DIY Auto Repair
Sometimes it seems like such a hassle to have to fix the small problems that can occur with your car. To those who are not confident in their car repair skills, such tasks are daunting. However, for those of you who are brave enough to fix these problems on your own, there are many advantages.
The most obvious one is saving money: You won't have to pay your mechanic for labor costs, nor will you have to pay for marked-up auto replacement parts. Another reason is that oftentimes you care more about your car than a mechanic. Some could argue that you will put forth more time and energy into quality auto repair than someone at a local shop.
This brings up another set of problems you could run into when having a stranger fix your car. Not only will he or she care less about quality workmanship than you, but this could create more issues with your automobile -- causing you to have to return time and time again for more repairs. That will hit the old pocketbook pretty hard and you may never get what you pay for. In addition, when you buy auto replacement parts and install them yourself, there is no up-selling; i.e. no one will perform unnecessary work and charge for labor that was not needed in the first place. While this is not the norm, it has been known to happen.
All in all, it is a good idea to learn basic DIY auto repair. Perform research online for tips ... and if you really develop an interest in automotive repair, you can take a course at a local college to learn more. Get a great deal by learning how to fix your car yourself!
How to Replace a Fuel Filter
Replacing automotive filters is a do-it-yourself job that just about anyone can accomplish. It is best to set aside anywhere from three to four hours for this project as it generally takes about this long to complete. The following items are needed:
- The new fuel filter
- 3/8" ratchet with 10mm socket
- Two #2 Phillips Screwdrivers (1 with 8" long blade)
- One slotted 3/16 Screwdriver
- Two flare nut wrenches, one 17mm & one 19mm
- Two open wrenches, one 19mm & one 7/8"
In order for you to have enough working room for the automotive filter replacement, you should remove all of the air cleaner housing. Using the 3/8" ratchet and 10mm socket remove the support bolt for the left half of the air cleaner housing. Remove the temperature sensor connector by pressing and holding down the metal clip and gently pulling the connector off the back of the air cleaner housing. The temperature sensor will remain attached to the air cleaner housing. Now, follow these steps:
- De-pressurize your fuel system by starting your car and disconnect the fuel pump relay harness. Once you do this, your car should die (proof that your fuel system has been de-pressurized).
- As a safety precaution, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. Next, remove the shield that covers the fuel filter. Place a pan under the filter to catch excess gas.
- Insert new fuel filter and attach to the forward 17mm fuel line nut. Be careful to get the filter oriented in the proper direction. There should be an arrow on the fuel filter itself (which should point to the rear of the car) and the nut arrangement between the fuel lines and filter are one-directional.
- Attach the other fuel line (19mm nut) and secure the fuel filter hose clamp.
- Attach the rubber hose to the lower left corner of the air cleaner housing. Set the air cleaner housing onto the two lower rubber support mounts and work the mass air flow sensor into the back of the air cleaner housing being aware of the sealing gasket.
- Rotate the mass air flow sensor to the rear of the car to re-engage the bayonet lock between the air flow sensor and the air cleaner housing. Secure the 10mm support bolt on the upper left half of the air cleaner housing.
- Tighten the mass air flow sensor hose clamp with the 8" #2 Phillips screwdriver. Reattach the mass air flow sensor connector and the air cleaner housing temperature sensor connector.
- Finally, replace the air filter, the air cleaner housing cover and the "snorkel tube." You should be ready to roll!
Basic Routine Car Maintenance
Cars are a wonderful convenience, but when something goes wrong, they can sure be a pain in the neck. It can be a little confusing trying to remember just what needs maintaining in order to keep your car in top condition and performance. Below is a list of auto care products and routine maintenance tasks that will ensure your automobile will always go that extra mile for you!
- Internal lubrication: This encompasses oil, transmission, and radiator fluids. Oil should be replaced approximately every 3,000 miles but may exceed this amount depending on driving habits. If you are driving in the city, 3,000 miles is a good mark, however highway miles can push closer to 4,000-5,000. Transmission fluid should be replaced in accordance with the filters, but each car is different. Be sure to check the owner's manual to determine when your car needs this done. Radiator fluid must also be checked periodically to enhance durability of the vehicle. Rust deposits and clogged water passages in the engine can result in higher temperatures -- which ultimately decrease lastability.
- Be sure to watch out for your "check engine" light to come on. If this happens, the mixture of fuel and air are off kilter or a component within the engines computer system has malfunctioned. Running on too much gas could result in carbon buildup and early valve failure. If there is not enough gas and you are running on vapors, it can cause the internal part of the engine to detonate. Either scenario can affect performance, fuel economy, and may shorten the life of the motor.
- Finally, use common sense when driving: don't rev the engine causing an unusually high number of rpms. This could be the death of your engine as well as damage to the cylinder wall and piston ring. Burnt rings and valves and collapsed lifters are other forms of damage that you may face if rpms remain at a high level.
These are a few of the basic maintenance techniques that are available to keep your car running smoothly. None have to be be costly. Remember, the more you maintain your vehicle on a regular basis, the less likely you are to have to have an expensive repair job.
DIY Tinting Windows
The decision to tint your own windows can be a tough one. It's by no means an easy task, but if you keep these next few tips in mind, you can do it yourself with no problem.
Start from the top down cleaning your glass with a window cleaner and lint-free cloth. Spend a lot of time getting the windows as clean as possible because this will result in the best finish. Next, remove door panels, seals, and anything else that could hamper your ability to work in an open space.
Start with the rear window first. It is always the hardest to do due to the limited space and its shape. Many rear windows have a compound curve to them, which is very difficult to cover correctly. But you can fix this by creating your window tint film pattern on the outside of the window. Don't worry about removing the rear hatch -- you won't have to. Lay out a couple of long strips over the outside rear window that overlap at the edges. Carefully cut the outside form of the rear window as close to perfect as possible, being sure to radius (or round) any pointed edges. You can do this by placing a coin in the corner and carving around it. Radius edges tend to not peel as easily as a pointed edge.
With the form cut out for the rear window you can transfer the film to the inside of the car. Spray the glass with the window film solution and apply the pieces exactly as you did on the outside of the car, leaving the edges of the pieces to overlap slightly. Squeegee all the air bubbles and substance from the film, starting in the middle of the center piece and working your way outwards. Then move to the top, and work from the top down, being careful to squeegee any air and solution from the overlapping seams.
Once the film is applied and all solution and air bubbles have been removed, take an X-acto knife or razor blade and cut the overlapping pieces where they overlap. You can be sure to get a straight cut by using a straight edge like a ruler. Take care not to cut into any rear defroster wires when doing this. If performed correctly, this process will give you a professional-looking back window. You can again take the squeegee or cloth and (carefully) go over the area for smoothness. Wipe it dry with your lint-free cloth.
Window tint is fairly cheap, so if you mess up a sheet or a cut, just replace it. It's not necessary to purchase brand name goods for this venture. There are plenty of ways to get aftermarket auto accessories at your local hardware store. Your finished product will look as good as you feel putting in the extra effort.
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