Kevin Schappell maintains where he gives advice on car maintenance, buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles.
Checking Fluids Keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape requires constant monitoring of vital fluids. Read you owners manual and look for a diagram of the engine. Most times there will be a diagram showing where to check all the major fluids. This should be your starting point. If your manual is lost in the glove box or you never had one, then ask your mechanic or a friend who knows cars to show you all the places...... Similar Editorial : by swissjohn. | Source : Citi Auto Finance
Technical Service Bulletins Smart home mechanics use all the information available to diagnose problems with their vehicle. Below you will find the two most valuable sources of data available today. Most people know nothing about TSBs, but they should. Both of these excellent resources are available online from websites like AllData.com Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): TSBs are issued by vehicle manufacturers to help...... Similar Editorial : by Rob Rawson. | Source : Citi Auto Finance
The Suspension System On A Car Explained "Suspension," when discussing cars, refers to the use of front and rear springs to suspend a vehicle's "sprung" weight. The springs used on today's cars and trucks are constructed in a variety of types, shapes, sizes, rates, and capacities. Types include leaf springs, coil springs, air springs, and torsion bars. These are used in sets of four for each vehicle, or they may be paired off in various...... Similar Editorial : by Breonna Isabela. | Source : Citi Auto Finance
Oil / Lubricants I receive a lot of questions regarding oil and the least understood part is the number system used to rate oils. Oil weight, or viscosity, refers to how thick or thin the oil is. The temperature requirements set for oil, by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is 0 degrees F (low) and 210 degrees F (high). Oils meeting the SAE's low temperature requirements have a "W" after the viscosity...... Source : Citi Auto Finance
The Engine Explained The engine is the heart of your car, but instead of pumping blood, the engine pumps air and fuel. The engines main function is to convert air and fuel into rotary motion so it can drive the wheels of the car. How does it do that ??.... Well let's start with a cutaway of the engine and see all the major parts then we will get into the actual mechanics. Pistons: Most common engines have 4, 6, or 8...... Similar Editorial : by Mel Strocen. | Source : Citi Auto Finance
Test Driving A New Car One of the most important steps in buying a new or used car is the test drive. You can do all the research you like, but it all comes down to the test drive. Driving the car must be comfortable, easy, and enjoyable. Follow these few steps and get the most out of your next test drive. Check over the car before you leave the dealer's lot. Tires, fluids, and lights should all be checked before you...... Similar Editorial : by Mahesh Ugale. | Source : Citi Auto Finance
Take Care Of Your Body The winter months can be tough on your body... your car body that is. Salt and chemicals used in the colder climates can wreak havoc on your cars precious sheet metal. By doing a few simple things this winter, you can keep your car's body looking it's best. Put a good heavy coat of wax on your car before the winter storms hit. This heavy coat will protect your paint from the corrosive salt and...... Similar Editorial : by mter9248. | Source : Citi Auto Finance
