by Dan Metz

New cars have prestige New cars have prestige Everything is new on a new car Everything is new on a new car Modern car features abound Modern car features abound Operating expenses are often lower for a new car Operating expenses are often lower for a new car Many more new car choices are offered every year Many more new car choices are offered every year

Normal wear and tear vs. damage Normal wear and tear vs. damage Mechanical basics of a car Mechanical basics of a car Signs of wear to become attuned to Signs of wear to become attuned to Tools and tune-ups; what you need and what you don’t need Tools and tune-ups; what you need and what you don’t need When, how and where to call in the pro When, how and where to call in the pro

Tires Brakes Clutch (if a standard transmission) Exhaust system Water pump Alternator Belts, serpentine belt, cam chain Hoses Paint Chrome and other trim Upholstery Carpet and floor mats Windshield wiper blades

DISC BRAKE OVERVIEW

Wear rate: very slow, slow, moderate fast, instantaneous Use your senses: sight, smell, sounds, feelings of wear Normal maintenance Fix it, live with it, ignore it Identifying fluids

Basic hand tools Specialty tools Shop manuals Camera, video and other shade-tree mechanic tricks Those dreaded computers

Washing a car Paint Chrome Stainless steel trim Black trim Glass Wheels and tires Products to use and avoid Once in a while vs. continuous care Safe and unsafe modifications

Products to use and to avoid Leather and cloth upholstery Carpet and floor mats Dashboard cover Trim parts Seat belts Mirror Safe and unsafe modifications

Braking Acceleration Cornering Fuel and oil Rust, salt and pavement Short vs. long trips Using the internet Local resources