RAC Handbook – serie

A comprehensive guided tour under the skin of the car. Diesel, petrol (gasoline), electric, hybrid and alternative propulsions are all dissected and explained in a reader-friendly manner, and as you move from the engine to the tailpipe, you'll discover what an exciting world there is within the car. Organised in intuitive chapters and backed with colourful illustrations and cutaways, this book describes the systems and parts that make your car move. Without emphasising the ‘boring' science bits, it discusses the practical application of various automotive terms, and explains why having more of one thing and less of another is beneficial in the real world. Whether you're just curious, or wish to become a better car owner, this book will start you on an exciting journey.

The 13th title in the RAC handbook series this book could pay for itself in one repair! It's a perfect addition to your glovebox.Whether it's a chip on your car's windscreen, an annoying scratch in the paintwork, or a key-fob that's not working, this book could save you money by telling you how to make simple fixes.  This book will save you valuable time and money, and is a book that everyone can use – you don't need any mechanical skills or specialist tools. You'll be amazed at how many simple fixes you can make without the need to take your car to the local garage. Written in plain English this handbook contains easy to follow instructions (using readily available and cost-effective repair parts), detailed colour photographs and is suitable for most cars less than 10 years old; it isn't specific to any particular make or model. You can keep your car safe, legal and on the road without the need for costly mechanic's bills. You don't need to take time off work or out of your busy schedule; you can carry out simple fixes at any time that suits you.

This book describes in a clear, friendly manner everything today’s driver needs to know about choosing and using a car in an economical and eco-efficient way. It explains what matters most to the car buyer when optimum fuel economy and lowest emissions are priorities, and why four wheel drive and automatic transmission present challenges to eco-friendly driving.Highly detailed advice on driving for best fuel economy is supplemented by helpful information on alternative fuels, hybrid powertrains, and much more. Featuring a thorough examination of the advantages and disadvantages of the most promising fuels of the future - electricity and hydrogen – this book is essential reading for the modern driver.

With this book, you can begin caring for your car like a professional, achieving dramatic and financially beneficial effects almost immediately. It teaches you the importance of using specific products for specific tasks, how to properly clean wheels, paint decontamination, polishing paintwork, waxing, interior maintenance, leather care, using a clay bar and much, much more. The step-by-step guides explain the purpose and importance of each process in a straightforward manner, and will help you carry out more complicated procedures – such as cleaning the engine bay – without causing any damage. With helpful illustrations and advice based on the author's many years' of valeting experience, this book will get your car looking great.

A quick sale and a decent price ... are they what you want when selling your car? If so, following this guide should increase your chances of achieving that most satisfying of sales – one where you make good, honest money. Even if you are not planning to sell, this book shows you how to make your car your treasured pride and glory again using simple techniques and expert skills developed over more than 20 years of used car trading. Learn how to give your car a stunning makeover to transform its appearance and boost its sale value; how to brush and vacuum your car before a wet clean, making an amazing difference; how to carry out a full wash, and how to repair scratches, improve paintwork and bring an exceptional shine to your car. This is an indispensable and unique guide for anyone about to become a seller.

This step-by-step guide is packed full of information and tells you all you need to know about caring for your bicycle. It covers everything from the basics of why maintenance matters and which tools you should use, to vital safety checks and more advanced maintenance tasks, even the fitting of accessories. Advice on how to adjust your bike to fit you, how to clean it efficiently, and how to keep it running in top condition, lets you get more enjoyment from your bicycle for longer, more safely, and with the sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing you can fix or prevent problems that may arise yourself – you could even save yourself a small fortune in repair bills. With information on maintenance scheduling, troubleshooting advice, and electric bicycles, this book is the perfect companion for every cyclist.

No longer the simple machines they used to be, the modern motorcycle is as complex and diverse as the modern car. In an ever more competitive market, manufacturers are looking for new solutions to old problems – what’s the most efficient transmission? How can emissions and fuel consumption be cut without affecting power? And how can new models be differentiated from one another?This book explains how the modern motorcycle works, in a straightforward style that’s jargon-free and easy to read. It assumes no prior mechanical knowledge, simply an interest in a motorcycle’s workings, and an open mind. The text is accompanied by superb cutaway illustrations from the major motorcycle manufacturers, clearly showing how individual components and systems function. It covers the latest innovations, including traction control and pushbutton gear change, as well as long-established technologies, such as fuel injection and ABS.How Your Motorcycle Works will not transform you into a motorcycle engineer or expert mechanic, but in explaining precisely how everything works, it will increase your understanding, and thus enjoyment, of the machine.

Buying your first motorcycle can be a daunting and complicated process – from passing the theory and practical tests, to choosing a bike and keeping it (and yourself) safe. This book has the answers you need, taking the first-time biker through the whole experience, from deciding to ride, to how to get the most out of your bike. Through friendly, clear, and jargon-free text, it explains every step of this journey: the pros and cons of biking; what type of bike might suit you best; what you’ll need to do to get on the road (licence, training, insurance); and choosing the right kit (helmet, jacket, gloves and boots). Then there’s the buying process – should you buy privately, from a dealer, or via an online seller. If buying a secondhand bike, what should you look for? What about financing and a warranty? And once you’ve got the bike, how do you keep it secure and running well? Finally, there are tips on where to ride, and how to get the most out of your bike. In a nutshell, it’s the whole story for a new motorcyclist.

If you drive a car then this is the book for you. Avoid serious repair bills by learning what to do when something goes wrong.Our cars are essential to us, and we rely on them for so much that it's hard to imagine being without them.Doing the wrong thing when your car develops problems could cost you a lot of money and be a real inconvenience – but what if your car has a water leak, or if you discover oil underneath it? What if a warning light comes on? What could be the cause? Is the car safe to drive, or do I need a breakdown service or a mechanic? How can I get it to a garage safely?This book covers the most common problems that can occur on modern cars. It's easy to follow, written in plain English, and is full of detailed photographs. Probably the most invaluable item you can keep in your car, and you only need basic mechanical skills to get the full benefit of this book.