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… More >>
#1 by Mark Phelps on August 18th, 2010
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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.
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by Allison Martha on August 19th, 2010
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I received this item in a timely fashion and it was in great condition. This is a text book, not a how to book. So depending on your learning style you may or may not be able to get a lot out of it. I was looking for information on different types of suspensions, engines, etc. so this book was perfect. It goes into detail about how a combustion engine works from beginning to end.
If you are looking for an overall knowledge of cars and do well with books written in a text book format (there are illustrations and diagrams as well), this is a good place to start. Look elsewhere for a step by step how to do this or that.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by Wilson Leung on August 19th, 2010
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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.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by N. Gilbert on August 19th, 2010
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I would definitely have to recommend this to other after reading the book. Very precise and easy to understand.
Rating: 5 / 5