Automotive Books

Published 09-14-2022

Drive into the 21st century in an electric car With falling cost of ownership, expanded incentives for purchasing, and more model and body type options than ever, it may finally be time to retire the old gas-guzzler and dive into the world of electric car ownership. Electric Cars For Dummies is your guide to becoming lightning powered, reducing your carbon footprint, and saving money on gas while you do it. This book teaches you how to select the battery-charged vehicle that fits your need and budget. It also offers insight into how to maintain your electric car, including answering all your questions about charging your vehicle. Calculate the total cost of ownership, prep your home to become one huge charger, and demystify the battery, the tune-ups and more. Learn the difference in cost of ownership and emissions between electric and gas-powered vehicles Explore your options and find an electric car that fits in your budget Know when and how to charge your vehicle, and what kind of maintenance it needs Figure out how to charge your car on the go This is the perfect book for new and would-be electric car owners looking for guidance on buying and maintaining one of these super sleek machines.

Published 01-07-2019

Auto Repair For Dummies, 2nd Edition (9781119543619) was previously published as Auto Repair For Dummies, 2nd Edition (9780764599026). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product.   The top-selling auto repair guide--400,000 copies sold--now extensively reorganized and updated Forty-eight percent of U.S. households perform at least some automobile maintenance on their own, with women now accounting for one third of this $34 billion automotive do-it-yourself market. For new or would-be do-it-yourself mechanics, this illustrated how-to guide has long been a must and now it's even better. A complete reorganization now puts relevant repair and maintenance information directly after each automotive system overview, making it much easier to find hands-on fix-it instructions. Author Deanna Sclar has updated systems and repair information throughout, eliminating discussions of carburetors and adding coverage of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. She's also revised schedules for tune-ups and oil changes, included driving tips that can save on maintenance and repair costs, and added new advice on troubleshooting problems and determining when to call in a professional mechanic. For anyone who wants to save money on car repairs and maintenance, this book is the place to start. Deanna Sclar (Long Beach, CA), an acclaimed auto repair expert and consumer advocate, has contributed to the Los Angeles Times and has been interviewed on the Today show, NBC Nightly News, and other television programs.

Published 04-28-2008

A practical guide that gets you geared up with proper riding techniques, safety gear, indispensable items for long trips, and handling characteristics of various motorcycle types  Few activities offer more fun and excitement than motorcycling, but to get the most out of it, there’s a lot you need to know, and that’s where this informative motorcycle guide written in plain English comes in. From buying and maintaining a bike, to riding safely, to finding great places to ride, Motorcycling For Dummies puts you on the road with savvy and style, whether you’re new to riding or an experienced motorcyclist.  You’ll get plenty of help in selecting the right bike and step-by-step instructions on performing routine maintenance tasks. You’ll also find out how to develop safe riding habits and, maybe most important of all, you’ll learn more about motorcycling organizations and how to fit in with the biker crowd. Plus, this hands-on resource shows you advanced riding techniques, offers travel tips for long-distance rides, and even helps you get your kids started in motorcycling. Discover how to:  Buy a new or used bike  Select safe, tough riding gear, from helmet and jacket to boots and pants  Get proper training and learn essential riding skills  Insure your bike  Pass even the toughest licensing test  Try your hand at cruising, touring, sports biking, and more  Get involved in motorcycle clubs and events  Deal with dangers on the road  Customize your bike to improve both style and performance      This comprehensive guide concludes with a motorcycling glossary, a guide to motorcycling laws by state, and an appendix with plenty of online resources. Complete with lists of can’t-miss biking events, legendary motorcyclists, and must-see motorcycling movies, Motorcycling For Dummies gives a whole new meaning to the term “easy rider.” 

Published 02-11-2008

Thinking about a knockout audio system for your car? Not sure what you need, want, or can afford? Car Audio For Dummies is a great place to find some answers! But wait — what if speakers that vibrate your floorboards don’t turn you on? What if you’re thinking more about hands-free phone access and a DVD player to entertain the kids? Surprise! Car Audio For Dummies can give you a hand there, too. Whether you want to feel as if your favorite band is performing right on top of your dashboard or you want to keep the soccer team entertained on the way to the tournament, this friendly guide can help. From planning your system and buying components to getting them installed and protecting your investment, you’ll find plenty of wise advice. Get the scoop on: Figuring out what kind of equipment you need to do what you want Identifying good sound quality when you hear it Adding components to a factory system Choosing a video player, hands-free phone system, amplifiers, speakers, and more Finding a reliable installer (today’s automotive electronics systems are so complex that you probably won’t want to go it alone) Understanding warranties and returns Protecting and insuring your system Car Audio For Dummies is sort of like that knowledgeable friend you want to take along when you tackle a project like this. Sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it?

Published 10-15-2004

This is a must-have for anyone interested in achieving better performance through car modification!So you want to turn your Yugo into a Viper? Sorry--you need a certified magician. But if you want to turn your sedate sedan into a mean machine or your used car lot deal into a powerful, purring set of wheels, you’ve come to the right place. Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies will get you turbo-charged up about modifying your car and guide you smoothly through: Choosing a car to mod Considering warranties, legal, and safety issues Hacking the ECU (Engine Control Unit) to adjust performance-enhancing factors like fuel injection, firing the spark plugs, controlling the cooling fan, and more Replacing your ECU with a plug and play system such as the APEXi Power FC or the AEM EMS system Putting on the brakes (the faster you go, the faster you’ll need to stop) Setting up your car for better handling and cornering Written by David Vespremi, automotive expert, frequent guest on national car-related TV shows, track driving instructor and self-proclaimed modder, Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies gets you into the ECU and under the hood and gives you the keys to: Choosing new wheels, including everything from the basics to dubs and spinners Putting your car on a diet, because lighter means faster Basic power bolt-ons and more expensive power adders Installing roll bars and cages to enhance safety Adding aero add-ons, including front “chin” spoilers, real spoilers, side skirts, and canards Detailing, down to the best cleaners and waxes and cleaning under the hood Using OBD (on-board diagnostics) for troubleshooting Getting advice from general Internet sites and specific message boards and forums for your car’s make or model, whether it’s a Chevy pick-up or an Alfa Romeo roadster Whether you want to compete at drag strips or on road courses or simply accelerate faster on an interstate ramp, if you want to improve your car’s performance, Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies is just the boost you need.