Learn how to easily repair your own vehicle with step-by-step instructions using online auto repair advice. Save money and make automotive repairs fast and fun.
Consider professional online auto repair advice when it comes to repairing your own vehicle. You may just avoid a complete disaster. Your vehicle is a big investment and it should be treated as such. When it comes to auto repair two things can happen. You can be successful and fix it right the first time. Or you can make matters worse by creating additional problems. The latter will increase repair costs and down time of the vehicle.
Let me give you a real life example of this. I had a young man e-mail me for help with a no start condition. My first advice to him was to get some online auto repair tips from a quality manual, to properly diagnose the problem. My favorite online auto service manual has the greatest no start diagnostic charts in the business, because they come straight from the factory auto service manuals. Easy to follow tree charts with pictures and helpful tips.
The young man told me he could not afford the $24.95 and he thought replacing the distributor would fix the problem. A new distributor was $650.00.He bought and replaced the distributor but this did not solve the problem. It was also not returnable like most electrical parts. Again I said cut your loses and get any kind of auto service manual and diagnose the problem, do not through parts at it.Well He replaced the coil, cap, rotor, wires and spark plugs. It Still would not start. Now he is a thousand dollars deep in un-needed parts. The guy who could not afford $25. Finally he towed the car to the auto repair shop and they fixed it for about $500.00 by replacing the fuel pump. As a side note I did try to help him by explaining, in a no start condition you either have no fuel or no spark (or rarely no air). The young man explained he was getting plenty of fuel. But he was not.
So $1,850 later he was motoring again. And to let you know step 1 on the diagnostic tree chart was an in-depth procedure with pictures for checking for fuel delivery. Also the online repair manuals had a technical service bulletin on the fuel pump for this specific vehicle. This is why the online auto repair manual can help you. What if you had the same auto repair information that the dealership level mechanic has? But in a format that provides step-by-step instructions and pictures that a person of any skill level can follow. The virtual online auto repair tips system was created to bring top-level information to the do it yourself auto repair public. Quickly find the auto repair information you need fast and simple with the online auto repair manuals handy search function. Just type in the component or area of the vehicle you need assistance with and the online programs gives you with just what you’re hunting for.
Do it yourself Helpful Tips for Online Auto Repair
August 21st, 2010Car Dealer Auctions – Do I Have to Be a Dealer to Attend One?
August 21st, 2010So, you’ve decided to attend a car auction with intentions of driving off in a car that costs you hundreds and even thousands less than it’s retail value. By now you’ve probably heard about the different types of auto auctions you can attend, such as government, police, public and car dealer auctions. But did you know that out of these the best deals are to be found at a car dealers auction?
The biggest myth most people are lead to believe is that you have to be a dealer to attend. The truth is that although these auctions are only open to car dealers, you can often accompany one by going as one of the representatives.
You will then be able to view all of the vehicles as you would at a regular car auction. The only catch is that the dealer is the only one that can bid on the car and has to pay for it in his/her name. So, the pink slip will be in their name until they transfer the title.
The good thing about attending these auctions is that the prices are significantly below what you would pay at a regular one. But be careful because they also have more salvage title cars floating around. But most dealers that attend these auctions have a special device that gives an indication of the vehicle being in an accident. It is placed on a major part of the car such as the hood or door to measure the thickness of paint in that area. Anything over a certain amount is an indication of previous body work. Thus indicating an accident, which you don’t want to bid on.
So, become friendly with you neighborhood car dealer, see if they use this special device when attending auctions and ask if you can go to the next one with them. Then you’ll be well on your way towards getting a great car at an excellent price.
Did you know that 90% of car auction sites are scams? Save yourself from a headache and loosing your hard earned money by visiting MyCarAuctionReview.com for the best car auction sites in town.
Things You Should Know About Automotive Transmission Repair for Your Tampa Vehicle
August 21st, 2010Many vehicle owners do not bother to know about the details of auto service and car repair, even auto AC repair, much less about automotive engines, brakes and transmission systems repair. A responsible Tampa mechanic should, however, make an effort to enlighten the vehicle owner on any diagnostic or car repair work done on the vehicle. Here are some things you should know about automotive transmission repair for your Tampa vehicle.
Minor Transmission In-Car Repair, Adjustment and Accessible Parts Replacement
Some transmission problems need only minor repair or adjustment without having to remove the vehicle’s transmission. For computer controlled transmissions, problems in shifting can often be traced to a faulty sensor sending wrong signals. It may also be a defective solenoid pack or a bad connection preventing the transmission from reacting to the computer command. Problems such as these do not require removal of the transmission nor an overhaul. Necessary adjustments can be done right in the car. This is often seen in late model transmission systems, starting from the Nineties.
For earlier transmission systems that are not computer controlled, shifting problems can often mean that the throttle cable needs adjustment. This problem can only be caused by damage from an accident or by previous incorrect adjustments made during other repair work, and not by wear and tear or normal use of the vehicle. This underlines the need to trust only professional auto service shops for your car repair needs. You will spare yourself from further problems in the future.
Some vehicles do not have a throttle cable but have a vacuum modulator instead. In some modulator designs, the vacuum modulator can be adjusted using an adjustment screw. The mechanic has to first ensure, however, that there are no vacuum leaks and that the engine is at its peak running efficiency. Sometimes, problems that seem to be transmission-related are in fact traceable to the engine and are resolved after an engine tune up or repair. Again, having a highly skilled mechanic will save you time and money.
Slipping, or engine racing during transmission shifts from one gear to another, is solved by adjusting bands in older transmissions.
Sometimes, transmission parts need to be replaced. It is much cheaper to replace accessible parts without having to remove the transmission from the vehicle. Removing the oil pan allows access to many control and electrical parts. A major drawback to this is that many auto service shops do not want to give warranties on such external warranties since they cannot be sure whether or not there are other internal transmission problems that they have not seen. Building a solid relationship with a reputable auto service shop and its mechanics will give you the assurance that the best service is being given for your vehicle, though.
Transmission Resealing
Transmission resealing is done to solve external leaks of transmission fluid. This is usually done after red spots of oil are observed on the ground or parking slot under the vehicle even if the transmission has been performing well. The vehicle is placed on a lift for inspection. Leaks found in any of the external seals or gaskets can be repaired by resealing without removing the transmission from the vehicle. If inspection shows that the front seal needs to be replaced, however, access to it can only be done by removing the transmission. This is a much more expensive procedure.
It is not very difficult to familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s requirements. Learning about automotive transmission repair from your Tampa mechanic is just one step in the right direction. There is more to learn but you can do so with small and easy steps at your own pace.