Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care

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!!


Finally, a book about cars that people can understand.   September 8, 2003
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

What a novice idea! Someone finally wrote a book that I can use in a beginning automotive class! I've taught for 30 years+ and have never seen an automotive book that doesn't intimidate students. They actually like this one and enjoy reading about cars. In my classes I usually have 20% girls. At the beginning of the year I always say things to set their minds at ease. After handing out these books, and letting the class look through them, I could see the tension and fear vanish not only from the girls, but from the guys also. I would highly recommend this book for students of automotive classes and for the novice out there!


A highly recommended primer and self-teaching tool   October 19, 2003
Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
16 out of 18 found this review helpful

Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care by automotive expert Michael E. Gray is a practical and straightforward guide for anyone who owns a car or is considering buying one. The no-nonsense basics for beginners concern everything from insurance payments, to fluid level checks, to simple facts about the fuel, cooling, ignition, steering, braking systems, and much, much more make. Auto Upkeep an excellent and very highly recommended primer and self-teaching tool which is enhanced with accompanying CD-ROM contains activities, website links, and study questions.


Great information in an easy to follow format   September 2, 2003
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

What a great book for those of us who are not mechanically inclined. It has tips and information on everything from purchasing a vehicle to how often to service the various components ~ from oil to tires to coolants. It also has great 'tech tips' on the various items and even gives basic estimates in the price guide portion of different items. A must for any new driver.


A Great Tool for Auto Owners   August 8, 2003
Joe Batdorf (Duluth, MN USA)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

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.