Auto Inspections DIY

When buying a new car - whether that is through a private sale or a used car dealer, it's always a good idea to get an outside inspection on the vehicle before signing the dotted line and handing the money over. If you don't have the funds, however, to pay for an independent inspection then there are a few things that you can do yourself to check that the car is in a satisfactory condition. Follow these DIY car inspection tips -

• Check the tyres and the odometer. Make sure that the tyres are evenly worn and the same size and brand. Be aware that if the tread is very thin you will have to factor the price of new tyres into the car. Also check the odometer to make sure that its reading matches the service kilometres from the car's last check.
• Check for hidden accident damage. Do a thorough check of the car for residual accident damage or anything that hasn't been repaired that could potentially cause a problem in the future. Look for misaligned panels, rust stains and any unexplained scratches or surface blemishes.
• Engine Condition. You don't need to have expert engine knowledge to determine whether it is functioning in a healthy manner. Firstly, check the engine oil to make sure it is translucent and honey-coloured. Then, look under the engine and transmission for leaks, and check that the coolant is clean and brightly coloured.
• Inspect while test-driving. While test driving the vehicle, there are a number of things you should look out for. Make sure that the engine starts without trouble and in a smooth manner. Make sure that the breaks work effectively and without any suspicious noises, particularly if you are buying a 4WD such as a used Landrover. Turn the air conditioning on and off, checking both the warm and cold settings, followed by a check of the power adjusted mirrors and chairs. Play with the radio and audio system to make sure there is no unexplained crackling or other problems. Finally, make sure you get out of the car to ensure that all the lights - headlights and back lights - work properly.

When buying a used car - whether it is a used Honda, Landrover or a used Peugeot, a thorough inspection can make the difference between taking home a lemon and a great deal. Make sure you take the time to inspect the vehicle properly so that you are assured you are getting value for your money. A second opinion can never hurt, so take along a friend for an extra set of eyes.

Preventative Maintenance On A Used Car - DIY Oil Change

Used cars in Fredericton, Used Cars In Hawaii or Used Cars in CT - They all need regular oil Changes at least every 3000-5000 KM as a part of their preventative Maintenance Routine. It is a good rule of thumb to check all your fluids and top them up every time you do an oil change. Your brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, wind shield wash and radiator coolant. Don't forget to check your air pressure in the tires and rotate the tires at least every 5000 KM.
Today we will explain how to change the oil in your vehicle and tips about the procedure.
Locate your drain plug and remove it. You will need a wrench or a socket and ratchet to do this. You will be working underneath the car so be sure your vehicle is secure on proper stands or up on an automotive hoist. Once the drain plug is removed the oil will flow quickly in a stream about the size of a dime. Be ready will a proper catch container to catch all the used oil. Please dispose of properly at a service station or another garage, do not contaminate our environment any more than it is. Replace the washer/seal around the drain plug. It only costs pennies and can save you time and troubles in the long run.
Replace the drain plug and snug it up. With the new drain washer you just need to snug the plug not tighten as much as possible.
Next, you will need to locate your oil filter and remove with an oil filter wrench. Have your oil catch pan ready as there will still be some oil left to come out, just a cup or so though. Make sure the old oil filter gasket comes off also. Take your new oil filter and rub new oil around the gasket, this will make the filter easy to remove for the next oil change. Put the new filter on and tighten it as tight as you can get it, HAND TIGHT.
Next step, put fresh oil into the engine. Check your owners manual for the type of oil and how many quarts. Once the correct amount of oil is put into your car, replace the oil filler cap. Now check your oil level by pulling out the dip stick and wiping it off and putting in back into place. Now pull it out again and look at the level on the dip stick. It should read full.

Auto Stereo DIY

Installing a stereo in your car is no easy task. However, there are thousands of Americans out there just like you who were interested in saving money and successfully installed their own stereo. Most of them are not even mechanics!
One of the best things that you can do first is to read the instruction manual that comes with the speakers, the head piece, or the amplifier. Reading the directions before you start a project is always essential when you are working on a project that is as big as this one. Once you have fully read through the directions, take the installation one step at a time. Go through each step slowly and thoroughly to ensure that all components are installed properly.
Although each manufacturer's installation instructions vary, it is advised that you start with a smaller system first. Do not try to do a full installation like something that you would see on "Pimp My Ride" because you will be doomed to fail. Trying to install the latest HDTV and gaming system integrated within the walls and seats of your cars when you are still new is going to put you in a position to fail. Rather, you should start by installing the head piece which is the easiest portion of the installation.
The head piece can generally be taken out without too much effort and then wired into the factory amplifier and speakers. Since the wires are already done for you by the manufacturer, getting the head piece installed and connected to the existing wires is a fairly simple task. To reiterate, this is not a substitute for reading the directions.
When you are wiring the head piece, make sure that you buy a head piece with adapters especially if you are buying a "one piece fits all" head piece. If your car is more rare then the average American or Japanese car, then you should check with the manufacturer before buying the head piece. This installation will be great practice for when you want to start working on the speaker and amplifier installation.
Always keep the safety do it yourself rules in mind when you install your car stereo. Make sure your car is off at all times and double check all wires prior to starting your car. Car stereo equipment is not cheap, and one loose wire could burn out the entire stereo system as well as causing damage to your car's existing electrical system. If you follow the basic installation instructions that come with the stereo, be very patient, and double check all your work, then you can be like the thousands of other car fanatics out there who have successfully installed their own car stereo systems.

Electric Car DIY - How to Get Started and Avoid Costly Mistakes

Are you thinking about building your own electric car? A lot of people are doing it. After all, who wouldn't rather drive for $0.04 per mile instead of $4.00 per mile? People everywhere are saying goodbye to the gas pump, oil changes and tune ups forever. If you are wondering where to begin, follow these 6 easy tips and you'll be on the road in no time.
1. Select the right car to convert: The car has to be small and light. The lighter the car, the farther it will go between charges and the higher your top speed will be. Now, be careful because the car must also have enough space to mount the batteries you'll need on board, so don't use a Mini for example. A compact or small pickup truck works great.
2. Select a car with a manual transmission.  Manual transmission vehicles convert a whole lot easier. If you can't or don't want to drive a stick, don't worry. You won't have to shift at all once the conversion is completed.
3. Inspect the car: Check the undercarriage, breaks, tires, transmission, etc to make sure there aren't issues there before you buy. I have a mechanic friend I like to take a long with me for this purpose. Remember, you want to find something that is in good shape all around. The electric motor and batteries you are going to use will last a very long time, so you want to make sure the car itself has enough remaining life in it to hold up.
4. Finding that perfect conversion car: If you look around a little, you can pick up a used car with engine damage - or even NO engine - that is otherwise in excellent condition at amazingly cheap prices. Check the local classified ads, on-line auction sites, on-line classified ads, etc. A car with a bad engine isn't of much value to the average driver but it is pure gold to you and me.
5. Pull the motor: Now that you've found your perfect conversion car, you'll need to pull the motor if it has one. This really isn't that hard to do. Rent an engine hoist and recruit a friend or 2 to help. Sometimes you can get a mechanic to do it for you. I've worked deals before where the mechanic was interested in the engine for parts. In this case, they'll often pull the engine for free if you let them keep it.
6. Get a good guide to follow. This is important. The right plans will guide you step-by-step through the entire project. More importantly though, the right instruction manual provides priceless information on how to locate all your parts very inexpensively-and in some cases even free. This one step can end up saving you a ton of money on the project. In most cases, by investing $50 up front for a good set of plans you can complete the entire conversion for $500 or less. Compare this to the $6000 or more that you would spend on one of the electric car conversion kits for sale and you'll soon see the wisdom of this strategy.
The DIY electric car conversion is a great project. Its fun, inexpensive and easy to complete. For more information on DIY electric cars and recommendations for a great set of plans.

You too can say goodbye to the gas pump, tune ups and oil changes forever.

DIY Low Tech Method-How to Check an Ignition Coil Or Fuel Injector

An ignition coil can be OHM checked with a meter to see if it is out of range or if it has a completely open circuit. But what if the car seems to run fine and a misfire code is directing you to a particular cylinder? For instance if you have a code for * P0301 (#1 misfire code) but the engine seems to be running OK, below is a low tech method for testing the coil without any special tools. This method works well for ignition coils or fuel injectors that may have an intermittent problem. Also it works best with ignition coils and injectors that are easily accessible. Obviously it's best to check the basics first like a visual inspection to see if engine oil may be shorting a connection or if there is evidence of tracking of the spark arcing to the engine. Sometimes after an engine is cleaned water can go into the spark plug recess and short the connection to the plug as well. The simple low tech method is assuming the spark plugs and wires are good and there is still a misfire code setting.
What is the low tech method?
Simple, switch the coil or injector with the neighboring one. After making the switch clear the code and see if the misfire code sets for the other cylinder. Sometimes in service manuals, you may read "install a known good component." This is basically what is being done without the expense of purchasing a new part for testing purposes. Usually with electronic parts, stores will not allow returns. This way no unneeded parts will be purchased.

• Save money by using this simple low tech diagnosis method.
• Pinpoint intermittent problems with ignition coils or fuel injectors.
• Use this method without extensive knowledge of the ignition or FI systems.
• Perfect DIY test to verify a failing component without spending money or guessing.
• By switching cylinder #1 and #2 coils the code should move from * P0301 to P0302 if the coil is bad.
• Eliminate the possibility of bad wiring or a computer driver issue.