- User Submitted:
iluvmyibanez21
For anyone with an eclipse with the 420A (this may also be true for all other dsm's as well) be sure to have your timing belt changed every 60 thousand miles. Even if it seems to be ok. If it breaks, the engine will not shut down like most vehicles. Instead you will blow the head and score the block. Timing belt replacing isn't cheap for our cars but it's better than having your engine replaced.
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- User Submitted:
denison336
With any T-Top car. While putting the T-Tops back in check the seals and rubber fittings to make sure that they are overlapped correctly. Putting the tops on without correct sealing will cause a leak.
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- User Submitted:
black00si
If you are planning on Making your hood JDM spec (refer to my pics) don't put the spacers in between the hood and the arm,
put them between the hood arm and the frame....your hood will shake like crazy if you do it the other way!
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- User Submitted:
black00si
When hooking up ANY electrical device, DO NOT run them through your
fusebox...although this is tempting and much easier, spend a few extra
bucks and buy a circuit break fuse box and run it to the battery.
You're just draining your get-up-and-go when you go through the
fusebox.
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- User Submitted:
Trininox
Go to your own bank or shop around for financing before you talk to a dealer, do your research online as far as blue book
values and what other dealers are selling the vehicle for. Its good to know the invoice price on a car to so you know what
the dealer is paying from the factory. If you have good financing from your own bank. You dont have to get stuck with
dealer financing.
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- User Submitted:
Spookml
66/67 chevy chevelles novas you can use the right front fender to weld into the left rear qauter panel or left front
on the right rear. All the metal will match up perfect for that. If you have to fix your panels and can find replacement
ones use old fenders.
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- Exhaust system - Don't worry about surface rust, but have rusted-through parts replaced. (Check sooner if the
exhaust becomes noisy.) It may make sense to replace the entire exhaust system all at once rather than piecemeal.
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- Cooling system hoses - At each oil change, squeeze the hoses when the eninge is cold. Replace the hoses if you
find cracks or hard or mushy areas. Then start the engine and watch the hoses; replace them if they bulge while
the engine is running.
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- Check your air filter - Remove your air-filter cover and hold the filter up to the sun or bright light. If you
don't see light through the filter, replace it.
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- User submitted: Eltharion
On rear wheel drive cars, remove the plug in the differential and feel for fluid with your little finger. If you
don't feel any, add fluid until you can and have the system checked.
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- Refill the brake system fluid with fresh brake fluid every two years, or as recommended by the automaker. Old
brake fluid can reduce braking effectiveness and corrode parts
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- Even if they show no wear, you should replace your engine drive belts every four years. If a belt becomes noisy,
have it adjusted immediately.
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- Terminals of battery - Remove deposits with a wire brush, was with a solution of baking soda and water, then rinse.
Cover vent holes with tape during cleaning so baking soda doesn't get inside. If the deposits reappear, coat the
terminals with grease.
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- Clean that radiator. To prevent over heating, was the radiator with detergent solution; remove debris with a soft
brush
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- Check brakes - Remove all wheels and examine the brakes. Have excessively worn pads or linings replaced, and have
badly scored rotos or drums machined or replaced. Have the wheel bearings greased.
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- Battery - On a low-maintenance battery, pry off the covers or unscrew the caps; if necessay, add distilled water.
If the battery has an "eye," check its color. If the eye is green or blue, the battery is OK; if it's black, have
the battery tested and charged; if it's pale or yellow, replace the battery.
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- Brake fluid - Check the level in the master cylinder. (Wipe the cap clean before removing it.) If the fluid
level is low, top it up and have the system checked for leaks.
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- Power steering fluid - Check the level with the dipstick (usually attached to the fluid reservoir cap). If the level
is low, top it up and have the system checked for leaks.
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- Automatic transmission fluid - Check the fluid level and color, using the transmission dipstick. (See the owner's
manual for details.) If the level is low, add fluid to between the Add and Full marks. If the fluid is brown
or black or smells burnt, change the fluid and filter. If the fluid is stickly white or pale, the transmission
oil-cooler may need repair.
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- Tire Pressure - Check with an accurate gauge when the tires are cold. (Don't
trust the air-pump gauges at service stations; they tend to be very inaccurate.) See your car owner's manual or label
in the glove box or on the driver's doorpost for recommender pressures. Don't forget to check the spare too!
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- User Submitted: Curtis
Dirt and
pollutants are tough on paint. Wash your car every week, using enough water to avoid scratching the paint.
Hose out the fender wells and undercarriage with a strong spray to dislodge accumulated dirt and road salt, which can
cause corrosion. When water beads on the body panels become larger than a quarter, wax the body to protect the paint
from tree sap, bird droppings, and other damaging dirt.
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- Oil level - Park the car on level ground, wait a few minutes. Then pull out and
wipe the dipstick and reinsert it. If the level is below the Add line, add enough oil to bring the level to the Full
mark. Don't overfill.
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- Radiator coolant - Check the plastic overflow bottle, attached by a hose to the radiator. If the level
is below the Full mark, add water and antifreeze in equal amounts. If the level keeps dropping, check for leaks.
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- User Submitted:
Bob
On older vehicles without bulb warning check features, check your lights every 3-4 weeks or so. Look at your headlights,
taillights, turn signals, brakelights, side marker lights, fog lights, etc. Get a friend or use a reflection from a garage
door or window to check the rear brake lights. Check the center third brakelight as well.
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- User Submitted:
Nick
Always drive
with your lights on, even in the day. It not only helps you see but makes it easier for others to see you.
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- If you are planning a trip to the high country for skiing, make sure anti-freeze is
adjusted to the proper level, both in the cooling system and washer system. Chains should be carried for non 4-wheel
drive vehicles, and make sure they are fitted/adjusted properly before you leave.
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- Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times. 10 o'clock to 2 o'clock. Keep your cell
phone in your pocket.
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- Keep your vehicle managed and well tuned. Drive smoothly, plan
your route, you can save on fuel just by paying attention. A little effort can go a long way in helping our
environment.
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- Hard stop and go
driving takes its toll on any vehicle.
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- It's best to run your vehicle for 15 to 20 seconds on most late models.
This allows the engine systems to stabilize. Drive easy until the temperature/guage is in normal operating
position. This will allow a more even heat transfer of engine and drive components.
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- If the
check engine light goes on and your vehicle is running rough or poorly, remember- safety first! Get your
vehicle to a safe area and call your autoshop. Get advice first. Its better to tow a vehicle than do
further damage by driving it more.
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- If your check engine light goes on and the vehicle seems like it is running ok, check gauges.
If your gauges are ok, check for lose or missing gas cap. This is a common problem with a 1996 vehicles or
newer. If the light still doesn't go off call your autoshop for advice and suggest check A.S.A.P.
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- Vehicles with timing belts have
recommended intervals for replacement - mileage or time. Major engine damage can occur if they break, ask
your autoshop for recommended replacement for your specific vehicle. Vehicle manufacture specs can sometimes
be too long.
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- Manual
transmission owners - when in stop/go traffic its best to keep your vehicle in neutral/foot off the clutch -
this loads the throw out bearing. Over time it causes excess wear and tear.
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- On
most late model vehicles, oil change intervals have increased, the standard 3000 to 5000 mile intervals apply
to petrolium based oils. However, synthetic based oil change intervals range from 5000 to 15000 miles
depending on the manufacture. Read your vehicle owner's manual for their recommendations.
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- When you feel a vibration
in the steering wheel your tires could be out of balance or need replacing. When you feel the vehicle pulling
- drifting right or left this could be alignment or uneven tire pressure - see a tire shop for advice.
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- When parking your car in the summertime - warm climate areas - find
shaded area - this will help the paint from oxidizing the interior from fading.
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- When buying a used car - check to see if it has an anti theft radio,
if so - ask seller for the radio code.
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- Check tire tread wear at least once a month - tires have a wear indicator that runs perpendicular
to the tread pattern of the tire. When the indicator is even with the tire tread its time for new tires.
Poor alignment can cause tires to wear unevenly, such as balding on the outside of the tire while the middle
still has good tread. Take a lincoln head penny, put head first into tread - if you can see the top of
lincoln's head its time for new tires.
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- If you are buying a used vehicle, always get a shop to do a vehicle inspection before making the purchase.
Look at Before you buy a used car. Don't take on someones piece
of junk.
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- Servicing your vehicle
on regular intervals will help in the long run to reduce costs and road problems, and increase mileage.
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- Run washer system every 2-weeks or so to keep system from
clogging. Keep a washer/antifreeze solution mix in system to avoid winter freezing.
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- Every 3 to 4 gas fill ups check under the hood. Eye the oil level. Don't open, just look at the coolant
tank. The older the vehicle and higher the mileage - the more often fluids should be checked, including
the power steering fluid and brake fluid.
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- Always pay attention to vehicle warning lights - flashing red means
safely pull the vehicle off the road. Make sure to find a safe place away from traffic - then check owners
book to see what light means. Do not operate the vehicle if it's over heating or if it has low oil pressure.
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- Cycle your A/C system during winter months every 2 weeks or so. This
helps keep the system circulating.
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- Improper tire
pressure increases the tire wear. Most vehicles post pressure specs in the gas door cover or left door
jam - otherwise see owners book.
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- When buying a new or used
vehicle - check consumer reports. Two good sites are consumerreports.org and edmonds.com
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- Read the service interval section in maintenance part of the owner's book - this will help
you in understanding not only when service is due - but what is required.
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- Read your owner's book for your vehicle. This helps you get aquainted with any accessories
your vehicle may have. Learn what warning lights mean - Always keep the owners book in the vehicle for
future use.
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- Keep organized records of your vehicle or vehicles maintenance. The Auto Log will help you get started
with your needs
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