Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Mercedes' W202 generation of C-Class cars were produced from 1993 through 2000. One of their primary components, like any car, is its ECM or engine control module. The ECM is the computer that controls the engine's operating parameters. If modified and used in different ways, the ECM settings can impact the car's fuel efficiency and power generation.
Bull bars provide front-end bumper protection for trucks and SUVs and are a popular aftermaket accessory for individuals looking to customize their vehicle. Bull bars are sold in a variety of finishes and can be re-painted to match your vehicle's color scheme.
Trucks are often called work-horses because they are used for daily driving, hauling, towing and for off-roading. Trucks are painted with the same type of paint used for cars, but in many cases that paint doesn't seem to last as long on trucks due to abuse resulting from its intended usage. Before repainting your truck, you must strip off the paint and primer to expose the bare metal.
Edmunds (edmunds.com) is a popular website for selling and buying used vehicles. Edmunds can also be used for finding out what a vehicle is worth. There are three appraisal values that consumers can get for free using Edmunds: trade-in, private party and dealer retail pricing. Trade-in value is used for the amount that a car dealer may give a consumer for selling a vehicle to the dealer. Private party value is used when an individual sells a vehicle to another individual. Dealer retail pricing is used to determine the selling price from the dealer to the consumer.
The National Automotive Dealers Association's blue book is a common appraisal guide used by car dealerships. If consumers plan to trade in their old vehicle, the NADA appraisal guide is a good source for determining what value the dealer should use for the trade in. The NADA appraisal guide is also a good source for determining the dealer's retail selling price for used vehicles. Using the NADA blue book, before trading in an old vehicle or before purchasing a used car from the dealership, can help to ensure a fair deal.
When advertising to sell a vehicle, getting the right appraisal price is important. If the advertised price is too high, the vehicle could be on the market for a long time--or, worse, it may not sell at all. If the price is too low, the vehicle may sell quickly with the owner taking a loss. Using Kelley Blue Book online can give the seller an idea on what the car should sell for to an individual or private party.
You have decided to add a spray-in bed liner to your truck, but do not want to pay a detailer shop to do it. So you have come to the conclusion that this is a project that you will tackle at home. This project definitely can be a do-it-yourself job. There is some important information to be aware of though, and must-do steps to follow in order to complete the job well.
Over time, the liner of a truck bed can appear worn and damaged due to excessive and everyday use. Truck owners can cover these scratches and worn spots with a spray-on bedliner available from many reputable distributors. Spray-on bedliners are simple to apply as long as the installer uses proper preparation methods and recommended techniques supplied by the product's instructions. By spraying the bedliner on yourself, you can save money otherwise spent to pay a professional to do the same job.
The heart and soul of capitalism is about profit; hoarding a surplus of what you don't need to obtain what you do: money. Keeping that in mind, flipping cars bought at auction can be a good way to generate a profit margin to improve your lifestyle. Setting a fair price is one of the ultimate factors determining how quickly the cars sell, so aim for market value or slightly higher for your cars.
The cigarette adapter plug in your 1997 Ford Mustang powers a lot more than just your lighter. Nowadays, this plug is used to power any number of electronic devices, including radar detectors and cell phones. The adapter plug on your Mustang is powered by a plastic, 20-amp fuse. The fuse that powers your adapter plug is located under your hood in the main fuse box, on the passenger side of the engine.
Car exteriors are damaged by accidents and impacts with other objects, but new techniques and refinishing methods can restore the vehicle. Once damage to the metal exterior has been repaired, the finish work must be done. Auto refinishing is a process that requires a series of undercoats before the final color coat of paint. Often called primers, sealers, surfacers or adhesion promoters, undercoats are applied to prepare the car for color paint. Most are clear sprays.
Primers and sealers figure prominently in the auto body repair and detailing industry. Different types of primers are available to meet specific needs of the auto body technician. Knowing the uses and properties of primers and sealers will help ensure the application of the correct product for the best aesthetic result. Sealers also have more than one use; for best results, take the time to understand the sealer's application properties before application.
You rely on your diesel-powered GMC truck for your heavy-duty hauling needs. When you need parts for your truck, order them online or purchase them at a variety of locations near you.
If your Volkswagen Jetta starts experiencing problem, you don't need to take it to an auto repair service for a diagnosis. The A3, A4 and A5 Volkswagen Jetta models have an electronic system that automatically checks for any errors in the vehicle. However, in order to utilize this system, you will need the correct equipment, either a computer or scanner, to determine if your Jetta is not functioning correctly.
Newer Winnebago class A motor homes, 2007 and later, come prewired for the installation of a backup braking system that enhances safety and ease of driving. In addition, models newer than 2006 have a Trik-L-Start device that allows the chassis battery to be drawn from when parked without draining it, minimizing battery and startup problems later. Each of these requires moderate installation.
A truck can be a suitable vehicle choice for hauling items and materials or for transporting people. GMC is a brand that offers consumer a wide variety of pickup trucks. If you are interested in finding a new GMC truck model, then the best place to look is a GMC dealership. However, you do have a few options when it comes to finding the right GMC truck for your needs.
Car buying is not a simple process, and if you want to get the best price on a specific car, such as the Buick Enclave, you're going to have to do some work. With tools like the Internet available for research and to save your shoe leather, you can get the best price on your Buick right from the comfort of your home.
Auto junkyards are a great place to find not only a huge supply of cheap spare parts, but occasionally a working car too. Junkyards generally carry different vehicles. Unless you are seeking certain car make, you might be able to find something without much effort. Many junkyards countrywide are affiliated, which makes it easier to find cars if one place does not have a certain vehicle.
Holley is a leader in carburetion systems, powering every NASCAR team since the 1960s. The company was started in 1903 and Ford's Model A was Holley equipped, as well as the PT boats of World War II. Since high-performance is Holley's area of expertise, auto manufacturers use Holley carburetors in sport and heavy duty applications. Identifying Holley carburetors is straight forward and requires locating and referencing numbers to a Holley listing. Though some manufacturers identify their corporate name, Holley does not. Identification relies on the list number.
The 2011 GMC Terrain tied for first place on U.S. News and World Report's rankings of affordable compact sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), with a starting price around $24,300. The publication says the Terrain's "angular, truck-like styling" and numerous standard features set it apart from the competition. The vehicle is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and with a four- or six-cylinder engine.
Like a stationary home, many mobile homes have a bathroom and kitchen, which contain plumbing similar to that found in any house. When a pipe leaks in a home, a plumber is called. When a pipe leaks in an mobile home, it must be taken to a service center that specializes in mobile home repairs, which can be expensive and difficult to find when traveling. Use basic plastic repair techniques and PVC solvent cement to repair broken mobile home pipes, saving money and time in the process.
Plastic radiators are built of durable plastics meant to last for many years. Still, they can only take so much pressure before they crack. A leaky metal radiator means a trip to a professional mechanic who can seal the leak with a welding rig. If the damage is too severe, a replacement radiator is necessary. You can repair plastic radiators yourself if the damage is not extensive. Use a few simple techniques and plastic solvent cement to repair a plastic radiator leak at a fraction of the repair or replacement cost.
Recycling is a very responsible thing to do. Everyone knows you can recycle plastic bottles, glass and paper products at your local recycling center. But you might not realize there's more you can do. Different parts of your motor vehicle can be recycled and remade into various products, including your auto radiator. If you have an auto radiator that's no longer useful for its intended purpose, do a little investigating to determine your radiator recycling options. The aluminum might be worth a little cash.
Holley carburetors are widely known for their performance applications. According to Chevy-Camaro, Holleys have been used on high-performance engines since the early 1960s and are known for their design characteristics, which make them easy to rebuild. Holley has produced many different carburetors over the years which incorporate both two and four-barrel designs. Identification issues include: recognizing Holley carburetors from those manufactured by Carter or Rochester, determining the Holley model in question and differentiating Holley model numbers from the auto maker's part number.
A inoperable cigarette lighter can be a significant problem and safety hazard, as the lighter negates the need to fiddle with a small hand-held lighter will driving. Repairing the lighter in a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier calls for inspecting a number of different components to the lighter and attempting to repair each one at the sign of damage or failure. If no steps can fix the cigarette lighter, it can be easily replaced with a few easy steps.
The 13-square-foot trunk cargo capacity of the 2011 Nissan Sentra holds groceries, sports equipment and a whole lot of other equipment that can cause unwanted stains to the mat. The trunk mat can be replaced in your Sentra whether it is stained, worn, damaged or generally threadbare with a few steps.
A large percentage of auto parts are made from plastics such as ABS. Plastic is inexpensive and easy to form into a variety of parts. The majority of a car's interior is made from plastic, specifically ABS. Over time, even strong plastics can break due to daily stress. Replacing these parts can be expensive and if the car is older, the parts can be difficult to locate. Use acrylic solvent cement and a few common household items to repair plastic auto parts.
When purchasing a Honda it is a good idea to keep track of the vehicle's service manual. This booklet is a guide for the general consumer that explains the fundamentals of operating and maintaining a Honda. Whether it is a car, motorcycle or a snowmobile, a copy of this manual should be easy to obtain. Generally, you receive the service manual when you purchase the Honda new. If you are buying a used Honda, request the service manual from the seller or order a new one. Honda service manuals are easy to order if you can't get one from the…
Tires need routine maintenance and cleaning to protect them and keep them in good condition. When the rubber of your tires begins to fade and become discolored this is a sign of early damage to the tire. Rubber tires have two natural enemies in the environment: UV rays and ozone. UV rays and ozone cause the quality of a tire to degrade and deteriorate. Tires also suffer from chemicals and dirt and debris from the road. Cleaning the tires and restoring the black color helps to protect the tire and ensure its longevity.
Car enthusiasts are always looking to get the most out of their vehicles: Classic Ford truck owners are no different. Stock Ford trucks came equipped with various size engines from 232 V6 to 460 V8 models. For the most part, these engines are largely interchangeable, with some minor modifications needed to the truck to accommodate the larger- or smaller-size engine. If you want to upgrade a 302 V8 to the 351 V8, determine what you need to purchase, make the purchase and install per the manufacturer's directions.
Buying auto parts wholesale, which might require you to buy them in bulk, isn't as hard as some people think. Dealers and manufacturers are more than happy to sell parts to the public, especially in large quantities. All you need to do if you want to buy auto parts this way is to find a dealer who is willing to sell and make sure he has what you need.
The electric current to the many standard and optional features on a 1997 Saturn SL1, including the tachometer, daytime running lights, air conditioning and the keyless entry system, is controlled by fuses. If a fuse controlling the amperage allowed any of these components fails, the device stops working. If this has happened on your Saturn, check the fuses for electric current with a fuse tester. Remove the fuses that have gone bad and replace them with new ones.
The 2002 Toyota Tacoma comes standard with several in-dash safety features, including warning lights for low oil pressure, low oil levels, low fuel, lights left on and a key left in the ignition. These safety features won't work if the fuses supplying energy aren't functioning. For instance, if the fuse supporting the low fuel light is broken, you won't be aware that you are dangerously low on gas. Check and troubleshoot the fuses in your 2002 Tacoma often to make sure they are in working order. Replace broken fuses with fuses of compatible amperage strength.
Basic troubleshooting for your 2001 Ford Ranger is a process of elimination, beginning with the most obvious possible sources of trouble, such as power and electricity, and ending with more complex systems. You will need to pull trouble codes from the truck's computer. If the "Check Engine" light on your dashboard is on, the computer has generated trouble codes. Retrieving them is an easy way to find the problem.
If you have a vehicle with a sunroof, repairing it when it breaks is a necessity to keep elements from getting into the car. In many cases, a repair may not work, and you will have to take it to a dealer to completely replace it. Reasons for replacing it completely would be a problem in the actual motor of the sunroof not working properly, or in some cases a break in other internal hardware that cannot be reached with a simple repair kit. In some scenarios, repairing it can be the solution.
Painting a car may range from easy to difficult depending on your experience painting a car. The process of painting plastic is the same as the process of painting metal. The only difference between plastic and metal is that plastic is more fragile and apt to be scratched in the sanding process. Expect to spend about two-thirds of your time preparing the car for painting and the other third painting the car. The car should be painted indoors, in a wind-free environment.
Vintage and antique automobile and truck clubs, ranging from the immensely popular Ford and Chevrolets to the independents like Studebaker and Hudson, have extensive parts networks. These networks allow antique vehicle enthusiasts not only to obtain virtually any part they need to restore a vehicle, but also find a vendor to fabricate parts. The key to restoring specific parts is having an owner's service manual to properly identify each part and an owner's parts manual that features illustrations of each part.
Don't call 1 800 Radiator if you think your radiator's leaking, stay calm and look into the problem; radiators can leak from various parts. You can spring a leak from a hose or the radiator itself. Make sure that you check all of the fittings that lead to the radiator as well. If the leak is coming from a plastic radiator, all is not lost; radiator repair is entirely possible. There are a few ways to repair a plastic radiator that is cracked. Put on some dirty clothes and roll up your sleeves, because it could get a little bit…
For the do-it-yourselfer, making gaskets is simply another way of tracing and cutting, the same as is done in art. Other materials can be used, but cork is the most popular material, and is sold at all hardware and automotive parts stores. It normally is sold in pre-packaged quantities ,so make sure you purchase a piece that will be large enough for the gasket you want to make.
Yellow Box sells what is thought of as one of the best speedo recalibrators. This is due to its advanced technologies and its very small size. Yellow Box corrects the speedometer and odometer of any car that uses a hall-effect speed sensor to generate the speedometer signal. And dang, if it isn't bright yellow, too.
If you have a Toyota vehicle and frequently find yourself in need of parts, you may be wondering where you can find them yourself. Even if you are interested in starting your own Toyota parts business, it's easy to locate both new and used Toyota parts from a variety of different places. In most cases, you can either pick them up yourself or have them shipped anywhere in the country.
Automotive paint and primer technology is as much art as science. Coatings and the techniques used to apply them have changed with new materials and preferences of finish.
A Ford Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup truck that is able to pull heavy trailers. Larger trailers have their own braking systems that are electrically controlled from the tow vehicle. An aftermarket brake controller is an electrical device that sends power from the towed vehicle to the electrical brakes on your trailer. The two major types of brake controllers are proportional and time delayed. The proportional controller senses how quickly the tow vehicle is stopping and applies the trailer brakes accordingly. The time-delayed brake controller starts applying the trailer brakes after a predetermined delay set on the unit by…
Many stigmas that people have about trucks are related to their speed and performance. When examining the average size of trucks, some just can't ponder driving something that eats up gasoline and moves slightly above the pace of a snail, and simply will not buy a vehicle with these characteristics. As such, a large portion of consumers will cross all trucks and SUVs off their shopping list; yet, they do not realize that there are many ways to make these bigger vehicles perform better than some cars, with only a few alterations.
If you can't afford a replacement part at a car dealer or body shop, or if you are working on a project car, getting used parts may be your best option. Your local junkyard may have the perfect part at an affordable price. You won't just find old "junk" cars at the junkyard. Many newer cars that were totalled in accidents have plenty of usable parts.
The starter bolts on a car or light truck secure the electric starter motor to the engine block. Starting the car daily over a long period of time can put a severe amount of stress on these bolts and cause them to bend or break. In addition the threads on these bolts may become damaged and limit the amount clamping force they can apply to the starter motor. Starter motor bolts are relatively inexpensive, and should be replaced if there is any concern about their condition. To purchase new ones, you'll need to know the year, make, model and engine…
A spray-on bedliner improves the aesthetic appearance of a pick-up box along with providing protection against rust, corrosion, dents, caustic or hazardous material, and abrasions. Applying a spray-on bedliner yourself is more cost-effective than having a professional apply the coating.
The word Nissan has several meanings, but is used most often in reference to the Japanese Nissan car company.
ASE tests are grouped into specific areas like automobile, truck equipment, school bus and collision repair/refinish. To make the best in preparing for your test, concentrate in the area(s) you are interested in. However, there is more you can do to secure an ASE passing score. There are a few pointers and resources you can follow to make the most of your preparation time and obtain the certificate you want.
Buying used auto parts can provide the do-it-yourself home mechanic with a cheaper alternative to new or refurbished parts. There are many different sources for buying used auto parts, which can have a lot of life in them depending on the mileage on the vehicle they came from.
Finding used Chrysler parts is an easy process if you have the right resources. Locating these parts at Car-Part.com is a great place to start. You can find used auto parts for your Chrysler, as well as any other vehicle. Whether you are looking for a battery or exterior body parts, this website allows you to search your local area and beyond to find exactly what you need.
Automobile radiators perform a critical function of cooling the vehicle down from the internal combustion generated by burning gasoline or diesel. Radiators problems can quickly put an auto out of commission. A common culprit is a coolant leakage from the radiator itself or its hoses.
Aluminum auto parts can get stained, scratched and become dull from heavy use or weather conditions. Aluminum parts cannot be polished in the same manner or using the same materials as chrome or painted parts. Aluminum is a softer metal and takes specific steps to be polished to a high shine without causing damage to the surface.
Many performance problems can be identified on a VW Passat by connecting the vehicle to a computer using a special cable. The codes read from the vehicle's internal computer can provide insight into many vehicle issues, and speed the repair process.
Troubleshooting many issues on modern Volkswagen Jettas are as easy as connecting your vehicle to your computer using a special cable. The codes read from your vehicle's internal computer can provide insight into many vehicle issues.
If you're looking to design and build new body parts for your auto, fiberglass can be the simplest way to do it. When fiberglass parts are built right, using multiple layers of the glass sheets coated in laminate resin, they are sturdy replacements to their steel counterparts. Fiberglass can be used to construct new body panels or bumpers, enclosures for things like subwoofer speakers, or stylish spoilers for mounting on the hood or trunk.
Understanding the oil that goes into your car engine not only allows you to make better purchase decisions, you also help your engine improve gas mileage, operate better under different driving conditions and extend its service life. Here we will look at different engine oil characteristics that you should consider when comparing motor oil for your car engine.
Auto parts can be very pricey, however there are several ways to buy them at discount. It doesn't mean going to a junkyard and taking your chances against a 90-pound pit bull, or risking you and your family's safety on some refurbished part scrapped from an old wreck. You can get high quality, low priced auto parts that are as good as factory parts and better than junkyard refurbished parts.
The steps in this article tells you how to retrofit an A/C system in your vehicle. This will only work if you air still comes on but no longer provides cool air. The type of parts you need depends on the type of vehicle you need. It is very important to check with an licensed professional for anything that you may be confused about.
Turbochargers are available for most any vehicle and can offer a great way to get more horsepower. Turbochargers compress the air coming into the engine allowing more air to enter and thus increasing the fuel and horsepower. Turbochargers allow the engine to produce more power improving overall engine efficiency.
