With cars being such a large part of our everyday lives, it's important to know how to keep your car in great shape. While you can always take your vehicle to a mechanic, there are some handy tips and tricks that you can do on your own to make sure your car is in top shape.
Automotive Wiring Tips and Tricks
Whether you're running electrical wiring under your car or on the outside, it's important to secure the wires properly. This helps prevent them from getting pulled or ripped, which can result in severe damage to your car. The most common way to secure the wiring is to use cable ties, but insulated P-clips (also known as saddle clamps) or Chassis Clips can also work well.
Check Engine Light: A Few Tips and Tricks for Reading the Warning Sign
The check engine light on your dashboard can be a source of stress, especially when it comes to knowing exactly what to do. But if you follow these tips and tricks, it's easy to decipher what's going on with your car and save yourself some money in the long run.
First, it's a good idea to check some of the more minor issues first when the check engine light comes on. For example, if your gas cap doesn't shut off when the engine is cold, it's probably because it's not making a proper connection to the ignition. If the light turns on for that, it's a good idea to pull over and call a mechanic.
Next, it's a good idea to have an OBD 2 code reader handy for reading the codes stored in your car's computer. Then, you can cross-reference these with your car's manual to narrow down which system is causing the problem and get it fixed.
Dents and Dings: Repairing dents on your car can be a tricky and costly affair. But there are a few quick and inexpensive ways to fix them.
One of the most effective is to use a small amount of cellulose thinner to dissolve any wax or baked on dirt that's on the surface of the dent. Another option is to wipe the area down with a quick-drying liquid, such as paint thinner or denatured alcohol.
If you have a lot of dents or dings, you can try using a dent filler to help smooth out the surface and make it look nice again. It's a simple and affordable way to make your car appear more appealing.
Painting your car: Auto painting can be a fun and exciting project. But it can also be an intimidating one, with all the different types of paint and techniques that are used. If you don't have a lot of experience with it, it's a good idea to start with small tasks first and work your way up.
The best time to paint your car is when it's still in good condition, before it starts to show signs of rusting or other deterioration. This will help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
