Automotive articles, tools, repair, oil change ..

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3

Automotive Painting
2007-04-12 10:33:00
By Christopher JohnsonA car with an excellent paint job is one of life's true joys. It's like being the kid with the best bike in the neighbourhood or the biggest piece of birthday cake. Whether you drive a '47 Eldorado, a '66 Beetle or an '07 fortwo, a great paint job will take your vehicle from ho-hum to headturner.Actually creating a great automotive paint job takes skill and finesse. Automotive painting is one of the most arduous and painstaking tasks in crafting an automobile. It can also be one of the most costly. If you are on a budget, there are options for you. Some paint shops can deliver a good paint job for a fair price. Your other option is to take on the task yourself. If the paint job is a success, you'll have even more to brag about: a hot set of wheels AND a "do it yourself" tale to tell.Achieving a great paint job is a step-by-step process. You simply can't rush automotive painting. Follow the basic steps of preparation, primer application, blocking, final p...
More About: Painting , Inti , Motive , Paint

3 Quick Auto Repair Tips
2007-04-06 21:47:00
By James C.Maintaining your car is a very important job. A well maintained car will last longer, perform better and get better gas mileage. Learn some quick tips to help you easily maintain your car.1. Change the oil every 3000 miles or 3 months. This is the most important thing you can do to protect your car. If you cannot change it that often have your mechanic change your oil with synthetic oil. It lasts much longer and will allow you to go longer between oil changes.2. Have your brakes checked as soon as they begin to squeal. If you replace them as soon as they become worn you will save your vehicle any further damage. If brake pads wear down too much they can damage your rotors or drums.3. When your radiator reservoir becomes low add premixed antifreeze. You can now buy antifreeze premixed to the correct 50/50 ratio. It might seem like you are wasting money by paying for water but it will save you time and ensure that your vehicle receives the correct ratio of antifreeze to wat...
More About: Tips , Auto , Quick , Pair , Repair

Car GPS Navigation Systems - A Buyers Guide
2007-04-03 12:26:00
By Nicola CarrSUMMARY: GPS navigation systems are advancing every year to include added features such as traffic and weather reporting and integrated multimedia players such as mp3, dvd movies, games etc. This buying guide outlines the core features of gps navigation systems and how to compare them.In 1973 the U.S. Department of Defence launched the Navstar GPS network. This consisted of 24 satellites orbiting the earth every 12 hours and five ground stations. This positioning system was made available for public use. With this capability, consumer location devices were produced to accurately determine location and other data such as current and average speed, directional heading, and elevation. These GPS devices need an unobstructed view of at least four satellites to provide a reliable 3D fix.The GPS receiver overlays this location data onto map files stored on the unit, to give a current position on the map as well previous track. The receiver constantly recalculates position, gi...
More About: Navigation , Guide , Systems , Buyers , Guid

The Secret To Door Panels And Door Speakers
2007-03-21 11:44:00
By Matt BrooksSUMMARY: For some, the prospect of changing out speakers is a daunting one, since you have to remove the door panels to access the speakers tucked away within its walls. They are not a tricky as they seem, if you know the right techniques.For some, the prospect of changing out speakers is a daunting one, since you have to remove the door panels to access the speakers tucked away within its walls. They are not a tricky as they seem, if you know the right techniques.The first thing to do is to locate any screws holding the panel in place. These are generally found in or under the armrest piece, in the door opener latch, or near the bottom of the door panel. Remove as many as you can find to start.With the screws removed, you will need to carefully pry the door panel off the door. Start in the bottom corner nearest the speaker. Gently pull the panel until it pops loose. There are usually several clips holding it in place. Work around the bottom of the door panel popping t...
More About: The Secret , Secret , Speakers , Speak , Door

Car Care and Protection
2007-03-17 20:01:00
By Janet SmithSUMMARY: Easy tips to keep your car looking and performing great.When you get a new car, you?re protective and careful to keep it looking and performing great. As time passes most of us get a little less interested. Taking the time to protect and keep your car looking great not only helps the look, it can also help to maintain the value of your vehicle.For instance, roll up car care covers, which can be custom fit to protect your car anywhere while sitting outdoors. These covers can protect your vehicle from outdoor elements, dirt, pollen, and other items that hamper the looks of your car. Another great alternative to parking your vehicle in a garage is to use a parking shelter or canopy.Importance of Car Care and MaintenanceCar care and maintenance isn?t always convenient but they are necessary components if you want to keep your nice vehicle running. Here are some ideas to make car care less of a hassle: As far as maintenance, keeping up with regular scheduled oil ...
More About: Prot

Vehicle?s Body Parts Description
2007-03-12 10:07:00
BumperThe bumper is designed to absorb crash energy during minor and low-speed collisions. Since safety is what matters most, you shouldn?t take this special safety auto part for granted.Brush GuardAre you familiar with what a brush guard is? No, it's not one of those high-falutin' mowers they advertise on The Weather Channel. A brush guard is a tubular steel framework that bolts on to the frame of your truck or SUV. The brush guard protects the front fascia of your vehicle from damage by limbs, brush, and debris by covering the grille and headlights. You may have heard a truck brush guard called a "grille guard" too. The terms are interchangeable, and a brush guard protects the same area as a grille guard. If you have any off-road intentions, a grill brush guard should be high up on your shopping list. There's a lot of expensive stuff living at the front of your truck--things like the radiator, battery, headlights, and all that sheet metal. A bumper brush guard will give you a p...
More About: Body , Vehicle , Part , Parts , Body Parts

Pimp My Ride: Start With Your Rims
2007-03-05 22:11:00
By Christopher W SmithSUMMARY: If you want to enhance the appearance of your car without spending too much money on body kits, or you want to take it slowly to budget your expenses for your car, you should consider changing your car rims first. It is a fact that one of the most noticeable features in a car are the rims. If you want to enhance the appearance of your car without spending too much money on body kits, or you want to take it slowly to budget your expenses for your car, you should consider changing your car rims first. It is a fact that one of the most noticeable features in a car are the rims. So, if you are planning to customize your car and give it a better look, you should start by replacing your after market rims with a better looking set and also one that will improve the overall performance of your car.First, there are different types of rims available today. There are spinners, chrome rims, American racing rims, truck rims and custom rims. All these rims differ in...
More About: Pimp , Ride , Start , Pimp My Ride , Tart

Free Vehicle History Report - Is There Such a Thing
2006-12-14 21:23:00
By Scott LeRoySUMMARY: Used car buyers are always searching for a free vehicle history report...but does it really exist? Well, yes and no. You can get free history reports from some dealers online and off, but you can't just enter the VIN of a vehicle you have found on your own and expect to get a full report of that particular vehicle...for that you're going to have to pay.Used car buyers are always searching for a free vehicle history report...but does it really exist? Well, yes and no. You can get free history reports from some dealers online and off, but you can't just enter the VIN of a vehicle you have found on your own and expect to get a full report of that particular vehicle...for that you're going to have to pay.The confusion lies in the fact that there is a "free" element to the research process. If you have the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, there are a few sites where you can enter that number and learn some information about the car for f...
More About: History , Free , Report , Stor

Cooling System
2006-08-30 18:00:00
Cooling System ServicingSince we experience extreme temperature changes throughout the year, there are several things considered critical in your vehicle's maintenance. Since the engine is the heart of your vehicle and directly affects its operation, here is what you can do to ensure proper engine life and performance. A vehicle's cooling system should be serviced seasonally to prevent premature engine wear due to extreme climate or engine temperature. Have us perform a few basic preventive maintenance checks during your next routine servicing:Check for external leaks: Usual areas of leakage are water manifolds, radiator seams, water pumps, freeze plugs and all hose connections. The condition of radiator hoses should be carefully scrutinized for possible deterioration from age and/or wear from rubbing against accessory brackets, etc. Be aware that in many cases radiator hoses wear from the inside out, so outside appearance can be deceiving.Check for internal leaks: Pull the...
More About: Cooling , Stem

Find the Free Auto Repair Manual You Need Online
2006-08-28 18:09:00
By Terje EllingsenYou can easily get a free auto repair manual for whichever repair need you might have. You need an internet access and have to follow a certain procedure searching for auto repair manuals, but when you have done this procedure a few times it will be very easy to find the right instructions for do it yourself auto repair and it won't cost you a dime.There are four types of automotive description documents that you will need to choose from when you want to do a repair;General manualsDiagnosis descriptionsRepair manualsMaintenance manualsGeneral ManualsIn addition to some general manuals, most of these are related to the make. Here you can get step by step guidance on how to repair most of the makes in the vehicle market. Let's say you have a Honda Acura 2002 model and you want to find a manual for that make and model. What you do is perform the following search in a search engine: "free car manuals+Honda Acura+2002". Then you will have a long list of site...
More About: Free , Auto , Find , Online , Need

Want a Chopper? Build Your Own!
2006-08-28 18:06:00
By Michael HolmesMotorcycle chopper kits are a growth industry. But what does that mean to you and me? Well one thing that we know is that we will have more choppers to ogle at. There is not a single day that goes by without more and more pictures of chopper bikes that have just been finished showing up in all the motorcycle magazines. Then at the weekends, when we are on our ?hot? rides, we will see four or five show finish level bikes. There are more choppers around now than there have been in the last twenty five years.Most of these choppers have been built from motorcycle chopper kits, the ?bike in a box? approach. But hey, don?t knock it! Build ing your own chopper has never been easier. There are rolling chassis kits, complete bike kits, and frame manufacturers give you a multitude of choice when it comes to take the plunge and buy a motorcycle chopper kit.Thirty years ago, the old school chopper builders had to start with a stock bike off-the-shelf and literally chop it...
More About: Want , Chopper

HUMMER in Iraq
2006-08-27 11:44:00
Here such happens on war with American Hammer. One has got under bombardment in Iraq , here photos.
More About: Hummer

Oil Change Intervals
2006-08-21 17:11:00
Most of us already know that regularly scheduled oil and filter changes are a vital part of routine car maintenance that is necessary for engine longevity.During the miles between changes, the oil in your vehicle's engine gradually becomes contaminated with soot, metal particles, gasoline and other impurities. As mileage accumulates, so do the contaminants in the oil. Eventually, enough impurities accumulate that the filter cannot remove them and the oil cannot keep them in suspension.When this happens, the resulting sludge can dramatically shorten engine life.Even though modern technology has vastly improved engines and the oils that lubricate them, regularly scheduled oil and filter changes are still a vital part of regular, preventative auto maintenance. The question is: Just how often does the oil need to be changed?At regular intervalsThe old mantra of responsible motorists that said, "Chan g e your oil every 3,000 miles!" is being replaced. Today car manufacturers' recommendat...
More About: Vals , Interval

Repairing Car Damage
2006-08-16 18:39:00
By Eyal GolanThe business of repairing car damage grows as the number of cars grows. This is because of the likelihood of accidents on the road. Thus, if you want a blue-collar job that earns you like a company executive, you may opt to develop yourself from a novice car repairer to a skilled car repairer.Skilled car damage repairers earn almost four folds of what novice repairer gets. Statistics show that of the 223,000 automotive repairers in 2004, 10% of them, the skilled automotive repairers earn more than $28.45 per hour. This is about four times what the less skilled repairer?s get, which is about $9.42 per hour.If we then compare it to the median per hour rate of company executives which is about $29.75 per hour, you probably pair enough in take-home money because being in the business of repairing car damage, you do not need to wear a suit and tie, and get stressed to much thinking of how you will run the business. You may also need to worry about the life of all the pe...
More About: Pair , Damage , Repair

Buying A Car - Tips On How To Maintain It
2006-08-16 18:26:00
By Farnam ToussiIn this article we will look at some general service hints that apply to any car whether you buy it new or used. In most cases, these maintenance costs are not covered by your factory and extended warranty, but are important considerations in getting the best and most reliable service from your car.The first consideration is where you take it for service. Many people simply take it back to the dealer where they bought it. The advantage there is that if they discover anything that needs fixing under the warranty, they will fix it for you when you take it in for service. But be aware that you pay a premium for dealer service in most things, and you can often cut the cost of that routine maintenance by 30% or more by using a good independent repair shop. And the independent shop may be a bit more observant in pointing out other problems with your car that you can have fixed under warranty back at the dealership.Check with friends or business associates to see where ther...
More About: Buying , Tips

Useful Tips For Checking And Changing Your Car?s Air Filter
2006-08-15 11:13:00
By Ras ReedNot only is air filter good for you in your room or office, its also ideal for your car. The lifespan of your beautiful car can be greatly enhanced with the right air filter. Your car?s air filter is very important since it keeps the engine of your car free of dirt which may reduce its efficiency. A wrong air filter or malfunctioning one that allows dirt into your car is detrimental to the wellbeing of your car. Hence, its highly recommended that you check the filter and change when necessary. Checking and changing your air filter is not as difficult as some people out there think. And you don?t need to call for your mechanic. You can do it yourself. It?s easy as 1, 2, 3.When should you change your car?s air filters? You should change it once a year or after every 15,000 miles if you reside in an averagely dusty environment. But checking and changing it once in a while is more preferable. It?s not hard to check or replace the air filter. You can do it once you learn the h...
More About: Tips , Changing , King , Filter , Useful

Simple Things You Can Do To Extend The Life Of Your Car
2006-08-15 11:10:00
By Gregg HallAs the price of a new automobile continues to get higher every year it is necessary to begin thinking of them in the long tem instead of trading as often as we used to. I know I intend to drive my 2005 Nissan Titan until the wheels fall off. I broke my own rule of not buying a new car because I was so enamored with looks and performance of the truck.There are numerous things that you can do to make your car or truck last longer some cost money and some don't. Here are a few ideas to get you started.Never neglect the finish of your car. Wash your vehicle regularly and don't let things like bug splatter and road tar stay on your paint. These items can cause permanent pitting and scarring. If you live in an area that is near the coast or up north where they sort the roads you will need to wash more frequently to remove the salt that can cause rusting. You also want to keep a good protectant on your finish to help protect it. I recommend you look at a good PTFE based prod...
More About: Life , Simple , Things , Thing

The Best Way to Buy a Radar Detector
2006-08-15 10:54:00
By Stefan RockhausAre you looking for the best radar detector for your vehicle? There are certain things to get familiar with before you decide which radar detector is best and how you can buy it.First of all, you have to find out if radar detectors are legally permitted in your area. It is important to know all the laws and rules regarding detectors. If radar detectors are illegal in your state then you may have to face certain fines or punishments. Consider visiting the website of your country?s department of motor vehicles, or any legal adviser, to familiarize yourself with all the applicable laws.After that, you have to decide on your budget. There is a very big range of radar detectors available in the market. Prices start from around $60 and go up to approximately $500. Select the best one that you can afford.Next, decide which type of radar detector you want to purchase. Radar detectors are available in three types: cordless detectors, corded detectors, and one which can be c...

How To Save Big Money On Your Car, Truck or SUV
2006-08-14 10:34:00
By David MaillieWith the current price of gas at over $3 a gallon, the economy in a downturn, and no relief in site, we need to start conserving and saving everywhere we can. The car is a great place to start. Here are some tips from the National Institute on Highway Safety:Don?t take unnecessary risks. You can get in an accident and get hurt and you can also get a ticket, fine or worse. Speeding greatly increases the odds of an accident. It also increases fuel consumption and can result in a ticket. A speeding ticket alone can cost over $200 in fines and court costs easily plus there is added insurance points and costs which can easily cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Basically, do not speed as it will cost more than you realize.Scope out your local gas stations and find where the closest and cheapest gas is. It does no good to buy cheaper gas 30 miles away and burn half of it driving there and back. Use the internet as there are many websites that will actually help...
More About: Money , Truck , Save , Big Money

11 Most Frequently Asked Questions on Converting Your Car to Biodiesel
2006-08-14 10:12:00
By David Sieg1. OK, So what do I need to do to convert my car to biodiesel?First and foremost, you need to have a diesel engine car. Biodiesel CAN NOT be used in a gasoline engine. Having said that, any engine that runs on #2 diesel can also be run on biodiesel. This means, home furnaces, generators, semi-trucks, farm equipment, fishing boats, etc. There is really nothing you need to do and nothing you need to convert. Just use it the same as any other fuel. ?Conversion? becomes necessary when you want to run your diesel engine on Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) For some pre-1994 model vehicles it is said that you need to replace your rubber hoses with synthetic ones. But truthfully, unless you have a leak, I wouldn't bother.2. How much money will I save?It really depends on you, and how you decide to make your own biodiesel. For example, if you are using waste vegetable oil from restaurants, (free feedstock) and buying other ingredients in bulk, your savings are going to ...
More About: Questions , Most , Quest , Convert

Saving Money With Gas Friendly Car Models
2006-08-14 10:06:00
By Gabriel J. AdamsWith gas prices averaging over three dollars a gallon, everyone in America is looking for ways to get more gas mileage out of their car. People are making sure they have enough air in their tires, changing their fuel filter, and watching their speed to try to conserve gas. However, there are many gas friendly car models on the market today, which could really put some money in your pocket.The days are gone where the only gas friendly car models look like toy cars, or have no horsepower. Now you can get a sleek, sophisticated car, with quite a bit of horsepower, and great gas mileage. Many cars are available now like the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Honda Insight, Lexus GS450H, Toyota Camry, and the Toyota Prius. These cars get anywhere from 25 miles per gallon in the city (Lexus GS450H) on the low end to 61 miles per gallon in the city (Honda Insight). The Insight also gets 68 miles per gallon on the highway, while the GS450H, gets 28 miles per gallon on the h...
More About: Money , Models , Friendly , Saving , Ving

Government Seized Auto Auction - 10 Crucial Tips To Buying At An Auction
2006-08-14 09:45:00
By Travis SagoYou can buy a real dream vehicle at a government seized auto auction, but you can also purchase one huge nightmare of a lemon monster. These tips will steer you in the right direction.1. Biggest tip: Get to the government auto auction early. You have got to pick out the cars you are interested in and inspect the cars thoroughly. If you don't want to have a sour lemony taste in your mouth later, run a vehicle history report! Have someone standing by that you can call on your cell and run a Carfax report.2. Bring your Kelly Blue Book and do not pay over the blue book price, there will be folks that have no clue, they will run up the bid price because they have no idea what the auto is worth.3. Find out what the buyers premium is for that particular government auto auction and remember to factor that into the equation, it is typically 5% to 10% of the winning bid. Most first time car auction buyers do not even know about the buyers premium.4. Bring a vehicle inspection c...
More About: Government , Buying , Auction , Tips , Auto