Posts Tagged ‘Car Maintenance’
Benefits of Original Equipment Manufacturer Car Parts
Your car’s alternator isn’t indestructible – it won’t last forever. Neither will your catalytic converter. In fact, your fuel injectors, ignition switch, and muffler can also fail. Every auto part under your vehicle’s hood can unexpectedly expire and need to be replaced.
If you take your car to the dealership, they’ll use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. On the other hand, the mechanic at your local repair garage is likely to use aftermarket alternatives. Which is better?
Claiming one choice is always better than the other is overly-simplistic; it ignores subtle pros and cons of each. Here we will compare the advantages of OEM parts versus purchasing their aftermarket equivalents.
The Advantages Of Aftermarket
Aftermarket components and systems are less expensive than their OEM counterparts. The percentage you will save might vary depending on the item your car needs. Be cautious. A lot of aftermarket units seem low-priced, but hide defects that can leave you stranded at the side of the road.
And, the quality can be comparabile to Original Equipment Manufacturer systems. The reason is because the automaker is often forced to offset the performance of the component with other factors. For example, consider anti-lock braking systems. The manufacturer has to make sure the pads don’t squeal; otherwise, customers will complain. The problem is that high performance brakes are often noisy – ensuring the brake pads are silent sacrifices performance.
Yet another advantage of buying after-market components is that they’re widely available. Mechanics can easily obtain any replacement part your vehicle needs. In fact, they’ll often have them in stock.
The Advantages Of OEM
OEM parts also offer significant advantages. First, you’ll always know what to expect from them. They are nearly identical to the systems that were installed within your vehicle at the time it rolled off the factory floor.
Second, you won’t need to examine a given component in order to spot defects. Original Equipment Manufacturer parts provide a consistent level of quality and are designed as seamless replacements. That means there is no reason to be concerned with compatibility and performance issues.
Third, they’re typically supported by a one-year warranty. For example, if you have your alternator replaced and it malfunctions within the first year, the automaker will replace it with another OEM alternator without cost. The experience might not be the same if the alternator were an aftermarket unit.
Which Is The Most Appropriate Choice?
There are a few reliable rules of thumb to follow. First, if you’re replacing anything on your car’s frame (for example, a body panel), you should opt for Original Equipment Manufacturer replacements. Second, if you’re leasing your vehicle, you should also choose OEM parts. Otherwise, you’re likely to lose your deposit when you return the car. Third, for something like an alternator or a fuel pump (a key component), OEM is always the better choice.
On the other hand, if you’re willing to take a risk (and the risk can be substantial) in order to save a few dollars, aftermarket parts may be a good investment.
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The Truth about Car Air Filter Placement
The recommended changing of a car’s air filter falls into a wide range of possibilities. Some experts claim that doing so every 3,000 miles helps to ensure that your vehicle’s engine is performing as efficiently as possible. Others claim that swapping it out every 30,000 miles is sufficient. In truth, neither is entirely correct. It;s based on more factors than the standard 3000 miles indicators. What’s more, this is one area in which it might behoove you to ignore your owner’s manual (I’ll explain why in a moment).
The basic job of the air filter is to prevent dirt, grit and debris from getting to your car’s engine. This is important. When foreign particles enter the engine, they can accumulate and cause expensive damage. By filtering them, your engine can remain free of debris and perform more effectively.
In this article, I’ll explain why your driving circumstances will influence the frequency with which you change your air filter. I’ll also describe its value in the context of fuel injection systems.
Consider Your Driving Situation
Depending on the drivers, car are driven under many different extreme circumstances. For example, you might drive in an area that is not exposed to a large amount of dust. If that’s the case, you might be able to drive 20,000 miles without needing to replace your car’s air filter. On the other hand, suppose you live in a city that undergoes perpetual construction. Dust and dirt are an ever-present part of the immediate environment. In that case, you may be able to drive 10,000 miles before needing a replacement part.
The more dust and debris that is in the air or kicked up on the road, the more frequently you’ll need to buy a replacement. This is the reason why you should only use your owner’s manual as a guide. The automaker has no way to know whether you’re driving your car in extremely dusty conditions or not.
The Age Of Fuel Injection Systems
All never cars come standard with a fuel injection system, therefor making carburetors obsolete. The benefits of the fuel injection is that it is a more efficient tool to blend air and fuel for combustion. That allows your car engine to perform with greater fuel efficiency. The problem is that a clogged filter can play havoc with the system. Your car’s computer system will attempt to regulate and recalibrate the mixture based on airflow, but the ratio is never truly precise. As a result, fuel efficiency plummets and your engine’s performance is hampered.
Invest A Few Extra Dollars
When it’s time to buy a new air filter, spend a few extra dollars and invest in quality. A high-quality replacement will generally cost less than $20, yet its overall impact can be enormous. It will protect your engine from dirt and other foreign particles, which prevents damage and improves performance. It will also affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
You should also check for clogging in your air filter every time you have the oil changed. You may not need to swap it out, but at such a low cost, it’s far better to err on the conservative side.
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A Simple Guide to Car Manual Transmissions
Most of us drive vehicles with automatic transmissions. They’re more convenient for daily commuting and they’re more prevalent; automakers equip the majority of their fleets with them. Having said that, cars with manual transmissions are generally more fun to drive, especially on highways and roads uncongested with traffic. The magic is in the control given to the driver. In effect, the motorist chooses which gears to hit and when to hit them, allowing him or her to maximize engine performance.
Even though manual trannies are becoming rarer each year, they continue to be the main ingredient in performance vehicles. In this article, we’ll take a quick tour through manual transmissions. I’ll describe the basics regarding how they work, including how moving the shift knob through the gears translates into drive power to the wheels.
Keeping Below The Redline
The car engine has a limit like anything else; this is commonly referred to as the “Red Line”.” When you put pressure on the gas pedal, you’ll hear the engine grow louder as the RPMs climb. The redline is the point past which your engine becomes in danger of failing – or blowing apart under the stress.
Most engines enjoy their peak performance at approximately 5,500 RPMs. For efficiency the goal is the reach as close to that level as possible with out ever crossing it. That’s what a manual transmission does. It lets the driver set the gear ratios that allow the engine to operate within its optimal RPM range without exceeding the redline.
Gears & Clutches
In a manual 5-speed or 6-speed, the driver controls the gear ratios through the clutch, a component that connects the engine with the transmission. When the clutch pedal is pushed down, the connection is severed. When the clutch pedal is released, the connection is reestablished. When connected, engine powers the revolutions of the output shaft which in turn powers the layshaft. The geers teeth interlock with the spinning gears to coincide with the engine spinning.
How The Shift Knob Contributes To Gear Selection
From a top-down perspective, the positions of the shift knob look similar to an “H” formation. When you move the knob into a particular position, it powers a gear selector fork. That fork powers a collar within the tranny. The collar is outfitted with dog teeth that fit into the grooves of the 1st through 5th (or 6th) gears. Depending upon the position into which you move the shift knob, the corresponding gear will be engaged.
A car’s manual transmission follows a beautifully graceful design. This doesn’t mean the design work is rudimentary. On the contrary, like a Swiss watch, the gears, dog teeth, and other components adhere to a well-honed precision. For car aficionados, that level of precision translates into irreplaceable engine performance.
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The Cost of Small Auto Repairs can Skyrocket
Some auto repair jobs come with prices that seem appropriate given the size of the part, time required to fix or replace it, and the value of having a particular problem resolved. Others can mysteriously cost an arm and a leg, even if the issue is unimportant and fixing it carries negligible value.
The fact is, there are a lot of parts, service jobs, and repairs that can take a significant bite out of your checking account despite seeming small or easy. We will explore several car repair options that seem small but can be extremely costly.
More Than A Cosmetic Scratch
Think of the consequences of a low front end as your drive over a speed bump. You get out of the car and notice some minor damage on the bottom of the front bumper. Thinking the biggest expense will be the inconvenience of having to wait while the damage is repaired, you take your vehicle into a local garage. Prepare yourself; the cost to fix it might run into the thousands of dollars.
The bumper can actually hide structural damage in the front-end. Actually, even when the bumper appears to look just fine, the front-end may need replacing.
Foreign Performance Models
You could fill a small book with the types of repairs that can cost an exorbitant amount of money when done on a performance vehicle. For example, consider an exhaust valve that needs to be replaced. Normally, the cost would be about $30 in parts and additional $30 in labor cost.
On a high-end car designed for muscle, the price tag can skyrocket. It’s not uncommon for a small job like this to turn into an expensive nightmare. For example, the mechanic may need to practically remove the entire engine in order to get to the valve. And more then likely he will charge way more then $30 for his labor.
Seeing White Smoke
White smoke coming from a car’s tailpipe looks innocent enough. It can be the first sign that future repair, replacement parts, and expensive mechanic bills are headed your way. When you’re driving, your engine goes through a combustion process. Coolant keeps the surrounding temperature under control. If the coolant gets into the combustion chamber, it will burn and produce white smoke.
There are a couple of ways this can happen. Sometimes, the gasket can break and need to be replaced. Diagnosing the problem and narrowing it to a simple gasket issue usually means removing the intake manifold. And that’s the least expensive path. If you remove the intake manifold and discover that the gasket is fine, your mechanic will need to start dismantling the engine. That will be expensive.
Unfortunately, many auto repairs that turn out to be enormously expensive cannot be avoided. However, the next time you visit your mechanic for a “minor” job, you’ll at least be prepared for possible bad news.
Keep your car repair bills to a minimum by using used auto parts and recycled replacement parts. Consider Everdrive Used Auto Parts
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Exploring Common Misconceptions About Car Maintenance
Millions of people are fooled into accepting the myths by commercial advertisement and untrustworthy mechanics. For example, the idea that your vehicle must have regular oil changes every 3,000 miles is an absolute falsehood. Similarly, your technician’s advice to have your radiator flushed once a year is more for his bottom line than for preserving your cooling system. Despite this, a lot of drivers spend unnecessary time and money following such advice.
Today, I’m going to describe 2 more common fallacies about car maintenance. These are myths that are perpetuated not only by your local mechanic, but by your dealership’s service technicians. Learn them and save your money.
#1 – Frequent Tune-Ups
Unless you’re driving a vehicle that was built when disco was still the rage, your car’s engine probably doesn’t need a tune-up. The service was performed in order to adjust the engine and moving car parts during a time when carburetors were installed in every model. With the standard of cars being built today, the only thing that a tune up requires are the spark plugs. And those just need to be replaced every 50,000 miles. Everything else – the ignition, fuel injection, and idling of the car engine – is controlled by computers.
Unfortunately, dealerships continue to tell their customers that they need to bring their vehicles in for a tune-up after 60,000 miles. That’s not surprising. The bottom line is, it increases their profits.
#2 – New Air Filters
Think back to the last time you took your vehicle in for an oil change. Did the mechanic suggest a new air filter? Did he subtly imply that your car might sustain damage if you neglected to replace it? This is a common mistake. First, the air filter catches debris before it can enter the engine. Over time, the filter can accumulate so much dust and dirt that very little air can flow through. At that point, it’s a good idea to replace it. But, it takes a long time for the air filter to reach that stage.
Of course, that doesn’t stop auto technicians from recommending the replacement every time you visit. From their perspective, you come to their shop ready to spend $20 on an oil change and end up spending $40. What’s not to like?
Auto Maintenance Education Saves Money
Your vehicle requires ongoing preventative maintenance. This is part of the preservation and making it last. But, it’s too easy to waste valuable time and money following bad advice from mechanics and dealership technicians. Remember, their goal is to increase their sales; many of them are willing to do it at your expense.
Chances are, your vehicle doesn’t need regular tune-ups. Nor do you need to replace the air filter as often as your mechanic might suggest. As always, follow your owners manual. It’s the best way to keep your car in great condition.
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Exploring Recycled Auto Parts
Due to the ever increasing prices of most all commodities, the selling of used Honda parts and other used car parts has now become widespread because the savings are tremendous and the quality remains high.
You have to be careful though or you could get taken. And that’s why one of the best places for buying used parts is the Internet…when you know what to look for and the sites to trust.
The salvage yards can serve you because they offer a wide variety of used vehicle parts but the quality and guarantees are unreliable.
Getting used Honda parts has always been a process treated with skepticism. People misconstrue and believe recycled auto parts are unreliable and that they may konk out after only a few days or worse be dead on arrival.
But lately, retailers are changing their policies and increasing the quality and testing which provides assurances to you before buying. The parts undergo thorough testing, which proves their quality and helps you rest more comfortably. These Honda parts are molded again in their new shape which makes it extremely hard to identify the old ones from the new ones.
Now, the Internet has become the latest vessel for buying all types of products including used Honda parts and other types of used car parts. So, for getting cheap and high-quality used auto parts, the Internet has come of age and is more than a handy option because the quality remains and you get the product shipped right to your door.
So, now it becomes important to select the right site for buying and getting the parts at affordable rates.
You hot buttons on whether to buy or not to buy might be:
1. Simply Purchasing Procedure: We live in a fast paced society where time is valuable, so fast simple and easy always wins out.
2. Wide variety of Products to cover the majority of your potential customers.
3. Safest Place: It is one of the safest places to buy good quality used auto parts as well as other used parts. And look for an iron-clad guarantee so your site visitors have no hesitation entering their credit card information and hitting the buy button.
Purchasing used car parts in working condition is much better than spending all the money for a new Honda car or even new Honda parts at retail prices.
You cost include shipping , transportation and other overhead costs that are tacked on by retailers.
This is where recycled parts purchased through reputed online sites are reliable and also maintenance free. And you can get more life out of the car you have already depreciated rather than throwing away good money on new cars and new parts.
The online Internet has opened the market for getting quality deals now more so than ever in the past. This includes both foreign and domestic.
Even with the struggles Honda is having and the car dealers are having the maintenance and parts businesses are thriving. It’s one of the bright spots for auto dealerships.
Of course, savings is the major advantage of buying used Honda parts. New parts have much higher markups and profit margins than old. So do you want to pay for a retailers overhead?
Because online sellers operate with very low overhead, prices can be kept low and affordable for various auto parts including engines, alternators, and transmissions.
There is a big market worldwide for used auto parts.
I highly recommend purchasing used transmissions and engines because they’re reliable. Also used side panels and bumpers are other big ticket items you can save on without loss of function or looks.
Since online barriers to entry within the used auto parts business is low, many services have popped up opening a lot more choices for consumers. Also there is plenty of material readily available to help you research and make a qualified and educated decision. The only thing left for you to do is read all required notices and terms and then make your choice.
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Exploring your Car’s Fuel Pump
Every fuel injection system (FIS) relies heavily on the fuel pump. Located next to – or often within – the tank, it has two jobs. First step is to ensure that gasoline adequately supplies the injectors. Second, it needs to generate the right level of pressure so the injectors can deliver the proper amount of gas to the engine. If something goes wrong with this part, the issue can impact your vehicle’s performance and increase its level of emissions.
In this article, we’ll explore this component in detail. We’ll look at the potential problems that can occur and how to diagnose them. I’ll also provide insight about replacing the car parts that a lot of motorists might be surprised to learn.
Things That Can Go Wrong?
The purpose of your car’s FIS is to provide the precise amount of gasoline for any type of conditions in which the car engine is operating. This level of precision is one of the reasons the injection system replaced carburetors years ago. When the fuel pump fails to work properly, the injectors cannot add the right amount of gas to the mixture. As a result, your vehicle’s engine might run “too lean” or “too rich.” That can cause idling problems, a persistent stumble, power loss, or trouble during cold starts.
Running too lean or too rich can also lead to misfiring. When that happens, your vehicle will produce higher levels of emissions (i.e. hydrocarbons) which more than likely will make your car fail a smog emissions test.
Diagnosing Problems
Let’s suppose you’re noticing symptoms while driving that suggest the pump is failing. It’s possible that the issue is simply a bad connection. It’s also possible that your battery isn’t generating a sufficient charge to operate the fuel pump, so check the battery’s voltage output. If the problem is not related to a connection or a low charge coming from your battery, check the static pressure. If the component does not match the description stated in the owners manual, you may need to replace it.
Replacing The Unit
The first thing you’ll need to do is to make sure the replacement car part is a good match for your vehicle. Just because it fits does not mean it’s appropriate. Again, look at your owner’s manual. It should list the proper specifications that your car’s fuel pump must meet. If you install a replacement that is poorly matched for your vehicle, it will work. However, you’ll probably notice performance issues.
The industry has undergone a fair amount of consolidation in recent years. Because of this, many fuel pumps are bought as a “one size fits all” configuration. Realize that this configuration may not meet your automakers standards. When the time comes to replace the part, make sure it meets original equipment parts (OE) specifications. That way, you can be sure that the replacement doesn’t cause your engine to run too lean or too rich.
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Exploring the Cooling System of Your Car
Every minute you’re driving, your vehicle’s engine goes through its combustion process thousands of times. As it does, it produces intense heat. Nearly half of that heat leaves through the tailpipe and dissipates in the air. The other half must be absorbed by the auto parts that comprise your engine. That includes the pistons, the cylinder heads and other car part components.
On their own, these parts cannot withstand the high temperatures generated by combustion; they would start to malfunction and eventually fail completely. Luckily, your car has a cooling system. It is specifically designed to help these components soak up the excess heat without their being destroyed in the process.
Below, I’ll give you a brief overview of the three main car parts that make up your vehicle’s cooling system. I’ll explain the job they do and how they help ensure your engine doesn’t overheat.
#1 – Water Pump
The “secret” behind your cooling system’s effectiveness is the coolant. It circulates throughout the engine and surrounding components, absorbing much of the excess heat along the way. Then, it travels into the radiator which is cooled by constant airflow.
In order to circulate, the coolant must be pumped along its path. This is the job of the water pump. It’s powered by your car’s timing belt, though older models might have a flat belt that powers the pump. If the timing belt breaks, it cannot operate the water pump, which will ultimately prevent the coolant from circulating and absorbing the heat.
#2 – Plumbing
By plumbing, I’m referring to the auto parts through which the coolant travels. That includes a network of hoses, valves, and the radiator. This includes the heater core, but that is not a significant part of this dialog. We’re mainly concerned with the hoses. Because the hot coolant travels through them continuously, they deteriorate quickly. A lot of car enthusiasts recommend replacing the hoses every three years. Every four months, you need to check them for fissures and cracks. The hoses are relatively inexpensive, so if you notice crack – even small ones – replace them.
#3 – Sensors And Thermostat
Your car’s cooling system is equipped with sensors, fans, and a thermostat to monitor and control the temperature around the engine. They work together as a team to help make sure the temperature does not exceed a certain limit. If any of these parts fail, the temperature can rise higher than normal. When this occurs, your car’s performance will suffer and emissions will increase.
It is impossible to overstate the importance of your vehicle’s cooling system. When all of the components involved work properly, your car’s engine will perform its combustion process without problem. However, if the water pump, hoses or valves, or sensors or thermostat malfunction, your vehicle can overheat. And that can easily lead to expensive car engine damage.
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Quick 6 Step Guide to a Car Check Up
To maintain a smooth running car ride, you need to service it regularly. The good news is that even though a mechanic can do everything for you, most of it can be done in your garage. We’re not talking about overhauling your engine or transmission. We’re referring to the little things that can influence your car’s performance, maneuverability, and handling over time. Below, I’ll provide a 6-step checklist that you can use to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top condition.
Step 1 – Check The Oil
Get used to checking your oil every few weeks. That way, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your engine will remain well-lubricated while you’re driving. Often, engines will begin burning or consuming too much oil. Checking it periodically will help you keep on top of potential problems.
Step 2 – Check The Coolant
You should check your car’s coolant level regularly, especially if you drive for long distances. Even though it’s easy to keep the reservoir filled, a lot of drivers neglect going so. If you allow the levels to get too low, you car engine is likely to overheat. That can lead to expensive damage.
Step 3 – Inspect The Air Filter
Inspecting the air filter regularly, especially when you change the oil in your car is a good idea. You won’t need to replace it each time (unless you’re driving over extremely dusty roads), but you should replace it when it gets dirty. The air filter is designed to trap and catch debris to that it does not get into your engine. Over time, the accumulation of dirt and dust will prevent proper airflow.
Step 4 – Fill Up Your Power Steering Fluid
Sometimes, it’s easy to take your vehicle’s power steering for granted. But, the ease with which you turn your wheel requires that you keep the fluid level topped off. Check it at least once a month. Then, if the level seems low, look in your owner’s manual to check whether a particular type of fluid is recommended.
Step 5 – Repair Dents And Dings
Not only do they look unattractive, but dents and door dings can also pave the way for rust to settle in. Unfortunately, being on the receiving end of these small blemishes is practically a foregone conclusion. As inconvenient as it is, getting them fixed can prevent costlier problems later.
Step 6 – Test The Lights
Most cars today are designed to warn the driver that one of the headlights is about to fail. The turn indicator will begin blinking rapidly before the light completely fails. To make sure that you haven’t missed the problem, get into the habit of checking your front and back lights every two weeks. The last thing you want is to find out one of your lights is broken while you’re driving in poor weather.
The six listed item are simple and easy to perform. They merely require a few minutes of your time. By keeping on top of each of them, you can help ensure that your vehicle is operating properly. During your check up, if you see signs of other problems like engine oil burning, you should let a professional mechanic inspect your car. You can also save money by requesting used auto parts for some of your car part needs.
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Several Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start
Each of us has gone through the experience of discovering our vehicle won’t start. We climb behind the wheel, turn the key, and feel the creeping sensation of dread as the engine refuses to roar to life. Usually, it occurs when time is not on your side. Even more discouraging than losing your main means of transportation is not knowing what is causing the problem. Is it the battery? The starter? The ignition switch?
Plenty of things can go wrong under your car’s hood which will immobilize it. The trick is knowing how to narrow down the culprit so you can either fix the problem or have your mechanic do it for you. We examine several of the potential reasons your vehicle will not start.
When The Car Engine Doesn’t Crank
If you turn the key and your engine fails to turn over, the problem is usually located in the ignition system, starter, or the battery. If your battery is the source of the issue, it may be because of low voltage or a bad connection between the poles and terminals. To fix a low voltage problems, a jump start and driving the car for 20-30 minutes will solve the problem.
First examine the wires if you think the problem is the vehicles starter. If they’re clean and tight, the relay or solenoid may be bad. Otherwise, you may need to replace the entire starter. If your battery and starter are fine (your mechanic can test them for you), the problem is likely in the ignition system.
When The Auto Engine Does Crank
If the engine turns over when you turn the key in the ignition, but it doesn’t actually fire, the cause is a lack of spark, a lack of gas, or lack of sufficient compression. The fact that your engine is turning means that your battery is delivering voltage and your starter is being triggered.
You can purchase a spark testing device from most auto supply shops. Assuming there’s fuel in your gas tank, check to see whether your fuel pump is working properly. The vehicles which are rolling off the automakers floors today come equipped with fuel injection systems. Because the are more exact, there are also more prone to pressure variations. If there’s a problem with the fuel pressure, the cause will likely be the fuel pump.
In order to check the compression level, special testing device is required. Most mechanics have them readily available (for their use, not yours), so this test may best be left to your local repair garage. The mechanic will probably remove the spark plugs in order to check all of the cylinders.
As noted above, some issues are easily solved. Others will require help from your auto technician. The next time you’re stranded because your car won’t start, you’ll be better prepared to identify the cause.
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Do It Your Self Car Water Pump Replacement
When you drive, your vehicle’s engine heats up. It can withstand a certain level of heat, but if the temperatures rise too high, the engine can become damaged. Your car has a cooling system to help make sure that doesn’t happen. The water pump is an important part of that system. It circulates coolant throughout your radiator and engine, and keeps the heat down. Unfortunately, like any of your car’s parts, it can fail. When it does, it cannot effectively manage the high temperatures that build around your engine.
In this article, I’ll explain how to replace your vehicle’s water pump. If you are inexperinced with working on a car, it is recommeded that a mechanic perform this task. It’s not difficult, but it can take a few hours and require a bit of experience.
The Preliminary Work
Before you replace it, you’ll need to drain the cooling system and get rid of the residual coolant. Place a large pan underneath the engine to drain the fluid. Next, take the drive belt off (you might need to remove the alternator). In order to gain access to the part, you may also need to take the pulley off.
Finally, take off the hoses which connect to the water pump. Keep in mind that hoses can deteriorate quickly. Since you’re removing them, now is a good opportunity to replace them. It is inexpensive and you are removing them anyway.
The Job
You’ll likely notice between six and eight bolts that are connecting the component to your car’s engine. In most cases, the bolts will be in two different sizes (automakers like to make these jobs tougher than they need to be). You will need a socket wrench set to remove the bolts.
Be aware of which bolts secure the parts before removing them. Then, once you have removed them, slip the water pump off the engine. Once it’s off, replace the gasket. We suggest you add some sealer to make sure it bonds well. Next, install the new water pump and make sure that it aligns properly with the new gasket.
Manually screw back the bolts by hand before securely tightening them with a socket wrench. This way you make sure it is evnely tightened for a secure fit. Connect the hoses and start replacing any parts (i.e. alternator) that you needed to remove to gain access. Once everything is put back together properly, add new coolant to the cooling system.
Start your car and let it idle for a few minutes to allow the temperature to rise. Also, look underneath the body to make sure there are no leaks. Finally, It’s time for a quick test drive of the car for about 10 to 15 minutes and check for any indication of overheating.
Replacing your water pump is not a quick job. As noted, I recommend that most people ask their auto technician to handle it. That said, with a little patience, a few tools, and some experience, you can perform the job yourself.
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Being Savvy With Car Maintenance
Being Savvy With Car Maintenance
Some auto maintenance tasks are critical to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and lasts a long time. For example, getting oil changes every 5,000 miles, keeping the right amount of pressure in your tires, and changing your air filter occasionally are important. That said, there are plenty of car maintenance items that are a waste of your time and money.
The problem is that dealership service centers and local repair garages often give advice that is suspect. Much of the rhetoric is based to increase sales rather than car performance.
Because ongoing car maintenance is so important to the life of your vehicle, I’ll describe the tasks you should be doing as well as those which you can do without.
Mind Your Tires
Despite the myriad of parts under the hood, your tires on the only parts that actually contact the ground (hopefully). Be sure to check you vehicles tire pressure monthly. Tires leak over time; they need to be filled. If they’re underinflated, the treads will wear down and you’ll end up replacing them far sooner than normal. Also, rotate them occasionally. The tires in the rear have more longevity than those in the front. Rotating them keeps the tread wear even.
Tune-Ups: Are They Necessary
If you’re driving a vehicle that is less than 10 years old, you probably don’t need a tune-up. The point of a tune-up is to adjust and recalibrate mechanical parts. These days, most of the parts (i.e. oxygen sensor, ignition switch, fuel injection system, etc.) are controlled by a computer. As a result, there is very little to “tune up.”
Regular Oil Changes
Years ago, when engines were less sophisticated and motor oil was less advanced, a trip to the oil change shop every 3,000 miles was a good idea. However, that’s no longer the case. Today’s cars only need to have the oil changed every 5,000 miles.
Maintain Your Brakes
Every time you press down on your brake pedal, your brakes experience a little wear and tear. If you neglect them long enough, you’ll eventually hear a painful grinding sound as exposed metal rubs against other metal. Visit a repair shop as soon as you notice any problems. If you catch it early enough, you may only need to have the pads replaced. When you hear grinding sounds, the rotor more than likely is bad and needs to be replaced.
Change Your Air Filter
Your air filter has an important job: it needs to catch dirt and debris before it enters your car’s engine. Every time you are on the road, it performs it's job dilegently. The problem is that it gets clogged with debris over time. When that happens, air flow becomes restricted which can affect your engine’s performance.
Check the air filter each time you change the oil. The dirtier the streets on which you drive, the more quickly debris will accumulate. They’re inexpensive, so they can be replaced without breaking the bank.
Your vehicle may handle perfectly, but all auto parts eventually are subject to break down due to wear and tear. Invest time on the auto maintenance tasks above to make sure your vehicle lasts as long as possible.
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Guide to Keeping your Auto AC working
When the weather is hot, most drivers roll up their windows and turn their vehicle’s air conditioner on. The cool air flows through the vents and the temperature inside the car’s interior drops. While the driver and his passengers may feel comfortable, his car may be on the verge of overheating.
One of the natural enemies to your vehicle's engine is heat. Too much of it will cause it to overheat which can lead to expensive damage. Fortunately, your car has a cooling system; its job is to keep the temperature of your engine within an acceptable range. The problem is that parts within the system can fail.
We will explore and describe some of the functions of the car's cooling assembly that consistantly are under stress. I’ll explain what you should check on a regular basis, and how to prevent your vehicle from overheating and leaving you stranded.
Parts Under Stress
A number of belts and hoses comprise the cooling assembly. The belts deliver power to your alternator, water pump, and A/C compressor. If one of those belts breaks, fails, or somehow becomes loose, it will not be able to trigger the part to which it sends power. That can potentially cause your vehicle to overheat.
The hoses funnel coolant to your radiator. That coolant is critical to managing the heat which surrounds your engine. Without it, the temperature would increase to the point of overheating. If the hoses are cracked from wear and tear, the neccessay coolant would leak out prior to reaching the radiator. Because of this, the ability to absorb the temperature is gone.
When you drive during the summer, the temperature under the hood can approach 300 degrees Fahrenheit. That intense heat can cause the belts and hoses of your cooling system to break or rupture. If you’re driving under stressful circumstances – for example, pulling a heavy load up a steep hill – your engine can easily overheat.
At-Home Or In-Garage Inspection
Visit your dealership’s service center or your local repair garage to have a mechanic look at your car’s belts and hoses. If they are worn down, it is required that your replace them. You can examine and inspect the hoses and belts yourself, if you know what to look out for. However, if there’s a chance that you might overlook a crack, small fissure, or any signs of extreme wear, ask a mechanic to take a look for you. It may cost a few dollars, but it will protect your car engine.
How To Prevent Overheating
Keep your eyes on your vehicle’s temperature gauge while driving. It can spike without warning, especially on hot days. If you see it rising, turn your A/C off, roll down your windows, and activate the heater. It may sound counterintuitive, but having the heater on will help lower the temperature around the engine. Also, if you’re driving in stressful conditions (up steep hills, etc.), turn your A/C off.
Even though automobiles today are designed to better withstand heat, they're still susceptible. Fortunately, with a little car maintenance, you can help your car stay cool and preserve the life of your engine.
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