consumer guides

I bought this book with my 16-year-old daughter in mind. Since she used half of her own hard earned money to make her first car purchase she is interested in knowing how to maintain it properly. She started asking me questions and I didn't know all the answers, so I decided to buy Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care. I didn't want a book so mechanically complex that she wouldn't read it, so I'm glad I found this book! The pictures and illustrations are excellent. The author of Auto Upkeep simplifies complex automotive systems in a way that keeps her attention and mine. My 14-year-old son has also begun reading it!

My only regret is that I didn't buy this book before my daughter bought her car. I know it would have saved us some money. I never took "auto shop" in school, so I learned things the hard way. It's great to know that I am helping my kids learn the basics easily and early in life.

I highly recommend this book!!

I recently finished my copy of Auto Upkeep, and I was impressed with the easily understood language Mr. Gray used to explain the different components of an automobile. In this day and age, when so many people's knowledge of their car is limited to filling up the gas tank, this book is an invaluable tool. I would recommend it to all drivers with limited knowledge of how their car actually works. The information in this book will help readers understand the reasons for basic car care, and will help readers understand the mechanic at the unavoidable yet dreaded trips to the shop. This book will help car owners save money through proper care of their vehicle, and may help avoid "disaster" through preventative maintenance.

The author has also detailed the steps of auto shopping and financing, which will be very useful for the young car buyer contemplating a major purchase.

I was especially impressed with the author's frank commentary on the sustainability of fossil fuel powered vehicles in this country, and his information on more energy-efficient vehicles.

I decided it was time to teach myself the basics of car maintenance. As a single mom I have to save money any way I can. I bought Auto Upkeep to become familiar with the basics and now I feel a lot better. It was really easy to read and I have enough information to feel more confident about asking a mechanic to explain to me what needs to be fixed on my car. I'm not planning on doing my own oil changes, but now I am checking my oil and I know how to add some if it is low. Knowledge is power - thanks for a great basic car care book!