How to Change a Thermostat

How to Change a Thermostat

If you’re wondering how to change a thermostat then chances are the thermostat in your car has gone bad.  No vehicle manufacturers stipulate a regular interval for changing your thermostat so it’s only something you have to do if it’s bad.  Unless you’ve got a really new car with an electronically controlled thermostat, the only…

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Timing Cover Oil Leak Fix

oily engine, timing cover oil leak

Oil leaks can be difficult to track down the exact location of the leak.  They also can vary widely in repair costs from less than $100 to over $1000.  Also if you aren’t seeing drips on the ground do you really need to fix it? We’re going to talk about a timing cover oil leak,…

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How to Change Transmission Fluid

bottom of a car, change transmission fluid

This episode of Live Leak Free – Under the Hood takes us all the way under the car!  Today we’re talking about something just as important as an engine oil change, but so often overlooked.  Changing your transmission fluid helps ensure that your transmission will not be damaged due to premature wear or from debris…

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Why Does a Blown Head Gasket Smoke?

blown head gasket smoke, exhaust smoke

One of the telltale symptoms of a blown head gasket is white smoke from the exhaust.  It’s important that the smoke is white because blue or black smoke can indicate a rich running engine or an engine that is burning oil.  It’s also important to note that white smoke can also come from your exhaust…

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Power Steering Fluid Leak Cost

power steering fluid leak cost, power steering pump

Power Steering fluid leaks can be messy, loud and costly.  In this article, we’ll help you determine the power steering fluid leak cost for your car so you can make an informed decision on how to repair the problem. Power steering fluid leaks are one of the most common leaks you will have in your…

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How to Change a Car Battery

how to change a car battery

 If you’re wondering how to change a car battery, look no further!  It’s an easy job you can do yourself with just a few tools!  If you’ve got an import car, either European or Japanese, you will most likely need a 10mm wrench to remove the terminal clamps and either a 10mm or 12mm…

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How to Change an Air Filter

changing an engine air filter

Please change your engine air filter yourself.  It will save you money at the mechanic and if I can do it, you can do it!  Unless you have a certain year Ford Fucus with a terribly difficult filter to get change, chances are it’s a job that can be done in under 5 minutes and…

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What is Normal Engine Coolant Temperature?

engine coolant temperature

Normal engine coolant temperature depends on a lot of factors.  Before we get into what normal engine coolant temperatures are, a better question you maybe should ask is what temperature is your engine really running at? Does your car have a temperature gauge?  Can you really trust it? Many cars being sold today simply have…

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Changing Your Cabin Air Filter

Changing your cabin air filter is definitely a project you should take on yourself.  Usually, you don’t need any tools, but at most you’ll need a Philips screwdriver and a 10mm socket.  The cabin air filter on your vehicle will be located in your ventilation system usually right before your ventilation fan.  In some vehicles,…

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Rear Main Seal Repair Cost

Rear main seal repair cost can vary significantly based on the vehicle you drive as well as where you live.  For example, replacing the rear main seal on a 1998 Jeep Wrangler has a 2 piece rear main seal so the seal can be removed by removing the oil pan and the rear bearing cap. …

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Replacing a U Joint

driveshaft, u joint

Replacing a U joint (short for universal joint) is a pretty easy DIY job if you’ve got the right tools and things aren’t too stuck together.  If you’ve got a rusty chassis on your car, you might consider hitting things with some penetrating oil a day or 2 before you get started on this job.…

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