Replacing Spark Plugs
Denso Spark Plugs
Replacing spark plugs has always been a favorite task of do-it-yourself auto mechanics. The interesting thing about this maintenance operation is that on some vehicles it is fun and easy.
On other automobiles the task is extremely difficult and sometimes the path of success is plagued with extreme problems that could lead to pulling the cylinder head.
Sometimes when spark plugs are removed from a cylinder head the threads will have traces of metal on them.
Each spark plug removed should be numbered with the cylinder it was removed from and inspected thoroughly for this type of thread damage. This type of car problem happens more often on engines that use aluminum cylinder heads.
If you run into this problem when performing your own sparkplug maintenance it is highly recommended to correct the condition before reinstalling the plugs. Patience and care at this point can save you from major auto repairs down the road. Read more
Automotive Fuel Filters
In many cases automotive fuel filters will need to be serviced several times during a vehicles lifespan. Often this is an easily overlooked maintenance item.
Sometimes people will not think about the in-line gas filter until vehicle problems develop such as hesitation or lack of power. Automobiles and light trucks usually have an in tank strainer and an in-line fuel filter.
This strainer is located at the bottom of gasoline tank and is usually attached directly to the electric fuel pump. This is sometimes nicknamed as the sock because it is made of a finely woven Usually nylon type fabric.
The purpose of this strainer is to prevent large contaminant particles from entering the fuel system. This could cause excessive fuel pump wear or even plug the fuel metering devices. It also helps to prevent the passage of water into the system that may be present in the tank.
Servicing or replacing the fuel tank screen or strainer is not required for regular maintenance. Usually this sock will last for the lifetime of the vehicle. In fact the few times I have replaced this part was due to vandalism. If someone puts sugar or other Read more
Car maintenance
Car maintenance
when you are buying car maintenance you want to make sure that you receive what you paid for. A good example of this is that if you frequent a dealership and you purchase their 15,000 or even 30,000 mile maintenance service, there are a lot of things that are supposed to be performed on these checklists.
The 15,000 or 30,000 mile service is usually very expensive and includes many important car safety checks. If you are going to shell out $400 for a 30,000 mile service. Please take the time to review what is supposed to be accomplished During this expensive service.
How to buy car maintenance
A good way to verify that some of these vital safety checks were performed is to ask the dealership to provide information about some of the individual items that are checked. For example, there maybe a spot on the service that requires a brake inspection. Ask the dealership to document the percentage of the brakes that are remaining. In yet another example if the tire inflation is to be checked, again ask the dealership to document the tire pressure in all four tires as well.
As a mechanic that has worked at dealerships for more than 23 years, I can tell you that the technician is paid on a flat rate or percentage basis. The mechanic is motivated to move as fast as he can and may take some shortcuts. This means you have not received a good value for your car maintenance dollar.
Take some time to review, what is included in the individual car maintenance service and ask lots of questions about each item to your service adviser. This will put the dealership service department on notice that you are very hands on and involved in what is being done to your car. This will also make the dealership more likely to complete the maintenance service properly and to cut corners and rush on somebody else’s car.
Car maintenace tip
If your service includes a tire rotation take a minute to mark each tire with a crayon. So that you can verify the tires were rotated during the service. Also when the technician sees these marks on the tire.
He is immediately informed that you are watching him and is more likely to perform all the steps that are included in the maintenance service that you have paid hard earned money for.
Would you like to read more stories about car mechanics and what might happen during your auto service
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