AUTOMOTIVE FREAKS

If you are the owner of a recent manufactured car, you usually won’t experience any trouble playing iPod through your car radio. Mid level factory fitted car stereos are usually equipped with iPod dock.

This enables you to control the iPod through audio functions on the car radio like enabling track selection and shifting to the next track.

Certain models are able to retrieve the details data of a song like track name and info. They the display the information on the radio display.

If your car is fully integrated with iPod you may not need to take your hands off the steering wheel for changing tracks.

Because there are buttons on the steering wheel that are provided for your convenience. You may use them to control the iPod.

But if you are the owner of and older car, you too have several options to enjoy iPod using your car’s audio system.

Play iPod Through a Cassette Deck

It’s a rare sight to find cars with tape players these days. But believe it or not it’s one of the easiest way to listen to music from your iPod. All you need is an iPod cassette adapter.
What it basically does is injecting the audio signal from iPod into a dummy cassette. So the tape player reads the signal as if an ordinary cassette tape were being played.

However the quality this iPod cassette produces is pretty average. But in our opinion it’s a fair deal due to its affordable price and practicality. Most of these tape adapters don’t require any batteries in order to operate.

Car Cassette Adapter For Apple iPod

Play iPod using FM Transmitter

You can listen to music from your car’s audio system that captures the signal generated by a small FM transmitter.

This FM transmitter is plugged into your iPod and behave like a small FM radio station inside your car. It constantly shoots ultra-short FM radio signal that can be captured by your car radio.

Most cars, old and new are equipped with car audio systems that have a FM radio. So this FM transmitter can work nearly universally on each car that is equipped with a car stereo.

The nice thing about this gadget is wireless. Especially if you don’t like to be annoyed by all the wires. It’s also a good solution if you drive a rental car that isn’t equipped with aux jack or iPod jack.

You need to set the FM transmitter to a blank spot on the dial. When driving on long journeys you should be aware that a blank position of the FM dial in one area, city, or place may be filled in another.

If this happens, you’ll experience an interference on playback like music from the local station overlaps with the music from the iPod. So this gadget perhaps is more suited for local journeys.

Scosche FMDT1 Shifter Style Digital FM Transmitter with USB Port

Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter for iPhone and iPod (Black)

iTrip for iPod & iPhone

Connect Your iPod Using an Auxiliary Input Jack

Some car radios are equipped with an auxiliary input. This can be an input brought out to the wiring harness at the back of the stereo or a 3.5mm jack on the front panel.

In the first case, You need to find a way to bring the lead out without it getting in the way too much. This situation is similar to the aux input of a hi-fi system and you can use a similar way to patch in an iPod.

Now, if your stereo provides a 3.5mm input socket, all you need is a normal 3.5mm jack to jack lead. That’s all.

Due to its nature, this auxiliary input jack is immune from interference problems of the FM signals and gives you an excellent audio quality.

3.5MM JACK CAR AUDIO AUX AUXILIARY CABLE FOR IPOD TOUCH

InCarCables Car Stereo Ipod/mp3 Auxiliary Aux-in Input Cable 3.5mm (4ft)

Play iPod Through a Bluetooth A2DP Connection

IPod is able to stream audio wirelessly to a car stereo using Bluetooth. You may use an adaptor that’s plugged into the iPod.

However, in order to work you need to make sure that your car is equipped with Bluetooth interface and supports A2DP ( Advanced Audio Distribution Profile ). Your car radio must also have the regular handsfree support for mobile phones.

It would be a good advantage if your car also supports AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile). This feature enables you to switch tracks using forward and back buttons of your car radio.

Earlier iPods can also use Bluetooth connectivity by adding devices like Griffin’s Bluetrip or other similar tools. However, A2DP support in your car radio is a must have for these devices to work.

Sony Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter for iPod (White)

Motorola D650 Bluetooth Stereo Headset Adapter for iPod

JVC AAT100BT In-Vehicle Bluetooth iPod Wireless Transmitter

Here’s a quick conclusion on Different Ways of Connecting your iPod to a Car Radio.

Car Radio with iPod connector

It has integrated track selection capability and offers the best convenience and result

Cassette Adapter

It’s one of the most affordable solution, needs no batteries, no installation required. The only drawback is it produces average sound quality.

FM Transmitter

It offers “Universal connectivity”, almost all car stereos on the planet have the ability to capture FM radio signals. However, you may need extra batteries and it’s vulnerable to interference.

Aux Input Jack

Perhaps it’s the cheapest solution if it’s already provided by the car radio. It generates excellent sound quality.

Bluetooth

It offers the best sound quality among other wireless connections. You are able to control track selection from the radio car buttons.

IPod is a better choice over tapes and CD. Because it has the ability to store a much larger amount of music, without any need to change the media.

But one thing to consider is the way you interact with the iPod itself while driving. Because anything that can distract your focus from the road should be highly avoided.

So in our opinion Bluetooth with AVCRP and iPod dock are better options to enjoy iPod while driving. Because you can control the music selection and options without having to sacrifice your attention from the road.

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Hi guys, thanks for being the loyal readers of Automotive Freaks, almost everyone agrees when I say that iPod is one of the landmark products from Apple.

Everyday,millions of MP3 songs are being played through this tiny little gadget. iPod has various features that successfully captures the hearts of young generation.

It has been widely known for its extended battery life, huge storage capacity, video features, photo storage, and many more.

If you plan to play iPod through your car stereo system, you may use iPod cassette adapters. This adapter will enable you to connect your iPod to your car’s audio system.

Where to Shop?

I guess this is your first question. iPod has become such a famous device that captures the world’s attention. There are growing number of shops that are specializing in selling iPod accessories.

But you may also find an iPod cassette adapter in electronic shops,music shops, or car shops. It’s better to do a research before deciding to purchase one. One of the best place to research is of course on the internet.

But internet is like an ocean without a limit, so if you ask me where to start, I recommend you start searching from Amazon.

The good things about Amazon are you can read other customer reviews, you have millions of products to choose from, and it often offers very very competitive prices.

If you go to an offline shop, your options are limited and you can’t just browse the items the way you like, you will be facing a salesperson who tells you how nice the product you choose without having any clue about other customers’ reviews.

Amazon Products

BLACK Universal Car Audio Cassette Adapter for Apple iPad / iPod / iPod Touch Gen2 / iPod video / iPod nano / iPod Nano Gen4 / iPod photo / iPod mini / iPod Classic / iPod Classic 120GB

Monster iCarPlay Cassette Adapter 800 for iPod and iPhone (3 feet)

How To Choose The Right Adapter.

Price is one of the key factors to consider. But it’s not the only one. You should also observe the features that come with the adapter.

From our observation the adapters that cost around 25 dollars are the most appropriate ones.

There are other adapters that cost cheaper, but usually they are manufactured from very vulnerable materials that are easily breakable.

In our opinion such gadgets aren’t worth your money in the long term.

You should also check the sound quality of the adapter. If you’re buying from Amazon, you may want to read other customers’ reviews.

By reading these reviews you won’t repeat the same disappointment from the previous customer who bought wrong products.

Installing Adapter.

Installation is actually very easy. All you need to do is simply place the adapter into the the cassette slot of your vehicle.

Make sure you reconnect the whiles to the relevant cords in the adapter when you remove the cassette player.

NEW JWIN JACK401 CD/MINIDISC CASSETTE ADAPTER KIT FOR PORTABLE CD PLAYERS STEREO BOOM BOX AUDIO

Using the adapter.

Once you’ve completed the installation, you can start enjoying the music from your iPod.

But first, you need to connect the iPod to the cassette player by using the headphone jack that comes with the cassette adapter.

You may adjust the music volume by using either the volume in the iPod or the stereo system in the car itself.

Usually you need to set the volume of your iPod to 50 percent at least, so that the sound can be heard.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-fwvYAEa-MRs/

Watch the demonstration of using a Cassette Adapter to Play iPod / iPhone.  Simple and cheap.

Music Tips.

To promote safety while driving, you are highly advised to construct the playlists in your computer for the songs you want to be played.

By doing this you don’t need to change tracks while driving. This behavior is very dangerous because the focus of your eyes can be distracted from the road and may lead to fatal accidents.

Consider setting your iPod on repeat mode if you are on a long journey. This to make sure the iPod will continue to play songs during the entire trip.

Music from your iPod can be the best company in a long journey or a road trip. Especially when you travel alone.

So, it’s never a bad idea to install a cassette adapter for your iPod.

Griffin Direct Deck Universal Cassette Adapter for MP3 Players (Black)

CAR CASSETTE TAPE DECK ADAPTER ADAPTOR ALL IPOD MP3 CD

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Are you looking for a solution for integrating your beloved iPod with the audio system of your vehicle?

iPod Kit for Car, that’s the gadget you’ll be needing to accomplish the task. All you need to do is attach the kit to your car stereo and as the result,you’ll be able to control the iPod from the radio’s controls.

But before installing this car iPod kit you should remove first the negative cable that’s connected from the battery post.

You may ask Mr. Google to find an iPod kit for your car. But if you ask me, I’ll recommend Amazon because it’s more straightforward and often offers the most competitive deals, that’s my humble opinion.

There are several types of iPod kits to choose from.

The first is those that connect your iPod to the amplifier through an auxiliary input. The most typical problem with these kits is you need a separate connector in order to charge the iPod.

InCarCables Car Stereo Ipod/mp3 Auxiliary Aux-in Input Cable 3.5mm (4ft)

AUX Audio Cable 3.5MM White Jack For iPod/MP3/Zune/Car Audio

The second type is iPod kit that harness the FM radio frequency to transmit data. The kit uses FM transmitter that you can plug to headphone input or USB port of your iPod.

It’s very easy to use and there’s nothing to install

The problem with the second type is in its reliability. Since it uses frequency to transmit data, there are external factors that may interfere the quality of sound that’s transmitted.

The sound that’s generated through the radio is usually not too clear.

Car Mp3 Player FM Transmitter for Ipod Mp3 Mp4

Griffin RoadTrip FM Transmitter and Car Charger for iPod *Damaged Box*

Now, the best type of iPod system in my opinion is those that use a wire harness that has the ability to connect directly to CD changer port of your car or amplifier wire harness.

USA SPEC PA11-HON2y – iPod to 2003-2006 Honda Factory Radio Interface w/ Auxiliary Audio input

How To Install :

1. You should remove the center dashboard panel.

Do a quick observation upon your center dashboard and find out whether you must remove only the area where the radio is located or a big portion of the front panel.

For some types of cars, you’ll need to remove the whole center panel in order to gain access to the wires that are located behind the radio.

In order to pry the panel off, you can use a hard piece of plastic. There are clips that hold the panel in place. These clips are usually located along the inside of the dashboard.

You should be careful not to make any scratch while removing the panel.

2. Pull out the car radio.

After removing the panel, you may now pull out the radio. You may attach the wire harness for your CD changer to a slot that’s usually available.

If the CD changer is attached to the slot already, pull it out and use the wire harness that’s provided by the iPod kit. The iPod kit’s module should be attached to the other end of the cable.

There is one more cable, this cable connects the module and your iPod. Attach the end of the cable that goes into the slot on the module.

Insert the cable into the dashboard. You should find a place for running the cable out from the dashboard.

Some prefer to run it through glove compartment. But this method has a weakness because you must keep opening the compartment in order to access the iPod.

At the passenger’s side, on the side of the center dashboard, you will find a panel. Loosen the panel by removing its screws.

Now you need to run the cable for iPod out through this area and replace the panel.

Pac AAI-FRD04 Auxiliary Input for Select 2004?2007 Ford Vehicles

3. Now, you may further install the panel and the radio back.

Place the cables and wires that run from and to the car stereo back into dashboard.

Keep the module inside the dashboard together with those wires and cables.

You should do it carefully and make sure there’s enough room for car radio.

Push the radio gently into the right position inside the dashboard.

Attach the previously removed center panel on the dashboard. Snap it firmly into place.

Make sure the panel is flush on the dashboard. Connect the cable for iPod to your iPod’s USB port.

If the iPod Kit comes with a dip switch, you should set the switches according to your car stereo’s configuration. Read the manual to find out the settings guide.

Congratulations, at this point you should have successfully installed the iPod kit. You may play all your favorite songs that are stored on the iPod.

If you need to access the next or previous songs and increase or decrease the volume, You can do it from your radio’s controls.

DICE i-Toyota-R-5v iPod Integration Kit for Toyota, Lexus and Scion

Dice i-BMW-T Silverline Pro BMW/Mini Cooper IPod Adapter w/ Aux Input

This video explains vividly “How to Install The iPod Adapter/Module” I recommend you to watch this guy in action as a visual guide.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-oyOOdQ7a4GM/

DICE i-Honda-R4-5v iPod Integration Kit for Acura and Honda (03+) with Navigation

DICE i-Audi-R-5v iPod Integration Kit for Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini

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Photo by Honda CB77 Restoration Your Honda Civic needs electrical spark generated by the spark plug wires in order to run properly. A distributor assembly is used by Civic to deliver power to the spark plugs. The plugs, they run between your engine and the distributor. If the plug wires has problem, the engine won’t be able to run. Hard starting and misfiring are common problems that are caused by poor spark-plug. Spark-plug wires should be checked and replaced if necessary every 30,000 miles. Most auto parts stores sell the replacement plug wires.

Here are the steps to Replace them:

1. Open your Civic hood and find the spark-plug wires. They are located on top of the engine.

2. On top of the engine, hold the end of spark plug wire and wiggle it back and forth. Pull it up and out of your engine. In order to prevent connecting a wire in a misplaced position on the distributor or engine, you must completely replace one spark-plug wire before moving on to the next one.

3. Follow the wire back to the distributor.

4. Pull the distributor end of the wire off the distributor electrode by grabbing it.

5. Attach the new spark-plug wire end by pressing it over the distributor electrode. Now press well the other end down into your engine’s plug over the spark plug’s top.

Arnold 490-250-0009 Honda Spark Plug Replaces NGK BPR6ES

Spark Plug Cap HONDA/30700-ZE1-013

92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 Honda Civic High Performance 9.3mm Spark Plug Wires

1992-2000 Honda Civic 4 Cyl Spark Plug Wires Set- APC 9.3mm

NGK (8026) HE71 Premium Spark Plug Wire Set

Learn how to fix when there’s oil in your Civic Spark Plug tube, It’s Fast and Cheap. Below is the Video (For Free Registered Users):

This is the video that shows you how to check and clean or replace your spark plug. It uses 2008 Civic as an experiment car, but this technique is also applicable to many cars. (For Free Registered Users):

Agri-Cover 13189 Access Premium Roll-Up Tonneau Cover

Agri-Cover 12289 Access Roll-Up Cover Tonneau Cover

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O2 sensor loses its reading speed gradually as it ages. Due to a longer time needed for reading, the sensor becomes sluggish and the air and fuel mixture is not in a good balance.

The O2 sensor element may become contaminated whenever the engine has an internal coolant leak or it burns oil. This will cause the sensor fail to read.

When the era of leaded gasoline was available, most cars that were loaded with a single tankful of leaded fuel have their O2 sensors failed in a few hundred miles of journey.

Due to its characteristic, oxygen sensor doesn’t react on fuel but only to oxygen inside the exhaust. So if there’s any engine problem which allows unburned air to go through cylinders.

It will trigger the oxygen sensors into reading low fuel. These are 2 common problems that may cause an O2 sensor to read low fuel (lean):

Leaky exhaust valve. For example, a leak in the exhaust manifold gasket.

A Misfiring spark plug.

These problems won’t damage the sensor but your engine will waste the fuel because of oxygen sensor misreading. It will also generate unnecessary emissions and expensive fuel economy.

One important thing to notice is oxygen sensor requires hot temperatures to generate a voltage signal (617 to 662 degrees of Farenheit).

It takes a few minutes for the exhaust to heat up the sensor. In order to overcome this condition, many newer cars have built in electrical heater circuits to help the sensor reaches the required temperature rapidly.

Whenever the heater circuit fails to work as expected,it will take a longer time for the exhaust to reach the minimum temperature.

As the result, the O2 sensor will need to wait until the exhaust is hot enough before taking proper readings, thus it will delay the computer from applying balanced ratio of air/mixture.

If this happens, your car won’t be able to pass emissions test.

How to Check and Replace Oxygen Sensors

There are several ways to diagnose O2 sensors, most of them need special equipment. For newer vehicles you need a code reader or scan tool to retrieve O2 codes.
In older vehicles there are manual “flash codes” available for diagnosing.

If the codes that are read refer to O2 sensor problem, you may monitor the sensor’s voltage output and response by using a scan tool, digital oscilloscope or voltmeter.

If the tests show that oxygen sensor is sluggish or dead then you need to replace it, this is your only option. You can’t rejuvenate or “clean” a damaged oxygen sensor.

You should use a replacement sensor that has same basic type as the original one (unheated or heated).

You should also make sure that it has the same heater wattage requirements and performance characteristics.

Engine performance can be affected if you install the wrong O2 sensor. The worst case is it could possibly damage your heater control circuit in the engine computer.

So what you need to do is read carefully your O2 sensor supplier’s replacement listings and follow the requirements and specifications.

Don’t buy an O2 sensor based on its appearance alone. Several replacement oxygen sensors require have wiring connections that comply to OEM-type so you don’t need to modify them to install.

While others (Universal Type O2 Sensors) need slicing the sensor wires into the original connector harness.

Replacement Intervals

In order to keep your engine in healthy and peak condition, you should replace the O2 sensor when it reaches certain interval limit.

Experts recommend to replace unheated one or two wire oxygen sensors on 1976-1990s engines every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

For heated three and four wire O2 sensors on mid 1980s to 1990s, they should be replaced every 60,000 miles.

For cars produced on 1996 and newer OBD2 cars, the oxygen sensors should be replaced every 100,000 miles.

V6 and V8 engines have two oxygen sensors in each exhaust manifold or one oxygen sensor for every cylinder bank

Engines with straight six cylinder and four cylinder usually have only one O2 sensor. It’s placed in the exhaust manifold.

There is one or more additional oxygen sensors are attached after the catalytic converter of 1996 cars and newer ones with OBD2 (On Board Diagnostics II) . These O2 sensors are used to monitor converter efficiency.

For cars that are equipped with dual exhausts, there is one downstream O2 sensor on every side. So, there is a total of four O2 sensors inside a car with V8 engine and dual exhausts.

Bosch 15733 Oxygen Sensor, Universal Type Fitment

Bosch 13540 Oxygen Sensor, OE Type Fitment

Bosch 15730 Oxygen Sensor, Universal Type Fitment

Nonin GO2 Achieve Fingertip Pulse Oximeter – Blue

Denso 234-9009 Oxygen Sensor (Air and Fuel Ratio Sensor)

Denso 234-9005 Oxygen Sensor (Air and Fuel Ratio Sensor)

Bosch 15727 Oxygen Sensor, Universal Type Fitment

Oxygen sensors make cheap fuel economy possible. It works by regulating and adjusting fuel / air ratio. The computer system inside the engine injects a proper amount of fuel based on the oxygen sensor readings so that it won’t waste unnecessary fuel and pollutant.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-QQ393gnvm-k/

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For over 20 years oxygen sensors have been around with us, but most car owners don’t know if they have one or more of these parts attached on their cars.

But when they get a Check Engine signal and the code that indicates there’s a problem with O2 sensor, then they begin to aware of these devices.

They will also realize the role of this part whenever their cars fail an emission test due to a dead or sluggish O2 sensor.

A car may need a new O2 sensor when the engine is not running properly or experiencing inefficient fuel consumption.

In reality most of us don’t have a clue how to perform checks on this small device that’s frequently blamed for various kinds of problems related to emission and driveability.

Bosch 13613 Oxygen Sensor, OE Type Fitment

Now let’s learn how this O2 sensor works. The sensor works by monitoring the fuel mixture. This is done so that computer system in the car may adjust the air and fuel ratio to reach the best fuel economy and lowest possible emissions.

How does O2 sensor monitor the fuel mixture ? It reacts to unburned oxygen in the exhaust.

When the air and fuel mixture reaches a high level, it produces a signal with higher voltage and when the mixture goes lean, it drops the voltage of the signal.

So the sensor behaves like a switch that are read by the computer everytime the fuel mixture fluctuates,which is continuously.

Now the computer reacts to sustain the fuel mixture balance. When the sensor reads high fuel, the computer will reduce the amount of fuel injected into the engine.

On the opposite, when the mixture goes lean (low fuel) the computer will inject more fuel. This will create an average mixture that is close to ideal ratio and produce low emission level and low fuel consumption.

The O2 sensor plays the key role in this process.

In addition to input from O2 sensor, the computer also utilizes input from several other sensors including throttle position sensor, manifolD absolute pressure, airflow sensor, coolant sensor, etc.

Those inputs are used to optimize the air and fuel ratio for adapting to fluctuating operating condition.

But however The O2 sensor still play the main role in determining fuel mixture. So, if O2 sensor doesn’t function well, it will screw up the fuel burning process.

Most bad O2 sensors will read minimum fuel ratio, the engine will then burn too much fuel and generate unnecessary pollution.

There are several causes to low fuel readings :

• Obsolete device
• Engine compression or ignition problems
• Contamination
• A ad wiring connection

Bosch 15733 Oxygen Sensor, Universal Type Fitment

Bosch 15730 Oxygen Sensor, Universal Type Fitment

OEM 27110 Oxygen Sensor Socket

Nonin GO2 Achieve Fingertip Pulse Oximeter – Blue

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-LFR8Numjy7M/

Watch This Video and Learn How to Change / Replace Oxygen Sensor.

Are You Interested with CarMD ?

Check out  CarMD Devices Below :

CarMD Vehicle Diagnostic Unit Software Package and Storage Pouch

Car MD CarMD Handheld Tester & CD

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Photo by Simon Blackley Learn the process that’s being run behind the curtain when you leave your vehicle in the Professional Auto Repair Shop after collision.

Most professional Auto Repair Shops will undergo these procedures or slight variations of them.

Step 1: Your vehicle will be inspected and they will record certain data into computer system for estimation purpose. This data will be processed by the system to determine the estimate repair cost. But often there is hidden damage that can only be found when the car is disassembled.

Step 2: After completing the estimation process,it’s time for the insurance company to conduct evaluation based on the estimation generated by the system. The insurance company often negotiates on the price and procedures of repairing the car.
The insurance company will consider whether the car is repairable. When the process is done, the car will then go through the repair phase.

Step 3: Hidden damage is usually found during disassembly process, and inner structure repairs are calculated. During the process, insurance company are often called to perform re-inspection and additional required parts are listed for ordering.

Step 4: They check if the required parts are available and begin to order them. If there are parts that need to be special ordered, they will place it as soon as possible. Most of the parts will arrive fast, but they won’t continue to repair phase until they receive all of them.

Step 5: Inside the area of Structure Repair, they will return the unitized body to the default factory specification. These shops use sophisticated measuring systems to monitor all phases in this area. The frame of the car is analyzed by utilizing a computer based measurement system. The system enables to perform repair with high precision.

Step 6: During this phase, they will replace the required metal finishing and exterior panels. The car will then come back to life after installing and aligning the sheet metal. From here the car will go to the next phase which is paint preparations.

Step 7: The important phase in the refinishing process of every car is Paint preparation. They then prime and seal all panels that are prepared for paint. It is done to make sure good adhesion when they apply final top color and clear coats of paint.

Step 8: In the reassembly area final moldings and detail pieces are put back on the car. All systems of the car are evaluated during this phase. The car is almost ready for delivery in this stage.

Step 9: When the repair process is conducted, the car accumulates dust from the process. It will be cleaned. They will take the car on the road for testing to ensure everything works in order. The final evaluation is conducted to ensure that the car has been restored to its original condition.

Crash Course “What to Know Before and After a Collision” VHS Video

Blackhawk Automotive B65114 Porto-Power Hydraulic Collision Repair Kit – 4 Ton

Auto Body Repair Technology

Backstopper Collision Avoidance System

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/542485/

Watch the New Technology that is able to help drivers stay in their lane.

The lane departure system uses a camera located between the inside rearview mirror and the windshield to detect lane markings on the road and alert drivers when they inadvertently stray from the lane. The system does not steer the vehicle; it is designed only to alert drivers so they can take appropriate action to move the vehicle back into the lane.

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To cut down the cost of having a car, you need to maintain it properly and regularly. You should keep your engine in tune in order to gain maximum fuel efficiency and cleaner air.

To ensure safe driving, you must make sure the suspension systems, brakes, and steering are in A-1 condition.

Below are quick and easy to follow checks and services. These can save your time and money now and in the future.

1.    Perform a weekly check on antifreeze / coolant level. Some vehicles have see-through reservoirs with level markings provided. Fill with solution that’s comprised of 50 % water and 50% antifreeze until it reaches the level marking.

Never open the pressure cap while engine is still in hot condition.

2.    Examine the belts and hoses every month. Remove the frayed, glazed, or worn belts and install the new ones. Tighten the belts when more than half of an inch of slack can be pressed between the pulleys.

Vehicles that are equipped with spring loaded belt tensioners don’t need to be adjusted. Tighten the clamps and replace hoses that are already in rotten, bulging or brittle condition. If a hose is too soft or too hard, you should replace it with new a one.

3.    Examine the transmission fluid every month while engine is running and it’s on parking brake position. Shift the transmission to drive and then back to park. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, insert it and remove it again. Add with compatible fluid type, if necessary. Don’t overfill it.

4.    Check oil every other fill up. Take the dipstick, wipe dry. Insert fully and take it out again and check. If it’s in low condition, add oil. To make sure your car is in top condition, you should replace oil whether in every 3,000 miles or in every 3 months. Whichever comes first. Every time you change the oil you should also replace the oil filter.
5.    You should examine the condition of air filter every month. Replace with a new one when it’s dirty or as part of a tune-up. The location of your air filter mainly depends on your car type:

a.    Fuel Injection : It’s located in a rectangular box at the forward end of the air duct hose assembly.

b.    Carbureted Engine : It’s right under the big metal “lid”.

6.    Once a month you should examine the brake fluid. First you need to wipe dirt from the lid of brake master cylinder reservoir. Pry off the retainer clip. Depends on the type of your vehicle you need to unscrew the plastic lid or remove the lid. Add the approved type of brake fluid if necessary. Check to make sure that there are no leaks of fluid throughout the system. Fill with fluid until it reaches the mark on reservoir. Make sure you don’t overfill.

7.    Fill the windshield washer reservoil until full. Use some windshield washer fluid to clean off the wiper blades using rag. During winter, you should check the freezing point of the washer fluid.

8.    When handling a battery you should do it with extreme caution because it may releases explosive gases. Never smoke, light a match or create a spark near a battery and make sure you always wear protective gloves and glasses. Check the battery everytime you change oil. Make sure the cables are attached securely and free from corrosion. Check the battery for filler holes, if they exist, fill only with odorless and clean drinking water.

9.    Once in a month. Inspect the power steering fluid level. To do this, simply remove the dipstick of the reservoir. See if the level is down, you should add fluid until it reaches the level mark. You also need to inspect the hoses and pump to make sure there are no leaks.

10.    Whenever you clean the windshield you should also check the windshield wiper blades. Replace them when you find out the rubber begins to show scratches, don’t wait until it is totally worn or brittle. Ideally you should replace the wiper blades once a year or whenever chattering or smearing occur.

11.    Check your lights and make sure they are working and clean. The lights that need to be checked include turn signals, brake lights, and emergency flashers. Keep some spare fuses and bulbs in the car.

12.    Check the tires and inflate them to the recommended pressure. If possible, buy and keep a gauge in your car. See if there are any cuts, bulges or excessive tread wear. Uneven wear often indicates that the tires are in unbalanced condition or not aligned properly. You should rotate the tire location at the first 5,000 miles and after that every 7,500 miles.  Keep a record of this rotation to help you recall the rotation order.

13.    Check the shock absorbers for signs of oil seepage. Bouncing the car up and down to test the shock action. In a good condition, the vehicle should stop bouncing when you step back. Replace leaking or worn shocks.

14.    Examine underneath to find out if there are any broken or loose exhaust supports and clamps. Make sure there are no holes in pipes or muffler. Remove the damaged and rusted parts, install with new ones.

15.    Perform emission checked for compliance with local laws at least once a year.

Download the E-Book for better illustration (For Free Registered Users) :

http://www.mediafire.com/?njy5yuzjb4n

Chilton Total Car Care Domestic Vehicles DVD

3M Imperial Wetordry Sheet, 9 in x 11 in, Grade 1000, Pack of 5 Sheets

Engine Management: Advanced Tuning

Auto Repair For Dummies

Snap! Basic Car Maintenance

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Chilton’s Auto Repair Manual 1954-63

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If you are on a vacation to Garland, Texas, auto repairs are the last thing you will want to need. But on any vacation or road trip, car trouble can often happen. The best thing you can do is be prepared. If your vehicle starts malfunctioning in Garland, Texas, you should have a plan of action. Usually you can solve car troubles yourself, using a small kit of resources and tools. So before you do any long distance travel in your car, you should prepare this kit.
First of all, you should always carry a full auto repair manual for your car. Manuals for specific makes and models of cars are sold online and in almost any auto shop. Buy one of these and add it to your “auto repair kit” that you will take to Garland, Texas for any auto repair emergencies which may arise. Even if you don’t know too much about the inner workings of cars, the guide will help you to diagnose the problem and determine what exactly you need to do to fix it.
Besides the manual, you will need some of the more basic tools for on-the-go auto repair in Garland, Texas. These will include wrenches, a jack, and jumper cables. Your auto manual should include a list of the specific sizes and types of tools you will need for your specific vehicle. These tools are usually the bare minimum, since it isn’t practical to carry around a whole car repair garage in your trunk. These tools will usually be enough to at least get you to a Garland, Texas auto repair shop where you can seek a more professional auto inspection.
Sometimes when you figure out how to fix your auto problem, you find that you are lacking in certain tools or resources. If this is the case, you can head to the local convenience store in Garland, Texas (or auto repair shop, depending on how common the item is that you need) and purchase it. The guide will tell you exactly what sort of product to look for, and exactly how to utilize it when repairing your car. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep a small amount of emergency cash with your car repair kit; in case you need to buy other supplies but don’t have access to your wallet.
I’ve found that the in-depth auto repair guides will help you fix most of the problems that may arise in Garland, Texas. Auto repair is a complicated process though, and you may encounter a problem that is truly outside the scope of your ability. In Garland, Texas, auto repair shops are a common sight. So in case, it’s impossible to repair your car yourself, you’re in good hands. The Garland, Texas auto repair shops employ some of the most competent workers who can fix your car in a jiffy and get you back on the road. Therefore before you start your travels, you should keep a list of the addresses and phone numbers of all local auto repair shops in Garland, Texas.
When you are driving down a road in Garland, Texas and your car starts to huff and puff and eventually grinds to a halt, it can be a panic inducing turn of events. When you are stranded in an unfamiliar place with no knowledge of how to repair your car, it will seem like all hope is lost. But you can avoid this feeling of despair if you have properly prepared. As long as you have a good manual for your car, a small tool kit with all the necessary supplies, and a list of the local Garland, Texas auto repair shops, you will be back in action in no time.

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