I will tell you about getting your vehicle ready for Spring.
You will learn each step and how to perform the task.
You will not need very many tools for most jobs.
Most vehicles use metric and standard tools.
You will need a screwdriver, a wrench set, pliers, oil filter wrench and a ratchet set.
You also need a service manual for your make and model car or truck.
Now we can get started with the task at hand.
First record the mileage and raise the hood.
Check when you last changed the oil.
If it has been 3,000 miles since the oil was last changed, it will need to be replaced.
Check the owner's manual for recommended oil weight.
Always change the oil filter too.
First, take the drain plug out and let oil drain out.
Then take off the oil filter.
Take the new filter and oil the rubber gasket.
Screw new oil filter on and tighten by hand.
At this time you need to check the air filter.
Take filter out and place a light on the inside of the filter.
If you can see light through the filter, it is okay.
If not, replace it.
By this time the oil should have finished draining.
Replace the drain plug and fill with fresh oil, but do not overfill.
Now start the engine and be sure to watch the oil light.
When the light goes off, check the oil filter to be sure the filter does not have a leak.
Then turn off the engine and check the oil to be sure it is full.
Now you are ready for the next step.
Now is the time to check all other fluids.
Check your manual for location of fill caps and dip sticks.
Do not overfill any fluids.
Bring the brake fluid to the level mark.
For the transmission, fluid check the dip stick when the car is running and bring it up to the level mark.
Check coolant level at the overflow bottle and bring it up to the level mark.
Make sure the power steering fluid is at the level mark.
Now you are ready for the next step.
You now need to check the battery.
This is a special step because batteries need more detail care.
First, you need to check the water level and bring it up to the bottom of the fill cap.
Then you need to clean the battery cable ends.
Always remove the negative cable first to prevent sparks.
Then take off the positive cable.
Take a wire brush and clean both the positive (+) post and the negative (-) post.
Next, clean the positive cable end first and the negative cable end last.
Spray with cable protectant and now you are ready for the next step.
You may need a Spring tune-up.
If so, I will give you the steps needed for this.
The first step is to check the spark plugs.
Before we start, your best way is to take off one plug wire at a time and then take the plug out.
If the plug shows wear, replace it.
If one plug is bad replace all plugs one at a time.
Now that is done.
Most newer cars have fuel injection.
The best way to take care of this is to add injection cleaner to the fuel tank.
Next, check all belts and hoses for wear and replace the worn ones.
This is tricky.
It might e wise to have your local auto technician replace the belts.
Now, check for oil leaks wherever there is a gasket on the engine and the transmission.
It would be a good idea to check tire pressure and wear.
The tires may need to be rotated.
This completes your Spring auto service.
Your vehicle should be running well now.
© 2010 Jesse Vibbert
You will learn each step and how to perform the task.
You will not need very many tools for most jobs.
Most vehicles use metric and standard tools.
You will need a screwdriver, a wrench set, pliers, oil filter wrench and a ratchet set.
You also need a service manual for your make and model car or truck.
Now we can get started with the task at hand.
First record the mileage and raise the hood.
Check when you last changed the oil.
If it has been 3,000 miles since the oil was last changed, it will need to be replaced.
Check the owner's manual for recommended oil weight.
Always change the oil filter too.
First, take the drain plug out and let oil drain out.
Then take off the oil filter.
Take the new filter and oil the rubber gasket.
Screw new oil filter on and tighten by hand.
At this time you need to check the air filter.
Take filter out and place a light on the inside of the filter.
If you can see light through the filter, it is okay.
If not, replace it.
By this time the oil should have finished draining.
Replace the drain plug and fill with fresh oil, but do not overfill.
Now start the engine and be sure to watch the oil light.
When the light goes off, check the oil filter to be sure the filter does not have a leak.
Then turn off the engine and check the oil to be sure it is full.
Now you are ready for the next step.
Now is the time to check all other fluids.
Check your manual for location of fill caps and dip sticks.
Do not overfill any fluids.
Bring the brake fluid to the level mark.
For the transmission, fluid check the dip stick when the car is running and bring it up to the level mark.
Check coolant level at the overflow bottle and bring it up to the level mark.
Make sure the power steering fluid is at the level mark.
Now you are ready for the next step.
You now need to check the battery.
This is a special step because batteries need more detail care.
First, you need to check the water level and bring it up to the bottom of the fill cap.
Then you need to clean the battery cable ends.
Always remove the negative cable first to prevent sparks.
Then take off the positive cable.
Take a wire brush and clean both the positive (+) post and the negative (-) post.
Next, clean the positive cable end first and the negative cable end last.
Spray with cable protectant and now you are ready for the next step.
You may need a Spring tune-up.
If so, I will give you the steps needed for this.
The first step is to check the spark plugs.
Before we start, your best way is to take off one plug wire at a time and then take the plug out.
If the plug shows wear, replace it.
If one plug is bad replace all plugs one at a time.
Now that is done.
Most newer cars have fuel injection.
The best way to take care of this is to add injection cleaner to the fuel tank.
Next, check all belts and hoses for wear and replace the worn ones.
This is tricky.
It might e wise to have your local auto technician replace the belts.
Now, check for oil leaks wherever there is a gasket on the engine and the transmission.
It would be a good idea to check tire pressure and wear.
The tires may need to be rotated.
This completes your Spring auto service.
Your vehicle should be running well now.
© 2010 Jesse Vibbert
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