Tag Archive for ‘do it yourself’

Basic tools for DIY repair

Unfortunately, Lil Tykes has yet to manufacture a decent torque wrench. Image courtesy of imagesme.net

If you’ve decided that you want to start doing your own maintenance on your car, you’re going to need some basic tools to accomplish the task. Fortunately most of these tools are relatively inexpensive, and can be found at any auto parts store. Here are some of the items you’ll want for your DIY toolbox:

Screwdriver set: You’ll want various sizes of both slotted and Philip’s head screwdrivers to ensure that you can remove parts from your car.

Do it yourselfers rejoice: IDEAL unveils Grip-n-Twist™ screwdriver

This new screwdriver not only works in hard-to-reach places, it consoles you after fights with your spouse regarding the amount of time you spend fixing that Dodge Neon. Image courtesy of ideal tools

For anyone who likes to do work on his or her car, there is a new product available that will stop you dead in your tracks. The usual sensation of getting lost in a Home Depot, Sears, or Napa finding tools you “can’t live without” will be intensified once you come across the new line of screwdrivers from IDEAL. Here’s the down low.

How to replace your windshield wipers

One risk the Texas slasher didn't consider was his faulty windshield wipers. Image courtesy of carolinetreads.com

It’s that squeaking, skittering noise that gets you, the long, thin flap of rubber dragging its way across your windshield, or maybe it’s the impossible-to-get-rid-of streak that’s always on your window.

Either way, it’s time to replace your windshield wipers. Luckily, it’s an easy fix.

The first step is writing down the make, model and year of your vehicle. This will help you when you get to the auto parts store. While prices for wiper blades (just the rubber part of wiper) start at about $4.15 each and go up from there, it’s better and easier to replace the entire wiper. Prices for wipers start at about $7.00 each, so it’s not much of a difference.

How to replace your alternator

car-alternator- courtesy of virginmedia.com

The alternator distributes power from the engine to the battery, and is one of the most important components of a car. Replacing an alternator can often be expensive at a shop, but if you have two to three hours to spare, and a bit of experience working with cars, you can easily replace it on your own. Since you must remove the V-belt in the process, this project is a good time to replace that, as well.

How to use an OBD-II scanner to diagnose engine problems

OBD-II scanner courtesy of traderscity.com

The On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD-II) is a reporting system for engine problems, which is present on all vehicles manufactured after 1996. This system illuminates the Check Engine light when it detects a problem. Newer systems have a digital port which allows you to use a scanner to determine the nature of engine problems. These readouts are displayed as Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). While any auto repair shop can run an OBD-II scan on your vehicle for a fee, many auto parts stores will lend you a scanner free of charge, allowing you to diagnose the problem yourself. Running a scan is simple, and only requires a scanner, along with a pencil and paper to record DTCs.

How to replace CV joints and front-drive axles

bad CV boot courtesy of Audiworld.com

Constant velocity, or CV, joints, are responsible for protecting the drive axle assembly which shifts power from the transmission to the wheels of front-wheel-drive cars. The most common CV joint problem is cracking in the rubber boots which help keep lubricant inside of the joints. While CV joints can be serviced with special tools, it is often easier to replace the entire drive axle assembly and CV joints, since the drive axle assembly must be removed in order to gain access to the CV joints anyway. New or remanufactured axles come with the CV joints already installed, as well, and are generally specific to certain models of cars.

More tips for selling your car

For some of us with our favorite car, the time has come to part with a vehicle that no longer suites our lifestyle.

Most people looking for a car have opted for move fuel efficient cars or smaller vehicles all together, but the economy has made the used car market the hottest thing since sliced bread. Many car owners, especially those who own more than one vehicle, have found a way to inject money into their budget from used car sales.

For those of us with vehicles that are incompatible with our lifestyle, the sell is inevitable. So here are a few quick tips to help your old car retain market price.

How to Dispose of Used Motor Oil

There’s nothing like popping the hood and changing your own engine oil to make a person feel self-sufficient. But what to do with the pan of grimy, used oil that’s left over? It’s tempting to dump used oil down a storm drain, onto the pavement, or into the bushes—but this is actually illegal and can bring on some heavy fines if you’re caught.