Your radiator coolant works to raise the temperature of water to its’ boiling point thus allowing it to move more heat away from your car’s engine. That means your vehicle will run cooler. If you radiator coolant levels are too low, the temperature of your car will increase quickly.

The good thing is that it only takes a moment to check your radiator coolant levels. In most vehicles, the coolant will be an opaque white plastic tank sitting near the radiator. It’s not completely opaque. The tank is transparent enough for you to see the coolant levels and determine whether or not you need more. The tank also contains markings to help you measure those levels. You should always check your radiator coolant level when your car is cold.

If your levels are fine, then there’s nothing to be concerned about. However, insufficient coolant levels are unsafe for your automobile so make sure you are taking measures to correct the level. An engine requires a mixture of coolant and water at a ratio of 50% of each. Fortunately, you do not need to create the mixture yourself in the exact amount. Now, you can go to your auto supplies retailer and get it premixed ready to use. To do it yourself would require lots of trial and error until one achieved the perfect mixture. Buying the premixed may cost a bit more but it’s less complicated and messy.

Add to the coolant by unscrewing or removing the cap of the opaque plastic overflow tank. Next, add more coolant to your mixture until the reservoir is full. Replace the cap securely to the coolant tank and you’re all set.

Caution: Coolant is very toxic to animals. If you should happen to spill some on the ground, be sure to wipe it up. Animals are attracted to it because it tastes sweet. Though animals cannot know the difference, we can be conscientious in this regard and protect them from harm.

Bond Mejeh produces automotive related articles for Quick Cash Auto, a cash for cars service. Quick Cash Auto not only buys pre-owned vehicles of any year, make or model, but they also provide numerous articles about vehicle repair and automotive news.

Please visit QuickCashAuto.com for more information and be sure to check out our automotive blog.

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You’ll always want to review your vehicle owner’s manual for the correct procedure for changing a tire on your particular model and make. The following are only general guidelines for a tire change so always consult your owner manual first.

Locate your Tools

• The tools needed for a tire change:
• Jack
• Rubber mallet
• Wheel nut wrench
• Tire iron, pry bar or large screwdriver
• Wheel lock key (if you have a wheel lock)
• Wheel chocks or bricks

Caution: Safety First

You should never go underneath a vehicle that is only supported by a car jack. If you must do this, make sure you have get an approved jack for this procedure. Always wear some eye protection when working on or around your vehicle.

Prepare For Tire Change

Make sure your vehicle is parked on a firm, level surface. If this is difficult where you are then, make it as level as you possibly can.

Next, check to see that you have placed your vehicle in the “Park” position if it has an automatic transmission. If your vehicle has a manual transmission then you should check to see that is placed in the “Reverse” position. Now, you can go ahead and apply the parking brake and remove the car key from the ignition.

You should place a brick, or wheel chock if you have one, diagonally opposite the wheel that is to be changed. For example, if you are changing the left front tire, you should place the brick or wheel chock at the right rear tire. If you can place bricks or wheel chocks at both wheels, this would provide you wit even more safety and is recommended if possible.

Removing The Wheel

Some vehicles have separate wheel covers. If your vehicle does, use a pry bar to remove them first. Remove wheel covers by placing the pry bar beneath the edge of the wheel cover and then gently pry the wheel cover upwards. Repeat this at different points around the wheel cover until it starts to loosen, then remove the entire wheel cover. If your vehicle has a wheel lock key, fit the key to the wheel lock and place your lug wrench onto it. Turn the lug wrench clockwise until the wheel lock becomes loose.

Once you are done the above, place the wheel lock in a safe place. Be sure to place it where there is no chance for it to roll away and possible crack the other lug nuts. What you are trying to do is loosen the lug nuts only. You do not want to remove them completely. If you find that he lug nut is difficult to remove, you can place the lug wrench on the lug nut until it gets near to horizontal with the ground. Then, stand safely close to the end of the lug wrench and do a little hop or jump. This should crack that tight lug nut loose.

Now place the jack in position following your vehicle’s manual instructions. Most of the time, this will be under the body of your vehicle, just forward of the rear wheels and to the rear of the front wheels. If the ground is grassy, sandy or soggy place some plywood under the jack. This will provide a clear workspace.

Then, carefully and steadily raise the vehicle until the tire is just barely making contact with the ground. Using your lug wrench, remove all the lug nuts and place them aside to a safe area. Raise your vehicle with jack until the wheel clears the ground. Now remove the wheel.

Bond Mejeh produces automotive related articles for Quick Cash Auto, a cash for cars service. Quick Cash Auto not only buys pre-owned vehicles of any year, make or model, but they also provide numerous articles about vehicle repair and automotive news.

Please visit QuickCashAuto.com for more information and be sure to check out our automotive blog.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/how-to-change-a-car-tire-1125319.html

To repair the brake line on the front wheel of the vehicle, first obtain a new flexible brake hose from the auto parts store of your choice. Raise the wheel in question, place jack stands under the car for safety, and remove the wheel. Removing the wheel is just for ease of access. Usually, there is a sliding clip or a bracket mounted to the upper strut or upper support arm that holds the brake line. Unscrew the brake line from the end of the rigid brake line, then unscrew from the front caliper. There will be a gasket between the line and the caliper, usually copper. Your new brake line should have a new gasket. If not, you will need to reuse the old one. A new gasket is recommended.

Install the new line and take care not to cross thread the fittings. When the brake line is installed and the bracket is reattached, loosen the bleed screw at the top of the caliper. Brake fluid and air should begin to seep out. Fill the master cylinder with fluid and reinstall the cap. Close the bleed screw on the caliper. Enlist a friend’s help to bleed the brakes. Have your friend pump the brake pedal a few times and hold. Loosen the bleed screw slightly. Fluid should squirt out. The fluid comes out under pressure and is harmful if it gets in your eyes. Wear safety glasses. Use a small hose to direct the fluid into a container.

When the bleed screw is loosened, the pedal will go to the floor. Tighten the bleed screw and tell your assistant to then pump the brakes up again. Continue until you see no air escape from the bleed screw when it is loosened. Reinstall the wheel. Just for safety’s sake, bleed all four wheels to make sure no air entered the system when you had the brake line off.

Make sure to check your brakes before taking to the road. If they do not work properly, bleed them again to ensure that all the air is out of the system. Be sure to recheck the fluid level.

Bond Mejeh produces automotive related articles for Quick Cash Auto, a cash for cars service. Quick Cash Auto not only buys pre-owned vehicles of any year, make or model, but they also provide numerous articles about vehicle repair and automotive news. Please visit QuickCashAuto.com for more information and be sure to check out our automotive blog.

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First of all, determine whether or not you really need to replace them. On most cars, if you have more than 20,000 miles on your original shock absorbers, you probably need them replaced. There is a quick test for this. You can bounce your car by pushing down on the rear bumper and letting it rebound up. Watch the motion of the car and how much it bounces.

If it continues to bounce more than once, you may need shocks. The purpose of the shocks is to keep the tires in contact with the road. If the car continues to bounce, that will allow the tires to lose some of their contact with the road. If your car is not in contact with the road at all times, it can result in an accident.

The shocks can be replaced without raising the car or removing the wheel but in most cases, either can give you extra space to replace the shocks. This will also allow for easier access to the mounting bolts and/or studs. Be sure to observe the orientation of the rubber bushings as you remove the shock from its position. Some cars require a shock that has built in bushings with a mounting eye on both ends. The mounting eye helps the shock to slide onto a mounting bolt. Some have a stud on the shock that require a bushing both below and above a mounting bracket.

Mount the new shock using the same orientation as the old one. Be sure to add new bushings where they are required. The new shock will have directions to help you differentiate between the upper and lower ends. Also, included with the new shock will be directions for the amount of torque required on mounting bolts and nuts.

So, there you have replaced your shocks and you will notice better ride and handling while driving your car.

Bond Mejeh produces automotive related articles for Quick Cash Auto, a cash for cars service. Quick Cash Auto not only buys pre-owned vehicles of any year, make or model, but they also provide numerous articles about vehicle repair and automotive news. Please visit QuickCashAuto.com for more information and be sure to check out our automotive blog.

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The thickness affects how the engine performs. Older cars tend to be worn down, and thin oil will cause more friction between parts. This causes the car to wear out faster than normal. Thicker oil is better as your car ages, but thick oil can make it harder for your car to cope with cold conditions.

It is difficult for a car to warm up with thick oil because the oil tends to move slowly throughout the vehicle. The best way to get the most out of your motor oil is to check that the oil is a multi-viscosity type. Multi-viscosity oil can be thick or thin when it needs to.

A car owner should also consider the grade of the oil. Oil with a higher number is thicker. While the numbers go up to seventy, newer cars run better with 5W30 in them. This means that the oil has a viscosity of 5 in cold weather and 30 in warm. For older cars, 10W20 or 10W30 is recommended. It causes less friction even during cold weather on the car parts.

There are three types of oil to consider for your vehicle: conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blend. Conventional is cheaper, but will not last as long, especially when constantly exposed to high temperatures. If you do a lot of traveling, it may be better for you to go with one of the other types. Synthetic is the most expensive, but it works the best. It is able to withstand most temperatures and it helps the car perform at its best. A synthetic blend mixes both types for better oil that costs less. It falls somewhere in the middle between synthetic and conventional. This type is best for those who are trying to save some money.

Keep in mind that your car’s owner’s manual will be most helpful in recommending which type of oil works best for your car. If you don’t have a manual, or you are still unsure, ask your local mechanic or auto parts store what they would recommend.

Bond Mejeh produces automotive related articles for Quick Cash Auto, a cash for cars service. Quick Cash Auto not only buys pre-owned vehicles of any year, make or model, but they also provide numerous articles about vehicle repair and automotive news.
Please visit QuickCashAuto.com for more information and be sure to check out our automotive blog.

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In order to change your battery you will need battery cleaning solution, anti-corrosion solution, a socket and ratchet, a combination wrench, a wire brush, a new battery, and a screwdriver.

1) Turn off your engine, lift the hood, and locate the battery. Take off the negative (black) battery cable first by loosening the connecting nut with a wrench. Twist and pull the battery cable off of the battery with upwards motion or pry it up with a tool or screwdriver if it is stuck.

2) Repeat this same method with the positive (red) cable.

3) Use a socket and ratchet or a combination wrench to remove the hold-down clamp on the battery, if one exists.

4) Remove the battery from the battery tray. Remember, batteries are very heavy, so hold onto the bottom with both hands. Set it down on the ground to ensure your safety and the safety of your vehicle.

5) Use a wire brush and water to clean away any corrosion from the hold-down clamp and the battery tray. Clean the battery cable connectors with the wire brush as well, but without the water or other liquid. If the connectors have heavy corrosion, you may use a special battery-cleaning solution that is available at most auto-parts stores.

6) Place a new battery in the battery tray and secure it with the hold-down clamp. Re-attach and tighten down the positive (red) battery cable first, then the negative. You may choose to spray the terminal ends with an optional anti-corrosion solution, which will prevent most corrosion collections. Check that the connection is tight, because if the cables move at all, the vehicle may not start.

Most car batteries have at least a 60-month warranty. If it fails within that time period, you can get it replaced for free.

Bond Mejeh produces automotive related articles for Quick Cash Auto, a cash for cars service. Quick Cash Auto not only buys pre-owned vehicles of any year, make or model, but they also provide numerous articles about vehicle repair and automotive news.
Please visit QuickCashAuto.com for more information and be sure to check out our automotive blog.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/how-to-change-your-car-battery-1153322.html

(2) Raise up the front of your vehicle with a jack, high enough that you can get underneath and work comfortably. (Transmission fluid is located within the transmission fluid pan, underneath the vehicle, directly behind the engine.)

(3) Find the bolts that are holding up your transmission pan. You will have to find the proper size of Socket to remove the bolts and drop the transmission pan.

(4) Then start by removing all of the bolts except the corner bolts.

(5) The transmission pan will be completely full of fluid, so you will have to use a 6-10 quart drain pan. This is to prevent the fluid from spilling on the ground.

(6) Loosen the remaining corner bolts and place the drain pan under the end of the pan that will remove first.

(7) Remove either the front corner bolts or the back bolts and catch the fluid and drain as much as you can before completely removing the transmission pan.

(8) Place one hand underneath the transmission pan while removing the remaining bolts.

(10) Slowly lower the pan to the ground and place the pan out of the way, so as not to spill the remaining fluid. (Look up at the bottom of the transmission, you will see a filter hanging in place, it’s just held on loosely by a rubber grommet.)

(11) Gently pull down on the filter, and remove it. (When buying a new filter, it is a good idea to take the old one with you so as to buy the proper filter for your car)

(12) Take the new filter out of the package and place it in the same location where you took off the old one. (Be sure that the rubber grommet is in place on the new filter) Place the filter in the proper location on the transmission and push up firmly so as to get it in place.

(13) Drain old fluid out of transmission pan, completely.

(14) Replace the pan bolts, corners first.

(15) Then put in the remaining bolts all the way around the pan.

(16) Use your socket and ratchet and tighten the bolts one across the pan from the other until all the bolts are snug.

(17) Replace transmission fluid as recommended in your owners’ manual.

Remember safety first and make sure that you have choked the wheels of the vehicle to keep it stabilized during fluid change.

Bond Mejeh produces automotive related articles for Quick Cash Auto, a cash for cars service. Quick Cash Auto not only buys pre-owned vehicles of any year, make or model, but they also provide numerous articles about vehicle repair and automotive news.

Please visit QuickCashAuto.com for more information and be sure to check out our automotive blog.

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Place your floor jack at the correct position, preferably in the middle of rear axle under the main housing. Elevate until you have enough room to comfortably get under the vehicle on your creeper. Place your jack stands under the rear axle, one on each side of main housing. Make sure they are set high enough and placed correctly in order to give you plenty of room to maneuver on your creeper.

Most rear housing drains are located exactly on the bottom of the main housing; some are located slightly higher and are always located below the fill hole. You’ll need a crescent wrench or an Allen wrench to remove drain plug. Turn the plug counter clockwise until it’s removed and grease will begin to drain. When the housing is empty, pay particular attention to the findings in the bottom of the drain pan. Look for evidence of metal filings. Metal filings indicate some wear on the gears but if there isn’t an excessive amount, don’t worry about it. All gears produce small flakey filings.

Replace your drain plug and make sure you get it tight. Your fill plug will be located on either side of the main housing and will require the same tool for removal. Remove the plug, using a small funnel or small suction gun. Replace the old grease with the new, but do not overfill. Usually, you can fill until it starts to run out of the fill hole. Then, replace your plug quickly. Clean your tools and remove the jack stands. This is a safe and cost-efficient way of changing your gear fluid and maintaining your vehicle.

Bond Mejeh produces automotive related articles for Quick Cash Auto, a cash for cars service. Quick Cash Auto not only buys pre-owned vehicles of any year, make or model, but they also provide numerous articles about vehicle repair and automotive news. Please visit QuickCashAuto.com for more information and be sure to check out our automotive blog.

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