Book aims to captivate, cover basics

When I became co-host of TLC's automotive makeover TV show "Overhaulin'" in 2003, I really wanted to be more than a host.

I wanted to embrace what I already knew about cars and mechanics from growing up in a racing family, and also learn everything I could from the talented folks who worked on the "Overhaulin'" project vehicles.

I wanted to earn the respect of not only designer/builder Chip Foose and my colleagues on set, but also the audience watching. To learn, I had to do my research. So I considered it homework and dove in the same way that an actor would to prepare for a movie or scripted TV show. I visited local bookstores and purchased everything on the newsstands that contained information about automotive mechanicals, engine repair and car building.

Every day during the months prior to beginning production on "Overhaulin'," I would sit on the beach in front of my tiny apartment in Marina del Rey, Calif., and read. I read "Auto Repair for Dummies," a 700-page book, from front to back, at least five times.

While doing all this studying for my first major automotive gig, TV or otherwise, I learned something else. Although the books were technical, informative, interesting and enjoyable to me, I felt something was missing. None of the books I read were geared toward women. None of them were written from a female perspective. None included personal stories that the author shared about his own life experiences. There were few captivating pictures. There was nothing personal and few authors covered the basics of car ownership and maintenance in our daily lives.

Since the shortcomings appeared so obvious, right there on the pages in front of my face, I made a deal with Tekno Books and Cumberland House Publishing and began writing my own book.

There have been -- and there are -- many powerful women undaunted by the idea of racing or working on vehicles in a hugely male-dominated automotive industry.

Thankfully, that number is growing and more women are being empowered and are unafraid in the automotive space. But it isn't just about the professionals infiltrating this arena, however. Women in general are becoming more interested in and passionate about all things automotive. More than ever, the trends show that women are enjoying the process of shopping for their vehicles, taking in car shows, caring about vehicle maintenance, enjoying driving and even working in the garage. There are also many men who admit they are novices when it comes to understanding and caring for their cars.

So, I wanted my book to speak to women, first-time car owners and men who are ready to admit that they need a little help around the shop.

My book encompasses a broad spectrum of material and answers every question I've had along the way. The first chapter covers leasing versus purchasing a ride and the benefits of each, followed by information about how to properly "break in" a vehicle and maintain it.

In another chapter I offer a list of cars and trucks that I recommend in different price brackets and for various reasons.

Because I believe every driver should know how to check and change his or her own oil and how to monitor tire pressure and change a flat tire, there are chapters on those topics.

Another provides a breakdown of an engine and how it operates to make the car move. I also cover the basic systems and components that make up the vehicle. My favorite chapter deals with taking your car to the local service center and the book ends with fun chapters about aftermarket add-ons and how to modify our vehicles to be more personal extensions of who we are.

Throughout the book there are photos taken while in action on the "Overhaulin'" and Spike TV "Powerblock" sets, relevant personal stories about life in garages and on racetracks, automotive tips I've learned along the way and sidebar stories that contain answers to common questions.

My goal was to offer a book that was informative and full of substance, yet personal, relatable and fun ... so that you'll actually read it.

Although a "ghostwriter" was available, I chose to write the book myself so that it would be my voice and because I knew I would learn a lot in the process. Many times along the way, I called Chip Foose, mechanic friends, my Ford dealer and others who work in the automotive industry to ask questions and clarify information.

After more than a year of writing and rewriting, the book finally made it the shelves. It has been an intense undertaking, but also extremely gratifying to be able to put myself out there in an effort to fulfill what I think is a very big need. You can check out "The Garage Girl's Guide to Everything You Need to Know About Your Car" on amazon.com.

Among her numerous accomplishments, Courtney Hansen is the author of "Garage Girl's Guide to EverythingYou Need to Know About Your Car," the host of Spike TV's "Powerblock," the former host of TLC's "Overhaulin'" program and a writer with Wheelbase Media and Auto Shift Weekly magazine. You can e-mail her by logging on to www.wheelbase.ws/media and using the contact link.