Car Maintenance 101: Oil Checks

Did you know that checking your vehicle’s oil level is probably one of the easiest car maintenance tricks you can do? Most professionals are actually bewildered at how few drivers seem to actually understand the importance of regular oil checks. There’s a mentality that goes: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” And while this old saying rings true for a lot of things, it doesn’t translate to: “remember only when already broken”.

In the previous post we tackled the importance of vehicle maintenance, and this is something that all car owners should be aware of. Believe it or not, a number of vehicle problems and breakdowns occur due to simply “forgetting” to check the auto’s oil level. A brand new car will be completely useless in a matter of months if you don’t check and refill your oil.

Before checking your vehicle, consult with your owner’s manual first on what type of oil you need to use for your SUV, car or truck. You can tell the difference between various vehicle oils based on the viscosity or the thickness of the liquid. Be sure to use the type of oil the manual describes. Don’t switch viscosities just because a type of oil is cheaper than your usual brand. Most professionals would actually recommend not changing oil types throughout your vehicle’s entire run.

If you find that your vehicle is prone to oil leakage caused by an unsteady cap, then you may need to replace these faulty parts. For high quality direct replacement car parts or truck accessories, I suggest you conduct your search online. There are numerous parts providers peddling their wares online. For discount auto parts simply follow the link.

When are you supposed to check you oil levels? Before turning your oil checking into a routine, you first need to check your owner’s manual to see how often you’ll need to change your vehicle’s oil. This would vary depending on the number of months and/or mileage.

Most mechanics would tell you that the best time to check for oil levels is every gas fill-up, although if you happen to be a pretty busy person, then you may check your oil levels every week or two. If you still don’t have enough time for this weekly practice, then I suggest you check your vehicle’s oil levels when:

· You notice how your vehicle seems to be using up more oil than before (This is usually a sign seen in older vehicles—most of the time, it means your vehicle needs some engine work)

· You’ve been using your vehicle more

· You’re about to take a long trip

· You’ve been taking more frequent drives around town

· The oil levels are low but not low enough for you to fill the tank up

Remember to check your oil levels while the engine is still a bit warm. Take note: warm and not blistering hot. Oil level results are usually more accurate during this time.

Follow these easy steps when checking your vehicle’s oil level:

Step 1: Prop up your hood.

Step 2: Look for your dipstick or oil stick. This stick is usually located near your vehicle’s oil fill cap.

Step3: Take out the dipstick as evenly and as straight as possible.

Step 4: Wipe down the dipstick using a paper towel or a piece of cloth. Try to get it as clean as possible.

Step 5: Take the dipstick and insert it into the tank once again. Do this as straight and as evenly as possible, up to its full length. Then remove it once again, keeping the dipstick as straight as possible.

Step 6: Look at the dipstick to determine the oil level. There are many different dipstick-types used depending on your vehicle type, model or maker. Indicators may vary according to the dipstick used, but most of these dipsticks usually have marks that indicate a “full” level—meaning no oil is needed. If the dipstick indicates an “add” level, then you need to add a quart of oil. If your vehicle needs oil, proceed to step 7, if not, skip and go to step 8.

Step 7: Depending on your oil level, it may be necessary for you to add more than just a quart of oil. To add oil, follow these simple procedures:

Reinsert your dipstick.

Remove your vehicle’s oil cap.

Carefully add a quart of oil. Be extra-careful to avoid spilling anything.

Recheck your oil level. If it’s still pretty low then add around half a quart more then check again.

Repeat these steps until your vehicle has enough oil. Replace your oil cap after you finish these procedures.

Step 8: Reinsert your dipstick and replace the oil cap.

The Importance of Vehicle Maintenance

So far we’ve tackled the numerous ways by which you can easily conduct effective car/vehicle reparations and some ways on how you can easily maintain the various parts of your ride. Let’s take a break from the technicalities of repair and automobile upkeep to focus on the importance of vehicle maintenance.

While learning to repair your vehicle is a great way to cut costs, there are also a number of undeniably important reasons why it’s just as vital for you to conduct regular maintenance on your car, SUV or truck. The following are some compelling arguments on the value of vehicle maintenance.

By carefully maintaining your vehicle, you increase driving safety. You can be the world’s most effective and skillful driver, but with a rotten ride, you and your vehicle become accident-prone. Every year, thousands of accidents become a result of vehicle neglect. It’s not just bad driving that causes accidents, in fact when it comes to the majority of automobile accidents around the world, you have faulty brake systems, worn wiper blades and tires, exhaust buildups and leaking gas tanks to blame.

You help reduce pollution with vehicle maintenance. Most countries around the world have anti-smoke belching campaigns to help save the environment. Each year, your vehicle’s noxious emissions contribute directly to global pollution. A well-maintained vehicle will easily limit the amount of dangerous fumes and automotive fluids released into the air and local water tables.

Another reason why you should maintain your vehicle is it definitely lowers your cost of operation. It’s common sense, I know, but it never hurts to point out good advice, right? The point is a well-maintained car wouldn’t need too many repairs. Meaning, you won’t have to keep on heading to your car mechanic and ordering car parts or truck accessories if you keep your vehicle in excellent condition. But just in case you do need to get high quality, discount auto parts, simply follow the link.

A hidden advantage behind careful maintenance is that in case you do decide to sell your used vehicle, you’re going to get a better price. Most buyers value excellent vehicle performance and condition over the car model. So it only follows that a well-maintained five-year-old vehicle is going to fetch a more handsome price compared to an ill-maintained and broken-down two-year-old car.

If you keep your vehicle well-maintained, expect it to perform better. You lengthen your vehicle’s great performance if you keep a careful eye on its vital fluids, oil and various parts. If you don’t maintain your vehicle well, expect it to quickly show signs of internal wear. Your car will also be more dependable if you make sure that it is always in good condition.

And lastly, a well-maintained vehicle will mean less roadside emergencies. There’s nothing more frustrating then having your vehicle break down in the middle of nowhere with no tools at hand. Lessen your chances of getting stranded due to a cracked radiator, bad tires or a malfunctioning battery by making sure your vehicle is in excellent condition prior to a long trip.

Remember, these are just some of the main reasons behind keeping your vehicle well-maintained. In the next few days, I’ll be featuring more vehicle maintenance tips to ensure that you get the best performance out of your ride.

Top 10 Common Problems: How to Fix a Soft Tire

One of the consistent causes of worry for drivers is the condition of their tires. After using the car on a regular basis, the tires have a tendency to lose air which results into a soft tire. Under extreme situations, the tires may eventually deteriorate further which will lead into a flat tire. The continued use of a soft tire may endanger the driver and the car itself. The driver can also check replacement tires from various online stores to fix the problem permanently.

For Soft Tires:

1. Fill the soft tire with much-needed air to return the tire’s condition to normal.

2. Inspect carefully the tire for any signs of puncture or other damage.

3. If you see any shards of glass or any sharp object that embedded in the tire, it must be removed immediately.

4. Once the first step has been accomplished, you have to check the tire regularly to see if it will soften after a short period of time.

5. If the tire softens up after a short amount of time, feel your hand on the tire to determine the exact location of where the air is escaping.

6. Once the location of the puncture has been located, a flat-fixing solution can be used on the tire until it can be bought to a local garage where it can be fixed.

7. You can also get the best tires here at Discount Auto Parts.

Traveling in excess speeds might be risky as the fixed tire may be sensitively prone to damage. When this occurs, pull over and check the tightness of the lug nuts or the condition of your tires. You can also check out new tires to replace your old one from any truck accessories store. Be sure to drive safe and be attentive to the road in order to avoid anything harmful to you and your vehicle.

Top 10 Common Problems: How to Replace the Headlights

The first thing that you should do to know whether your headlight isn’t functioning well is by knowing which one isn’t working properly. To do this, you simply need to turn on your headlights and check which one is dimmer. After doing that, you should check the manual whether you’ll need to replace the bulb only or the whole headlight system. Meanwhile, when buying car parts such as headlights you may want to check out the vast array of online stores out there.

After purchasing the most suitable headlight, here’s what you should do:

For Replacing the Full Headlight:

1. Get the best headlights here at Discount Auto Parts.
2. Most headlights are inside the engine compartment of your car so in order to get to it, you should open your car’s hood first.
3. Once again you’ll be using your manual so you can locate where your headlight system is placed inside your car.
4. Remove any nuts and screws and place them in a container which is easily accessible.
5. Remove the headlight system and be careful not to throw it in your regular waste basket.
6. Install the new headlight and don’t forget to the plug the old wires that you removed from your busted headlight.
7. Put the screws and nuts then close your car hood.

For Replacing the Bulb:

1. Repeat steps 1 and 2 from the first section.
2. Twist the black plastic ring that holds the bulb in place and be sure to do it carefully.
3. Pull the bulb and its housing out from its assembly.
4. Put the new bulb in the empty housing, reinstall the black plastic ring then close the hood.

Turn Signal Indicator Light

Now let’s move on to the turn signal indicator light and although it isn’t as big as the headlight, having it working in goodcondition wouldn’t hurt at all. If your car’s turn signal indicator light is already dead, here’s what you should do:

1. Just like your headlight, you should first check your manual in order to get familiar with its specifications.
2. Purchase the specific type that is stated in the manual from any car or truck accessories store.
3. Open its assembly and if it’s a front indicator light you should open the hood whereas if it’s a rear light you should open the trunk.
4. Unscrew the existing bulb and install the new one.

Remember to always be careful and read the instructions very well before repairing or replacing any car part or car add-on. For quality headlights, be sure to check out The Parts Bin. They have free shipping.

Top 10 Car Problems: How to Fix a Busted Car Alarm

We’ve tackled different car parts already and this time around, we will be dealing with the most common problems that every car owner has to deal with. First and foremost, your car’s safety is an integral part of your concern as a car owner and having a durable car alarm will always be of good help. However, things don’t always work the way they should for some reasons and when your car alarm starts malfunctioning you better be ready. Before you start looking for a replacement from a discount auto parts store, here are some troubleshooting tips I have for a car alarm that doesn’t work the way it should:

1. Read the manual and see whether there are tips that can help you fix your car alarm woes.
2. This may seem pretty obvious but your faltering car alarm might just need new batteries so better check it as well.
3. If your car alarm remote control is not working properly, be sure that nothing impedes the radio waves between the car alarm and its remote control,
4. Aim right. Yes you read that right, some remote controls are really sensitive so be sure that it’s aimed at the car alarm so it’ll work.
5. If things still don’t work out, I suggest you seek a professional advice and consult your problem about your car alarm.
6. If you can’t get an appointment with a professional, you can opt to temporarily disarm the alarm by:
   • Not turning it on
   • Switching off the alarm console
   • Removing the fuse that arms the alarm

Overall, knowing what to do to your vital car or even truck accessories such as a car alarm can save you not only money but more importantly valuable time.

Buying Car Parts Online?

Buying your car parts online is not a bad idea. Buying them from a fraudulent site is. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of auto parts dealers parading their wares on the Web. Deciding on the most reliable source for your car parts is a crucial thing. Here are a few tips on how to buy discount auto parts online:

Conduct a background check

Always look for signs of professionalism and expertise before subscribing to online car part dealer’s services. It never hurts to spend a few minutes googling for background information on the dealer. If there is a phone number indicated in the site, call it. Also, feel free to inquire about the sites at the Better Business Bureau. Every region (supposedly) has one.

Knowledge is Power

When buying car parts, it is important that you are familiar with the device. Not knowing anything about the part would probably make the search, not only longer, but futile as well. Also, the internet is flooded with small time auto parts dealer that don’t know the difference between a radiator cap and a distributor cap.

Another sure sign of an online import auto parts dealer’s reliability is how much information they include about the product. Also, always look for warranty information. Remember, knowledge about the product reflect the integrity of the site.

Credit is good, really

Online dealers that accept checks and cash are rare. However, your credit card should do the trick. One advantage of purchasing thru credit card is that there is such a thing as fraud protection. Some credit card companies even improve on the fraud incident coverage mandated by law. Paypal is another good payment option, as this method also offers fraud protection. Conversely, online buyers should be warned that it is not advisable to use a debit card, especially for the first transaction.

Radiator Hose Replacement

The radiator is beyond doubt an essential part of your vehicle. Fulfilling a crucial part in the cooling process of the automotive system, the auto radiator is something your vehicle can never afford to lose.

In order for your radiator to deliver its task effectively, it must be properly connected to the engine of your vehicle. The link that binds the engine and the radiator is an automotive component called radiator hose. This radiator device, which is usually rubber-made, comes in different types. Some of the most common types are the accordion hose, molded hose, and the ordinary radiator hose.

Every vehicle owner should know the importance of the radiator hose. When this auto part fails to function properly, the engine is likely to overheat. No matter how sturdy a radiator hose is, it will be subjected to deterioration sooner or later. In view of that, it is best to change your automobile’s radiator hose once every four years. It is also essential to bring them to the experts for regular assessment.

On the other hand, there are occasions when your radiator hose will malfunction despite your efforts to provide it with optimum maintenance. Breakage and leaks are some of the signs that should prompt you to replace your radiator hose. As an ordinary vehicle owner, you might suppose that replacing the radiator hose of your vehicle is something that should not be done alone. That is a common misconception. There are some automotive procedures that you can entrust to your own hands. Replacing the radiator hose is a process far from being complicated. You just have to gain mastery of its basics.

1. In changing your radiator hose, the first thing you have to do is bleed dry your radiator from its existing coolant. Using your dependable pliers, let loose of the pet cock located at the bottom of the radiator.
2. When you are certain that the radiator has been totally freed from the old coolant, do not forget to tighten once again the pet cock.
3. After entirely removing the old coolant, you can start getting rid of your defective radiator hose. First, undo the clamps of your radiator hose. Afterward, move them toward the center of the radiator hose. Then lightly pull the hose.
4. You need to grease the interior of your new radiator hose before you put them in place.
5. Grasp the new radiator hose tightly as you fasten its clamps.
6. Replenish the radiator system with new coolant.

After correctly following these six easy steps, you can be assured that your vehicle will not suffer from overheating due to a defective radiator hose. You don’t really have to see a professional mechanic just to have your radiator hose replaced.

Easy steps in checking engine oil

Checking the oil of your engine is important. But when checking it, you don’t have to be like a measuring stick. Anyone could check their engine oil like a professional mechanic by following simple steps.

Be sure to first warm up your engine if you’re planning to check your car’s oil. This is because when oil is hot, it expands and when it’s cold, it contracts. These differences in temperature will give different results so be sure to just check the oil when engine is warm. Also, be sure to park your car on a leveled surface. After that, turn off the engine.

Open up your car’s hood and look for the dipstick. This is the long piece of metal with a loop at one end that sticks out of the engine. You can usually find this close to the spark plugs. Just take out this dipstick and clean up the oil on the dipstick with a paper towel or rag. Replace the clean dipstick but be sure to push it all the way in for accuracy, then pull it back and hold it in front of you in a horizontal position.

 

 

Observe the pointy end of the dipstick and check if the oil on it is below the line that’s marked “full.” When that is the case, add a small amount of oil, about less than a quarter of a quart, using a funnel. There are a lot of dipsticks that simply have two lines with a cross hatch design in between. The oil should be halfway between these lines.

Unscrew the oil filler cap tin order for you to add the oil. If there is a need for more, then add more oil. But be careful when adding oil as it is easy to fill it up but it’s rather difficult to remove it if you add just a little bit to much oil. Then, put the oil filler cap back on and there you have it, you have just successfully changed your oil!

Simple as though it may be and you might think that a lot of car owners already know this but you’d be surprised on how many car owners still go to repair shops or car shops to have their engine oils checked and other car parts. This must be done properly in order to create an accurate reading and for you to know exactly what to do if there’s too much or too little oil.

The oil lubricating system is a closed system as the oil does not get used up or does not go anywhere. If it is at an all-time low, there’s a great possibility for oil leaks to occur. These leaks always get worse and if the engine loses too much of it, auto parts will soon get damaged. You don’t want that to happen as repairs will cost way more than by simply properly checking your car’s engine oil.