Should I give my car a tune up?

A tune up is a straightforward task that just about anybody can do.  This will make your automobile more fuel-efficient.  This applies for any motorized vehicle.  The filters are a neat place to start.  Depending how frequently you do a tune up will affect how much of an improvement that you will see.  Most engineers suggest a fine-tune by 60,000 miles.

The engine air purifying device can be your first fine tune item.  The air purifier is located over a carburetor on older vehicles.  The air filter is in the airbox on fuel injected motors.  The fuel filter can be located anywhere between your engine and the fuel tank and should also be replaced.  If the fuel filter is clogged it can make your engine run lean.

Many times if your check engine light has been on it is thanks to the o2 sensor not working in the right way.  This is normally only replaced when it fails but usually won't last long anyways.  Now is also a good time to have your transmission filter replaced.  If the transmission filter has a lot of miles on it the transmission could be slipping.

Replacing this might need to be done by an engineer, unless you are feeling snug enough to it.  The filter is generally found under the transmission pan.  The transmission filter will typically pull straight down and out.  Unless you've got the infrequent, screw on filter like saturns.

The ignition system is also very important and needs attention.  The spark plug wires will usually wear out even faster than the 60,000 mile fine-tune.  Try half that mileage and it'll save you money and difficulties.  Spark plug wires wear out and lose resistance, making the auto run rough and use more fuel.  While replacing the spark plug wires it's also a good idea to replace the distributor cap and rotor.

The engine's distributor cap will come off straightforward, typically with two screws.  It could be quickest to take away the distributor cap first to keep the wires running to the correct spark plug.  When the cap is removed, the rotor will be located under it and typically has a push in tab to release it.  Reload the new distributer cap and proceed to remove one spark plug wire only.

Now it's time to replace the spark plugs.  The spark plugs will usually come out with a five / 8" or thirteen / 16" socket.  Replace the spark plug with a new compatible plug.  Check the gap with a feeler gauge and tap on or pry the electrode back in until you have got the gap the size it needs to be.  Most engines run the spark plug opening between .030" and .045" dependent on the car.

Now refer to the finish line set up on the old distributor cap.  Trace the one wire back to where it needs to be on the new cap.  Do this to all the wire and plugs so they can't be mixed up.  The ignition timing should also be checked by connecting a timing light to one spark plug wire.  The timing setting should be around 8 to 12 degrees advanced or 0 on newer automobiles.

The actual timing spec, together with the spark plug gap, will be displayed under the hood on a tag.  Also if unjustifiable oil was discovered in the air purifying device, you should replace the PCV ( positive crankcase valve ) which will be usually be found in the head, valve cover or air cleaner / box.  If there is no oil in the air filter then the PCV valve is o.k.  This will return your auto to the factory oem specs and will often improve the power, smoothness and fuel economy.
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My Car Won't Start, What Do I Do?

Were you aware that up to 70 p.c of automobiles have not started at one point or another?  A spread of issues could cause the car to become unable to start.  So, what must you do when you are on your way to work in the morning to find that your auto has become immobilized and will not start?  The first thing that car owners have to understand, is to stop consistently making an attempt to start the vehicle, as this only drains the battery, making the problem far worse!  So, here are some common reasons a auto doesn't start, and what to do when your car won't start. 

One of the common reasons that vehicles don't start is low fuel pressure.  Did you know that fuel coming out of the injector is the implies allows a vehicle to start?  Often, when the injector is damaged or even filthy the fuel pressure comes out of the injector as droplets, rather than a mist (which aids the automobile in beginning).  If fuel is being burned in the wrong place, it won't only cause the auto to have issues starting, but it can also cause other bits of the automobile to become defective. 

Has it been a cold night and the car has been parked outside?  Regularly during the winter, a cold engine is the culprit that creates a vehicle not beginning in the early morning hours of the winter.  When the engine is cold, the fuel can not disperse into the spark plugs, creating an engine that is unable to start.  Frequently the engine will continue to be unable to start, till the engine becomes warm. 

Driving the car, or continued starting of the car, even plugging in the automobile could mean the car will be more easy to start in the subsequent morning!  Hence something as simple as starting the automobile after it's become warmed, parking the auto in a heated garage or plugging in the vehicle assists in keeping the engine warm, meaning the vehicle will start earlier the next day. 

What takes place when the vehicle is cold?  The engine is created basically of metal, when the engine is cold - the fuel becomes evaporated into the air before it is able to be absorbed by the engine.  Cold engines aren't good for trying to get a vehicle started.  Cold metal is even worse to attempt to get the car started!


Did you happen to leave the lights on all night?  Was there something like a cellular telephone, PDA or laptop plugged into the cigarette lighter to become charged?  Sometimes, when the battery is dead the automobile can't start.  Most often, the auto just requires a boost from another car, with a set of jumper wires and an energy source, and the car will be good to go again! 

With these techniques you ought to be prepared for the next time that you wake up and find your car unable to start and turn it around so the auto starts with ease. 

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How to Know When I Should Replace My Oil

Getting an oil change is neither complicated nor costly, but many people regularly put off this necessary part of car upkeep.  While there's some discussion about how frequently to switch your oil, most engineers agree that each 3 months, or every 3,000 miles ( whichever comes first ) is a good guideline to keep your auto going nicely.  If you have just lately got a used automobile, you will likely need to get your oil changed as well as take a look at the air purifying device, oil filter, wiper blades, and other parts of the vehicle that need fairly frequent replacement.  It is vital to be aware of the signs that your oil may need replacing.  If you detect any of these signs, or if it's been over three months or three thousand miles, call today for an oil replacement appointment. 

There are several common signs that your auto's in need of an oil replacement.  First, soiled oil is a tell tale indication ; fresh, new oil is light in appearance and moderately see-through, like a dark honey.  Oil that is unclean and used appears dark and murky and will be almost black when it gets very old. 

A second sign you need to take your vehicle in for a change is low oil level.  This is especially true for older or high mileage vehicles, but all cars burn a small amount of oil as they operate.  You can check this easily by pulling out your car's dipstick and checking that the oil level is above the designated line.  If it is low, you wish to replace your oil as quickly as possible to bypass the possibility of your auto overheating or locking up.

A 3rd indicator is your dashboard's warning light.  Most more recent model autos have an oil light alert which suggests that the lubricant level is low or the liquid itself is intolerably soiled.  If your light goes on, you need to take your auto in for service as fast as attainable.  However , you sometimes should not wait till the light goes on to get an oil replacement as the light indicates the oil is much worse than optimum.  In many varieties of autos, the check engine light will also illuminate if your auto wants its oil replaced. 

Eventually, any pinging in your engine or other unusual noises can point to that the oil level is low or it's dirty.  Oil dampens noise and reduces friction, so when it is degraded your automobile will usually begin making different sounds. 

By educating yourself about the signs that your auto needs an oil change you may be more conscious of avoiding potential difficulties.  However , the smartest thing you can do is to be on top of your vehicle maintenance before your car even presents any of these alarm signals.  By having this maintenance performed each 3 months or 3,000 miles you can ensure that your vehicle is going well and your engine life is extended for as long as possible! 

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8 Signs Your Transmission Needs Repair

You could be reading this article as you suspect that something is amiss with the automated transmission in your vehicle.  Often times, folks experience what they feel might be a transmission concern but are doubtful.  Take my advice ; it is much better to address these issues early on than to let them evolve into a disastrous transmission failure. 

Because the automatic transmission is the most complex piece of machinery in your whole vehicle, in no way can an inventory of danger signals be comprehensive.  With that said, here are the eight most typical Problems that have been noted by transmission repair experts over the years.  These are the alert signs that you would like to look out for :

1 ) leakage.  That small pool of pinkish oil that you see when you move your automobile from its parking slot in the morning is an indication of trouble.  Transmissions can leak from just about 20 different external seals- some are very simple to repair[**] while others require more concerned service processes.  Actually, the idea is to have the car looked at right away by a certified transmission repair shop because, much like an engine that gets low on oil, a transmission that is low on liquid can fail utterly in extraordinarily short order. 

2 ) Shaking.  Often a shaking or bucking sensation is experienced, especially at highway speeds.  While this may be an issue of poor engine tune, it may be a malfunction in the transmission.  Take it to an expert that will notice the difference and diagnose it for you. 

3 ) Delayed drive or reverse.  A noticeably longer than normal hesitation for your transmission to engage a gear once the shifter is put in "D" or "R" is another sign of a transmission malfunction.  These delays can be caused by anything from a low fluid level or a band that is wanting adjustment to an internal transmission seal or clutch pack that's failing.  Again, sooner rather than later is the right time to get it checked out.


4 ) A neutral condition on brisk acceleration from a stop or when going around a turn.  This is a classic sign of a low liquid condition.  Remember, unlike an engine where it may be standard for some oil to be consumed over the passage of time if a transmission is low on fluid it is leaking.


5 ) Burning smell.  A burnt odour could be a sign of a transmission that is overheating or is leaking liquid onto the exhaust.  This must be addressed immediately- if engine oil or transmission liquid drips onto a hot exhaust it could catch on fire. 

6 ) Check engine light.  Today's transmissions are computer controlled and a check engine light can be a suggestion of a trans problem, even if you don't have a drivability symptom yet.  Modern vehicle PCs are extremely sensitive and can detect a transmission slip or malfunction that will be minuscule to the driver.  The light comes on to tell you that something isn't right somewhere- hear it and get your auto checked out!


7 ) Transmission Slipping.  Slipping is a condition where the engine is revving but full power isn't getting to the wheels.  Slipping can be due to a variety of transmission malfunctions- none of which ought to be ignored.
 
8 ) Cruel shifting and wrong gear starts.  A hard shift or wrong gear start either on its own or in conjunction with a check engine light could be a sign that your transmission is in a P.  C. commanded "failsafe" or "limp home" mode.  This is caused by your vehicle's computer when it uncovers a transmission fault.  The explanation for this computer plan is to let the driver know that there's an issue and to provide help in protecting the transmission from more serious damage while it is "limped" to a store to be fixed. 


While we often fall into the trap of praying that issues with our vehicles will in some way go away or fix themselves, rarely does it work out that way.  Focusing on and addressing your vehicle's little Problems before they turn into larger ones can often help you to avoid high-priced transmission repairs.

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How to Tell If Your Brakes Need to Be Replaced

Maintaining your car's brakes can make the difference between driving carefully and driving dangerously.  Hopefully you've got your brakes checked on a regular basis so you won't be stunned when it is time to have your brake repair job done.  However if you have let your upkeep go there are still some signs of when you need to have your brakes checked for mend or replacement. 

The most obvious indicator you need to have your brakes repaired is when your brakes squeal when you apply or release them. 

Actually by the time your brakes are making this noise, it suggests your brake pads are down to the metal and they're rubbing up against the metal rotor of your brakes and brake repair is much needed.  This is completely dangerous and you should not be driving your automobile in this condition as you are driving with very almost no braking power. 

Other indicators that your brakes are getting worn include your brakes grabbing when you apply them or your steering wheel vibrating when you apply your brakes.  Another warning sign is your stopping distance increases because it is taking some more time for your brakes to work.  If you've got your brakes looked at sufficiently early, before you are hearing metal on metal you'll still be well placed to get away with some brake fix maintenance that won't mean replacing your full brake system and you may need to have your brake pads replaced. 

Under the best of conditions your brakes need to have at least a 10-12 mm thickness.  By the time the thickness hits four mm it is a good time to replace them and by the point you are hearing metal to metal, your brake pad thickness is down to a threatening two mm thresh hold. 

Some other examples of parts of your automobile braking system that may be maintained or replaced include the brakes rotors.  On older automobiles, the rotors can be shaved low so that the metal is once again smooth, and you can get extra life from the brake rotors on your auto.  On more modern automobiles however the rotors are generally built to be thinner and lighter so the option to shave down the metal for a smooth new life is reduced.  So if you've a more recent car, you almost certainly should replace rather than attempt to turn or shave the rotors down dependent on your technicians advice. 

The life span of your rotors will alter on a wide selection of factors including your driving habits, where you drive, the kind of car you drive and the quality of rotor parts.  You should expect to replace your rotors between 18,000 and sixty thousand miles with all these factors coming into play. 

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