47
votes
Accepted
If I am just replacing the car engine, do I need to replace the odometer as well?
I wouldn't touch the odometer. The rule I always subscribe to is that the odometer measures how far the chassis has rolled. Otherwise a person could go mad trying to figure out which repairs/...
- 584
35
votes
Are car batteries meant to be disposable or are they re-chargeable?
Car batteries are not only rechargeable but are constantly being recharged by the alternator. Simply starting the car takes a lot of power reserves from the battery, then electrical systems such as ...
- 23.5k
25
votes
If I am just replacing the car engine, do I need to replace the odometer as well?
I've never replaced an odometer when replacing an engine. What I will do, however, is make a note in the cars documentation that the engine was replaced at xxx,000 miles with a new/refurbished engine ...
- 8,672
14
votes
If I am just replacing the car engine, do I need to replace the odometer as well?
You're probably better off not replacing the odometer. You will need to keep accurate track of how far the car has been driven in total, so if you were to later sell your car without disclosing that ...
- 450
12
votes
Accepted
How can I know if the airbags have expired and what are the consequences?
In general airbags don't have an expiration date. The airbags in a modern vehicle are designed to last for life.
Some manufacturers have service intervals for the airbags, but it's normally a visual ...
- 13.3k
12
votes
Are car batteries meant to be disposable or are they re-chargeable?
As Steve has explained, the battery is rechargable and is constantly charged and discharged when it's in use.
This process of charging and discharging is not perfect. Over time, the components in ...
- 4,422
11
votes
Air chuck replacement
Definitely a compression fitting - designed to be unserviceable.
Your first option is boring - get an assortment of O rings and see if any of them fit the need.
You could get a barbed air chuck in ...
- 2,838
9
votes
what is the process for replacing 12V car battery?
After cleaning the terminals with a small amount of baking soda (approx a tbsp and enough water to make a paste ) and a old toothbrush. I recommend wearing gloves to protect your hands from the acid ...
- 3,917
8
votes
Accepted
How to replace front fog light housing on a Corsa C 2005
EDIT: I have heard that you do not need to remove the entire wing panelling. I certainly didn't on my 2003 Opel Agila. Just remove the screws from the front of the wing on the bottom of the car. Makes ...
- 6,545
8
votes
what is the process for replacing 12V car battery?
Agree with @resident_heretic about the order of removing/installing the posts.
Remove the negative first and reconnect last when changing out the battery. This prevents shorting the positive battery ...
- 153k
8
votes
How often should I replace windscreen wiper blades?
I generally replace mine as soon as they show signs of fatigue, or when I think "ooh, I've not done those in a while" - usually after about 2 years. Don't wait until they perish completely and scratch ...
- 28.7k
8
votes
Accepted
How often should I replace windscreen wiper blades?
Really depends on several factors. First is weather extremes. Blades exposed to bright hot sun (tropical latitudes) or freezing conditions will deteriorate quicker. Blades exposed to heavy dust or ...
- 944
7
votes
How can I know if the airbags have expired and what are the consequences?
You should check to see if your car is under the current Takata Air Bag recall
Does an Airbag Expire?
While some automakers have set time limits on when to replace an airbag, the actual ...
- 8,010
7
votes
Accepted
What are the visual signs that brake rotors must be replaced?
Overheated rotors can show some tell-tale signs. Once the metal has been overheated, it can weaken or warp which are both bad things. Some signs:
Bluing
Cracks
These "spider cracks", "heat cracks"...
- 13.3k
7
votes
How often should I replace windscreen wiper blades?
I've always replaced mine as soon as they don't clean the window. Sometimes the problem is streaking, other times its chattering because the wipers don't want to flex right on the back stroke.
...
- 307
7
votes
Are car batteries meant to be disposable or are they re-chargeable?
Lead-acid batteries are rechargeable. Have you tried recharging it? That often will do.
Lead-acid batteries fail after 4-7 years
The simplest reason is there's acid in them. But some other ...
6
votes
Accepted
Radiator leak 92 subaru, repairs possible or replace?
Radiators are pretty simple to replace. If you've never done it before, look at some youtube videos, and set aside about 4 hours for it (90 minutes, if you're handy with a spanner). Repairs on ...
- 8,672
6
votes
Accepted
Should a completely flat tire be replaced?
A tire is not necessarily damaged by sitting still for a short period of time like 4 hours. Have the shop inspect it and see if they recommend it being repaired, since I assume there is a good reason ...
- 12.1k
6
votes
Accepted
How to remove the Toyota Aygo Now windshield wiper
It should be fairly easy. You have a hook type arm connector. Turn the blade so it is perpendicular to the arm, then pull the whole thing back towards the base of the arm. It should pop free with a ...
- 153k
5
votes
How difficult is it to replace a car radio on a 2000 Honda Accord?
Not difficult really, if you're handy with a screw driver.
Hondas are usually pretty easy to pull the dash apart on, and this guide will help you with that.
Then, it's just a case of installing your ...
- 1,586
5
votes
Accepted
Loosening stuck power steering hoses
My first thought is to use a good penetrating oil, Sea Breeze or my personal favorite PB Blaster. Wrap a small piece of rag around the fitting and soak it twice a day for 2-3 days. If it is still ...
- 19.9k
5
votes
How do I go about replacing the head gaskets in my Dodge truck?
It's not really a complicated job, but it needs a bit of care and attention. This is more of a general guide, as I don't know the details of the Ram engine...
Tools
Basic Socket set
Clicking Torque ...
- 28.7k
5
votes
How do I go about replacing the head gaskets in my Dodge truck?
Auto Zone's online vehicle repair guides can be found here: http://www.autozone.com/repairinfo/repairguide/repairGuideMain.jsp
You'll have to create an account, enter your vehicle and drill down. ...
- 2,159
5
votes
Accepted
Transmission Rebuild or Replacement
In general, a transmission should last for the lifetime of the car, assuming regular maintenance (regular oil/filter change according the specification).
On manual transmissions the clutch (and dual ...
- 8,448
4
votes
Accepted
I need to replace the female part that a headlight bulb fits into
H11 Bulb connectors are readily available from Ebay sellers, but will no doubt be available from an automotive shop. They usually come with short wires fitted, so you will need some way of connecting ...
- 24.8k
4
votes
what is the process for replacing 12V car battery?
The major cause of terminal corrosion is moisture. Even a small amount of water getting into small gaps or spaces where the metal surfaces touch can lead to electrolysis, which will erode the metal. ...
- 1,587
4
votes
what is the process for replacing 12V car battery?
Replacing a battery is as simple as:
disconnecting the 2 battery terminals
removing the old battery
inserting the new battery
reconnecting the 2 battery terminals
Cleaning the "contacts" is ...
- 12.2k
4
votes
Is it necessary to replace functioning spark plugs?
It is worth removing them, cleaning them and setting the gap if you don't want to replace them and they are still in good condition. Spark plugs will be a scheduled item to replace, like you said, ...
- 24.8k
4
votes
Accepted
Air chuck replacement
The joint at the end you're working with is a compression fitting and you'll not be able to remove it there. You might be able to remove it at the body of the air chuck, but I'd bet it'll break the ...
- 153k
3
votes
What are the visual signs that brake rotors must be replaced?
The previous poster have great examples of rotors in need of replacement but I worked as a mechanic for years and rotors have become so cheap for most vehicles the easiest thing to do is replace them ...
- 51
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible