Introduction.

Part I: Getting Started.

Chapter 1: Things Every Driver Should Know.

Chapter 2: The Way to Your Car's Heart Is through Your Toolbox.

Chapter 3: Preventive Maintenance: A Monthly Under-the-Hood Check.

Part II: What Makes It Go?

Chapter 4: The Inner Secrets of Your Car Revealed.

Chapter 5: The Electrical System: Your Car's Spark of Life.

Chapter 6: The Fuel System: The Heart and Lungs of Your Car.

Chapter 7: From Horses to Hybrids: The Dope on Diesels and Alternatively Powered Vehicles.

Chapter 8: The Cooling System Up Close.

Chapter 9: Take the Drive Train: Understanding Transmissions without Losing Your Mind

Chapter 10: It's the Brakes!

Chapter 11: Steering and Suspension Systems Smooth the Way.

Part III: Keeping Your Car in Good Condition, System by System.

Chapter 12: Keeping Your Electrical System in Tune.

Chapter 13: Keeping Your Fuel System in Tune.

Chapter 14: Keeping Your Car from Getting Heartburn.

Chapter 15: Changing Your Oil.

Chapter 16: Lubrication Extends the Life of Your Vehicle.

Chapter 17: What to Do If Your Transmission Stops Running.

Chapter 18: Smoothly Being a Buddy to Your Brakes and Bearing.

Chapter 19: Checking Your Tires, Alignment, and Steering.

Part IV: Dealing with On-the-Road Emergencies.

Chapter 20: Troubleshooting Leaks, Squeaks, Smells, and Strange Sensations.

Chapter 21: What to Do If Your Car Drops Dead or Won't Start.

Chapter 22: When All Else Fails: Finding and Dealing with a Good Mechanic.

Part V: Helping Your Vehicle Look Its Best.

Chapter 23: Keeping Your Car Clean and Beautiful.

Chapter 24: Getting Rid of Dings, Dents, and Other Hard Knocks.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 25: The Ten Most Important Preventive Maintenance Measure.

Chapter 26: Measures Ten "Eco-Logical" Ways to Save Fuel.

Appendix A: A Practical Glossary of Automotive Terms.

Appendix B: Specifications and Maintenance Records.

Index.

Book Registration Information.