Rough idle? A good dousing with throttle body cleaner may be enough to restore your EGR valve to near-mint condition, transforming a harsh idle into a soothing hum. Clean an EGR valve with these instructions for one of those easier car repairs.
DIY Auto Repair Car Collection
Diagnosing a shift motor problem is easy. Refer to a shop manual wiring diagram and follow the procedure for checking for power at the motor. If the motor is getting power but not responding, replace it. It takes less than an hour, and if you use an after-market replacement motor, you can save almost $200 by doing the job yourself. Check with an auto parts store, dealer or online for replacement motors.
A squealing belt is a sign of improper belt tension, a misaligned or worn pulley, a worn belt or a sluggish idler roller bearing. Since most late-model vehicles use a spring-loaded self-tensioning mechanism, check that first. Attach a socket or ratchet to the tensioner and rotate it. It should turn smoothly and return to its original position on its own. If you feel any binding or have to manually move it back into position, replace it. If the tensioner checks out, use an automotive stethoscope to identify the source of the squeal. Remove the probe from the end of the stethoscope and hold it next to each belt-driven component while you run the engine. Then listen for the squealing sound. Replace the noisy component.
So whether you are new to auto repair, a hobbyist or a pro, stop by DIY Auto to attend a class or to perform minor to major repair, maintenance, and installations in a clean, climate controlled shop complete with the tools, vehicle lifts, and diagnostic equipment.
As a long time automotive writer and enthusiast I am often amazed at the prices mechanics charge for simple repair work that most anybody could do themselves. For instance, I was recently at the Ford shop with a friend who was getting some routine maintenance done, and the Ford mechanic wanted over $400 to change the fuel filter, flush the transmission, and replace the power steering fluid. These are three fairly simple jobs that can be done for much less than half that cost with just a few hours time. When you do them yourself, you can control the relative eco-friendliness of the products you use. You also (affordably) keep your vehicle on the road, lowering demand for the manufacturing of new ones and maintaining your vehicle's maximum fuel efficiency.
Not that I want to put all those windshield replacement or repair shops out of business, but repairing a windshield with a do-it-yourself home kit can be a very easy and effective process. It is important to note that star chips with minimal to no cracks is the best candidate for this repair. To accomplish this project, all you need is a do-it-yourself windshield repair kit from an auto parts store or equivalent. Clean a 12 inch square area around the damage with a glass cleaner, then take a razor blade and smooth out the surface of all defects, making sure to pick out any loose pieces of glass found inside the chip. Most kits will have a plunger apparatus to inject the adhesive into the windshield, then all you have to do is allow the tool to do the rest of the work. One bit of advice is not to perform this project in the hot sun, as the adhesive will try too quickly to leave a clear finish.
This project often goes by another name at the mechanics shop, Transmission flush. A flush is a new method of taking clean fluid and flushing it through the automatic transmission, thereby effectively pushing out all the old contaminated oil from the system. However, many mechanics say that this is not always a good thing and can lead to transmission problems. The old way to replace transmission fluid is effective, fairly straight forward, and a heck of a lot less expensive. You'll need to get your vehicle in the air using a jack and a couple of jack stands, then climb under the vehicle and remove the pan bolts to the transmission. Use a large plastic container with a lid to dump the old fluid in, so you can easily transport it to your local oil recycling facility. Don't forget to replace the transmission fluid filter while you are inside the transmission and clean the inside of the transmission pan. It is also important not to over tighten the bolts when reinstalling the pan or it will cause leaks.
P.S. Apparently with further research a handful of groups are making this idea a reality. Good on them, though I doubt this will be an international phenomenon. Check out www.diyautorepairshops.com and for two groups who are at least on a small scale making diy car repair centers a reality. While I can not assure they will catch on, I have the utmost respect for those making this idea a reality and providing an incredibly valuable service.
The do-it-yourself auto parts segment has picked up steam in the coronavirus pandemic, as customers keep their used cars and trucks longer, more households are watching their budgets, and people have more free time on their hands, whether working from home or possibly laid off, according to a supplier.
Auto repair was defined as an essential business during coronavirus-related business shutdowns. Between that and an uptick in consumer demand, Advance Auto Parts has not had to lay off or furlough any employees due to the pandemic, he said.
I grew up next to a garage in Westchester County, making a constant pest of myself but learning the ins and outs of engines and car maintenance and repair. After a 12-year stint in Manhattan putting bands together and enjoying years of performance at clubs, colleges, the former Soviet Union and bar mitzvahs as well as 4 albums, I became a full-time writer for the NY Daily News, where I helmed \"ROAD TEST\" and \"YOUR DRIVE\" for 12 years, on and off, as well as freelancing for the NY Times, Guitar Aficionado, Newsweek, Glamour and other assorted media, here I am at Forbes.com and I couldn't be any happier. (Well, maybe a LITTLE.) I appreciate you reading - drop a line at JoshMaxPower@gmail.com if you feel to.
I have broad interests and experience as a journalist, covering the auto business, the consumer-packaged goods industry, entrepreneurship, and others, as well as politics, culture, media and religion. I used to cover the car business for The Wall Street Journal, which nominated me and some colleagues for a Pulitzer Prize for our coverage of General Motors. I've also covered autos for Edmunds.com, AutoTrader.com, Automotive News and Advertising Age. I am a major contributor to Chief Executive Magazine, Brandchannel.com, Townhall Magazine, New Nutrition Business magazine and the Journal, among other outlets. I hope that having lived around Flyover Country for most of my life gives me a grounded perspective. 2ff7e9595c
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