9 Steps For a Winter Ready Car

The last thing any driver needs is to break down in cold, harsh winter weather. A vehicle check now before winter arrives is a sensible way to be car care aware and avoid the inconvenience of being stranded out in the cold and with the unexpected expense of emergency repairs, says the Car Care Council.  

 

“Winterizing your vehicle before the temperatures drop is a wise idea,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “An investment of an hour or two to have your vehicle checked is all it takes to have peace of mind and help avoid the cost and hassle of car trouble during severe weather.”

The Car Care Council recommends the following steps for winterizing your vehicle:

• If you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.

• Have the battery and charging system checked for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries.

• Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every two years. 

• Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.

• Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.

• Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.

• Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

• Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.

• Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate. Have your technician check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.

Motorists should also keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Drivers should check the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication. 

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. 

Reference Links:

1) For more information, visit www.carcare.org

How Fuel Injection Systems Work

In trying to keep up with emissions and fuel efficiency laws, the fuel system used in modern cars has changed a lot over the years. The 1990 Subaru Justy was the last car sold in the United States to have a carburetor; the following model year, the Justy had fuel injection. But fuel injection has been around since the 1950s, and electronic fuel injection was used widely on European cars starting around 1980.

Now, all cars sold in the United States have fuel injection systems.
In this article, we'll learn how the fuel gets into the cylinder of the engi­ne, and what terms like "multi-port fuel injection" and "throttle body fuel injection" mean.

This Video explains you clearly, how its work..

Reference Links:
1) Content had referred from here
2) If you wish to purchase Fuel injectors go with this link
 

Why change your Fuel Filter ?

Dirt is the #1 enemy of your engine's fuel system. Even the smallest piece of dirt can damage a fuel injector, resulting in erratic performance, poor gas mileage and, in some cases, complete engine shutdown. A clean fuel filter is one of the best ways to ensure dependable, trouble-free performance. That's why most car-care experts recommend replacing the fuel filter in your vehicle approximately every 10,000 miles or once a year for peak performance. (Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for recommended procedures and maintenance schedules.)
 
Most fuel injected vehicles employ a stainless steel in-line fuel filter located either ahead of the rear wheels on the underside of the vehicle or in the engine compartment.
Regular replacement of the fuel filter will prevent harmful contaminants from reaching the fuel injector(s) and possibly passing into the engine.

Note: Since the majority of newer cars use electronic fuel injection systems, this guide covers the steps for replacing the fuel filter In a fuel injection system.

To change your fuel filter you will need:

• Drive-on car ramps or jack stands (with sufficient capacity for vehicle weight). Depending on the location of your fuel filter, these may not be required.
• Open-end wrenches designed for use with filter connections, and pliers.
• The correct replacement fuel filter for your specified vehicle and engine.
• A supply of clean rags.
• Safety glasses (required).
• An approved container to catch spilled fuel. 

Before changing your fuel filter:
Proper maintenance and service procedures are vital to the safe, efficient operation of all motor vehicles, as well as to the safety of the person performing the work - you.

Whenever you are working on your vehicle, we recommend that you follow these important safety rules:

• Do have a first-aid kit handy
• Do be careful when working around hot or sharp objects
• Do follow the manufacturer's instructions for all products
• Do use safety stands under the frame or drive-on ramps if you must raise your vehicle
• Don't run the engine without proper ventilation
• Don't smoke when working around the engine

 

Reference Links:

1) For more information, visit us

2) To Purchase Fuel Filter visit Theautopartsshop website

 

Best Gas Mileage – Replace Oxygen Sensors

The oxygen sensor is important to both gas mileage and emissions. The oxygen sensor (if your car has one, it most likely has at least one) is part of the emissions control system and sends important information about how the engine is running to the computer that controls the amount of fuel it gets. The sensor reads the amount of oxygen in the exhaust, converts the reading into a signal, and sends that signal to the computer. If there is too much or too little oxygen in the exhaust, the computer will detect an incorrect air / fuel mixture and adjust the amount of fuel entering the engine. The oxygen sensor tells the computer how the engine is running under all sorts of changing conditions, such as the altitude, the temperature of the air, the temperature of the engine, the barometric pressure, the load on the engine, etc.

If the oxygen sensor fails, the computer will run the engine in “open loop.” This gives the engine too much fuel, which is safer than a lean mixture, but gas mileage suffers. The oxygen sensor is actually designed to do just that. As contaminants from normal combustion and oil ash accumulate on the sensor, it cannot respond as quickly to changes in air / fuel mixture, so it ends up giving the computer a false lean signal. For that reason a clogged oxygen sensor will cause the vehicle to use more fuel and should therefore be replaced as part of a regular maintenance plan.

You can consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for information on when you should replace your oxygen sensor, but general guidelines say:
1976 to early 1990s vehicles, every 30,000 – 50,000 miles
mid-1980s to mid-1990s vehicles, every 60,000 miles
mid-1990s and newer vehicles, every 100,000 miles

Since oxygen sensors are so important to best gas mileage, they should be replaced when in doubt. Other things can cause an oxygen sensor to fail, such as leaded fuel, excessive oil consumption (the condition of your spark plugs can alert you to this), road salt, oil, and dirt.

Still not convinced? A failed oxygen sensor can also cause big dollar problems. Since a failed / failing sensor will make the engine use more fuel, it will also cause more unburned hydrocarbons to enter the exhaust. This will cause the catalytic converter to run hotter than normal, and if it runs hot enough, it will melt internally forming a partial or complete blockage.  This could cause the engine to stall and suffer a drastic performance loss due to increased backpressure in the exhaust. Not only will this reduce gas mileage, it will increase emissions, most likely causing your car to fail inspection. Replacing a catalytic converter is expensive, as much as $1,000 on some cars.

Periodically replacing the oxygen sensor can increase gas mileage as much as 10%-15%.

Reference Links:
1) Purchase new Oxygen Sensors at Theautopartsshop
2) For more information Please check this link

How to Install Universal Electrical Fuel Pump

This video is about how to install a universal electric fuel pump. Airtex is committed to providing the most up-to-date, in-depth fuel pump replacement information that professional technicians need to diagnose, repair and install today's complex fuel delivery systems. Airtex is the only U.S. automotive aftermarket manufacturer that designs and builds electrical AND mechanical fuel delivery system components, including modular reservoir assemblies, electric fuel pumps, mechanical fuel pumps and in-tank sender and hanger assemblies, for a full range of car, truck, fleet and specialty vehicles.

Reference Links:
1) To get full length video, click here
2) Purchase Electrical fuel pump at Theautopartsshop

5 Most Common Car Air Filter Problems

A vehicle air filter is an easy to replace project but many times forgotten. An internal combustion engine needs air to be mixed with the fuel. This air comes in through the air filter. Without adequate air intake, the fuel mixture will be too rich with gas to burn properly, and the engine can be starved of needed oxygen.

Most automobile manufacturers recommend the air filter be replaced every 12,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. If you live in an agricultural area, an area high in dust or any location where there is a lot of impurities in the air, you should consider changing your air filter more frequently. These filters are usually made of layers of filter paper. You might remove the dirt from the outside layer, but the inner layers can still be clogged. Because filters are relatively inexpensive, it is usually better to replace than try to clean them.

There are problems associated with a clogged or dirty air filter, and the symptoms can be different depending on the size and type of engine you have in your vehicle.

Black Smoke in Exhaust

If you are seeing black smoke exiting the exhaust pipe, this can be a symptom of a clogged air filter. With the reduced oxygen, the mixture will be too rich. In other words more fuel will be used in the combustion leading to black soot like residue being sent out of the exhaust.

Rough Engine Noise

If the engine sounds like it is missing or running roughly, it can be caused by spark plugs not firing. One cause of this is the spark plugs are not firing due to the head covered with black soot residue left on the spark lead from the rich fuel mixture – which is a result of a dirty or clogged air filter.

Engine Back Firing

If you hear the sound of an explosion or something that sounds like a gunshot coming from the exhaust pipe, this again is caused by the rich fuel mixture and some unused fuel exiting the engine into the exhaust system and then igniting from the heat. You might even see a flame at the end of the exhaust pipe. Again, probably caused by a air filter than needs to be replaced.

Lower Gas Mileage

With the lower oxygen in the mixture, the engine will use more fuel than needed to run the engine. This will cause the mileage per gallon ratio to decrease significantly.

Smell of Gasoline in the Exhaust

When starting the vehicle, if there is a smell of gasoline, this is again caused by the lack of air getting into the carburetor or fuel ejection system. With this reduced quantity of oxygen there will be fuel unneeded for the combustion being blown out in the exhaust.

A simple item that often overlooked in the maintenance of a vehicle is so critical to its performance. Lower gas mileage, burnt parts, and even flames shooting out the rear of the vehicle can all be prevented from occurring. With a routine inspection and replacement of the air filter, you can increase your fuel efficiency and help the car run better and longer.

Reference Links:
1) Read more about this article at here
2) Get quality Air Filters for your Car at here
3) Repair your Air filters at here

5 Problems a Bad Engine Mount Will Cause

To know when to replace or fix an engine, there are five problems a bad engine mount will cause. Engine motor mounts themselves are small parts that are meant to stabilize, as well as properly align, a vehicle’s engine. So, even though these mounts are small, they play a large role in the overall functionality of the heart of your vehicle - the engine. Moreover, when these supposedly small and minor aspects of the vehicle go bad, the mounts can cause a variety of problems for your vehicle. Consider these problems as “symptoms,” because if you note the problems, you can understand why they are happening, and what you can do about them. Do not worry, these symptoms are quite obvious, so it is an easy task to spot them.

Engine Vibration

The first symptom to note is an excessive amount of engine vibration. Because motor mounts are meant to keep an engine secure, bad mounts will lead to an insecure engine that will bounce about. At times, there may be a sound emitting from the engine hinting of vibration, however the more common symptom is a felt vibration on the passenger’s side. If you do not often have visitors sitting on the passenger’s side that would tell you something is wrong, place your hand on the passenger’s seat from time to time to check for excessive vibration.

Misalignment

Securing a motor not only fastens an engine, but aligns it, meaning that the engine’s height is ensured to be equal on all sides. If the motor mounts are in fact bad, the engine will sag and droop to one side. Again, there may be noises emitting from the engine that does not sound quite right. Check on the engine and inspect to see if the engine is tilted. If so, the mounts are bad. However, if the engine is tilting excessively, an engine block may result. In other words, your car may stop in its tracks—check the engine for drooping, and, if so, replace any and all motor mounts as necessary.

Engine Damage

The third symptom is an extreme case. If motor mounts break off completely from an engine, and are not just loose or cracked, an engine can shift from one side to another, bouncing about. This presents a safety hazard if you are driving your vehicle in high speeds; the engine may shift and bounce about so violently that various parts will fly off.

Broken Belts and Hoses

Besides indirectly breaking engine parts, bad mounts can lead to damaged belts and hoses. Again, these various engine fan belts and radiator hoses will be damaged only during high speeds.

Excessive Noise

Earlier symptoms include parts that are simply not working, from engine parts to belts and hoses. However, the most common symptom is just excess noise. Note any knocking or clanking, as this general noise means something is wrong. It may mean one of the previous symptoms, or something completely new, but, regardless of what is wrong, it means that you know something is wrong.

Reference Links:

1) If you are looking to purchase best engine mounts, click here
2) For more information about this article click here

Car ac compressors

Car AC Compressors

For a large number of us, the length of our auto is running great, we may not ponder the several parts cooperating in the engine to present to us our familiar luxuries. The aerating and cooling compressor is one of those parts that regularly gets a great deal of utilization and gives that basic cool air on hot summer days. The ventilating compressor does precisely what its name says - it layers refrigerant and sends it to your auto's air condenser. The whole process is fueled by your motor's commute cinch (or cinchs). The very pressurized fluid refrigerant believers to a gas and is flowed into tubes where the high temperature from the gas is immediately discharged, bringing about it to cool. The cooled gas then returns go into fluid structure as it comes back to the compressor. The cooled gas is utilized to chill the auto's lodge air.

Likewise with whatever other part on an auto, its hard to focus precisely to what extent any one particular segment will at last, yet there are a few elements that help decide to what extent a compressor will have the capacity to do its employment. The principal is the age of the auto. Most current autos have cooling frameworks that are viewed as dependable, so real issues are uncommon. Be that as it may like other auto parts, as an auto's age and mileage start to include, you can expect that the wear and tear throughout the years will result in parts to fizzle or breakdown. On account of the A/C compressor, this can mean next to zero cool air originating from the framework.

To keep your auto's compressor fit as a fiddle as the year progressed, its suggested that you run the A/C compressor consistently, to keep the framework working appropriately and to expand its life span. Numerous autos utilize the A/C compressor for capacities of warming and ventilation in the defrost cycle, as well. In any case if your auto doesn't, you ought to run the compressor for no less than 10 minutes every month, actually amid the winter months.

One final point to note: If the compressor has as of now been supplanted in your vehicle, the lifecycle may not be the length of the plant unique part. Numerous reseller's exchange car parts sites will cite an one- or two-year guarantee on the part - be that as it may, obviously, they can unquestionably last any longer with the correct consideration.

Reference Links:
1) Buy quality Car AC compressors at Theautopartsshop
2) For Repairing click here

Car door mirrors

Door Mirrors:

The principal outside mounted back perspective mirror was utilized on an Indy race auto in 1911, yet the originator said he got the thought from a stallion drawn carriage plan he saw in 1904. The principal creation vehicles to use outside back perspective mirrors, or entryway mounted mirrors as they are known today, was in 1914. There are numerous organizations that make entryway mirrors, for example, Dorman, LKQ and CIPA and additionally numerous others. Obviously there are the OEM suppliers for Lexus, GM, Ford, Nissan, Infinity and the various household or remote vehicles out and about today, however the real supplier is not by any means critical the length of the mirror fits and capacities as the first.

The entryway mounted side perspective mirror can originate from the plant as a basic reflect that you must modify by hand the distance to an extremely mind boggling reflect that is worked electrically, has the turn signal inherent and consequently diminishes when your lights are turned on! We should take a gander at all the distinctive sorts.

Reference Links:
Click here to purchase Door Mirrors

Cars And Their Tracks Defy Gravity. Mindblowing

Driving cars is every man’s dream. Going at high-octane speed on dangerously curvy roads make for the ultimate adrenalin rush. Here the London-based artist Gerry Judah creates mind-boggling sculptures of race cars shooting through the sky and swerving in all directions as if gravity doesn’t even exist. {Source: www.judah.co.uk}