Getting to know your vehicle. Things every driver should know ; Preventive maintenance: a monthly under-the-hood check ; The way to your car's heart is through your toolbox ; What makes it go? The inner secrets of your car revealed! -- Powering up with air, fuel, and fire. The electrical system: your car's spark of life ; Keeping your electrical system in tune ; The traditional fuel system: the heart and lungs of your car ; Keeping your fuel system in tune ; Diesels for dummies ; From horses to hybrids: alternatively powered vehicles -- Staying cool and in control. The cooling system up close ; Keeping your car from getting heartburn ; Oil: keeping your car young and happy ; It's the brakes! ; Be a buddy to your brakes and bearings -- Smoothing the ride : steering and suspension, tires and transmissions. Steering and suspension systems smooth the way ; How to keep your car from getting sore feet: tires, alignment, and balancing ; Take the drive train: understanding and maintaining your transmission without losing your mind -- Staying safe and dealing with emergencies. Staying safe on the road ; Troubleshooting leaks, squeaks, smells, and strange sensations ; What to do if your car drops dead or won't start ; When all else fails: finding and dealing with a good mechanic -- Helping your vehicle look its best. Keeping your vehicle clean and beautiful ; Bodywork: getting rid of dings, dents, and other hard knocks -- The part of tens. The ten most important preventive maintenance measures ; Ten "eco-logical" ways to save fuel -- Appendix A: A practical glossary of automotive terms -- Appendix B: Specifications and maintenance records.