Tag Archive for ‘car repair tips’

Three tips to improve gas mileage

Cars cost. From maintenance to fuel, insurance to state registration, an automobile is a guaranteed bill for as long as it is owned.

However, there are ways to optimize use. and they start with getting better gas mileage. Better gas mileage not only lengthens the life of your car, but it also saves money with less frequent trips to the pump, which also saves time.

For those that are on a budget, there are three quick steps one can take that will improve gas mileage and, additionally, car performance. All three can be done, without spending money, and have proven results in car performance on fuel efficiency.

How to replace a cabin filter for a 2006 Subaru Impreza

Replacing your cabin filter is essential to your engine’s respiratory health. This is a simple maintenance that should be done every three-six months, depending on your sensitivity to airborne allergens.

First of all, you’re going to need a Phillips-head screwdriver to get the job done, although, it is easier with a drill. This is the only tool required to perform a cabin filter replacement.

Begin by opening up the glove box and taking everything out. The filter is located behind the glove box. Once you’ve cleaned out your glove box, go ahead and close it up, because you’re going to want to start on the exterior screws in order to remove the whole glove box assembly.

Girl vs. car: Why let Johnny Attendant fix it when you can just as easily?

When I turned 16, my mother gave me some advice for handling minor car repairs: Put on a nice dress, do your make up, walk into the store and find some guy who will happily ring you up for whatever you need and then walk you out to your car and fix it for you.

I pulled this stunt earlier this year when my car battery died, and honestly, watching the AutoZone clerk use no more thought in that task than I had when I applied my mascara that morning left me feeling like being taken care of had both pros and cons. So when my wiper blades started to just smear the dirt around, I decided it was time to try on a little feminist empowerment and elbow grease.

How to sell your clunker

So you've decided to sell your clunker.

But since it’s a clunker, you’re not expecting to get much for it. There are auto services that will come tow your clunker and pay you around $200. In this economy, $200 matters, yet does not go far in the ‘big picture’. Plus, who wants to let go of all those memories for what amounts to a cell phone payment, and a month of internet service?

How to change spark plugs?

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs in your car's engine can often be easy enough to replace by yourself.  If the spark plugs are covered with black soot your car engine is running rich. When the engine is running lean the spark plugs are white and clean.

You can replace older spark plugs with new platinum-tipped or multi-ground plugs. Multi-ground plugs cost more than regular spark plugs but they last much longer.

How to replace your car’s burned-out headlight

Old Style Headlight

If you discover a burned out headlight in your car, you don't have to rush the car to a mechanic as fixing a burned-out headlight is fairly easy to replace.

First you will have to find out what kind of headlight your car has. You may need to replace the whole headlight or is some cars what needs to be replaced is the halogen bulb inside the headlight. You can check your owner's manual for the information.

Go to an auto parts store to get the necessary headlight for your car.

My Battery is Dead. How Do I Jumpstart A Car?

Portable Battery powered Jump Starting device

You hop into your car, turn the key in the ignition and nothing happens. How many of us have had this happen? A dead battery.

How do you jump start a car?

Once you determine the battery is dead, the car needs a jump start. Now there are several reasons why the battery may have gone dead e.g. light left on overnight or an old battery that needs to be replaced. Anyway, it is easy to jump start a car using jumper cables or a portable jump starter.

Why doesn’t your car start?

Why doesn't your car start?

Most of us have probably had this happened at least once or twice as owner/driver of a car. You hop into your car in the morning, ready to head out work or school, your turn the key in the ignition - the car doesn't start. First thing that often comes to mind is a dead battery, but there are other reasons for why your car won't start.

If the battery in your car is dead, nothing happens when you turn the key. Meaning, the engine makes no sound, it doesn't start at all or in other words the engine doesn't turn over. Hopefully you have jumper cables nearby and can get the car started.