How To Flush Your Car Radiator By : AutoTips
Your car coolant system and radiator should be flushed at least every 2 years. Why? Because the chemicals in anti freeze begin to lose their effectiveness and rust and grime can build up in your engine and radiator ....
Most mechanics will tell you that one of the most overlooked maintenance items on a motor car is the coolant system.
It's just that people don’t even think about it until they are on the side of the road with the hood up and steam pouring out of the radiator. This traffic nightmare can be avoided by some simple routine maintenance. Your coolant system should be flushed every 2 years and the anti freeze replaced as well. The chemicals in anti freeze begin to lose their effectiveness and rust and grime can build up in your engine and radiator.
This will clog up your engine’s cooling system and cause your engine to overheat. The good news is very little mechanical skills are required to flush your radiator system and keep your car running for years to come.
Simply follow these steps:
Step 1. Locate the drain valve on the radiator to drain it. It should be located on the bottom of the radiator. Be sure to drain the fluid into a container and not the ground. Once you have drained it, close the drain valve.
Step 2. you are ready to install a back flush kit. This kit is inexpensive and can easily be purchased at a local auto parts store. Simply follow the instructions on the back on the packet. Basically, you have to cut the heater inlet hose going to the top of the engine. This is where you install the T section provided in the kit into the line. Slip both ends of the hose onto this fitting and tighten the clamps provided in the kit. Go ahead and connect your garden hose to this fitting.
Step 3. Now place the diverter that came in the kit into the opening on the top of the radiator. This is where the water and coolant will pour out from when you start to flush the system. A hose or tube will be helpful to direct the run off into a bucket.
Step 4. Okay, now go ahead and start the engine. Turn the heater on high and also turn on your garden hose. Coolant is now circulating through the engine and coming out through the diverter on the top of the radiator. Continue this process until clean water begins to come out the top.
This should ONLY take a few minutes...
Step 5. After a few minutes have passed by, go ahead and turn off the engine and your garden hose. Now drain the radiator again into a bucket and close the drain valve when you are done.
Step 6. You should next add the new anti freeze. Pour the entire contents of the anti freeze bottle into the empty radiator, and fill it until coolant pours out of the neck. Screw back on the radiator cap and you are done. Make sure you have also screwed back on the provided cap onto the T fitting you installed.
Step 7. Take your car for a test drive around the block a couple of times, and make sure that everything is working okay.
Now you have a back flush fitting installed for the next time you need to flush your radiator and it will be a lot quicker. You will thank yourself the next time you pass that unlucky person on the side of the road with an ominous amount of steam cloud pouring from under the hood.
How to Choose an Auto Repair Shop By : AutoTips
No matter what you're driving--a family sedan, high performance sports car, pick-up, or even a mini-van, when you need some auto repairs or service done, you expect the job to be done right ....
What should you look for when selecting an auto repair shop?
The best advice is ALWAYS ask for recommendations from friends, relatives, family, and other people you trust. Fellow employee's and workmates are a good place to start. Best if you locate a reputable auto repair shop before you actually need one.
This way you avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision.
Shop around by using the telephone or Internet for the best deal, and then compare warranty policies on your repairs that need doing.
Inquire to see their licenses and note if they're current or not. If there's state or local law which requires auto repair shops to be licensed or registered.
A good idea is to make contact with your state Attorney General's office or local consumer protection agency and see whether there's a record of complaints about a particular auto repair shop.
Above all, make sure the auto shop will honor your vehicle's warranty.
IMPORTANT AREAS TO CONSIDER
* Become familiar with your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's suggested service schedule.
* It's a good idea to shop around for an auto repair shop before you actually need one; it will help when making decisions because you're not in rush or in a panic.
* It's always best to seek recommendations from friends and associates. The old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is still the best advice you can count on.
* Look for a tidy, well-organized auto repair shop, with cars in their parking lot of similar age and value as your own.
* All shop policies including labor costs, guarantees, methods of payment, etc., should be in open view to the public.
* Find out if the auto repair shop you're considering using usually does your type of repair, especially if you need major mechanical work.
* Are they a professional shop with a clean customer service area.
* Do they display any civic and community service awards, long-term membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair status, customer service awards. etc.
Put in a bit of leg work and research and it will reward you both now and with any future servicing and repair jobs you may to get done.
What should you look for when selecting an auto repair shop?
The best advice is ALWAYS ask for recommendations from friends, relatives, family, and other people you trust. Fellow employee's and workmates are a good place to start. Best if you locate a reputable auto repair shop before you actually need one.
This way you avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision.
Shop around by using the telephone or Internet for the best deal, and then compare warranty policies on your repairs that need doing.
Inquire to see their licenses and note if they're current or not. If there's state or local law which requires auto repair shops to be licensed or registered.
A good idea is to make contact with your state Attorney General's office or local consumer protection agency and see whether there's a record of complaints about a particular auto repair shop.
Above all, make sure the auto shop will honor your vehicle's warranty.
IMPORTANT AREAS TO CONSIDER
* Become familiar with your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's suggested service schedule.
* It's a good idea to shop around for an auto repair shop before you actually need one; it will help when making decisions because you're not in rush or in a panic.
* It's always best to seek recommendations from friends and associates. The old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is still the best advice you can count on.
* Look for a tidy, well-organized auto repair shop, with cars in their parking lot of similar age and value as your own.
* All shop policies including labor costs, guarantees, methods of payment, etc., should be in open view to the public.
* Find out if the auto repair shop you're considering using usually does your type of repair, especially if you need major mechanical work.
* Are they a professional shop with a clean customer service area.
* Do they display any civic and community service awards, long-term membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair status, customer service awards. etc.
Put in a bit of leg work and research and it will reward you both now and with any future servicing and repair jobs you may to get done.
What Causes A Car Engine To Backfire By : AutoTips
How does your motor car run at present? Does it *sputter* and *spit* and repeatedly *backfire*, then afterwards it starts running okay, again? ....
Does your motor vehicle engine run okay?
Or does it cut-out on you sometimes around town or when your on a long trip? Does it *sputter* and *spit* and repeatedly *backfire*, then afterwards it starts running okay, again?
Symptoms of this type can be several things.
1. You could have a sparkplug wire shorting out.
2. You could have an electrical wire shorting out.
3. You may have some water in the fuel tank.
Now, let’s discuss these three things mentioned above.
Over the years you probably haven't had your fuel tank full at all times. With a fuel tank half full, the upper part can cause condensation. This condensation will slowly build up and run down into the bottom of the fuel tank.
WATER IN THE FUEL LINE
When you start to pass another vehicle you call upon the fuel pump to give you more fuel. The fuel pump starts working overtime and picks up more fuel, then the water and/or moisture goes into the line along with the fuel. The fuel filter catches this water and since water is heavier than gasoline, it drops to the bottom of the filter.
Next you accelerate even faster to get around the car that your trying to pass. Right?
What happens when you floorboard it?
Simply put, you're asking for more fuel so that you can accelerate even much faster. With the filter partially full of condensation, water, some of it gets picked up into the fuel line and goes to the carburetor or injector. But you no doubt will hear some unusual noises and/or a sluggish feeling until the car engine smooths out and way you go!
A SIMPLE SOLUTION
You can quickly and easily solve this problem (that is: most of the time) by simply changing the fuel filter at least two or maybe three times a year.
However, if changing your fuel filter does not fix the problem then most likely you will have to get a mechanic to remove the fuel tank and clean it out.
How to Upgrade Your Car Wheels By : AutoTips
There's lots of options these days when it comes to wheels. You can upgrade from old steel wheels with plastic covers, to aluminum or chrome plated wheels....
Generally speaking, wheels, rims and tires are pretty simple.
It doesn't take much to work out that a car make, model and year generally requires one size as far as the wheels go. But the type of tires you place on those wheels really has to do more with personal preference than anything else.
There's lots of options these days when it comes to wheels. You can upgrade from old steel wheels with plastic covers, to aluminum or chrome plated wheels (a.ka. "Rims") It's really a matter of how you would like your vehicle to look.
WHEELS CAN MAKE A FASHION STATEMENT
There are hundreds of styles and fashions you can choose from. Most Tire and Wheel Centers carry a complete catalog you can browse through and pick the wheels that you like the most.
Side point: It is possible to also find wheel catalogs online that will give you at least some sort of an idea of what you would like to put on your car.
There is also the option of choosing painted wheels or "rims". In most cases this is for a more rugged or rough look. You can have practically any wheel painted in just about any color you like. This is also highly popular if you have your brake calipers painted as well.
This pretty much applies to tires as well. There are plenty of choices you can make. There are extra big tires, slim tires, extra wide tires, monster truck wheels and lots more. The possibilities are almost endless these days.
But if you still can't decide on what style of wheel and tire you like consider going with a more practical approach.
WHAT ARE LOCAL WEATHER CONDITIONS?
What's the normal weather patterns in your town. Does it rain a lot? Then perhaps a good choice would be a set of wheels that give the car more traction. But if you live in an area where the weather constantly changes, perhaps an All-Terrain or All-Weather set of wheels and tires would suit you the best.
No matter what approach you wish to take, upgrading your wheels and tires is usually a lot of fun and a great way to spruce up your car plus... give it an all around better ride.
How To Deal With A Blown Head Gasket By : AutoTips
A blown head gasket can be a costly automotive repair any way you look at it, but there are some ways to make sure you get the most value out of your repair....
The very first thing you need to do is to make sure the diagnosis is correct. Then, find a reputable dealership or repair shop to handle the repair, preferably one that has a lot of experience in engine rebuilds and head gasket repair. Then, with the tips following, be sure to ask a few key questions to make sure the repair is done correctly.
Experiencing higher tempatures can quickly damage an engine by causing warping of the heads or the block, or even cracking. The sooner the engine is stopped after realizing the head gasket is blown, the better the chances of rebuilding the top end without major consequences.
WHY CHECK FOR WARPING?
The mechanic or auto shop that performs the rebuild should know to check for warping of the block surface, the head surface, and to check for cracks in the head. These checks may cost a little more, but the consequences can be much more costly in the end if they are not checked. If the block is slightly warped, do ahead and have it flattened; if the head needs to be repaired, it can be decked to get the surface straight again.
If the head is actually cracked it'll more than likely need replaceing. However, some mechanics have had success welding and repairing them. It really all depends on the ability and experience of the mechanic that is working on your car.
And... it all depends on the location of the actual crack.
After all of the parts are cleaned and/or repaired, its time to have it assembled. Most shops will know to torque the heads down to specs, and to use all new studs on the head. This helps make sure that the head is fastened on securely.
DON'T USE OLD STUDS
Using the old studs can create a situation where the head is not properly torqued because the studs will stretch when they are torques. Old studs have already been stretched, so the torque value will be different than a new stud.
You can see the difference in the treads if you hold the two studs up together. These are a few things to look out for when having a head gasket repaired.
You can look to spend between $1,200 and $2,000 depending on how much work needs to be done. Don't make the mistake in paying a discounted price any winding-up with less experienced workmanship.
The results will oftentimes cost you more.
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