Automotive Care

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Automotive training used to be a more common part of our society. Shop class was a commonly offered elective in high schools nationwide, ensuring that most boys knew their way around a car’s engine bay. Additionally, cars relied more on mechanical principles, rather than computerized systems. As a result, when a car broke down, the owner was much more likely to know how to fix it themselves, or at least have a friend or a family member who could fix it for them.

The situation has changed dramatically over the years. Today’s cars are much more complex, and their owners are much less likely to have had any automotive training. As a result, dealerships and garages are repairing a higher percentage of cars than ever before, and mechanics’ rates have risen in accordance with the increased necessity of their services.

Those who dislike the situation have another option. With a little automotive training, most people can perform more of the routine maintenance on their cars, reducing the expenses associated with car maintenance and allowing them the satisfaction of a job well done.

An Oil Change is an example of routine maintenance that frequently costs car owners far more than they need to spend. An oil change is a fairly simple procedure in most cars, requiring only enough automotive training for the individual to know the location of the oil filter and drain plug. A basic car care class should teach car owners how to locate major components under the hood and perform simple maintenance tasks, as well as imparting valuable tips for beginning do-it-yourselfers. For example, a good introductory class should warn students to beware of screwing a bolt or screw in crooked, known as crossing the threads.

A basic tune up is another routine maintenance task that do-it-yourselfers should be able to handle with a little automotive training. A basic tune up usually consists of changing the air filter, spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, and positive crankcase valve (PCV). Depending on the car and the mileage recommendations on the components, a basic tune up can also include replacing the fuel filter and/or the oxygen sensor. Rubber parts, such as drive belts and radiator hoses, may also be checked and replaced during a tune up. On most cars, these parts are easily accessed and require only a basic understanding of automotive functions.

A do-it-yourselfer who has had basic automotive training can also replace his or her own brakes. Changing the brake pads on a car is typically a dirty but simple job, requiring only a basic understanding of the braking components on a car. Additionally, there are numerous routine maintenance and repair jobs that an intermediate level amateur mechanic can usually handle on his or her own, such as replacing a battery, alternator, starter, timing belt, and many other components.

Of course, a significant advantage of having automotive training is that dealerships and garages cannot take advantage of you by recommending maintenance that may not actually need to be done. A basic understanding of auto mechanics will enable you to intelligently discuss any problems with your mechanic, understand what he or she is talking about, and recognize when his or her recommendations are exaggerated or downright unnecessary.

Obviously, knowing the basics of how a car operates can be extremely beneficial, saving you money in more ways than one. Beginning automotive training classes are usually offered at your local auto tech school or community college. Whether you intend to venture a few repairs on your own, or you simply want to be able to hold your own with your mechanic, taking a car care class ensures that you will not be a victim of your own ignorance.

Andy West
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/automotive-training-for-doityourselfers-66531.html

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Your car’s electrical system runs because of several essential
components including: a battery, fuses, and an alternator. When
any one of these components fail, your car won’t run or it will
perform poorly. Unfortunately, it isn’t always apparent which
part is giving you the trouble. We’ll examine each component,
discuss its unique characteristics, and outline simple
maintenance options to help you make the proper diagnosis.

1. Alternators. Car
alternator problems are usually noticed when you realize
the juice to your headlights has been reduced. No longer can you
see hundreds of feet in front of you, instead the light barely
makes it past the front bumper. Check the wires leading to the
alternator and make sure that they are secure and free of
corrosion. Examine your alternator belt for cracks as well as
for tension. If your headlights are still dim, then it is likely
your alternator will have to be replaced. Don’t put it off as
the alternator can drain your battery.

2. Batteries. If your car won’t start, your battery may
be to blame. Most cars come equipped with sealed, maintenance
free batteries. Still, “maintenance free” isn’t an entirely
correct designation as corrosion can build up on the terminals
causing an otherwise fine working battery to fail. Remove the
cables, clean with a wire brush, and reattach the cables. Apply
lubricant to each terminal to limit future corrosion. If your
car’s battery is not “maintenance free” add distilled water to
each cell as needed. Use a good set of jumper cables to get your
car started. If the car still won’t start the battery is either
completely shot or the starter or solenoid [relay] are not
working. Battery life varies depending on what type of battery
is in your car and usage; consider replacing your battery every
3-5 years before problems arise.

3. Fuses. Your dash lights may be working, while your
left rear blinker has failed. If that is the case, it is likely
your electrical problems are with the fuses. You can pull off
the fuse panel [usually located under the dashboard] and check
to see which fuse has burned out. Today’s cars use transparent
blade style fuses that are rectangular in shape. Observe each
fuse and see if the internal wire has burned out. You can find
the fuse fast if the auto manufacturer has labeled each one by
circuit. If not, you will have to determine by a process of
elimination which fuse has failed and replace it.

Batteries and fuses are widely available at auto supply stores
and most will carry a selection of alternators too. If you find
prices for your Ford
alternator or BMW
alternator are too high, you can save plenty of money on
original equipment manufactured parts with some of the reputable
online providers. Shop with those retailers who have the widest
selection of inventory, the best prices, and the most favorable
shipping and return policies.

Matthew C. Keegan
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/automotive-care-alternators-batteries-and-fuses-421.html

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Hi,

I just purchased a 2007 Tacoma and Toyota put their "finishing touch" spray on the exterior paint. I think it is a teflon based protectant. Anyways, it is supposed to protect the paint from the elements. My question is, is there anything I need to do to care of this coating? How about washing? Is it safe to use automotive detergent or will it strip the sealant? How about waxing? Will that srtip it? Thanks for the help!

Mitchell

Paint protection sold by a dealer is nothing more than car wax–they say it has Teflon in it to sound good ’cause everyone thinks nothing will stick to Teflon. It may have Teflon in it but basically you’re paying for the warranty…waste of money in my opinion. Check the wording of the warranty—some of them require you to reapply the wax periodically and you should be able to get more wax at the dealer at no charge….other ones just require that you rewax as normal. Just buy a good quality wax and rewax when the water does not bead up on the car….wash as usual with any good car wash soap not dish soap. Next time, save the 400.00 for a good buff job or detail once a year.

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I have a good knowledge of cars and have worked on my personal cars and bikes but have never had a job in the auto repair industry. i am 20 and don’t care about pay or doing the grunt work like changing tires, oil, and other basic maintenance I just want the experience so I can go into more complex automotive jobs latter in my career.

you;ll have to start somewhere general like an Oil Change place or town fair tire. From there i recommend trying a small privatly owned auto shop to be hired on as an assistant for smaller jobs and work your way up.

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Learning a little more about how to better care for your vehicles is a good idea for any number of reasons. It allows you to know if an unscrupulous mechanic is attempting to gouge you on your repairs – and that will save you money. It can prevent you from making unnecessary repairs – and that will save you money. It can help you locate a problem and fix it early, thus saving more money – sometimes a whole lot of money. It allows you to be more independent in an era where people are entirely too dependent on others to survive.

We need to get started now, so that we have time to cover everything…

First, do a visual check of your vehicle. The following will assist you in where to look, and for what:

Eric Scribener
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/shade-tree-automotive-diagnostics-and-care-part-i-see-no-evil-83174.html

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