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Cleaning Your EGR Valve

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:19:08 +0000

If you're interested in cleaning your own EGR valve or backpressure transducer, you should check out this quick informational on accomplishing the task. It's specific to Dodge Caravan, a common victim of clogged EGR valves, but the theory applies to most vehicles. It's also important to check all of your vacuum hoses when trying to troubleshoot an EGR problem, and replace them if you are at all suspicious of their integrity. Check out the tutorial here and start to learn.

What Color is Your Exhaust Smoke?

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:53:17 +0000

The question: What color is the smoke coming out of your car or truck's exhaust pipe? Hopefully your answer is, "I don't have any smoke coming out of my exhaust ...

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Is Your Garage Fire Safe?

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:52:41 +0000

If you plan to do automotive work in your home garage, or anywhere for that matter, you should have fire safety on your mind. Engines are recipes for disaster when ...

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Don't Weep About Your Water Pump

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:06:16 +0000

If you think it's time for a water pump replacement, don't get all worked up. Water pump repairs can be quite expensive, but this is mostly due to the time ...

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Troubleshoot a Problem With Your Brakes

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:42:47 +0000

You can tell when your brakes aren't working as they should. You can probably even describe what they're doing that you don't like -- pulling to the right or left, soft brake pedal, shuttering -- but do you know how to take that information and translate it into a repair diagnosis? Check out this comprehensive brake troubleshooting guide...

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Blow a Fuse? Don't Sweat It!

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:13:49 +0000

If you suddenly find yourself in a lights-out situation, or the music seems to stop for no reason, you may have blown a fuse. Your fuses are meant to protect your car or truck's electrical system from damage due to overloads or short circuits, so if you have a fuse that blows regularly, you need to take a look at your electrical system. Sometimes a fuse will blow for no terrible reason, in which case you can simply replace the fuse. Be sure to check ahead of time so you can buy the right replacement fuses!

Building a Tool Chest? Craftsman Club Can Save You Money

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:04:39 +0000

It can be dauntingly expensive to put together your first set of mechanic's tools. There are so many things to buy and each item can be so pricey. Some of the consumer stores sell starter kits that can save you some money (I prefer Craftsman anyway), but you're still shelling out major cash. Every saved dollar can make you feel better. I was recently helping a friend put together her first tool kit and checked into the deals available at Sears through their Craftsman Club. If you join and watch the specials (in addition to the discounts you get just for being a member!) you can save some serious cash on what I consider to be the best entry level tools available. Check it out!

Be Prepared for Unexpected Winter Stuff

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:49:24 +0000

When the weather gets bad, you never know what can happen. Worse, you never know what can happen to you if you find yourself in an ugly winter weather scenario. ...

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Overheating in Winter Weather Driving

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:33:30 +0000

You wouldn't think of a perfectly healthy car or truck overheating while driving a snowy road, but it happens all the time. What can make a well maintained engine heat up like that? Driving in the snow can present problems to your car or truck outside of the obvious traction issues. In low temperatures, snow and ice can build up and actually clog your car's cooling system. It doesn't clog it from the inside, but rather blocks the air from flowing over the sytem from the outside. It's important to keep your cooling system clean with a regular radiator flush, but don't forget to simply clear the snow and ice from your front grill and underneath your bumper -- that will keep cool air flowing where you need it most.

Dead Battery? Be Sure You Know How to Jump Start Your Car

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:47:11 +0000

When temperatures drop, your battery can have a hard time holding a strong charge. This increases the chances that you may turn the key and hear that "click, click, click" ...

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