Questions tagged [maintenance]
Questions about general routine maintenance of a vehicle or engine.
54
questions
70
votes
7
answers
23k
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)?
- 1,041
31
votes
9
answers
363k
views
Is it okay to leave a car for 5 months without driving it?
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 ...
- 649
20
votes
4
answers
209k
views
What is a rod knock?
What is a rod knock? What causes a rod knock, how bad is a knocking rod, and how can I tell if a rod is knocking?
- 856
8
votes
4
answers
19k
views
Do fast cars need to occasionally be driven fast?
In the broad spectrum of cars, there's higher end models with sport-focused engines. Examples would be an BMW M3, and even more so Ferraris and Koenigseggs etc. Apparently they're more fussy, in that ...
- 1,046
14
votes
3
answers
31k
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 ...
- 241
14
votes
6
answers
29k
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 ...
- 929
8
votes
2
answers
2k
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. ...
6
votes
1
answer
274
views
What steps can I take to keep my car (V70, driven primarily for short commuting) in good condition?
I have a '06 Volvo V70 that I use mainly for commuting to and from work (about 10 km each way), with the occasional longer trip of up to several hundred km every few months or so. I drive maybe 7000-...
- 462
4
votes
4
answers
28k
views
Should I use coca cola or baking soda + water to clean my battery clamps?
The clamps that are attached to the car battery are corroded, I was told either of these liquids will work. Which one is better? Is there a how to guide on the exact steps I need to take? With my ...
- 143
25
votes
12
answers
287k
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. It
...
- 1,351
20
votes
15
answers
96k
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 ...
- 201
14
votes
3
answers
11k
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 ...
- 803
13
votes
6
answers
18k
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 ...
- 231
10
votes
4
answers
73k
views
Should we wait a few seconds before starting the engine?
My cousin told me when he enter his car, he put the key to ignition then count to 3 and start the engine.
The main reason of him doing that is to give enough time to fluids (I'm not sure which one) ...
10
votes
5
answers
2k
views
Car enthusiast beginner tool kit
What is a good place to begin building a kit/set up for performing your own service?
For example:
oil changes
waxing
detailing
What are the best tools/equipment to start with?
- 335
9
votes
4
answers
57k
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 ...
- 24.5k
8
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Mayonnaise on tip of dipstick - new car, low miles, well maintained. What to do?
This question is about a 2014 Renault engine fitted in our family car, we've owned it since new and I've done all the maintenance to the book. We chose the petrol engine over the diesel because we ...
- 1,571
7
votes
4
answers
6k
views
Are there any (legal) ways to increase halogen headlight brightness?
My 2003 Opel Agila has H4 combined full and dipped beam headlight bulbs which are completely useless in the dark. It is really hard to see anything on the dipped beam. They do not seem to be very ...
- 6,555
6
votes
3
answers
2k
views
What are the critical maintenance items for a new motorcycle?
I have purchased a new motor bike recently. What are the critical maintenance items that I should focus on? For example:
Is it true that we should not run new bikes on high rpm for some time?
What ...
- 265
3
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Motorcycle Recharge System Checks?
I have a 2007 V-Strom DL1000 motorcycle, whose recharge system is not recharging a new battery. I also have a multi-meter. Could someone share how I can check the recharge system without removing the ...
- 533
2
votes
1
answer
3k
views
My new car was driven almost 100 miles without oil
I took my 2019 Mazda CX5 Turbo into a Mazda dealer for it's first 5,000 mile maintenance and while driving back to my town noticed that the check oil light was on. I called the service department and ...
2
votes
1
answer
559
views
When should I change my car's oil?
I had my Toyota Corolla 2013's maintenance light starting to flash when I turn on my car. Probably due to an automatic maintenance schedule or oil change.
I had my car's oil changed Jun 1, 2018 with ...
- 173
21
votes
1
answer
105k
views
How can I repair cracks in leather seat?
The leather on the side of the driver's seat has some minor cracks.
I am using conditioner to help prevent this in the other seats but these cracks already exist. Is there a product or patch of some ...
- 393
18
votes
3
answers
2k
views
What is the proper way to bleed brakes and replace the fluid?
What is the proper way to replace the brake fluid in a car? What tools are required? I want to make sure I do not get any air or bubbles in the system as this is something that needs to be done right ...
- 2,106
17
votes
5
answers
12k
views
Smart and effective ways to light up a garage without relying on power outlets?
I am currently renting an garage in an underground parking lot. The garage has no light inside nor electric plugs. The only form of illumination available comes from the few neon lights in the ...
- 1,765
16
votes
9
answers
141k
views
Is an "oil life indicator" a reliable indicator for when to change the oil?
I have a 2014 Honda Pilot with 3600 miles on it. Historically I have always changed oil in my vehicles every 3000 miles, using good quality non-synthetic oil. Now this Honda has an "oil life ...
- 1,473
16
votes
5
answers
1k
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 ...
- 1,917
16
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Standard Practices for Use and Care of Click-Type Torque Wrenches
Torque wrenches, while straightforward in concept, require much different use and care compared to a regular ratchet. This can be confusing to someone who has never used one before. There are several ...
- 494
13
votes
5
answers
23k
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 ...
- 375
13
votes
4
answers
617
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 ...
- 457
11
votes
9
answers
61k
views
Durability of automatic transmission boxes versus durability of manual transmission boxes? Their lifetimes?
My friend is against cars with automatic transmission because he thinks that they break easily and that their repairing cost a lot. He thinks that it is impossible to maintain an automatic ...
- 451
11
votes
3
answers
11k
views
Do battery corrosion pads really work?
I see various sources suggesting that chemically-treated felt pads be placed under battery terminals, to reduce or eliminate corrosion - like these:
Usually either red/black or red/green.
Do these ...
- 301
10
votes
3
answers
4k
views
How to prioritize repairs?
My car needs some work, but I don't like taking out too much debt and my savings are sort of depleted for the moment, so I need to do a little at a time. How can I prioritize the work that needs to be ...
- 319
9
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Where can I find statistics regarding car life expectancies?
I am in the process of buying a used car and I'm having some difficulty estimating the longevity of vehicles I encounter.
One can speak of car longevity in different ways, but for this question let's ...
- 281
9
votes
3
answers
4k
views
What are the causes of fluctuating intake manifold vacuum
I have a 2005 Honda CBR600 F4i which suffers from occasional hesitation at low rpm when accelerating. I also get occasional fault codes from the ECU indicating a vacuum leak.
Today I connected a ...
- 668
8
votes
1
answer
175
views
Minimum Care of Leather Interior
I have just bought a used Honda Accord with leather seating. I'm not necessarily a car enthusiast, but I would be interested in knowing the minimum I should do to keep the interior in good condition. ...
- 183
8
votes
3
answers
1k
views
What are common cold weather starting issues with cars?
Based upon the current weather in parts of the Northern Hemisphere, I would imagine there are some people suffering from all manner of cold related vehicle issues.
What are some of the leading issues ...
- 32.9k
8
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Can I only get an alignment on new tires or is the salesman just being pushy?
When purchasing new tires, the salesman is quick to recommend getting an alignment as well to prevent premature tire wear. I've even been told that you have to get the alignment done when the tires ...
- 13.2k
7
votes
1
answer
4k
views
What makes a worn car shock spongy and soft?
I'm unfamiliar with car shocks. In motorcycles many rear shocks are charged with nitrogen which acts like a spring.
I've seen motorcycle shocks that I've rebuilt have the correct amount of nitrogen ...
- 32.9k
7
votes
3
answers
235
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 ...
- 387
6
votes
3
answers
1k
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 ...
- 349
5
votes
2
answers
9k
views
Is it necessary to replace functioning spark plugs?
I have a 2000 Mazda Protege that last had it's spark plugs replaced about 4-6 years ago (about 40k-60k miles). It's a commuter car, but it's a short commute and mild driving conditions; probably 85% ...
- 383
4
votes
2
answers
287
views
Radically different car maintenance schedules in manual and service instruction sheet
I own a 2013 Fiesta Ecoboost 1.0L 74kW, and noticed that the maintenance instructions in the US version of the owners manual are very different from the service schedule available on Ford Etis. (EU ...
- 700
4
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Determining the size/pitch of bolts and nuts before taking things apart
I'm a shade tree mechanic with an old car that's got a fair amount of rust on various fasteners (particularly in the under-regions). When I'm doing maintenance, I often like -- or find the need to -- ...
- 1,423
4
votes
2
answers
598
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?
- 317
4
votes
2
answers
185
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 ...
4
votes
1
answer
171
views
Is coolant testing necessary on modern vehicles?
My father in law continually reminds me to check my antifreeze when it starts getting cold. I get the squeeze tester out and it always shows everything is fine. We drive cars that are always less than ...
- 143
3
votes
3
answers
13k
views
Is it okay to leave a car outside in the winter without driving it for 1 month?
I'm working in Grinnell Iowa for a year. I plan on traveling to the east coast for a few weeks in December- 1 month at most. The town is really tiny so there's practically no options for covered ...
- 141
3
votes
4
answers
56k
views
What is the cost of general maintenance on VW Jetta TDI (diesel)
I am looking at purchasing a new, 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI car. I have a 35 mile commute to work on pretty much all highway. I want something good on gas mileage, so I heard the Jetta TDIs get ...
- 133
3
votes
4
answers
12k
views
How to best deal with ice buildup on inside front window of car?
No I am not trolling. Unfortunately I don't have a garage or underground parking and as such the car is exposed to the elements in winter. Recently to my bafflement I have had ice buildup all over the ...
- 131