How Alternators Work
How Do Alternators Work? Newer vehicles have a 12-volt direct current (DC) electrical system, while older cars and most motorcycles use a 6V system. Hybrid vehicles separate the electrical system into a 12V section for lighting and in-cabin systems, and use a high voltage system for the drive motor. Older vehicles use a generator that [...]
Read More →Squeaking Brakes
Brake squeal is a phenomenon that most drivers don’t want to put up with. The brakes are a critical component of any vehicle, since they’re the only things that are able to bring your car to a safe halt. When drivers start hearing unfamiliar noises emanating from their wheels, they usually become a bit panicked. [...]
Read More →Carbon Fiber Repair
Once strictly the domain of exotic cars, improvements in construction have lowered the price of carbon fiber (CF) enough for it to be used in mass production sports cars and aftermarket performance parts. Over the next 10 to 15 years, experts are projecting that the cost of this material could drop below that of aluminum, [...]
Read More →Air Cleaner Replacement
How often should an air cleaner be changed? The user manual should list the service interval for the filter, but vehicles regularly driven on dirt roads may need the filter changed twice as often. If you’re unsure, inspect the filter visually and replace or clean it if the filter element looks black. How do I [...]
Read More →Five Things to do After Buying a Used Car
Few people are concerned with car maintenance immediately after purchasing a car. In fact, most people want to focus on showing it off to their friends and family. Taking a few simple steps immediately after purchasing a used car, however, can protect you financially and save you a lot of time and headaches related to [...]
Read More →Choosing a Repair Shop to Rebuild After a Collision
Even when insurance covers reconstruction after a collision, most consumers have a choice of service centers to which they can take their cars for major repair. Five factors that consumers should look for when choosing between collision repair shops are: 1. Trade Certification and Consumer Agency Rating Many collision repair centers are members of the [...]
Read More →What to do about the “Check Engine” Light on Used Cars
Nearly all vehicles made in the United States feature a “check engine” or “service engine” light of some sort. This feature is designed to notify drivers of possible problems that could affect your vehicle’s performance. Unfortunately, many used cars will have this lamp appear at any point of their operating life. When the “check engine” [...]
Read More →Auto Body Repairs
What does it take to get quality, affordable autobody work done on a vehicle? The whole process from start to finish can be divided into these seven steps: Before You Get Into an Accident 1. Get the Right Insurance Coverage Look over your policy and answer these questions: Is the deductible low enough that you [...]
Read More →Transmission Estimates
Transmission repair is one of the most expensive maintenance jobs that can be performed on a car. If you think your car needs its tranmission fixed, be sure to ask these questions before agreeing to this costly repair. Before You Start Start by finding out how much it will cost to have the problem diagnosed [...]
Read More →Are K&N Air Filters Worth the Added Expense?
The air filter in a car is one of its most critical replaceable components. The filter blocks dirt and other contaminants from entering the car’s combustion chamber and provides a measure of air resistance that prevents the engine from running lean. This dual purpose requires that the filter be replaced on a regular basis. K&N [...]
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