As today's cars continue to become more complicated and complex, the cost to repair them has continued to climb. However, with some basic knowledge and a little know-how, many of the most expensive repairs can be avoided by simple, regular maintenance, or relatively inexpensive repairs that can be done with a few tools and step-by-step instructions. Car expert, Dave Stribling, has seen every repair in the book, and in Idiot's Guides: Auto Repair and Maintenance, he arms readers with the knowledge they'll need to troubleshoot and diagnose common problems and make simple repairs that are universal to most makes and models. Dozens of step-by-step, full-color photos and illustrations make DIY car repairs and maintenance so much easier. When the repair calls for an expert the time comes to take the car to the shop, Dave arms readers with the knowledge they'll need to make the right choices, to avoid unnecessary repairs, and to minimize the possibility of getting ripped off.