Cars & other Vehicles 2025, January

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

The water pump is one of the most important components of a car engine. This is the element that allows the coolant to flow inside the circuit, preventing the engine from overheating. A leak in the cooling system or its malfunction can cause serious engine damage.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

A fully functional radiator is an essential element that prevents the engine from overheating. The coolant, heated by the engine, is channeled towards the radiator, where it cools by heat exchange. Over time, sludge builds up inside the radiator which makes the coolant less effective and alters engine performance and fuel consumption.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

The transmission fluid needs to be changed from time to time in order to extend the life of the transmission, usually every 100,000km (check your car manual for more details). When the transmission fluid is old you can have trouble traveling, or your car can become sluggish or stall.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Reading spark plugs means examining and evaluating their condition and tip color. Learn to do this to understand the quality of vehicle operation, foresee potential problems and intervene promptly; in this way, you can also recognize when it is necessary to change them to improve engine performance.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

The spark plug cable is a simple but essential element of the engine. It carries to the spark plug a current with high potential difference (30000-50000 volts) which is generated by the ignition coil. When exposed to vibration and heat, the carbon in the cable may loosen and lose its conductivity between the coil and the spark plug.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

The ignition timing of the car refers to the ignition and the process by which the spark plug ignites, creating a spark in the combustion chamber of the car. The timing must be well adjusted for better car performance as it affects the speed and efficiency with which the engine starts.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Do you have to bleed the car brakes to fix them? Or have you changed your brake pads recently and feel like a sponge when you brake? Sometimes it happens that the brake fluid level inside the master cylinder drops too much, and this can cause air bubbles to form inside the tubes, reducing the effectiveness of the brakes.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

If you need to carry out major repairs to your car's air conditioning system, such as fitting a new compressor, evaporator or condenser, you can take the opportunity to add some new refrigerant as well. Follow the instructions in this article to update the machine system with a new refrigerant, such as R134a.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

The radiator is the heart of the car's cooling system, which also includes a fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, belts and sensors. It directs the coolant into the cylinder heads and towards the valves to absorb their heat, return it to the radiator and dissipate it safely.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

The slave cylinder is part of the hydraulic clutch system in vehicles with manual transmission. When the master cylinder or the receiver cylinder starts to leak fluid it must be replaced with new brake fluid. Adding it also means introducing air into the system which creates a slight or non-existent friction when you press the pedal.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Theoretically, you should change the engine oil every three months or 5000km, but if you drive in very hot climates or in a lot of dust, a higher frequency may also be required. The procedure is very simple, like counting from one to three. Steps Step 1.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

All manual transmission vehicles have a clutch between the engine and the gearbox, so that the driver can move away when stationary and shift gears. Clutches are strong, but need to be replaced periodically as they wear out over time. Steps Step 1.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Changing the power steering fluid means circulating it in the system to keep a car's steering system in top condition. At low speeds, this system allows the driver to easily turn the big, heavy wheels of the car - as long as there is enough fluid inside.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

There are many who decide to modify their car to improve its performance and motor enthusiasts are never short of new ideas for customizations. Some fundamental operations to make the car more performing are the optimization of the efficiency of the air flow, the exhaust system and the replacement of suspension components to improve handling.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Normal methods of cleaning and deodorizing a vehicle are not always sufficient. Animal and cigarette odors are particularly difficult to remove because their chemicals penetrate upholstery and seats. You can do a shock treatment using pure ozone (O3) which destroys these substances in every crevice of the interior of a car, even where it is not possible to wash.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

If you have the impression that the driving quality of your car is not the same as always, it is worth checking the shock absorbers. It is a fairly simple operation to perform, and allows you to avoid unnecessary visits to the mechanic or, if necessary, to go there immediately for a professional intervention.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

The roof covering is a fabric with a foam rubber base that sticks to the "ceiling" of the passenger compartment. It is not uncommon for it to come off and give way when exposed to too much moisture or when the car gets old. It is not necessary to go to a professional to repair a sagging or dirty cloth;

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

You may have gotten into your car, turned the key and found nothing happening. If it has never happened to you, one day it will happen. If you are able to do some tests to trace the source of the problem, you can tighten the search for the dead battery, the defective starter or the starter valve.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

The cylinder head is a fundamental part of the vehicle engine and plays a decisive role in the internal combustion process; manages the supply of the mixture of air and fuel, as well as controls the expulsion of exhaust gases. Although it is made up of numerous small components, its cleaning is quite simple;

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Fuses have been designed to protect the most important parts of an electrical system from overheating and subsequent damage. When a sudden and dangerous wave of current flows through the circuit, the wire inside the fuses "breaks" and interrupts the connection.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

If you own a late 1990s or early 2000s General Motors (GM) vehicle made by Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, or Pontiac, your stock radio will "freeze" if you disconnect the battery. In this case you will need to enter a code into the radio to be able to use it again after reconnecting the car battery, but in most workshops they will charge you a lot of money to get the code for you.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Each car comes out of the dealership warehouse with emblems. Most of them consist of the make, model, trim and possibly the dealership logo. Older cars have the emblems directly inserted into the sheet metal with holes, but today, for the most part, they are attached with a strong adhesive that does not damage the paint.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

When driving on wet, slippery and snow-covered surfaces, snow chains are absolutely essential for safety. While these tools may sound complex, the basic concept is pretty simple: put the chains on the tires, slowly move the car forward and tighten them.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

It is very important to regularly check your car battery electrolytes (which are not just water) for two reasons: firstly because they are subject to natural evaporation and secondly because a small amount of liquid separates into oxygen and hydrogen each time you charge.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Here you will find instructions on how to remove and install a car engine. You can do it, but know that it is a big job. If you can, let it be done in a workshop, otherwise keep reading. Steps Step 1. Position the vehicle where you will be able to keep the lift level You will need to drain liquids, and lots of light.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Car windows can get dirty and scratched making it difficult to see. When you find any light scratches on your car glass, consider removing them by polishing the glass. The first step in polishing the glass is to clean the inside and outside.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

This information is derived from the Workshop Manual for a 2002 Ford Explorer, but can still be used for all Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer and Mercury Mariner from 2002 to 2005. Steps Step 1. Remove the rim with the rubber Ask an assistant to hold down the brake pedal to prevent the rear axle from rotating.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Changing the old pillars is a way to keep the car stable at high speeds, thus ensuring a comfortable, safe and peaceful journey. They are spring structures made to absorb shocks and have been an essential part of cars since the 1950s. Over time they wear out and can break if you drive on particularly rough terrain, resulting in a deep snap when turning.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

The passenger compartment ceiling can get dirty over time due to contact with hands, hair, skin and other objects. Since the fabric that covers it is glued, you need to be sure that the cleaning technique and detergents do not damage the laminate and the glue.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Scratches on car paint can be frustrating, even if they are small. They can be caused by trees with low branches, other cars or doors, shopping carts, pets, toys, or sports equipment. To get rid of it, you won't have to completely repaint your car or pay a lot.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

A car battery provides the electrical energy needed to start the engine and power all the various electronic devices when the car is not in motion. Although a car battery is normally charged by the alternator when the car is in motion, it may happen that the battery is flat and needs to be connected to a charger.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

The braking system of a car is essential for the safety of the vehicle. Without working brakes it is impossible to slow down or stop when necessary. Solving the problems associated with this system is not always a simple task. Each component must be in good condition to work properly and recognizing malfunctions requires some knowledge of mechanics and the ability to diagnose the specific damage.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

If you have to leave your car, boat, camper, tractor unattended, or just want a deterrent for thieves, know that an emergency battery switch is very useful. Furthermore, disconnecting the battery when you leave the vehicle stationary for a long time prevents it from discharging.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

The braking speed of a vehicle is more important than its acceleration. Despite warning lights indicating a decreased fluid level in the main reservoir, a car's brakes can stop working quite unexpectedly. Here are some general tips on how to change your brake hoses although the procedures may vary slightly depending on the vehicle.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Insects, resin and tar can accumulate on your car's surface and penetrate through the paint, leaving bad marks and compromising visibility. Fortunately, all of these three substances can be removed without much effort. Read on to find out how to remove any sticky residue from your car to make it shine like the first day.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

The piercing screech emitted by the windshield wipers makes any storm a truly unpleasant experience. This noise is often caused by dirt on the windshield or wiper blades, so you need to clean them thoroughly. If you don't get satisfactory results, try to fix common problems like stiffened rubber strips or loose bolts;

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Changing the fuel filter is part of routine vehicle maintenance and extends the life of the fuel pump. This element retains the residues present in the fuel, but over time it becomes clogged and its performance decreases; a blocked filter reduces the pressure and volume of gasoline in the fuel system.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Most passenger cars, except some electric and hybrid models, have a hydraulic power steering system that allows the driver to turn the steering wheel without too much effort. The system consists of several elements: a rack and a pinion connected to the front wheels;

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

Seat belts are essential devices for the safety of car passengers; however, they can become soaked with sweat or get dirty with coffee and food splashes. Unfortunately, it is also very easy to forget them during normal cleaning, as a result of which stench, stains and even mold become quite common.

Last modified: 2025-01-13 07:01

All blackout films for cars, sooner or later, must be replaced. In fact, over time, two very feared symptoms may appear, discoloration, from black to a purple hue, or the formation of annoying air bubbles. The change in tone is caused by the non-metallic dyes present in the film which deteriorate over time.