Don't blow it when considering tire inflation
Typically, you should check your tire pressures before you drive the car when the tires are cold and before the air inside expands from heat.
View ArticleBoost your battery maintenance knowledge
Almost all automotive-type batteries today are "maintenance free," which simply means that they are sealed and do not require service of any kind. This doesn't mean, however, that they should be ignored.
View ArticlePut your tires in the rotation
Next to proper inflation, tire rotation is right up there on the list of must-do's for the average driver.
View ArticleThe skinny on your vehicle's cooling system
A good rule to follow is to have your coolant flushed at the beginning of summer or the beginning of the winter.
View ArticleSafety is paramount with replacement parts
Dealers use OE parts because they are required for warranty purposes, repair shops typically buy on price, and the consumer normally chooses those with the best looking ads.
View ArticleTraction reaction
It is common to overreact and overcorrect when put in such a situation, and the most instinctive reaction is to slam on the brakes. That is why Anti-lock Braking systems have become common on most...
View ArticleAn ounce of penetrating fluid goes a long way
Why is it that we mechanics have such a love for this wonder liquid? Well for one, the stuff really works.
View ArticleFood for throttle
We owe a lot to carburetors, for they alone made people and companies alike stop and smell the roadside.
View ArticleCheck that malfunction warning
The most common cause of a lit MIL next to a gas cap fault is that of the misfire monitor.
View ArticleUnlocking the truth about keyless entry
A simple malfunction might have you and your repairer wasting time and money to fix a small glitch.
View ArticleRoad responsibility - know your car
Your mechanic can refuse to safety certify your car if he or she feels that one or more of these parts does not meet industry standards.
View ArticleThe convenience - and cost - of car computers
Modern day automobiles come equipped with upwards of 85 controllers or mini-computers.
View ArticleWinter's effect on your alignment
If you’ve been suffering through a particularly cold winter, you may have noticed the increasing amount of pot holes, raised cracks and sunken manholes in the roadway. These driving conditions can...
View ArticleThe engine serpent
A Serpentine belt system is virtually maintenance free. This is so because they incorporate a spring-loaded pulley that provides continuous tension on the belt and prevents slippage that normally...
View ArticleDon’t blow smoke
The name alone should give you some indication of the role these devices play. The converter is most easily understood however, if it is looked upon as an after burner of sorts and should be considered...
View ArticleA view from the rear
One of the most recent technologies to hit the vehicle market is the use of reversing aids to help drivers see better when backing up. Rear view cameras are now a common feature on medium to high-end...
View ArticleKeep a clear view with windshield wipers
Automotive windshield wiper blades fall among those “wearable” items like tires and brakes that require replacement when they reach a certain wear point. Like tires, wiper blades are made of rubber,...
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