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Book answers
car questions |
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This
edition introduces readers to three areas
of concern that car consumers typically face:
the major systems of a car; the basics of
inspection and maintenance; and the financial
aspects of owning and operating an automobile.
Each section of the car is broken down into
systems and subsystems to help students digest
important concepts. The common tools needed
o perform car maintenance and various minor
repairs are also identified. A segment on
building a preventative maintenance program
is included, which can be tailored to car
owners' needs, driving styles and climate.
Finally, coverage is devoted to the financial
aspects of the car including buying and selling,
insurance considerations, and the benefits
of modern day leasing.
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Do you ever wonder what makes the wheels on your car go
round?
This is just one of many questions that will be answered
in Columbus High School automotive instructor Ron Haefner’s
book, "The Car Care Book."
Haefner said he became involved in writing the book by accident.
"I was looking for a replacement textbook for consumer
automotives," he
said.
He was using a textbook from Delmar, so he contacted the
company to see when a new book would be published.
"I really pushed and encouraged them to get going because
it was a textbook I liked and used," Haefner said.
After being becoming impatient with the delays, he began
writing his own curriculum for his class. An editor from
Delmar contacted Haefner and said he would send him some
information about writing a book and to submit a sample chapter.
"I thought I’m redoing the curriculum any way,
why not write a book," Haefner said about why he agreed
to the project.
After agreeing to do the project, the timeline moved quickly.
A final outline had to be done by October, and in November,
his first editor quit because of health problems. The book
had to be started by Dec. 15 and a rough draft completed
by Feb. 15.
Haefner said most of his free time went into developing the
book. He was averaging two chapters a week. The book has
16 chapters total.
Teaching a class on the topic did help.
"During the spring, I was able to use my class to help
develop a lot of material," he said.
The book addresses three areas of concern that car owners
typically face: the major systems of a car; the basic of
inspection and maintenance; and the financial aspects of
owning and operating an automobile.
After the Feb. 15 deadline, Haefner continued to work on
tests and objectives. He submitted his rough draft to the
technical editors by March 15 and all the chapters were completed
by April 15.
He said he would have never been able to meet all the deadlines
if his wife, Jane, didn’t do all the typing. Haefner
said Jane had experience in typing a manuscript because she
did it for CHS social studies teacher Gordon Steinbrook when
he wrote his book. English teacher Ramona Kluth also did
some of the proofreading before it was submitted.
Haefner said he is still waiting on the pictures. The book
is scheduled for preproduction in October and will be released
in January.
Overall, he said the project went fairly smoothly.
"I was fortunate because I knew the material frontwards
and backwards because I have taught consumer autos for 14
years," Haefner
said.
This background, however, did make it a little more challenging.
Haefner said at times, it was difficult writing the book
so someone with no knowledge would understand.
He said the experience has been beneficial.
"It gave me a better appreciation of what goes into
a textbook," Haefner
said. "It also gave me an appreciation for what students
want in a textbook."
Haefner also wrote the supplement, which is all in electronic
format.
Although the book is not yet in print, Haefner already has
plans for another. He has teamed up with Central Community
College-Columbus Automotive Technology Instructor Nick Wagoner
to work on the book, "Automotive Service."
The book is currently in the proposal phase. Haefner said
before it will be approved, the book must have a wide appeal.
"It has to fit their curriculum and what they want," he
said. "It is very market driven."
