The eighth edition of Automotive Mechanics is a comprehensive automotive text, consisting of two volumes that relate to passenger and light commercial vehicles. The text covers principles, applications and general servicing requirements.

This new edition maintains the easy-to-use style and format of the previous edition while incorporating new material throughout consisting of:

• An environmental chapter in Volume 1, which discusses the automotive industry’s legal requirements and impact on the environment.
• A competency matrix has been added, providing easy reference to the national training package.
• Safety when working is always important and references to higher voltage operating systems and towing vehicles, to name a few, have been added.
• References to new technologies such as fuel-cell cars, direct petrol injection, run fl at tyres, air conditioning and communication protocols are also included.
• In addition new tips on repair and service, review questions and technical terms are included.
• A new chapter on hybrid vehicles.
• For the first time, colour photos and illustrations.
• Completely re-written sections on engine management, fuel injection systems and ignition systems, including additional detail on oscilliscopes for diagnosis and testing.
• Additional information on workshop safety, including handling hazardous materials, storage and emergency procedures.
• Updated tools chapter with new sections on power tools and digital measuring instruments.
• New technology added to each chapter including direct injection LPG, 6 speed transmission and duel clutch transmission.

As with the 7th edition, Volume 1 commences with an introduction to motor vehicles which includes workshop practices, use of tools and the environment. It then covers engine operation; engine systems; manual transmissions; drives; running gear; suspension; steering and general maintenance requirements. This volume then concludes with electrical fundamentals and basic electrical systems.

Volume 2 covers engine construction and overhaul; fuel and engine management; diesel engines; automatic transmissions; four-wheel drive; engine electrical systems; body electrics and also a number of vehicle safety, security and convenience systems.

Volume 1, with its early introductory chapters, is useful for the earlier stages of a course, while Volume 2, with some of the more advanced material, is suitable for some of the later stages. However, each volume is complete with all related material for its topics— principles, applications, construction of components and basic servicing requirements are all located conveniently within the same volume.

Both books are easy to use. There is a brief contents list as well as a detailed contents list at the front of each volume. Also, each volume is divided into a number of parts with a contents list at the start of each part. Further, the main topics for each chapter are shown at the start of the chapter. A glossary and a comprehensive index are provided for each volume. All these features enable information to be quickly located.

These two volumes of Automotive Mechanics provide a valuable resource for all automotive students. They would also have an important place in any automotive technician’s library. While Automotive Mechanics does not attempt to replace vehicle manufacturers’ manuals, these volumes do provide a general resource which complements them.