Recommended Motor Oil
2002 Toyota Corolla
An ex-girlfriend contacted me on Facebook and was asking me about the recommended motor oil for her 2002 Toyota Corolla. Unfortunately she asked her question after she had her oil changed at a car wash that offered a quick oil change service.
It seems that they had talked her into performing an oil change using the most expensive synthetic oil. They explained to her that this was a much better quality of lubricant and she wouldn’t have to change her oil as much in the future stating it would actually save her money.
The service including a free car wash and was $110 total which is pretty high considering if she chose the conventional motor oil maintenance special it would be around $25 including the car wash. My problem with her going for the synthetic oil change is that I believe firmly in sticking to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended motor oil.
Automotive Air Filter Maintenance
2009 Cadillac SRX
This next article about automotive air filter maintenance is just an opinion from a mechanic. Sometimes since mechanics are educated in the ways of the automobile they may find themselves becoming more vigilant when it comes to their own maintenance of their beloved personal automobile or cars that belong to family members.
My latest vehicle a 2009 Cadillac SRX recommends in the service manual that the air filter be replaced every 25,000 miles. In my opinion this would just be a guideline because the operating conditions may require that the air filter be replaced more or less. When I bought the vehicle used it had 22,000 miles on it. I pulled the air filter for inspection and it was 90% blocked.
Standard Brake Job Tips
Floating disc brake caliper
I wanted to provide some standard brake job tips that can apply to both do it yourself driveway mechanics and auto repair consumers that plan on dropping their vehicle off for brake service. Learning a little about the process can help you get the most out of your brake jobs.
In some auto repair publications they have done tests that show that when only the pads are replaced without reconditioning or replacing the caliper hardware that the new pads can wear out faster than original equipment brake pads installed from the factory.
It is often rusting and corrosion that causes this premature wear. When the calipers do not float as per design intent then the brakes can drag slightly causing this increased wear. I have more details about the different kinds of disc brakes and how they work plus an auto repair video at the very end of this article.
This is my primary brake job tips recommendation! When you are performing your own brake service or you’re having a shop do it for you, replace or fully recondition the hardware that allows for the free movement of the calipers. Think about where this hardware is located. Down by the tire and close to the road where it is exposed to water, salt, potholes and road debris.
Car Brake Problems
When car brake problems develop most often the driver will immediately investigate the issues. This is usually one condition a driver will not put off looking into. When you put your foot on the brake pedal and apply pressure you expect your vehicle to stop with authority. If this doesn’t happen a pleasant drive can turn into a safety nightmare.
ABS warning light
Some drivers are known for putting off car repairs like regular maintenance. Things like oil changes, coolant flushes and tune-ups can seem unimportant when the car is running good.
Often drivers even put off diagnosing warning light problems such as abs lights, airbag light and check engine lights but few will ignore car brake problems. Let me use my sister as an example (sorry Sis).
I got into her car the other day and the check engine light was on. I asked her how long the light had been shinning in her face. She told me that it’s been about 10 days and she was meaning to talk to me about it. When this same young lady had a brake system problem she called me immediately so that I could diagnose it.
Some common car brake problems Read more
About Car Batteries
Information about car batteries
Car Battery
I have written a lot of articles about car batteries and charging systems. One question has come up frequently that seems to have fallen through the cracks of the articles that I have already written about the battery and charging system on modern-day cars.
This frequently asked question about the vehicle’s car battery is after the engine is running is the battery doing anything besides charging back up. The short answer to this question is no. The battery is used primarily for starting the engine.
In fact during cranking it is the battery that supplies all of the vehicles electrical power. However once the engine is running it is the alternator that is responsible for producing enough electrical energy to meet the demands of all of the vehicles loads. This would include things like operating the wipers illuminating the headlights and even charging your cell phone.
Torque Converter Clutch Problems
Problem torque converter clutches
Torque Converter Clutch
I have written about torque converter clutch problems in other posts but this one will be a little different. Most often when I have a problem with the converter clutch lock up causing an engine stalling condition I find a problem with the tcc solenoid.
But this is not always the cause of the problem. In fact the last time I faced a converter clutch lock up problem I went for the solenoid right away and it did not fix the issue which was an engine stall only when put into reverse gear. On this particular repair I ran into a clogged transmission cooler.
Although this was the first time I have ever seen this component cause a stalling condition, after checking into the situation it made a lot of sense. The drivers complaint was different this time around then the usual complaint associated with torque converter clutch problems.
The driver stated that the stalling condition was most often when he put the vehicle into reverse. Especially when the engine was cold, like in the morning while backing out of his driveway. In most cases when you have a torque converter solenoid issue the engine will stall as you slow down for a stoplight in a forward gear.
Read more
About Disc Brakes
Learn About Disc Brakes
Replacement Brake Pads
Learning about disc brakes would be good information for any driver to be knowledgeable about. You do not have to be a do-it-yourself mechanic to learn more about the subject. This is valuable information because if you own a car you will probably need a brake job sooner or later.
When you take your vehicle into a repair shop they may throw some up sales your way. It is nice to be able to discuss specific problems with your auto repair shop in and knowledgeable way. Even if your car has a highly technical antilock brake system when it comes to the basic maintenance of replacing brake pads this operation is very similar to the way it was back in the 70s.
Maybe the only difference is back then they where disc brakes in the front and drum brakes on the rear. Although some drum brakes are still around today it is most common to see a four wheel disc braking system. This even true for light duty and heavy duty pick up trucks and vans.
Car disc brakes offer major advantages over the drum brake system. The nice thing about disc brakes is they are resistant to pedal fade due to fluid overheating. Read more
Windshield Wiper Problems
Wiper Linkage
It is the season for windshield wiper problems. Overall the system was designed to be extremely reliable. With that said it is not invincible. Common driver complaints can include poor wiping where the windshield is not swept completely clean as the wipers pass up and back.
Another big complaint would be extremely noisy wiper operation (addressed below). Other complaints related to the wiper linkage or arms may include situations where they are out of adjustment and could be slapping the windshield moldings.
I have seen situations were the blades are touching each other as they sweep back and forth. Although not as common would be other complaints such as intermittent operation and slower than normal sweeping action. We will discuss all of these windshield wiper problems below. I have made available some of the parts that are often required to solve these issues including new wiper blades.
Common windshield wiper problems
Replacing a Car Engine
Removing a car engine
Engine Crane
A lot of site visitors asked me if removing a car engine is difficult. The short answer to this question is yes. Is it possible for someone to accomplish in their driveway? The answer is again yes. If someone is contemplating replacing their own engine and has some good do it yourself automotive skills it is possible to be successful. This article will review some procedures and tips to help increase your chances of success.
Before you begin removing a car engine you really want to make sure you have the tools and equipment required for the job before you start. In addition to basic hand tools and some special tools you will need an engine crane, the special engine lift chains and an engine stand is nice to have also.
Many tool rental companies have these for rent for about $70 for the whole weekend. But before you go out and rent one it is best to prepare as much as possible before you bring the crane home.
Basic procedures for engine removal will vary greatly depending on your make model and year of the vehicle. An auto repair manual for your specific vehicle is highly recommended. And I would strongly suggest you check out an online car repair manual such as all data. This provides procedures from the automotive manufacturer instead of a small book from the auto part store.
