All articles tagged with #car maintenance
The article emphasizes that certain car maintenance jobs, such as glass repair, brakes, timing belts, transmission, bodywork, AC, electrical work, fuel system, steering, tire mounting, and engine internals, are best left to professionals due to their complexity, safety risks, and potential for costly mistakes, especially for novice or intermediate DIY enthusiasts.
Porsche's Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB) offer a middle ground between traditional cast iron and expensive ceramic brakes, promising reduced dust and rust with a cost-effective price, but they come with potential durability issues and higher maintenance costs, making them a nuanced choice for performance-oriented owners.
Ford is recalling over 850,000 vehicles in the US due to potential fuel pump failures that could cause engine stalls and increase crash risks, with repairs still under development and affected owners to be notified soon.
Ford is recalling over 850,000 vehicles in the US due to potential fuel pump failures that could cause engine stalls and increase crash risks, with repairs still under development and owners to be notified soon.
A mechanic warns against servicing your car just before a long road trip, as last-minute repairs can reveal issues that might not be fixable in time, potentially causing trip disruptions. Instead, it's recommended to perform thorough vehicle checks well in advance, including tire, brake, fluid, and battery inspections, and to prepare an emergency kit. Comments on the video show mixed reactions, with some agreeing and others joking about bad luck associated with last-minute repairs.
The article discusses the decline of affordable $25k cars, highlighting the impact of regulations, market competition, and the rise of Chinese EVs, while also exploring the complexities of car maintenance, safety features, and the shifting preferences towards larger vehicles like SUVs, with a focus on global market differences and the challenges of repairability and cost.
A TikTok video by mechanic Johnny Pham showcases the impressive condition of a 2022 Toyota Tacoma's transmission fluid after 97,000 miles, highlighting its vibrant ruby red color, which indicates good maintenance and mostly freeway driving. Pham explains that transmission fluid color can reveal a lot about a vehicle's condition, with darker colors suggesting potential issues. The video sparked discussions among viewers about their own vehicle maintenance experiences.
US-based mechanic and content creator David Long, known as Car Wizard, shared his top six most reliable used cars under $10,000 in a YouTube video that resurfaced on TikTok. His picks include the 2000-2005 Buick Lesabre, 1999-2006 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra, 2004-2009 Lexus RX 350, 1998-2012 Ford Crown Victoria, 1996-2000 Lexus LS 400, and 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander. He emphasized that these cars are dependable if well-maintained and not damaged, and they offer good mileage and affordable parts. The video series received over 500,000 views, with many viewers agreeing on the reliability of Toyota vehicles.
The Autopian recommends five underrated auto-repair YouTube channels for car enthusiasts, including Flexiny for narration-less videos, HunterDirection for in-depth German car fixes, WheelemVerb for early 2000s Volvo projects, The G Automotive And More for a variety of car coverage, and Day Off DIY for detailed BMW maintenance tips and tricks.
A salvage-titled 458 Spider Ferrari with a salvage Florida title is up for auction at Copart, offering a low-cost entry into Ferrari ownership at half the price of a typical 458 Spider. Despite some damage to the front bumper and deployed airbags, the car appears to be in good condition with just 21,265 miles. While a salvage title may limit resale value, it could be a great option for someone looking to regularly drive their Italian sports car.
A car enthusiast attempted to change the oil in his girlfriend's Toyota Yaris but mistakenly drained the transmission fluid instead, leading to a costly error. Despite the mishap, the Yaris' ergonomic shortcomings and lack of cruise control also drew criticism, making it a challenging car for long drives. However, the writer acknowledges that the Yaris is well-suited for his partner and may last another decade with proper maintenance.
A teardown of a vintage Bentley 6.75-liter V8 engine reveals catastrophic damage caused by hydrolock, with holes in the oil pan, rusty head bolts, poorly resurfaced block, and a connecting rod ripped apart, likely due to liquid aspiration. The engine serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hydrolock and the importance of exercising caution when driving through deep puddles.
The Aston Martin Rapide, a luxury sedan, is now available for less than the price of a new Honda CR-V, with some models selling for as low as $28,250. However, potential buyers should be wary of the high maintenance costs associated with owning a depreciated luxury car, including issues with interior leather, engine failures, and expensive replacement parts. Unless buyers are experienced technicians with significant funds, it's advised to consider more practical options like a gently-used 2020 Kia Stinger GT, which offers similar performance and style at a fraction of the maintenance cost.
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation deploys salt spreaders to combat winter weather, but road salts can lead to rust damage and corrosion of brake and fuel lines in vehicles. To prevent damage, drivers are advised to wash and wax their cars before winter, avoid driving during or after storms, wash their cars regularly, and pay attention to warning signs such as dashboard lights, spongy brakes, and unusual odors. Regular car washes, especially after snowstorms, and prompt attention to warning signs can help prevent costly repairs caused by road salts.
As freezing temperatures grip the U.S., experts at AAA advise against letting your car idle for too long before driving, suggesting that driving normally warms the engine faster and reduces wear. J.D. Power provides tips for starting a car in cold weather, including warming up the battery and checking antifreeze levels. AAA recommends starting and driving your car for at least 30 minutes once a week to maintain the battery's life, and offers additional winter weather safety tips such as checking battery and charging systems, avoiding using cruise control in icy conditions, and ensuring proper visibility and traction.