Knowledge for the Mechanically Challenged: An Owners' Guide to Car Repair

The following review was printed in the October issue of Hemmings Motor News, the oldest automotive magazine in the United States. It was written by their Publisher, Mark McCourt.

"Some car enthusiasts love to roll up their sleeves and dive under the hood of their vehicle needing service, but maybe that's not you. Would you like to work on your own car or truck, but don't have experience? Perhaps you just want to find a shop you can trust to repair your vehicle correctly, for a fair price? As much as a socket set or OBD-2 scanner, Knowledge for the Mechanically Challenged is a valuable tool you can use to overcome your mechanical insecurity and help keep your vehicle on the road.

Compiled over a 50-plus-year career by independent master automotive technician Pembroke Thom, this tome is far more than a "car repair for the ignorant" book. Through its 471 helpfully illustrated, annotated, well-laid-out pages (also available electronically for viewing on your phone or tablet), it walks readers through considerations of vehicle maintenance needs, discusses choosing a competent shop and how best to work with service providers. It includes automotive system overviews and offers diagnostic tips and how-to techniques. A huge amount of research and experience has gone into this title, and its author writes with real consideration for readers who may not understand shop jargon; Thom uses clear language in a tone that's realistic and reassuring. It's obvious this book represents a professional lifetime's labor of love, and upon absorbing its contents in part or whole, you will find yourself feeling informed and empowered enough to properly care for your car, or even try some DIY!"

Mark McCourt, Publisher, Hemmings Motor News

Many thanks to them, and many thanks to all of you who have written so kindly about it.