Archive for the ‘Automotive’ Category

Know More About How to Drive a Car   no comments

Posted at 10:52 pm in Automotive

Driving a car is not overwhelmingly difficult, it may feel weird at first but the more you do it the better you will become at performing this relatively simple activity. Learning to drive can be a great yet intimidating experience all at once. It is liberating to know that soon you will be independent and able to go where you want, when you would like. Before you begin the process you will need to get a driver’s permit which will restrict you to driving with a competent driver over the age of 21. Once you have all the required paperwork you will be ready to drive. In most instances a car with an automatic transmission will be used. For the purpose of this article, the focus will consequently be on driving an automatic vehicle.

Instruction on how to drive a car

1)Get in your car and assess the condition of the car. Make sure that the windows are clean and that the indicator, headlights and wipers are all functioning.
2)Change the seat position to suit your height. If you are taller than average height then repositioning the steering wheel may also be important.
3)Adjust the positioning of the side mirrors. Be sure that you can see objects to the side and especially those that may be within your blind spot. This will be critical when you are reversing and parallel parking.
4)Alter your rear-view mirror’s position. This will help you to see the cars behind you and will be exceedingly vital when you are merging into other lanes. Your mirrors will give you greater visibility and enable you to drive more aptly.
5)Fasten your seat belts, remember that a key part of driving is to be safe.
6)Ensure that you are comfortably positioned and ready to drive.
7)Put the key in the ignition and start your car. You may have probably seen this done many times and should not be too alarmed by the now purring engine.
8)Place your hands on the steering wheel and get ready for the experience. Turn it a few times to familiarize yourself with the motion. It should feel ready and manageable. If it is rigid then you may need to add some power steering fluid to get it ready for the journey.
9)Depending on how you are parked you may need to drive forward or reverse. It is assumed that you are parked facing inwards, which means you will need to reverse.
10)Press on your brake. This will ensure that your car stays stationary while you find the proper gear.
11)Put your car in reverse. This is generally directly below the P or parking position.
12)Once you have put your car in reverse you can then depress the hand brake. Look behind you to make sure the road is clear.
13)Gently lift your foot off the break and then give the car a bit of gas by stepping on the gas pedal. The car will begin to move backwards.
14)Once the car is in motion turn the car to the intended direction.
15)Once you have completely reversed it is time to move forward. Press on the brake, put the car in drive, which is usually found below neutral, and continue driving to your chosen location.
16)In this period you should practice your parking: including parallel parking, parking in a regular car space, facing inward and outward.
17)Set up cones that will enable you to exercise your manoeuvring capabilities. Drive forward and also reverse to test how well you can do the previously mentioned activities.
18)Finally once you are done parking your car in a secure and appropriate location. Switch off your engine and remove your seat belt. Congratulate yourself on a job well done.

Tips and Warnings

Be sure to check the air in your tires. Also check that your engine, transmission and radiator have the correct levels of fluid before driving.

When practising your parking, do so with cones not actual cars to avoid any unnecessary accidents on your first attempt at driving.

Read up on the road codes in your region. Recognize that breaking any of these codes may result in a suspension of your permit.

Practice as often as you can to build up your road confidence and love of driving.

Read here for more information on how to paint a car.

Written by admin on September 28th, 2010

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Do It Yourself – Repair an Engine Block   no comments

Posted at 9:01 pm in Automotive,Repairs

There are several things that may go wrong with your engine block as it gets older. In general engine block repair ought to be left to the professionals because you may not have all the tools required to do repairs at home. However, if you wish to tackle the problem yourself, here a coupe of the things that may go wrong and how you can replace them.

How To Repair An Engine Block

Required Tools

Full auto shop set-up

Required Materials

Hammer/torque wrench

Metal stitching kit

Bearings

Rings

Timing Belt

Chains

Cams

Lifter

Instructions

These are few steps to repair an engine block. If your engine block is cracked use the hammer/torque wrench to put the metal stitch in the crack and follow the steps outlined in the kit to seal the crack thoroughly. Some people prefer to weld the crack instead of metal stitching it but welding is not as effective and is likely to cause problems later on. Metal stitching is a safer choice.

If you are hearing a noise and notice signs of low oil pressure the problem can be the bearings in the engine block. When replacing the bearings make sure they fit the crank journal size. Typically the size can be found on the backside of the bearing shell. Before replacing the bearings ensure that the crank is straight and does not have to be turned.

If there is black smoke coming out your tailpipe, low oil pressure or a knocking sound in the engine, the problem might be the rings. Buy the rings necessary for your particular vehicle and install them. Clean the cylinder and apply a light coating of oil to allow the pistons and rings to move easily.

Another thing that could be leading to problems in your engine block is the timing belt and chains. These items ought to be replaced about every 60,000 miles since age is typically what causes them to break or stretch and they may lead to fatal engine problems. If your car is starting and running rough this might be a symptom of issues with the timing belt and chains. You can check the timing belt by testing it with your hand to see if it is slack or broken. If you replace the chains a new crankshaft seal should be installed with the new chain.

If engine power is your problem the issue may be that the cams and lifters require repair and oil is leaking into sections of the engine where it shouldn’t be. When changing the cams make sure you obtain the right cam for your specific vehicle as using the wrong cam can cause the engine to overheat. You ought to replace the lifter anytime you change the cam for optimal running.

Tips and Warnings

Some metal stitching kits will tell you to apply epoxy/sealant with the metal stitching.

It is of utmost importance that you properly lubricate the bearings prior to installing them. Installing them dry may cause them to seize up when the engine is started and this can result in further damage to the engine.

Written by admin on June 18th, 2010