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.
Pem has been involved with car repair for over 50 years. He started working on cars when he was 14, he bought his first car when he was 15. He has worked in all aspects of car repair from prepping new and used cars for sale to being one of the parts counter guys in several dealerships; as a service writer; and as a mechanic on both foreign and domestic vehicles.
He started his own business as an independent Toyota repair shop owner in Kensington, MD; he was 30 years old. He owned the business for 30 years and sold it to pursue his other loves - primarily writing, antique restoration, gardening, and walking his dog. He has maintained a number of his connections throughout the years.
It took several decades and three iterations to craft what he considers to be a press-ready project, and a great deal of research in order to remain current.
I'd like to thank each of you for including this book in your library.
Sincerely, Pembroke Thom
"I am very impressed: It’s well organized, thoughtful, and informative." – William S. – Computer Engineer
“I'm glad to see traction on this much needed topic..” – Scott P. – Senior Account Executive
"I read the whole book cover to cover, and bought a copy for my sister. It's that good." – Liz J.
“I like the touches of humanity – treating mechanics like equals – and humor.” – Denny W. – Network Design
"You did a great job with the book; It certainly deserves a wide readership." – Steven G. – Auto Mechanic
"I like his voice, tone, and side-coaching." – Jack K. – Car Fanatic
“I’m very impressed with the amount of information in the book.” – Sarah K. – Web Designer
