Entries by satucker

How to Protect Your Transmission During the Winter

Winter weather can make it hard to combat difficulties with your transmission. There are a few steps you can take to protect it. If you look after the transmission, there is less of a chance you will have to make a costly repair or replace it completely. Warmth Obviously, the freezing cold that comes with […]

Improving Diagnostics With The Right OBD2 Scanner

OBD2 was introduced in 1996 and has been a requirement on all newer model cars that have been released on the market in the United States since then. If your car was manufactured after 1996, then you’ll definitely have an OBD2 sensor in your car that can unlock powerful diagnostics tools and even provide you with […]

Audi Q7 Transmission Won’t Shift

Vehicle: 2014 Audi Q7 Quattro (4LB), V6-3.0L DSL Turbo (CNRB), automatic transmission Mileage: 49,665 Problem: The transmission would not upshift from low gear. Details: When the technician connected a scan tool, he found 20 communication DTCs listed in various modules because they could not communicate with the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Using his scan tool, he verified there […]

8 DIY Car Maintenance Tips You Can Handle #7 – Brake Pads

7. Brake Pads Tools You Need: Lug wrench, C-clamp, open-end or adjustable wrench, hammer Time to Complete: 30 minutes to an hour Estimated Cost: $40 and up (depending on your car) You’ll need to replace most brake pads around every 20,000 miles, but as always, check your owner’s manual for specifics about your model. If […]

8 DIY Car Maintenance Tips You Can Handle #6 – Radiator Flush

6. Radiator Flush Tools You Need: Phillips-head screwdriver or wrench, rags, radiator flush solution, coolant, funnel, used coolant receptacle Time to Complete: 30 minutes Estimated Cost: $25 Your car’s radiator and cooling system need to be clean to work efficiently and effectively. With normal wear and tear, your car’s radiator builds up deposits that can disrupt […]

8 DIY Car Maintenance Tips You Can Handle #5 – Battery Maintenance

5. Battery Maintenance Tools You Need: Wrenches, corrosion-removal fluid, wire brush, rags Time to Complete: 20 minutes Estimated Cost: $5 The key to keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently is a good battery connection. Just a few specks of crunchy white residue on the posts can keep your car from starting. A simple visual […]

8 DIY Car Maintenance Tips You Can Handle #4 – Oil and Oil Filter

4. Oil and Oil Filter Tools You Need: Ratchet, oil filter wrench, oil pan, funnel Time to Complete: 30 to 45 minutes Estimated Cost: $20 Experts say you should change your oil every 3,000 miles, but with better products and cars operating more efficiently, I think you can get away with changing it every 5,000 miles. […]

8 DIY Car Maintenance Tips You Can Handle #3 – Spark Plugs

3. Spark Plugs Tools You Need: Ratchet or socket wrench, 12″ socket extension, spark plug socket Time to Complete: 20 to 30 minutes Estimated Cost: $10 to $15 Most spark plugs need replacing after about 30,000 miles, but check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle is any different. While changing spark plugs might sound […]

8 DIY Car Maintenance Tips You Can Handle #2 – Windshield Wipers

2. Windshield Wipers Tools You Need: None Time to Complete: 15 minutes Estimated Cost: $10 to $20 I laugh when I visit my local auto parts store and see that they’re having a sale on wiper blades, offering free installation. The free installation only applies if I buy the most expensive blades in the store, so […]

8 DIY Car Maintenance Tips You Can Handle #1 – Air Filter

1. Air Filter Tools You Need: None Time to Complete: 10 minutes Estimated Cost: $10 You need a new air filter for your car every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. You can pay a mechanic and give up your car for a day, or you can replace your air filter at home in […]

Different Types of Oil Filters and How They Work

Oil is the lifeblood of the engine in your car or truck (or motorcycle, boat, airplane, tractor and so on). Plain and simple. But as the oil circulates through the engine, it picks up any number of contaminants (in simple terms, dirt). That dirt can obviously damage your engine. And over time, that dirt can bring the engine to its death.

How To Tow a Trailer

Two of the most important things to have when you tow are basic common sense and the ability to adjust your driving. In other words, when towing, everything you do while driving needs to be done at about half the speed when compared to driving without a trailer. When you turn, go much slower. When you accelerate, do it much easier. When you brake, allow yourself a great deal more space to stop. And when you change lanes, allow room for your vehicle and the trailer.