Transmission Wire

If you are a typical driver, it’s likely you don’t keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance like you should. When buying the car, the owner’s manual probably included a maintenance schedule. This undoubtedly outlined several types of service to be managed every few months or so, such as an oil change and tire rotation. One of the accompanying common maintenance tasks that many drivers don’t think about is when to change a car’s air filter.

The air filter for your vehicle helps to clean the air passing through the engine area and into the vehicle. Cleaning the air facilitates your car’s operation by trapping small particles of litter or debris, such as sand or dust that can quickly build up and slow an engine’s performance. The air filter helps to provide cleaner air inside your car, too, so you don’t start hacking and coughing when breathing the dust kicked up by your car while traveling an unpaved country road.

If you aren’t sure when to change the air filter, ask an automobile technician. He or she will probably inspect yours when performing the routine oil change or an annual checkup. During one of these maintenance visits, the technician can check the air filter to see how dirty it is and pop it out for a replacement, if needed. This probably won’t need to be done more than once or twice a year, depending on your driving habits and road conditions. Fortunately, air filters aren’t terribly expensive, either, and if you replace it yourself after buying one at an auto parts store, the cost can be low, indeed.

Car owners who live in rural areas and travel dirt roads, farmers who drive across muddy fields or low-lying streams, and anyone who drives in sandy soil or weather conditions that are chronically adverse may need to change their air filters more often than other drivers. Get in the habit of checking it with every oil change just to see if it is ready for replacement. If the technician doesn’t mention it, ask about it.

You might want to plan an annual overview of your vehicle to keep it running in tip-top condition. If your manufacturer didn’t supply you with a checklist of things to inspect, make up one that includes the usual features that tend to wear out over time, including tires, trim, and engine parts, along with the air filter. Staying on top of these things will keep your car running harder and longer. On the other hand, letting them go until something breaks can lead into serious complications.

Although an air filter may seem like a rather boring or unimportant part of your car’s maintenance schedule, don’t take it for granted or neglect its care. Without a clean air filter, the engine could deteriorate more quickly due to excess wear and tear, and you may not enjoy the stuffy feeling inside the car. Pick up an inexpensive air filter at your local auto parts store soon for do-it-yourself installation, or ask specifically for it to be checked at your next annual checkup.

For more information about air filters, visit Home air filters, car air filters and more.

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One of the most overlooked maintenance items on your car is the coolant system. Most people don’t even think about it until they are on the side of the road with the hood up and steam pouring out of the radiator. This traffic nightmare can be avoided by some simple routine maintenance. Your coolant system should be flushed every two years and the anti freeze replaced as well. The chemicals in anti freeze begin to lose their effectiveness and rust and grime can build up in your engine and radiator. This will clog up your engine’s cooling system and cause your engine to overheat. The good news is very little mechanical skills are needed to flush your system and keep your car running for the years to come. Just follow these simple steps:

1. First of all make sure your car engine has not been running and it is cool. This is very important. A radiator can get very hot and possibly burn you. With the engine cool, open the radiator cap and relieve any pressure.

2. Next locate the drain valve on the radiator to drain it. It should be located on the bottom of the radiator. Be sure to drain the fluid into a container and not the ground. Once you have drained it, close the drain valve.

3. Now you are ready to install a back flush kit. This kit is inexpensive and can easily be purchased at your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the back on the kit. Basically, you have to cut the heater inlet hose going to the top of the engine. This is where you install the T section provided in the kit into the line. Slip both ends of the hose onto this fitting and tighten the clamps provided in the kit. Go ahead and connect your garden hose to this fitting.

4. Now place the diverter that came in the kit into the opening on the top of the radiator. This is where the water and coolant will pour out from when you start to flush the system. A hose or tube will be helpful to direct the run off into a bucket.

5. Now it is time to start the engine, turn the heater on high and turn on the garden hose. Coolant is now circulating through the engine and coming out through the diverter on the top of the radiator. Continue this process until clean water begins to come out the top. This should only take a few minutes.

6. Turn off the engine and garden hose. Now drain the radiator again into a bucket and close the drain valve when you are done.

7. Now it is time to add the new anti freeze. Pour the entire contents of the anti freeze bottle into the empty radiator and fill it until coolant pours out of the neck. Screw back on the radiator cap and you are done. Make sure you have also screwed back on the provided cap onto the T fitting you installed.

8. Take your car for a test drive around the block and make sure everything is ok.

Now you have a back flush fitting installed for the next time you need to flush your radiator and it will be a lot quicker. You will thank yourself the next time you pass that unlucky person on the side of the road with the ominous steam cloud pouring from the hood.

Jason is the webmaster for Red Hill Supply - Online Air Tools

Automotive Air Tools and More - Red Hill Supply

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How many stories do you remember of people being trapped in their cars during Winter storms? I can recall quite a few. Every year the news reports several of these stories.

One that comes to mind quickly is the guy who ran off the road and into a snow bank. The best I remember he was there almost two weeks before they found him. He was alive!

He’d survived off eating mints he had in the console, crumbs he dug out of the seat and old packets of ketchup and mustard he found below the seats. He also melted snow for drinking water.

Now I don’t know about you, but that’s not my idea of a fun.

With a little planning and preparation, you can be prepared should you ever be involved in a survival situation during Winter. You should have a kit prepared and be knowledgeble about using it.

Here is a partial list of the items that should be kept in your car during the Winter.

• First Aid Kit
• Tire Chains
• Freeze Dried Foods, nuts, cereals
• Shovel
• Flashlights & Batteries (yes, more than one)
• Several Heavy Blankets
• Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
• Extra Newspapers
• Extra Cold Weather Clothes like gloves, hats, etc
• Matches and a Butane BBQ lighter
• Booster Cables
• Brightly Colored Cloth, preferably Blaze Orange

Why didn’t I mention bottled water or canned food?

Because these things can freeze. I would store a couple gallons of bottled water behind the car seat. Try pouring about a 1/4 out because if the water freezes, it will bust the jug if there is no room to expand. The same is true for some canned foods. It’s better to have the water and canned food in a kit by the door and take them with you whenever you head out. Don’t forget to put a non electrical can opener in your kit.

This may seem like a lot of things to carry around but its not. Many of these things can be stored in a nylon tool bag in the back floor board.

If you do find yourself snow bound or otherwise stranded in Winter, be careful about running your vehicle to stay warm.

You should only start the vehicle for 10 minutes or so every hour. Check and make sure the tail pipe is clear. If the tial pipe and muffler are buried beneath snow, don’t run your vehicle.

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and sightless gas that will kill you. If Carbon Monoxide can not escape into the open air, it will filter back up into the car where your at. You’ll likely get drowsy and doze off, never to awake again. Keep those mufflers and tail pipes clear!

Don Lawson is the ‘Tool Guru’ at Tool-Deals.com. You can find the full article on Winter Safety Tips and Tools to prepare your home for Winter on the website.

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Many of the causes of stress to the horse, and to the people involved, can be eliminated by the design of the horsetrailer and the proper choice of the hitch and tow vehicle. Many of the design features we discuss are self-evident when one accounts for the nature of the horse as discussed.

No matter the construction material, the number of horses being hauled, or the price of the horsetrailer, three major criteria for trailer selection should apply.

HORSETRAILER SIZE

Because the horse can easily become claustrophobic, the horsetrailer should have enough room and light inside for him to feel comfortable, therefore, reducing his stress level. A dark interior may cause him to balk when loading because the horse’s eyes do not adjust quickly to light changes, and walking from daylight into dark horsetrailers can be frightening.

Windows, doors, and light-colored interior paint make horsetrailers seem open and inviting to the horse. Height, width, and length should be proportionate to the size of the horse.

He should be able to use all four of his legs to keep his balance. This means he must be able to spread his legs apart when he needs to and to slide them forward and backward with freedom of choice as this little box propels him down the highway, twisting and turning. He must have enough headroom so he doesn’t feel cramped and can use his head and neck for balance. It is also very important that he be able to lower his head and cough to expel hay dust and other contaminants from his respiratory tract while in the horsetrailer.

VENTILATION

This mention of the respiratory system leads to the next important criteria- ventilation. As previously mentioned, the environment inside the horsetrailer is easily contaminated by dust and mold spores from hay and shavings and noxious gasses from urine and manure. Extreme temperatures, hot or cold, may also cause stress to the horse. The environment can be controlled by smart management techniques and properly ventilated horsetrailers. Adequate windows or slats and roof vents are necessary to provide a friendly climate for the horse.

SAFETY IN DESIGN

Horsetrailers must be safe for the horse and the handler. There should be no sharp objects of edges that could cut or injure a horse. All latches, tie rings, butt bars, breast bars, and so forth, should be strong enough to withstand wear and tear from the largest, strongest horse that will be hauled in that horsetrailer. T

he entrance to horsetrailers should be non-threatening to the horse, and the handler should be able to exit the horsetrailer quickly if need be without the horse following. Dividers, posts, butt bars, and breast bars should operate freely and be easily removable in an emergency. Ramps should be solid, low, non-slip, and long enough to provide a measure of safety from a kick to the head of a person leaning down to lift the ramp.

Step-up horsetrailers (no ramp) should be wide enough to allow the horse to turn around to unload headfirst instead of backing out. A front unload ramp is even better. The floor and underbraces must be in perfect condition- there is no compromising on this point. All lights, brakes, and breakaway brake should be in working condition- the same for tires and suspension.

The construction material of horsetrailers should be strong enough to handle the size, weight, and strength of the horse(s) and equipment being hauled in it, and to hold up as well as possible in a traffic accident. It goes without saying that the tow vehicle and the hitch should be adequate to haul the horsetrailer and its full load.

These three criteria are the minimum to expect from a horsetrailer. Additional features are available that can greatly improve the well-being of the horse and handler. One of the most important features available in the last few years is rubber torsion suspension. This type of suspension is far superior to the drop-leaf suspension and not only reduces shock and stress, but also has other safety features. I

t is our opinion that rubber torsion suspension, more than any other factor, is responsible for lowering stress levels in horses traveling in horsetrailers.

Insulation, removable hay bags, mats, screens, bar guards on windows, removable or no rear center post, and water tanks are features that can affect the safety and stress reduction of the horse within the horsetrailer and may not always be expensive. A list of more expensive features includes interior fans, air-ride suspension, closed-circuit TV cameras, and even air-conditioning. Nice, but not always affordable for the average person.

Neva Scheve is the author of The Complete Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Servicing a Horse Trailer. She and her husband Tom are the owners of EquiSpirit Horse Trailers.

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An important device that is standard equipment on vehicles
built since 1975 is the catalytic converter. This part, when
properly working, will significantly reduce pollutants from your
engine before they leave your exhaust. A catalytic converter is
essential toward promoting overall environmental cleanliness;
most state auto inspection stations will check to see if yours
is working as part of their regular inspection of your vehicle.
If your vehicle fails inspection your catalytic converter may
need to be replaced. Let’s take a look at what a catalytic
converter does and how you can save money in replacing one
should it fail.

As your engine burns fuel, it produces environmentally harmful
gases. These gases, if not handled properly, will leave your
car’s exhaust and work harm on the environment. The
Environmental Protection Agency, established in 1970, began to
require that cars come equipped with devices to reduce harmful
emissions. Thus, the catalytic converter was born.

The catalyt
ic converter in your vehicle is installed in the exhaust
line between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. Pellets
inside the converter work to change the harmful gases into
harmless gases before they leave the tailpipe and out into the
open air. Thus, a properly functioning catalytic converter is
essential toward maintaining good air quality. Signs of a
deteriorating catalytic converter include the following:

In each case the diagnosis is for you to replace your catalytic
converter immediately.

Whether you are purchasing a For
d catalytic converter or a BMW
catalytic converter it does help to shop around. While
some people turn to manufacturers to find replacement parts,
ordering through online shops such as Car Parts Stuff can
result in significant savings for you. In addition, the
information provided online will go far toward helping you
decide which product is right for your car.

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Since Florida is a peninsula, it is lined with beaches on every
side but one. And you can visit the Atlantic Ocean, the Florida
Keys, and the panhandle by traveling in your rented RV. Plus you
can stop at Disney World and Sea World on your way. Renting an
RV is the perfect solution to people who are intimidated by the
price of owning an RV or the thought of driving one they own all
the way to Florida.

The class-C motor home is the most commonly rented RV because
it’s easy to drive and very homey. A class-C motor home can
sleep about six to nine people. It comes with beds, a toilet and
shower, a microwave and refrigerator, and heating and cooling.
Some Floridian RV rental agencies may also include a TV and DVD
player for when you get tired of looking at Florida scenery.
Many also sell home-keeping supplies like dishes and
linens–perfect for when you fly into Florida.

Florida is very RV friendly. Unlike most states, it is possible
to rent an RV in almost any Florida city. At least 13 Floridian
RV rental agencies are peppered throughout the state. Summer is
the most popular — and the most expensive — time to rent an RV
in Florida. If you go off-season, you can expect price
discounts, sometimes even reaching 70-percent off-peak rates. In
general, the longer you rent the RV and the sooner you make your
reservation, the less you pay.

Always shop around for the best deal. Be sure to ask about
pricing and pick the method that best matches your trip. Some
rental companies charge a flat fee per day or week, others
charge by the mile, and others charge by a combination of both.
Also ask about extras like insurance and cleaning fees. And
don’t forget your swimsuit!

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United States car lemon laws were enacted to protect consumers against buying defective, unrepairable vehicles. The major automobile manufacturers mass-produce their products, and generally the quality control is very good. However, when you connect more than a few parts together, you have a chance for a lemon.

What is a lemon car? A lemon or lemon car is an automobile that has a defect that cannot be repaired by the consumer after a reasonable number of attempts. Alternately, if the car has been in a repair garage for 30 calendar days or more for repairs on the same defect, it may also be classified as a lemon car. The term can also apply to a vehicle in which the defect negatively affects the value and safety of the vehicle. Car lemon laws vary by state, so you should consult your own state laws to determine the exact definition that applies to you.

Why is a terminally defective car called a lemon? One can only speculate why the name of a tart yellow citrus fruit came to be associated with defective cars. Lemons are very sour in taste, and traditionally sour tastes have been associated with bad luck. If something negative happens to a person, he or she might say, “It left a sour taste in my mouth.” A salesperson whose big deal falls through might say, “The deal went sour.” It seems plausible that the sour taste of the lemon, with its negative connotations, was used to coin the phrase “lemon car” to describe a car purchase gone sour.

Why were lemon laws needed to protect car consumers? Look at the general definitions of lemon cars shown above. Some quick math will show that a lemon car can be an extreme financial hardship. The last time you picked up your car from the repair garage, were you happy with the bill, or were you dreading it? A car with four to six (or more) attempted repairs, with all the parts and labor charges, can easily add up to thousands of dollars. If your car is stuck in a repair garage for 30 days or more, with the mechanics billing hour after hour of labor, the bill might approach the price of the car itself!

If your car meets your state’s lemon car criteria, you have the right to seek a refund or replacement from the car manufacturer (not the dealer from which you bought it). You are probably entitled to be reimbursed for related costs such as towing, rental cars, and maybe even long distance calls to the manufacturer. Be absolutely sure to keep all bills and invoices related to your attempts to get your car repaired.

If you decide to proceed with a lemon law claim against the manufacturer, it is beneficial to consult with a lawyer that specializes in lemon law cases. A lawyer can help make the stressful process go more smoothly. No doubt are already stressed enough over your lemon car.

Some states have passed lemon laws to protect consumers against defective purchases of boats and even pets. Regardless of the origin of the term, lemon laws are here to protect you. The car manufacturers can hire teams of expensive lawyers, and they know you can’t. Car lemon laws help to level the playing field in your favor.

If the guys at the car repair shop know you by your first name, you should consider the lemon law tips below.

Bought a lemon car? Visit car lemon laws to learn definitions of a lemon car, how to find lemon law attorneys, and your state lemon law rights. Visit LemonLaws.FindCarsForHire.com

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