Do you know that the word “car” has been derived from the Latin word “carrum”, which meant a “two-wheeled Celtic war chariot? This Latin word is further derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *kers- “to run.”
Is there liquid dripping from your car? If it's clear, it's most likely water condensation. However, black or brown liquid is likely motor oil, red is often transmission or power steering fluid, while yellow or green is coolant.
Do you know that certain atmospheric issues can also cause your tires to deteriorate over time? For example, extreme hot temperatures can cause the rubber in your tires to wear and tear, leading to failure ultimately.
Among your vehicle's consumable components are its serpentine belts. However, this really isn't something you should work on if you don't have the experience as getting to them, taking them out and replacing them with new ones can be quite a task.
While you may be able to change your car's oil yourself, you may have trouble removing one particular component—the oil filter. Depending on the vehicle's model, this part may be tucked in deep in the engine bay and you will most likely need to have a special filter tool for the job .
Want to help your tires last longer? The best thing you can do for them is to check their air pressure on a regular basis and keep them inflated to the proper pressure. You can the correct amount on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb.
Do you know that all the tires come with a specific identification number along with the year of manufacturing? This is in accordance with the rules established by the government of the United States.
If your car's fuel filter becomes clogged, it may make your car unable to start.
If you are ever in a car accident with another car, it’s important that you exchange vital information before leaving the accident site. Write down the name, address, phone number, insurance information, and license numbers for all drivers involved in the accident, and also collect information from any witnesses.
Have you noticed a drop in fuel efficiency? It could be the mass air flow sensor (MAF). This part measures incoming air to control fuel injection. If it's faulty, fuel economy can drop by 10% or more.
Did you know that some cars may have more than one differential? While cars with two-wheel drive have one, four-wheel drive vehicles have two, and those classified as all-wheel drive have three.
Keeping the radiator fins clear of bugs and other debris helps the engine run cooler and makes it easier to spot problems that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Tired of the cup holders in your car getting gunked up and sticky? Here's a simple hack to prevent that: place cupcake liners in them. Not only do they protect the holders, they are easy to remove.
If your car is hard to start, doesn't accelerate quickly, or the engine doesn't run smoothly, it may be time to have the spark plugs changed.
Instead of just grabbing a container of oil off the shelf when you need to top it off in your car, look at the oil cap on the engine. It will tell you what grade and viscosity is needed for your vehicle.
What does it mean to “turn” a rotor? Turning a rotor means putting it on a brake lathe and shave off small amounts of material to remove any imperfections.
Have your brakes started to squeak or squeal when you depress the brake pedal? That's an early warning sign that the brake pads have worn out and need to be replace. Don't delay having this done as it could lead to brake failure.
There is a lot of debate as to how often the oil in your car or truck should be changed. Instead of relying on the advice of neighbors, friends or family, turn to your ride's owner's manual. The engineers who designed your vehicle know best.
"It's a never ending battle of making your cars better and also trying to be better yourself." Dale Earnhardt
If you develop braking problems while on the go, it would be best not to proceed. Attempting to continue to your destination not only puts you and your passengers at risk, you also endanger other motorists you share the road with.
No matter how many DIY videos you find online, paint-less dent removal is not a good project to try out your learning curve. You may end up paying more to repair damage caused by inexperience than you would if you left it to a professional.
Although 1886 is credited with being the birth year of the modern automobile, did you know that the first gas gauge wasn’t installed until 1922?
To extend the life of your brakes, give them a good spraying every time you wash your car. This will remove any accumulation of dust or dirt that can cause the pads to deteriorate.
Safety tip: Do you have an emergency road kit? Does in contain road flares and reflective triangles so that should your car become disabled at night, other drivers can see you?
