-- Most competitive books focus primarily on older vehicles. This book covers both old and new vehicles.

-- Covers preventative maintenance from the standpoint of when things need to be done rather than by which systems needs it, making this book more convenient than other books for those who have just purchased a used car.

Today's cars are complex. They have ABS, DOHC, EFI, CV, PCV, and dozens of other acronyms. How can anyone except a certified mechanic try to maintain or repair older vehicles, much less modern cars? The easiest way is to follow clear, illustrated instructions. The Complete Idiot's Guide "RM" to Car Care and Repair Illustrated offers hundreds of helpful photos and drawings that not only describe how cars run, they also show readers exactly what to do when they don't run. Finally, readers will truly learn how to handle common repairs without a mechanic. The Complete Idiot's Guide "RM" to Car Care and Repair Illustrated covers maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing your car from bumper to bumper. It clearly covers selecting tools and parts, changing oil, checking transmission and steering fluids, replacing filters, troubleshooting engine noises, installing brakes, fixing door dings, and keeping the car's battery alive longer.