If you know someone who works on cars in their driveway, somewhere on a shelf above their work bench might be a book, thick and smudged with greasy finger prints, with one corner that’s been soaked in 30-weight oil -- and used 30-weight, at that. Odds are good that book has the name "Chilton" on it.
Since 1925 Chilton's manuals have been offering practical advice to those who want to do some of their own auto repair or learn more about how their car works. In that tradition, Chilton's Easy Car Care 4th Edition is a comprehensive, all-around book that reviews the basic mechanical and electrical principles of modern "automotion."
In this day of computerized ignitions, fuel systems and transmissions, Easy Car Care explains in simple terms, with many illustrations, how different kinds of engines operate, including diesels and the Wankel rotary, and how they transfer power to the road. Every major system of the car is similarly exposed. Electrical systems are explored in detail, from the battery to the taillights to the gauges in the dash. Even sound systems are addressed, with some creative thoughts on where to install your CD changer and how to keep it from being stolen.
Though not nearly so detailed as the many Chilton repair manuals for specific models and years, Easy Car Care still has lots of meat. From fluid and filter changes to brake repair, Easy Car Care walks the backyard mechanic through basic, universal auto maintenance and repair. Easy-to-follow instructions and literally hundreds of illustrations aid the amateur in “doing it right,” including repairing rock chips in the windshield and fixing minor body damage.
For the non-mechanical, Easy Car Care addresses basic car ownership, including fuel economy, cosmetic care, insurance, safety, emergency procedures and things to consider when buying one. It also provides cleaning and detailing instructions; safety tips and procedures; information on tire care, lubrication and lights; and even the best way to change a flat tire or jump start a car with a dead battery.
On a practical level, the book is big, easily read and stays put to where you open it. It’s well organized and the photo illustrations are generally clear and captioned well.
If there is anything wrong with Easy Car Care, it is that it is somewhat redundant, with crossover information sometimes repeated in two or more sections. And, it is not printed on the best paper -- but, after all, any back yard mechanic will tell you that a well-used Chilton's manual is a greasy Chilton's manual anyway.
The bottom line? Chilton's Easy Car Care 4th Edition is one of the best general automotive reference books available, making auto care and ownership simpler in a complicated age, and well worth the sticker price.
-- Sandy Compton
