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December 30, 2008

How Do You Replace The Radiator?

Filed under: Car Info — Tags: , , — admin @ 4:01 pm

How Do You Replace The Radiator?

The first step when replacing the radiator is to place your vehicle in park, engage the emergency brake, and allow the entire system to dry. When it gets hot, pressure builds, so don’t try to work on it, or even loosen the cap, if your car hasn’t had a chance to cool down. Also, be careful with the antifreeze. It has a sweet taste, so cats and other pets might try to consume it. Even worse, small children can get their hands on it (remember, antifreeze is toxic), so make sure not to leave any of it in the area.

The Disconnect

Begin by disconnecting the battery terminals. Then, find the radiator plug (it should be in one of the bottom corners) and drain the antifreeze. To remove the old unit, you’ll first want to take off any covers that are still attached to it. You’ll also need to disconnect and remove the cooling fan assembly. Remember the position and placement of the assembly and shroud; commit them to memory, so you’ll be able to replace them easily.

Next, disconnect any hoses that are attached to the radiator. You’ll probably need a flat head screwdriver to do this. If any of the hoses are cracked, bulged, or worn, now is the time to replace them, so keep an eye out for bad hoses. You’ll also want to disconnect the transmission cooling lines which are located at the bottom of the radiator. Be careful not to bend these lines; if you accidentally bend them, you’ll need to replace them. Next, remove the rest of the clamps, braces, or brackets which are still holding the system in place, and then lift the entire component out of your car.

The Replacement

To put the replacement in, simply repeat the steps I’ve described, but go through them in reverse. Put the new radiator in and reconnect it with the clamps and braces. Once it’s in place, reconnect the transmission cooling lines (again, take care not to bend them). Then, connect the engine cooling hoses back the way they were, using the clamps that you removed. Next, reconnect the electric cooling fan assembly and replace the plastic shroud. Once you have reassembled the system, reconnect the battery terminals.

What I’ve just explained may sound simple, but it’s not. Similar to replacing the head gasket (which I’ve covered in another column), replacing the radiator can be complicated. If you’re inexperienced with auto repairs, I suggest that you let your mechanic handle the work for you. It’ll cost more, but you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your vehicle is in trained hands. At the very least, ask a friend who has experience with working on cars to help you perform the job.

In future columns, we’ll be exploring suspension systems, car tracking units, and key jobs. So, stay tuned.

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December 22, 2008

Introduction To Car GPS Navigation

Filed under: Car Info — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 10:57 am

Introduction To Car GPS Navigation

Years ago, millions of motorists experienced the misfortune of getting lost. They’d have to pull over and either ask somebody for directions or refer to their always-handy Thomas Guide. It was inconvenient, but a lot of drivers actually found a small bit of pleasure in solving the puzzle and getting back on the road. Those days are becoming increasingly rare, however. Car manufacturers are now outfitting a greater portion of their vehicle inventories with GPS navigation systems. Armed with these tools, drivers rarely, if ever, have to worry about getting lost.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at these units. I’ll explain how they work, how to find the right model for your needs, and offer a few reputable brands to get you started.

How They Work

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. During the 1970’s, the U.S. government developed the technology for the military. A few short decades later, the technology has been expanded to include cars, motorcycles, boats, and other vehicles in the public space.

The system uses a network of satellites (there are at least 24 of them) which rotate around the earth. The GPS unit in your car is merely a receiver for the signals sent by these satellites. Your vehicle’s position is identified by the amount of time it takes for the satellites’ signals to reach your receiver. One signal doesn’t help much. But, once 4 signals from 4 satellites have been received, your GPS unit can reliably calculate your car’s position. From that point, mapping directions is simple.

Shopping For The Right Model

If you’ve looked for them online, you’ll have noticed that there are a lot of options and brands, and prices can range from $100 to over $1,000. Which model should you choose? First, you should identify the type of driving you do, the amount of time you spend in unfamiliar territory, and your budget (or course). Also, consider that some models can be detached easily from your car’s dashboard. If it’s small enough, it can serve as a ideal navigational device to take with you while hiking.

Reputable Brands

There are dozens of companies that sell GPS devices; some are popular while others are relatively unknown. Notable brands include industry titans Garmin, Magellan, Tom Tom, and Sony. Each of these companies produces a wide inventory of models with varying flexibility to suit different budgets. For example, the Garmin Nuvi 200 sells for a budget-friendly $200 while their voice-activated Nuvi 880 retails for $800.

If you spend very little time driving to new destinations, buying a GPS device may not be necessary. But, for drivers who are weary of getting lost on the road, the investment is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

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December 18, 2008

How To Select An Extended Warranty

Filed under: Car Info — admin @ 2:05 pm

How To Select An Extended Warranty

When you purchase a new car, it comes with a warranty that covers service, parts, and repairs in the event a problem occurs. For example, if the transmission fails 12 months after driving it off the dealership lot, you’ll be able to take it back to the dealer in order to have the problem corrected. And it won’t cost you a dime.

Eventually, warranties expire and your recourse options become limited. This is the gap into which extended warranties fit. In effect, they’re service contracts – or, insurance policies – that cover the cost of parts and repairs when your original warranty expires. In today’s article, I’ll explain how to select the right service coverage for your vehicle, given your needs.

Identifying Your Coverage Needs

First, you need to determine what your current warranty already covers. For example, if you purchased a new car during the past 12 months, it’s probably already covered under a comprehensive 3-year, 36,000-mile policy from the factory. If you only drive 12,000 miles a year, you don’t need an extension for awhile; the original factory policy will cover any problems. However, if you drive 20,000 miles each year, or you plan to keep your vehicle for several years, an extended policy may come in handy.

Also, if you’re buying a used car that’s only a couple of years old, ask the owner about the current warranty and any extended policies that he’s invested in. And keep in mind the miles on the odometer; a 2-year old vehicle with 40,000 miles on it may have already outlived the original factory policy.

Choosing The Underwriter

Extended warranties are similar to life insurance policies: your recourse depends on the financial stability of the issuer. Most warranties that are underwritten by automakers are financially solid. Toyota isn’t going out of business anytime soon. Policies that are underwritten by independents are comparatively less-expensive, but may not be as reliable several years down the road. Bottom line: choose a stable underwriter, even if that means spending a little extra money.

What Coverage Is Included?

Reading coverage contracts is as exciting as watching a weed grow, but you need to find out what is covered and what isn’t. All extended warranties are different. Some only cover car parts that fail while others cover components that wear down under normal driving conditions. Some won’t cover anti-locking braking systems (odd, but it happens). Don’t assume something is covered in the policy. Check the contract and ask if you have questions.

Sometimes, They’re Valuable

Extended warranties can add value, depending upon how you use your car. People who seldom drive probably won’t need one (at least, during the first few years of ownership). However, others who drive more miles than covered on the factory warranty should consider investing in one. It’s basically an insurance policy that provides recourse if something goes wrong with your vehicle. Examine your needs, choose a stable underwriter, and carefully review the items that are covered. Long-term peace of mind may be worth the extra expense.

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December 15, 2008

How To Change Your Car’s Headlights

Filed under: Car Info — Tags: , — admin @ 2:15 pm

How To Change Your Car’s Headlights

Like other car parts, your headlights will eventually die; you can count on them burning out. They can potentially last for years, but once they expire, you’ll need to replace them. Of course, the driver is often the last person to notice. They’re usually alerted to the problem by other drivers, friends, and even police officers (who are happy to commemorate the occasion by giving you a ticket). Fortunately, replacing the lights is usually simple, and especially so in new vehicles. In this article, I’ll describe what you need to perform the job. We’ll also discuss the differences between doing the work on new and old cars.

Getting Started

First, you should look at your owner’s manual for bulb specifications. Not all automakers include the information within the manual, but if they do, follow it. If you can’t find the car manufacturer’s recommendations, ask one of the employees at an auto parts retailer. They have access to comprehensive manuals they can refer to, which can be instrumental in selecting the right headlights. Also, keep in mind that many vehicles use different lamps for low and high beams. For example, the low beams may use standard 35-watt bulbs while the high beams require 55-watt units.

Another consideration: there are different types of headlights that you can choose as replacements. Some lamps are marketed as “vision improvement” lights and sell at a premium. Others, like “blue” lamps (or Xenon bulbs), are designed specifically for aesthetic purposes (and also command premium prices). Finally, a few companies offer “long life” lamps. They’re advertised as lasting several times the lifespan of traditional headlights. Of course, they cost significantly more.

New Versus Old

If you’re driving a vehicle that is less than 5 years old, changing the headlights is a matter of popping out the burnt bulb and swapping it for a new one. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes. Older cars – and even a few newer foreign models – are a bit more difficult, though the job is still simple. The reason is because the entire lamp needs to be taken out of its cavity to replace the light. You’ll need to unscrew the unit to take it off its frame. Then, you’ll have to disconnect a small wire socket from the old bulb, connecting it to the replacement before screwing the lamp back into place. It takes a few extra minutes, but it’s not complicated.

The last challenge is making sure the positions of your replacement bulbs don’t cause your lights to point oddly. If they do, you’ll need to adjust them and that can require some trial and error.

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December 4, 2008

Bluetooth Technology In Your Car

Filed under: Car Info — Tags: , , — admin @ 7:59 pm

Bluetooth Technology In Your Car

Bluetooth-enabled electronic devices have been available to the public for years. The technology continues to develop, making these tools more powerful and providing their users with expanding flexibility. When the technology was first introduced, it was primarily focused upon relieving workspaces of the multiple cables used to connect computer components. Today, the standard is used to create wireless connections between PDAs, cell phones, car stereos, and a host of other gadgets. Below, we’ll explore how Bluetooth is integrated within cars. Plus, I’ll explain how the technology will likely become more widespread due to driver safety legislation.

Compatibility Standards

In 1998, Ericsson led a group of companies (including IBM, Nokia, and Intel) to develop standards for the technology. Today, over 4,000 companies are members of that group. As long as each company’s electronic components support Bluetooth compatibility standards, those components will be able to communicate with each other without requiring a wired connection. There’s no monthly service charge or subscription premiums to pay for the service. Each component simply needs the appropriate chip.

Driver Safety Laws

Due to an increasing number of traffic accidents related to cell phone usage, new driver safety laws are emerging. State and federal governments have been aggressively pursuing legislation to limit the use of cell phones on the road. Bluetooth-enabled phones and vehicles are perfectly positioned to provide drivers with the convenience of taking calls while complying with the law.

Incoming and outgoing calls can be routed through vehicles’ stereo systems. The driver doesn’t have to handle a cell phone at all; instead, they can talk freely without using their hands. New vehicles are often equipped with Bluetooth capabilities at the factory. If you’re thinking of buying a new car, the option will only cost a few extra hundred dollars.

Aftermarket Installation

A lot of car manufacturers have been slow to incorporate the technology within their vehicles. And many of the automakers who do include the option at the factory don’t do so for their entire inventory. If you’ve purchased a new or used vehicle that isn’t equipped with this feature, you can have an aftermarket installation done. Companies such as Motorola sell kits that can be installed for less than $300. Also, ask your wireless provider whether your cell phone has Bluetooth capabilities. If it doesn’t, buying an in-car aftermarket kit won’t do much good.

As more states adopt laws that prohibit motorists from using their cell phones while driving, having the ability to talk hands-free will become more important. The key thing to remember is that it’s easy to have your car equipped with this functionality, even if you’re driving an older model. It may cost a few hundred dollars, but the convenience is worth the price.

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