Auto Maintenance 101 covers easy-to-follow basics and tips on what makes a vehicle tick, and the how-tos of simple, hands-on preventative maintenance.

For jobs such replacing a water pump, head gasket, radiator, fuel injectors, brakes, troubleshooting the electrics (or in earlier cars - ignition systems points, rotor and condenser), technical manuals are readily available. What you will find in this work are simplified, (need-to-know) working descriptions of vital systems common to most vehicles, those most often requiring attention and which anyone could deal with.

Simple preventative maintenance does not require he skills of a certified mechanic or even a seasoned do-it yourself-er. You will find clear descriptions of how to keep these systems up to snuff to prevent the heavy repair costs of major surgery, - and so typically, at the worst possible time. More owners today are holding on to their vehicles for longer periods - 8.4 years on average. As well, the number of those opting to do their own basic maintenance is increasing.

As vehicles electronic controls become increasingly more sophisticated, impending troubleshooting can become relatively more elusive, so regular maintenance has become ever more crucial.

As Peter Richardson of the CAA says, 'Ignore that same vehicle and repair costs can make a new model look like a gift.'