Don't you love it when someone says they know barely enough about a car to start it and put it in gear' Or the person who says the car they want to sell you is so dependable, they've had to do nothing to it for over a hundred thousand miles. Probably they misunderstood those possibly misleading "maintenance free" ads.

But wait a minute! A person ought to have a little more understanding about their vehicle than just getting in and going. And no maintenance for over a hundred thousand miles? This says the vehicle is long overdue for a lot of maintenance and repair that someone's going to pay for.

It's in the Book: The Owner's Manual

Fact: The largest circulation and the least read publication is the vehicle owner's manual.

Fact: The person who's more knowledgeable about their vehicle is likely to be a better maintainer of that vehicle.

Fact: The better the vehicle is maintained, the more likely it will be to provide safe, reliable transportation. It's probably more fuel efficient and should retain its resale value, too.

Reason enough to bone up on car care? Most of what you'll need to know about your vehicle is in the owners manual, but some publications and internet web sites make it more appealing.

How much do you really need to know? Are you planning to do your own oil changes or just check your oil? Or will your education merely lead you to the benefits of checking and changing on schedule? These are the kinds of car care information that determine how to pursue your quest for knowledge.

Most drivers will profess to know how to check their oil and windshield washer fluid, even if they don't do it as often as they should. A person may be aware of a thumping sound on a smooth road surface but not be aware they have a serious tire problem. (This thump can be caused by a lump on the tread surface caused by a defect. It can result in a blow-out). A little reading about tire sounds and symptoms might prevent an accident if the faulty tire fails.

Knowledge Is Out There

This kind of information may not be in the owner's manual, which is why motorists are urged to seek it out. Where to go? Among sources:

• Special car care publications such as the one you're reading now.

• Google it. Car care information is everywhere on the internet.

• Bookstores and the library have numerous automotive books on their shelves.

• Classes. Consumer information about car maintenance is available through adult education and through classes sponsored by community organizations and auto clubs. Girl scouts have classes and offer merit badges for car care proficiency.

• Driver education. Not all driver ed courses include car care but, for students in these classes, questions generally are answered by capable instructors.

• Literature from auto supply stores, tire stores, repair facilities and others in the business.

• TV shows. Watch for automotive advice on TV shows like NASCAR Performance (SPEED) and informational car care segments by experts during NASCAR races.