The maintenance tag has no wiki summary.
22
votes
7answers
2k 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)?
11
votes
1answer
2k views
Is Anti-Seize a lubricant, abrasive, or both?
I'll flesh my personal bias at the outset - being a heavy diesel mechanic for a time, and mechanically inclined my entire life, I use Anti-Seize wherever I can. If it has threads and it's not part of ...
10
votes
2answers
259 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 ...
8
votes
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 ...
8
votes
4answers
2k views
How to improve fuel economy in high-mileage car?
I'm driving an 2003 Acura TL 3.2 with 177K miles on it.
I bought the car with 110K miles on it.
It seems to me that the car is not getting the same fuel economy that it did when I acquired it. I ...
8
votes
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. ...
7
votes
5answers
140 views
Should I buy a car or get my current one repaired?
I am in a bit of confusion on what I should do. If this is not the right place for such a question, I apologize and I will gladly kick myself out - just let me know.
I have a Honda Accord EX 2000 for ...
7
votes
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?
7
votes
1answer
579 views
Is this what is making my car sound like a racecar?
Recently, my car (2000 Mercury Grand Marquis) started sounding like a racecar: the engine became very loud. There's clearly something going wrong with the exhaust system. I'm trying to understand ...
6
votes
3answers
237 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?
6
votes
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 ...
6
votes
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 ...
6
votes
2answers
96 views
Do I need to go to a dealer for a simple maintenance?
I just bought a 2012 CRV. Now, it's time for an oil change. I already moved so the dealer is too far away from my house (may need half day off) and there is no other public transportation to go there. ...
5
votes
4answers
499 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
votes
3answers
145 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 ...
5
votes
4answers
786 views
Why does my car scream on cold start?
My 1988 Subaru XT6 2.7L engine screams at me on a cold start then it will stop and then do it again when I take it out of park, but then it stops.
Also, my car is losing antifreeze. Any ideas why?
5
votes
4answers
478 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 ...
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 ...
5
votes
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 ...
5
votes
2answers
392 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
125 views
Keeping an old car alive?
So I drive a '97 Subaru Legacy with about 200,000 miles on it. Still runs like a charm, never gives me any trouble. Had the brakes, rotors, and calipers all replaced recently, tightened the power ...
4
votes
2answers
123 views
How to detect a failing car alternator..?
Is there some way we can predict that the car alternator is about to fail in order to avoid a discharged battery situation on the road..
Although it will slow the sound of horn and will dim the ...
4
votes
4answers
569 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?
4
votes
2answers
871 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 ...
4
votes
1answer
50 views
How to know whether a Lexus rx450h qualifies for California Emissions standards?
I'm looking at a 2012 Lexus rx450h but will be moving to one of the states (Arizona, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, ...
4
votes
2answers
155 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, ...
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 ...
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?
4
votes
2answers
125 views
Changed radiator, now have misfiring?
I have a 1996 Nissan Altima. I had to change my radiator recently because it developed some cracks on the top of the tank and I would have to refill the tank every few days.
When I changed the ...
3
votes
4answers
122 views
Should I pull my wipers away from the windshield when parked during a winter storm?
When we are expecting snow storm and the vehicle is parked, do we pull out the wipers so they don’t touch the glass to avoid the freezing to the windshield? Or would that hurt the springs in the wiper ...
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 ...
3
votes
2answers
132 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 ...
3
votes
2answers
230 views
How to safely remove stuck threads? (Brakeline from Brakehose)
I have an 81 Chevy pickup C10 that I was replacing the brake hose on. In the process of trying to take the brake line loose from it I started to twist the line when I thought I had finally started to ...
3
votes
1answer
70 views
Honda dealership questionable maintenance
My 2009 CRV with 59,500 miles and absolutely no problems went in for the 60,000 service. I was called and told that my power steering fluid smelled burned and looked dark. I was told that I needed a ...
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 ...
3
votes
1answer
325 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 ...
3
votes
1answer
79 views
Mileage problem in motor cycle
I am using Honda CD 100 ss 100 cc two wheeler. If I increase the head light bulb watts little bit, will the mileage per liter of fuel reduce? and if so, any relationship?
3
votes
1answer
76 views
Play in motorcycle chain - how much is ok?
Riding to day I could hear a rhythmic tapping sound. I occurs when I ease off the throttle. I think it is the chain tapping against the plastic chain guard when tension on the chain from accelerating ...
3
votes
1answer
96 views
Motorcycles: Way to maintain shiny chrome on exhaust outlets?
I have a motorcycle that has chromed exhaust pipes. I am worried that there will eventually be discolouration where the pipes join the engine, due to the heat. Is there a way to treat the pipes so ...
3
votes
2answers
98 views
2005 Infiniti G35x - squeaky brakes only when backing up slowly
Don't squeak when braking forwards, or braking hard/fast backing up. Only when backing up and lightly pressing on them. Extended squeal, and very loud.
Anything I can do?
3
votes
2answers
331 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 ...
2
votes
3answers
81 views
What are some typical maintenance things that every owner should do regularily?
Right now I just get a car wash every month, and my oil changed and whatever is included in that. Usually just a quick "inspection". Is there anything else I should be doing for my car?
Or also, is ...
2
votes
3answers
76 views
What kind of gasoline additives will help maintain the engine efficiency/life?
Aside from the traditional maintenance of oil changes, and keeping fluid levels correct - what else will help prolong the engine's life?
I recall a few years back gasoline additives were the thing to ...
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 ...
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!) ...
2
votes
1answer
104 views
Wheel re-torqueing, how is it done?
When putting wheels back on a car, you place them on and torque them to spec. Now, most if not all manufacturers say to re-torque them after 50 miles. What is the procedure for this?
Do you just ...
2
votes
1answer
124 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 ...
2
votes
2answers
243 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
543 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
184 views
My car wasn not accelerating and finally come to stop
I have chevy lumina 1991. The motor is very clean and looks like and used to work like a brand new car. However, these days since I was getting broke , I had to wait till my gas meter is very low and ...
