Questions tagged [maintenance]
Questions about general routine maintenance of a vehicle or engine.
480
questions
68
votes
7
answers
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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)?
- 1,021
31
votes
9
answers
359k
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
25
votes
12
answers
277k
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
21
votes
1
answer
98k
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
20
votes
15
answers
96k
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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
20
votes
4
answers
208k
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
19
votes
1
answer
26k
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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 ...
- 293
18
votes
7
answers
5k
views
How to find a part lost in the snow
How can one go about finding a very small part lost in the snow? — while working on my motorbike, one of the battery leads fell out and I can't find it. Buying a metal detector for the sake of ...
- 575
18
votes
4
answers
4k
views
Maintenance tips to prolong engine lifespan for short trips
I just sold my car and will soon purchase a new one (probably a used one with 1-2 years on it). I decided on a Volkswagen up! with an EA211 1.0 TSI engine.
I have heard from many different people (at ...
- 281
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 ...
- 2,096
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
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
9
answers
136k
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
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
16
votes
3
answers
24k
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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 ...
- 2,694
14
votes
4
answers
4k
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what tests should I do on a 30 year old car driven 1,000 miles per year?
Car was owned by a grandfather and never used very much. Kept in a garage and never used during cold or rain. Now I want to use the car, but hesitate due to concerns about seals and tires, etc. Can ...
- 141
14
votes
3
answers
11k
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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
14
votes
6
answers
28k
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
14
votes
3
answers
30k
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
13
votes
4
answers
2k
views
what is the process for replacing 12V car battery?
What is the process for replacing the 12V battery?
How would I clean the contacts of the terminals?
My OEM battery in 2008 Jetta SE 2.5L appears rather clean, including the terminals, but I recall ...
- 1,515
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
13
votes
5
answers
23k
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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
41k
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Are belt conditioners safe?
A service advisor at a vehicle repair shop recommended belt conditioner to help ensure longevity of rubber belts (timing, serpentine, etc.) and as a possible inexpensive fix to various engine noises.
...
- 2,235
13
votes
4
answers
609
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
12
votes
1
answer
5k
views
Tightening Stud Without Bolt Head
What would be the best way to tighten a stud without a bolt head? It essentially looks like this.
I need to tighten it to a specific torque(4 of these have nuts tightened on them to hold the tire of ...
- 403
11
votes
5
answers
5k
views
How do I tell if I screwed up my oil change?
I just changed my oil in my 2500 HD Silverado for the first time by myself. I've changed my oil in a 2004 Toyota Camry a handful of times, but I always had a friend supervise me. I need to know common ...
11
votes
9
answers
60k
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
4
answers
616
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?
- 219
11
votes
5
answers
6k
views
What is the significance of rotating tyres in this pattern?
The Toyota owner manual contains this diagram.
For non-directional tyres, what is the significance of swapping tyres in this pattern? Specifically, why is it advised to keep the front tyres on the ...
- 1,571
11
votes
1
answer
563
views
Tire Maintenance
I just bought a new car and I have heard three things about tires:
They need to be aligned
They need to be balanced
They need to be rotated
Now, what I do not know is how often each needs to be done?...
- 287
11
votes
4
answers
30k
views
What is gained with "performance" spark plug wires?
When heading to the store to pick up a new set of spark plug wires, I found three products at this particular shop:
Product #1:
Price: Cheap
Boots: EPDM
Core: Suppression
Insulation: EPDM
Max Temp: ...
- 4,900
11
votes
3
answers
6k
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
11
votes
3
answers
50k
views
What material should I look for in an oil drain plug gasket?
I've recently purchased my first car (2004 Subaru Legacy), and though I sent it to the shop soon afterward for routine maintenance, I want to learn and do as much as possible myself. 3,000 miles have ...
- 211
10
votes
5
answers
9k
views
Prevent birds from making nests in wheel well
I've had an unusual issue a few years now, so I thought I would ask for any ideas. There is a pair of robins that seems to think that our van's tire makes a good place for a nest. They are ...
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votes
5
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2k
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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
10
votes
3
answers
3k
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
10
votes
5
answers
2k
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 ...
- 289
10
votes
4
answers
65k
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
3
answers
49k
views
Why is the ATF Level checked with the engine running?
I didn't realize until recently that the ATF level is supposed to be checked while the engine is running, unlike the engine oil level which you're supposed to check at least five minutes after ...
- 15.7k
10
votes
3
answers
228
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 wouldn'...
- 133
10
votes
2
answers
17k
views
Hood Unlatches but Won't Pop Up
Okay, I've got a 1998 Volvo V70 that takes two people to open the hood. When you pull the release on the inside, it unlatches but the hood won't pop open the inch or two until it reaches the safety ...
- 245
10
votes
3
answers
9k
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?
- 457
10
votes
1
answer
242
views
Why use distance to indicate the usage of an engine
I fear that this question might be bordering on opinion based so sorry about that if it is.
When looking for cars one of the primary indicators that people seem to use when trying to determine the ...
- 416
10
votes
2
answers
284
views
1982 Yamaha Virago - Several things are wrong and i'd like to repair myself
Several things have happened in the past couple days and I would like to know what could possibly be wrong before I take it all apart.
Engine dies after letting off the throttle while on the road.
...
- 101
9
votes
6
answers
7k
views
Are there "standard" torque values for fasteners?
For "normal" applications (say attaching the oil pan or valve cover) are there standard or typical torque values for fasteners? I'm wondering if it is possible to use a rule of thumb for those ...
- 14.4k
9
votes
5
answers
4k
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What clean, non-sticky lubricant can I use for door hinges?
I cleaned the hinges of my doors and tailgate, the grease had attracted all sorts of dirt and turned black, tar-like and abrasive (metal shiny when I wiped the stuff off). I used a toothbrush, WD-40 ...
- 944
9
votes
5
answers
4k
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Caliper piston will not collapse on Almera 98
I was changing brake pads on a Nissan Almera 98 and I accidentally pumped the brake piston a bit out. I tried putting it back with a C clamp and the old pad but it won't budge. It's completely stuck! ...
- 91
9
votes
4
answers
57k
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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 ...
- 24.3k
9
votes
1
answer
1k
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My feet turn black
I left the pedicure salon, started my car and drove less than 3 miles to pick up something from the store, when I stepped out of my car my feet were black... and I don't meant just from dirt, It ...
- 91
9
votes
1
answer
1k
views
How often do you need to run a car?
I have a car that is garaged and not used much.
How often should I take it out for a drive and for how long each time?
I currently get it serviced every 10,000 KM.
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