Battery - Automotive

How often should you need to replace your car battery?

If you have an original battery in your vehicle that has been in your car for more than 4 years, it would be a good preventative measure to replace it now. By replacing the battery before you have no other choice can save you a tow bill. It may also save you a few dollars.

Imagine being stuck away from home and some mechanic giving you the ole " Where y'all from" speech. Yeah, me either. No one wants to be in that situation. So Replace your battery before you have to and have the option to shop around for a new one.

Myself prefer the Interstate battery and my shop requires I use them in the Postal Vehicles and Police cars I maintain. Only the best for them that rely on them. Other batteries may be just as good but when you purchase the battery, make sure you understand the warranty. The battery is only as good as the warranty. If the manufacturer is not willing to stand behind their product, don't buy it.

Average replacement is needed every 4 years !

Coolant Leak

Introduction
There are a number of things that can go wrong with your car's cooling system, causing the engine to run warmer than it should. The following is a list of things that are easily checked at home by the do-it-yourselfer, and can always add to your knowledge of cars in general.

Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You'll Need
Radiator Sealant
Antifreeze
Water
Telephones
Steps:

1
Step One
Understand that overheating problems may be caused by a low coolant level.
2
Step Two
Check the coolant level at the radiator overflow/plastic coolant reservoir tank to see if you're low on coolant (see "How to Check Your Car's Coolant Level," under Related eHows). Add if necessary.
3
Step Three
Open the radiator cap and look inside the radiator when the engine is cold.
4
Step Four
Fill the radiator with antifreeze or water if it's empty, and close the cap.
5
Step Five
Look at both the lower and upper radiator hoses located at the top and bottom of the radiator on the back side and held by hose clamps. Make sure the hoses are securely clamped to the radiator and aren't leaking.
6
Step Six
Touch both the upper and lower radiator hoses when the engine is warm and the car turned off. They should both be warm. If one is cold, you may have a thermostat that's stuck closed.
7
Step Seven
Use the palm of your hand to feel the outside of the radiator from top to bottom when the engine is warm and the car turned off. It should be warm to the touch evenly throughout. If there's a cold section, you may have a radiator that's internally blocked.
8
Step Eight
Check under the car, inspect the radiator and look around the engine compartment for telltale signs of a coolant leak: Coolant is greenish, slippery and sweet-smelling.
9
Step Nine
Visit your mechanic if you know there's a leak but can't find it. A mechanic can detect a slow or small coolant leak by pressurizing the cooling system.

Ford Mustang - 2007

MSRP:
$19,250 - $31,700
Invoice:
$17,916 - $29,120

2007 Ford Mustang V6 Deluxe Coupe

$19,250 MSRP
$17,916 INVOICE

Standard Engine:
4.0L V6, 12 valve, 210 hp @ 5300 rpm
5 speed manual (standard) or 5 speed automatic transmission
19 mpg city / 28 mpg hwy
Green Rating: 62

You can expect to pay $18,735

Standard Features:
Passenger Airbag Cutoff
Front Power 292-mm X 30-mm Vented Disc and Rear Power 300-mm X 19-mm Vented Disc Brakes
Radio Antenna

Options:
Anti-Lock Brakes
Wheel Locks
Shaker 500 Audio System

2004 Honda Odyssey - Idle Surging

Vehicle Problem:

2004 Honda Odyssey - Idle Surging. The Idle goes up and down when sitting at a stop light. Acts like it wants to die.

Solution :

The check engine light was not on. Scan for codes and for an IAC (Idle Air Control) code in the history codes. Contacted my local Honda Dealer parts dept. and was told "we sell these like candy" talking about the Idle Air Control. Had an IAC sent over at a cost of $159.00 and installed it on the vehicle. Tested the operation and all is well now. Another happy customer!!

Diagnostic fee $69.95 , Part installed $234.00 total cost $303.95 +tax.

This is an actual repair made on January 4th, 2008

Code P0420

Code P0420 : Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold

This code is set when the o2 sensor behind the catalytic converter sees a lower signal than the set parameters of the OBDII system.

English : The Catalytic converter is no longer doing an efficient job and needs to be replaced.

Symptoms : Check Engine Light On

Drivability : Not affected

Causes :
1) Age
2) Running rich caused by failing upstream o2 sensor or failing MAF
3) Fuel Injector Stuck Open

Fix : Replace Catalytic Converter and test system

Front Brakes - Automotive

Question:
How Much Should a typical Front Brake Job cost on a 2000 Honda Civic ?

Answer:
Typical Front Brake job would consist of replacing the front brake pads only. The Front brake pads and labor only would be around $123.00. If you would need rotors also, add in an additional $162.00 parts and labor.

I hear all the time " but there is an add on TV for $29.95 " ... Let me tell you this, it is nothing more than advertising to get you in the door. If you read the fine print on the screen and/or when you get there. You will see that it is 29.95 for the pads only and there will be an additional cost for the labor and an additional cost for the shop supplies and an additional cost for disposal fee.. and most of these places fail to let you know this up front. So make sure you get an accurate quote up front for the amount that you can put on the check. This is a sure fire way to become aware of any hidden fees.

Used Auto Parts, Are They Any Good ?

You can save lots of money buying used parts for your repair. Of course, it's important to know which parts are ok to buy used, but there are plenty of them. Unfortunately, thinking about saving the money is as far as many people get. The thought of standing at a greasy counter while the assorted varieties of parts pullers check you out might not be your idea of a great way to start you auto repair weekend. So instead you break down and pay the extra cash for a brand new tail light or power window motor.

These days you can order a used turn signal from the comfort of your living room. Thanks to services like the Automix Parts Locater you can effectively search hundreds of salvage yards at once.