The maintenance tag has no wiki summary.
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4answers
94 views
Preventative maintenance for rarely-driven minivan in heated garage
I just moved to the city and find that I am not driving my minivan (2003 Kia Sedona) much anymore. I've been driving it about 1-2 miles about once every 2 weeks. The rest of the time, it is stored ...
0
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1answer
209 views
How can I open a latched bonnet in a 1997 Renault Clio?
My Renault Clio RL Panache (1997) has been outside in the cold for a while, and needs a jump start to get the battery charged again.
Alas, I tried to get the bonnet open a few weeks ago when it was ...
1
vote
1answer
55 views
How do you aim the headlights in a 2001 Saturn LS1?
The body was repaired after a front-end accident, but the headlights seem to be pointed down too much, and the illuminate the road in front of the car, but not that far out.
There are two hex sockets ...
2
votes
3answers
247 views
Front End Alignments
I recently had my vehicle in for a front end alignment.
They told me all of my shocks were bad, causing all of the problems, and that they would not be able to align the front end with those bad ...
1
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1answer
142 views
How to let off the carburetors of a 1993 Suzuki GSX-R 1100 for winter storage?
My '93 Gixxer is in the shed for winter. I had it fully tanked, the shed is (moderately) warm, and every couple of weeks I attach a trickle charger to its battery.
However, I know that there is still ...
2
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1answer
224 views
Car decelerating quickly
I recently changed my brake pads and did wheel alignment at the official workshop of my car manufacturer.
It was driving just fine but suddenly as I was driving it at one fine point the steering ...
4
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4answers
558 views
How do I know if my air filter needs replacing?
They say when an air filter is dirty, you should replace it.
However, I'm just not sure how "dirty" is dirty?
Is there some sort of easy test to determine whether I need to replace it?
1
vote
1answer
445 views
Should I change automatic transmission fluid on an older vehicle?
I have a Pontiac Vibe 2004 with an automatic transmission. The mileage now is around 120k miles and I've never changed the transmission fluid. There are no mechanical problems with the vehicle at the ...
1
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1answer
78 views
What car wash tasks should be done after an automatic car wash?
I have access to free automatic car washes. It is a pretty basic and short cloth car wash and dry. What should I do in additional to the automatic car wash? I was thinking about drying off any spots ...
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0answers
56 views
Scooter Powerband Spiking
When I start accelerating, after around 3 seconds I get a spike in my engine rpm (at least it sounds like it). After another few seconds it calms back down and continues escelating as expected.
I ...
5
votes
4answers
472 views
Are these repairs necessary, and can I do them myself?
I'm wondering if the maintenance my dealer recently suggested is necessary, and if so, if it's worth it for me (a person who has technical skill but is inexperienced with auto) to undertake on my own ...
2
votes
1answer
123 views
Removing Rust from 2010 Civic Doors
I have some scratches on my doors. After some reading, it seems like my best option is to paint over it, and optionally scour the rust.
I don't have access to fancy tools, and I believe that ...
4
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2answers
154 views
How to remove dipstick tube from 2003 Acura TL?
In the course of changing the timing belt in my 2003 Acura TL, my Hayne's manual says to remove the dipstick tube. The manual says that this is accomplished by removing one bolt. I removed the bolt, ...
5
votes
4answers
1k views
Remove stuck crankshaft bolt on 2003 Acura TL for timing belt change?
A friend is helping me change the timing belt on my 2003 Acura TL 3.2. Yes, I paid for the beer!!!
We've successfully removed the upper timing belt covers, drive belt, and serpentine belt.
We're ...
2
votes
2answers
240 views
What system should I inspect first for the following issues on a 2004 Chevy Aveo?
A 2004 Chevy aveo with around 78,000 miles has the following issues:
The Daytime Running Light indicator (as well as the lights themselves) randomly turn on and off. This is a slow thing and has ...
2
votes
2answers
141 views
Car sitting for several months: what should I do to keep it running well?
I have a car that's been sitting for several months and I just got it working again. What should I do to ensure that it keeps running well?
5
votes
4answers
488 views
Is it okay to leave a car non-operable for 5 months?
I need to travel to the east coast and work from there for a duration of 5 months. I can leave my car in covered parking here and ask a friend to start the car for a few minutes every week.
What ...
5
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3answers
120 views
I'm looking to buy a new car and I'm wondering what does more damage on a car: time or miles?
So the title is pretty self explanatory. I'm looking at getting a minivan, and there is a 2011 model with 50k miles, and a 2008 model with like 30k miles.
What's better? Is it better to have ...
1
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1answer
387 views
Inside door latch not working - Toyotta Corolla 2002
I have an Toyotta Corolla 2002 and sometime ago is not anymore possible to open the passenger door by inside.
Opening the passenger door using the exterior handle is working only the inside ...
0
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1answer
354 views
Factory Maintenance Schedule by Mileage or Years?
I have a 2001 Civic with 65K miles. I have not done the 60K service yet, but the maintenance schedule also says that is the 3 year maintenance. Is the age of the car as important as the mileage when ...
2
votes
2answers
530 views
Car overheating problem
I have a 2002 Ford Focus.
Whenever the car is idling the heat gauge goes up at an alarming rate and goes the farthest into the red that it can if left alone.
Now if I rev the engine a little the ...
2
votes
2answers
2k views
2006 Chevy Cobalt front end (strut mount?) noise
I have a 2006 Chevy Cobalt and since I bought the thing, the front suspension makes this horrible clunking noise every time I go over a bump. I don't know how to describe the noise other than it only ...
6
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7answers
2k views
Most important preventive maintenance for high-mileage car?
My 2001 Chevrolet Prizm (a NUMMI) is about to hit 125,00 miles. I bought a little over 5 years ago, at which time it had ~79,000 miles on it. I bought it from a used car dealer that seemed to have ...
1
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2answers
188 views
Giving an old car a refresh
I have an old car (1990 Volvo 240) which I am rather attached it. Lately it seems like it has been creaking and groaning rather more than usual. Is there some sort of spring cleaning(except it's a 20 ...
6
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5answers
1k views
What is a good car to start with if I want to learn auto repair?
A couple of other "getting started" questions have been closed (as redundant with these questions), so I hope that my question is different and specific enough.
I'm interested in learning to repair ...
5
votes
3answers
144 views
Where can I go to do basic work on my vehicle?
I live in the middle of a city. I have a tiny parking spot in an underground parking garage (have to fold the mirrors in just to get in!). Doing any maintenance is officially verboten, and it ...
6
votes
3answers
236 views
Car enthusiast beginner kit
What is a good place to begin building a kit/set up for performing your own service?
For ex:
oil changes
waxing
detailing
What is the best starting equipment one can start on?
3
votes
2answers
2k views
Which provides better engine flushing, traditional flushing oil or adding a flush additive to old oil?
Background
I think that my vehicle would probably benefit from having it's lubrication system being flushed out at it's next oil change. Checking prices of flushing oil at local suppliers I noticed ...
22
votes
7answers
1k views
What to check when buying a used car?
I'm looking to buy a used car. What do you think I should check (mechanically) before buying it (especially if it's diesel)?
-2
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1answer
193 views
Diesel engines maintenance [closed]
Diesel engines are more complex than their petrol counterparts. What are the basic diesel engines maintenance must-dos?
4
votes
2answers
845 views
How to begin learning engine tuning?
Quite simply, I want to begin tuning and modifying automotive engines for hobby. I have always been fascinated with cars, and I want to become knowledgeable in as many aspects of car tuning as ...
3
votes
2answers
131 views
How can I add tension to a motorcycle chain?
I have 2008 Yamaha Scorpio 225, and the chain is looking a bit loose. I've had a good look around, and I really can't find a way to tighten it.
Does anyone have any idea where to look? Is there a ...
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2answers
257 views
Any recommendations on vehicle maintenance software for the DIYer?
I currently use a combination of Car Minder for the iPhone - it's only $2.99 but limited functionality - and Excel spreadsheets. Ideally I'm looking for something that will track all service for up ...
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3answers
7k views
Is Prestone “All Makes/All Models” coolant *really* compatible with all models?
My car's manual says to use the blue Honda coolant:
Always use Honda All Season
Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 [MSDS]. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antifreeze and 50 percent water. ...
1
vote
1answer
256 views
Aftermarket Glass Run Rubber (for '94 Nissan D21 Truck)
I am searching for the Glass Run Rubber for a 1994 D21 Nissan Truck (what the window rolls up into on the outside of the vehicle door).
My local dealership said the factory part numbers are 80335N ...
3
votes
2answers
329 views
97 GMC k1500 missing badly. Ignition system problems?
I have a 97 GMC Sierra k1500 with a 305 (5.0L) engine. It seems like every year for a few years now it will suddenly start missing very badly. There will be random misfires on all cylinders almost ...
8
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4answers
1k views
How do I select the right oil for my car?
I can give you my cars make and model and the conditions that I drive in, but I'm looking for a general guide to selecting the right oil for a car. I'm not really knowledgable when it comes to cars so ...
7
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3answers
1k views
Good template for keeping maintenance records?
I'm looking for ideas on templates to use to record service for multiple vehicles. Excel is preferred format, but open to all in interest of gathering ideas. Anyone have any templates?
2
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1answer
126 views
Tips for finding a good mechanic
As a programmer, if I had a non-programmer friend who was looking for a programmer, I could think of a few tips to help him sort out the sheep from the goats and avoid some common traps.
Do you have ...
2
votes
3answers
112 views
What is this tank for ?
I just bough an old (1980s) Nissan Pathfinder.
In the engine I have managed to identify the engine-oil hole, the radiator-water hole and the windshield-washer hole (you can tell I'm a car expert!) ...
4
votes
2answers
139 views
What is the best practice to maintain a bike?
I have an Avenger 180cc bike, I want to maintain the bike without much help from the service
center, external help etc.
What would be the best practice methods?
3
votes
1answer
318 views
What should I look for in a basic motorcycle maintenance toolkit?
I'm looking to do more of my motorcycle maintenance myself, and am wondering what I should be investing in, when it comes to tools/devices. What are the basic tools that I'd need when starting to do ...
5
votes
2answers
391 views
Ford Probe '94 heater problem
My Probe's heater has stopped working and only ever blows cold air. In addition to this, I notice the temperature gauge on the dash display is creeping very high.
What part (or parts) is likely to be ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
What are the audible symptoms of a failing starter motor?
My 2004 Subaru WRX has 110000 miles on the odometer and I'm worried about the original equipment starter motor. Here are the audible symptoms that have me concerned:
During the winter, I noticed ...
3
votes
3answers
87 views
What concerns should I have for having a car in a hot, dry climate?
I live in a hot, dry climate (Arizona, if anyone cares). It is very common in the summer for it to get over 110 F (That's 43 C for those of you metric buffs), usually having tens of days a year over ...
2
votes
1answer
549 views
Burned regulator/rectifier
I have managed to completely fry regulator/rectifier on my Suzuki GSR600 (K7). I suspect that it happened when I blindly splashed into a big water pond, so some water probably got on connector. Thing ...
