechanic ready to take the SAE test. It's sole purpose is to familiarize you with general vehicle operation and mechanical make-up...and a few tips along the way to keep your car running.
You will learn a lot from this book if you are just starting out...I know I did. If it intrigues you enough, then dive deeper into auto repair by taking a local vocational class or buying the Hayne's or Chilton's repair manuals for your vehicle.
Book Review: Remember, it's an old book with updates
Summary: 4 Stars
A lot of complaints are written about how dated this book is - well, for a book who's first edition came out in '83, 8 years before the first "for Dummies" title in the series came out, it's pretty good. Remember also, it was written for people with no mechanic/auto knowledge. My father's mechanic friend recommended it to women who came into the shop who were intimidated by mechanics.
I bought this when I bought my first car, in 1983, along with my copy of Muir's "How to keep your Volkswagen alive...". Between the two of these books I was able to keep my car (9 years old at the time) maintained and tuned until it got destroyed in a crash.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone who doesn't understand cars, though I would recommend your car's shop manual if you want to do more than basics.