Part V

Staying Safe and Dealing with Emergencies

In this part . . .

T oday’s vehicles are not only more efficient and responsive, but they also provide innovative features that can protect you and your passengers from harm. This part shows you what you can — and can’t — expect from the safety systems on your vehicle and what else is out there so that when it’s time to buy a new vehicle, you can choose the safest one available.

Despite your best efforts, your vehicle may break down while you’re on the road. Maybe it will overheat. Maybe a tire will blow. Maybe you won’t know what the problem is, but you’ll know that it sounds — or smells — bad. This part also shows you how to troubleshoot the symptoms, sees you through these traumas, and helps you make your way out of them safely. Because fixing many problems is beyond your capabilities as a do-it-yourselfer, I also tell you how to locate, evaluate, and work with a good repair facility.