Some cars need to have their timing belts replaced at specific mileage intervals. Otherwise, you risk doing damage to your cylinder head. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, refer to the manufacturer’s website for further guidance.
Some vehicles have specific requirements for the type of coolant or brake fluid you use. Refer to your owner’s manual or an application specific repair manual to see what kind is right for your specific car. To fill each reservoir, unscrew the cap and pour the fluid in until it reaches the “full” point as indicated on the side. Then screw the cap back on.
Refill the engine with the correct amount and type of oil once the new filter is in place and you have reinserted the drain plug. Different vehicles have different oil capacities and requirements. Refer to your owner’s manual or an application specific repair manual to find out what type and amount of oil you need for your car.
The filter just sits inside the air box. Remove it with your hand and set the new one in its place. Close the air box again and use the clips to secure the lid.
Most cars that require “premium” fuel will say so on the instrument cluster of the dashboard and over the fuel filler cap. Check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you’re still unsure what octane level of fuel your vehicle needs.
Loosen the bracket holding the old fuel filter in place and slide it out. Slide the new one into the bracket and tighten it down. Attach the fuel lines to each nozzle and reinsert the clips to hold them in place. If you break the clips, you can buy new ones at your local hardware store.
Most vehicles require a 50/50 water and coolant mixture. You can usually purchase pre-mixed coolant at your local auto parts store. Check your owner’s manual or a vehicle specific repair manual to see how much coolant to add and what specific type of coolant your car needs.
Read the instructions on the bug remover you purchase to make sure you use it properly.
At that point, you can install the new brake pads into the caliper by sliding them into place where the old ones were. Remove the C-clamp, place the caliper back on the rotor, then reinsert the 2 bolts that hold it in place. Repeat that process on the other side, then put the wheels back on and lower the car.
Make sure to follow the diagram on the sticker in your engine bay (or in an application-specific repair manual) when running the new belt through the pulleys. Use the breaker bar on the auto tensioner or apply pressure to the alternator to add tension to the belt, then release the tensioner pulley or tighten the alternator bolts in place to keep the belt tight.
Install the new hose in place of the old one and re-tighten the hose clamps. Add a 50/50 water and coolant mixture to the coolant reservoir until it reaches the full line again when you’re done.
Use the brush and mixture to clean all corrosion and grime off of the battery posts and the metal connections on the cables. Wipe the battery posts clean with a damp rag, then connect the positive cable to the battery again. Reconnect the negative cable last.
You can access blown out headlight bulbs from behind the headlight housing inside the engine bay. Tail lights are usually accessed through the inside of the trunk. Unplug the wiring pigtail going into your headlight or taillight, then twist the bulb housing counterclockwise and pull it backward to remove it. Replace the bulb and reinsert it. If you can’t figure out how to replace a bulb that’s gone out, refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual or an application-specific repair manual for more guidance.
The number of amps a fuse can withstand is written on the fuse itself. Make sure the new fuse has the same number written on it as the blown one you’re replacing. If you can’t locate your fuse boxes or they don’t have the diagram, refer to the owner’s manual or an application specific repair manual to find the fuse that’s gone out.
Gap the new spark plug using a spark plug gapping tool. You’ll find the correct gap measurement in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or an application specific repair manual. Place the new plug in the spark plug socket and insert it into the engine. Insert it first by hand and then tighten it with a ratchet. Reconnect the spark plug wire and repeat the process for each cylinder.
Write down the code if the code scanner doesn’t give you an English description. You can look the code up on the manufacturer’s website or in an application-specific repair manual. Use any error codes you find to help you determine if there is something wrong with your vehicle that may need repairs. Once you make repairs, use the code scanner to clear the error codes and turn off the check engine light. You can purchase OBD-II scanners at your local auto parts store, but they can often scan your car for your for free.
Many tire air machines at gas stations have a tire gauge built into them. Low tire pressure can reduce your fuel mileage and cause your tires to wear out prematurely.
Many tire air machines at gas stations have a tire gauge built into them. Low tire pressure can reduce your fuel mileage and cause your tires to wear out prematurely.
If you can see Lincoln’s hair, you will need new tires soon. If you can see Lincoln’s entire head, you need new tires immediately.
Front and rear tires wear differently because the front tires do most of the braking and turning. With some tires, you can swap them from side to side as well. If your tires have directional arrows on the sideway, keep those arrows pointed toward the front of the car. Do not swap the tires to the other side.
Slide the new wiper onto the hook, then rotate it so it is parallel with the wiper arm. If you can’t figure out how to remove the wiper blade, refer to your owner’s manual or an application-specific repair manual.
First wash the car with automotive soap and rinse it thoroughly. Allow it to dry or dry it with towels. Apply the wax to the car’s paint using the provided applicator in a swirling motion, then wait for it to dry completely. Buff the wax off using a clean chamois cloth.
