Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Top Tips for Car Battery Maintenance - Part II

In the earlier post, we covered some tips to keep our car's electrical system function properly. Here are few more maintenance tips for Your Car's battery...


Tips No. 7 - Keep a check on when Service is needed – Different cars come with maintenance free battery. Regular check is needed for such automobile batteries. There is a light in maintenance free batteries that goes black when service is required.

Tip No. 8 – For Conventional Car Battery - These batteries come with a plastic cover that can be easily removed to check the water inside. It is important that the water inside the battery reaches the filler necks.

Car Battery CareTip No. 9 – Be Careful While Adding Water – Incase there is less water inside the battery, you may also add distilled water. I guess I should warn you at this moment. You might just harm yourself if you don't be careful. The battery acid that is highly corrosive might harm your clothes.

Tip No. 10 – During Battery Check – It is important to make sure that you do not keep any kind of open flames near the car battery. Automobile battery contains chemicals that are combustible and hence can be dangerous.

Tip No. 11 – Over Charging Should Be Avoided – This is common and known to everybody that a dead battery can be charged using a battery charger. Improper charging of a battery is something that should be avoided. It might also lead to damage of battery's as well as car's parts & components.

These were some of the battery's maintenance tips that are to be followed in order to keep your car's battery in best condition. The smooth functioning of automobile battery helps you have a tension free long drive. You can try these car parts maintenance (D-I-Y) tips yourself. Have a Happy & Safe Driving!!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Top Tips for Car Battery Maintenance Part - I

If automobile battery is something that troubles you often, you need to keep a check on this auto part. It's easy and simple. Car Battery maintenance is essential as this automotive part plays a major role in the smooth functioning of any vehicle. As I always say, a little care and basic knowledge is what is required. Just have a fair idea of the automobile electrical system to keep the car's battery in the best shape without any hassles. Follow the following car maintenance tips to keep you car's battery running smoothly.

Tips No. 1 – Battery Needs Change - This is common and known to almost all the car owners. Your car's battery needs to be changed after a duration of four years. Don't forget to do that.

Tips No. 2 – Monthly check of the battery's load test helps you avoid any hassle. Take your car's battery to your auto mechanic and can load test it. Make sure your car's battery is able to pass the test. Make sure that it is capable of sufficient charge even at below freezing temperatures.

Tips No. 3 – Just wipe off the battery terminals of any crust. An easy way to do so is to use some baking soda and water. Use a wire brush to clean the crust using this solution.

Car Battery CheckTips No. 4 – Always keep the battery cables tightly tied. Make sure the cables are so tight that they do not move.

Tips No. 5 – Keep the battery safe in a tray. Also ensure that battery remains properly in the battery tray so that no damage is caused to the hood.

Tips No. 6Excess of cold is not a good condition for the car batteries. Therefore, look for a solution to it. The best way is to opt for an engine or battery heater. This keeps the car's battery function smoothly. The heater will help in easily starting the battery and would also minimize the power consumed.

Stay tuned for few more tips on battery maintenance in the next post.....

Monday, February 23, 2009

Car Maintenance - A Must In Economic Recession

Rising economic gloom in every industry has made a great impact on the consumers pocket. The present economic recession has taken not only hit automotive manufacturers only but also automotive parts manufacturers. Talking about auto industry - 'buying of a new car' today has become a dream that would take some time before it comes true. In such a deploring situation, it is better to keep your old car function smoothly. And its true that if you take proper care of your old car, it will deliver more than the desired output. Few important car care tips that would surely take your car in the long run. Just note down & follow these maintenance tips for dear old car.

Car Maintenance

Most Important – Avoid Rash Driving – Love your vehicle as you love the sophisticated & antique showpieces of your living area. If you drive carefully, you have fair chance of saving your car from any kind of breakdowns.

Go for
Routine Maintenance – Its better to spend few dollars every fortnight than to waste thousands of dollars on complete car repair. A closer look at automotive parts and keeping eyes & ears open will help you identify any upcoming problems

Interior As Well As Exterior Maintenance – One always thinks that it is important to maintain the exterior of vehicle and do not pay attention to the interiors. But friends, you must realize that both the interior and exterior of any vehicle needs equal attention. Ensure that you take care of your car's interior accessories so that every time you drive, you have a fresh & new feeling.

Brakes As Well As Engine Maintenance – This is one the best way to keep your car functioning properly. Take proper care of your automotive braking system and car's engine to ensure that your old car doesn't brake down.

Proper Checks of Automotive Fluids – Keeping a check on the engine fluids or steering fluids always helps. Get the fluids checked after regular interval.

Windshield & Window Glass Maintenance – Obviously, this tip comes under exterior maintenance. But, I guess, it needs special mention. Most of us neglect the windshield or just wipe it off once. Such a cleaning does not even clean the dust & dirt, infact leaves stains.

Remember Just Love Your Car - If you love your old car, you will surely take care of it.

These were just a few reminders to let your old car function smoothly. Trust me, if you maintain your car, it won't be necessary to buy a new vehicle when in the midst of economic crisis. Save some money now and you will definitely do so by not spending money on buying a vehicle.

101 Car Maintenance Tips - that are easy as well as won't cost you much.

Monday, February 2, 2009

How to Maintain Your Car - 101 Tips

You often spend thousand dollars on your car maintenance. Don't you? But still find it difficult to take care of your car and keep it in best condition? If the question implies on you, read on. Car maintenance is an easy task, if you are aware of some useful car maintenance tips.car-maintenance

Maintenance of car can be sub divided as repair, cleaning and servicing. Careful driving is also important for vehicle maintenance to keep any automobile in the best condition. Do not indulge in rash driving if you want to prevent any damage to the vehicle. Ensure that monthly car maintenance schedule is never skipped. Complete car care includes maintenance of each and every car part. Remember, proper car maintenance is essential for your car's health.

Read more at 101 Car Maintenance Tips

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Car Maintenance Tips for Winter

Its freezing cold in different parts of the world. Chilly temperature might cause severe damage to any auto part that might be expensive to fix and may be a problematic affair for you. If you face frequent car problems during winter season, then your car needs special winter care. Proper & regular care and preventive measures will ensure that your car remains well-maintained. From car's windscreens, engine to auto valves, all the car parts need to be paid some extra attention during winter months. Did you ever think that you should keep your cars windscreen clean or should get your car's fog lights checked. Here are few such car care tips for winter season will keep your vehicle running smooth even in freezing temperatures. Try these car maintenance tips this winter and enjoy the smooth driving experience.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Top Ten Ways to Save Fuel

save fuel save moneyFuel is getting expensive day by day and if your salary is falling short, then you must look for ways to save some money. Try saving some fuel that will automatically minimize your expenses. Here are few tips that you can definitely try to save some fuel. Try these do-it-yourself tips next weekend or if you get time do it during the weekdays itself.

Tip No. 1 – As far as possible, try to avoid warming up your car especially early in the morning. I wonder, if you ever gave it a thought as how much fuel was burned up. It actually consumes and wastes a lot of fuel.

Tip No. 2 – Keep a check on you auto tires regularly. Worn out tires are hard on the engine. Both underinflated as well as overinflated car tires are harmful.
Checking Car Valves
Tip No. 3 – You must also keep a check on the automotive valves in order to ensure that you car functions smoothly. Auto valves' function is to control & regulate the flow of air or fuel mixture.

Tip No. 4 – Did you know proper filling of the tank is also necessary. It is always advised not to overfill the tank.

Tip No. 5 – An important way how fuel is often wasted while driving is through rash driving. You must ensure that when you start driving, the accelerator should be used smoothly. Frequent usage of brakes also leads to stress on the auto braking system.

Tip No. 6 – Trunk should be kept clean. Auto experts often ask the car users to keep their car's trunk clean and if you don't, its gonna cost you a number of pounds more on your vehicle.

Use SunroofsTip No. 7 – Cool breeze in scorching sun feels great. But it feels really bad when the air conditioner consumes a lot fuel and swallows a major chunk of money. So, all you car users, try using alternatives to air conditioner. Interiors vents or sunroofs are definitely better options than loosing a lot of money.

Tip No. 8 – Well, if you can afford a new car, hybrid cars will definitely be a great option for saving fuel. Go green is definitely the mantra these days in auto industry and many hybrid cars support this thought.

Tip No. 9 – Weekly checks of the different auto parts especially the automotive engine.

Tip No. 10 – And this last tip will definitely save a lot of money. Car pooling! If you and your neighbours have your offices in the same area, you must go for car pooling. This is any time a better idea to save fuel, money as well as minimize global warming.

Well, try these car maintenance tips to save some fuel. These small yet important tips would help you save some extra money that you can spend this Christmas. Remember, “Save Fuel = Save Money = Save Environment”

You may also like the following DIY and other tips covered earlier.

Top 5 Tips - DIY Car Maintenance & 63 Sweet Tips To Save Gas!

63 Sweet Tips To Save Gas!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Proper Air Pressure – Life For Your Wheels and Tires!

Well, since we have been talking about auto parts and their maintenance, here is another one. Oh yes, another DIY (Do It Yourself). This one is about those car parts that bear the weight of entire vehicle and that is - Auto Wheels and Tires.

Wheels are vital part in any automobile and hence need extra attention most importantly at regular intervals. Auto wheels and tires, in proper condition, are not only necessary for a comfortable driving but also for safe driving. Keep in mind the following directions to take proper tire care, to let your automotive wheels be intact and definitely for enjoying those long drives.

Air Pressure – For auto wheels and tires to yield maximum functionality, it is essential to keep the right air pressure. Every car has its appropriate standard and you must know the standard air pressure for your car wheels. You can also refer to the automobile wheel manufacturers manuals or other automotive industry publications in the market that may provide you with the required details.

What is important is that the air pressure shouldn't be either high or low. If its low, wheels will get damaged due to friction and consequent heat. Low air pressure in automotive wheels also leads to more fuel consumption. Therefore always remember, The Accurate Car Wheel Pressure!

Check The Valve Cover – In the auto wheels and tires, you will find valve covers. Check these valve covers to make sure they are right on position on the automotive wheels and there is no leakage of air. Keep Valve Covers of Wheels on Right Position.

Twice a Week Air Pressure Checks - Do your regular check ups on auto wheels and tires air pressure. You can take the help of a measure tool. Well, the gap between two air pressure checks depends upon the how much your car is used. Regular Checks Save The Wheels from Damage.

Perform Checks When The Vehicle Has Been Used – This is very important. You should check the air pressure only when the vehicle has been used and the wheels temperature is down. This is so because the wheel pressure will be high if the wheels temperature inside is high. Remember, check the air pressure when the wheels temperature is down.

If You Add An Extra Weight On Vehicle, Increase The Air Pressure – At times, when you are off on a long trip or when you put loads on the poor vehicle, make sure to the increase automotive wheels pressure. As told earlier, proper air pressure is directly proportional to the longer life of auto wheels and tires. Extra Weight or Extra Mile = Extra Air Pressure Required.

Air pressure is just one of the ways, through which you can increase the life of your auto wheels and tires. A check on the other wheel parts like auto tube, flywheel, linkage parts, lug bolt, lug nuts, wheel studs, radial tires & other wheels and tires accessories are amongst the other ways for smoother and hassle free drive.

Also important for you is to how to repair a punctured tire functioning of automotive wheels and wheel parts. So just give some time to your vehicle and enjoy the smooth drive as a brand new car all your life. Have a Safe Drive!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Attention! Your Brake Pads Need To Be Changed

Its been some time since you paid attention to those wearing brakes of your vehicles. You are well aware that the car brakes are very important automotive parts and you cannot be that careless with them. Still, you had been avoiding them for a repair or even a change for so many days.

If you can relate yourself to the above condition, then here is a small and easy way to change your automobile brake parts. Brake pads are essential auto parts of any automobile brake system. Read on to know how can you easily replace the brake pads of your vehicle. Try these do it yourself (DIY) tips.

You Should Have Access To Brake Pads – Since you have fair idea of how car brakes work, you can start with the tips immediately. Ensure that your vehicle is properly lifted off the ground. Remove the tire of the car and gain access to those wearing brake pads.

Checking of Pads – First off all, remove the calipers that squeeze the brake pads. There are bolts that hold calipers together and you won't find it difficult to remove these automotive bolts. Once the calipers are removed, its time to check the brake pads.

Check Rotor – While you are checking the brake pad, then also inspect the rotor. You might also find the rotor worn out, which means you need to change them too. Well, if you are lucky, it can also be repaired. You might just shave down the scored motor to make them smooth. Thank God, at least you saved some dollars there.

Time to Install New Brake Pads – Get new brake pads from your nearest but authorized automotive parts and components store. Since you have removed the worn out brake pads, we will help you replace them with new ones.

The Preparation - Start with the calipers again. Reposition the calipers. Its easy. Move the caliper towards the center of the vehicle to bring it in full open position. You can do so by using a vice grip. Now the calipers are in place, the brake pads are need to be fixed. Apply some brake pad grease on the back of the pads.

Assemble The Greased Brake Pads Now – In order to reassemble the brake pads, you need to install them onto the calipers. To fix caliper back on, use a bolt. The next step is to replace the tire that we have removed in the beginning. The tire need to be placed back onto the axle.

Don't Forget To Tighten The Wheels – After the brake pads are replaced, lower the vehicle and tighten the wheels. Take a small test drive in order to make sure that the car stops correctly.

In case you hear some kind of screeching sound from your brake system, don't worry. Its your brake pads. The new brake pads usually create some noise which will definitely fade away in few days.

Replacing your brake pads is an easy task but if you find any kind of problem, then its always better to get it done by your car mechanic or at a repair center. Try these car maintenance and repair tips. Lets hope, this information on how to change brake pads of your car helps you in right maintenance of your car.