KNOW HOW
Changing a Tyre
Changing Engine Oil
Replacing Brake Pads
Changing Battery
Changing Fuel Filter
Changing Headlight Bulb
Changing a Tyre
Step by step full guide
Change a Tyre is not a difficult task, but it is one that must be done properly. Learn how to change a Tyre by following these steps. A correctly performed change a Tyre extends your vehicle's life while keeping you and the environment safe.
Step 1 Find a flat, stable and safe place
Find a flat, stable and safe place to change your tire. You should have a solid, level Surface that will restrict the car from rolling. If you are near a road, park as far from Traffic as possible and turn on your emergency flashers (hazard lights). Avoid soft Ground and hills.
Step 2 Apply the parking brake
Apply the parking brake and put car into "Park" position. If you have a standard Transmission, put your vehicle in first or reverse.
Step 3 Place a heavy object
Place a heavy object (e.g., rock, concrete, spare wheel, etc.) in front of the front and back Tires.
Step 4 Raise the jack until it is supporting (but not lifting) the car
Raise the jack until it is supporting (but not lifting) the car. The jack should be firmly in Place against the underside of the vehicle. Check to make sure that the jack is Perpendicular to the ground.
Step 5 Remove the hubcap and loosen the nuts
Remove the hubcap and loosen the nuts by turning counterclockwise. Don't take them All the way off; just break the resistance. By keeping the wheel on the ground when you First loosen the nuts, you'll make sure that you're turning the nuts instead of the wheel.
Step 6 Pump or crank the jack to lift the tire off the ground
Pump or crank the jack to lift the tire off the ground. You need to lift it high enough to Remove the flat tire and replace it with a spare.
As you lift, make sure that the car is stable. If you notice any instability, lower the jack And fix the problem before fully lifting the car.
Step 7 Remove the nuts the rest of the way
Remove the nuts the rest of the way. Turn them counterclockwise until they are loose. Repeat with all lug nuts, then remove the nuts completely.
Although rare, some vehicles actually have reverse threaded lug nuts. These are usually Much older cars from Chrysler and GM.
Step 8 Remove the Tyre
Remove the tire. Place the flat tire under the vehicle so in the event of a jack failure the Vehicle will fall on the old wheel, hopefully preventing injury. If the jack is placed on a flat, Solid base, you shouldn't have any problems.
The tire might stick due to rust. You could try hitting the inside half of the tire with a Rubber mallet to loosen the tire, or use the spare tire to hit the outside half.
Step 9 Place the spare tire on the hub
Place the spare tire on the hub. Take care to align the rim of the spare tire with the wheel Bolts, then put on the lug nuts.
Be sure to install the spare tire the correct way and not backwards. The valve stem of a Doughnut tire should face outwards, away from the vehicle.
Step 10 Tighten the nuts
Tighten the nuts by hand until they are all snug. They should turn easily at first.
Using the wrench, tighten the nuts as much as possible using a star pattern. To ensure The tire is balanced, don't completely tighten the nuts one at a time. Going in a star Pattern around the tire, one nut across from another, give each nut a full turn until They are equally tight.
Step 11 Lower the car without applying full weight on the tire
Lower the car without applying full weight on the tire. Tighten the nuts as much as Possible.
Step 12 Lower the car to the ground fully and remove the jack
Lower the car to the ground fully and remove the jack. Finish tightening the nuts and Replace the hubcap.
Step 13 Put the old tire in your trunk and take it to a mechanic
Put the old tire in your trunk and take it to a mechanic. Get an estimate for the cost of Repair. Small punctures can usually be repaired .If the tire is not repairable, they can Dispose of it properly and sell you a replacement.
Changing Engine Oil
Step by step full guide
Changing your vehicle's engine oil is not a difficult task, but it is one that must be done properly. Learn how To change oil by following these steps.
A correctly performed oil change extends your vehicle's life while Keeping you and the environment safe.
The quick-lube chains usually recommend it be done every three Months or 3,000 miles, but many mechanics would tell you that such frequent changes are overkill.
Indeed,Most car owner's manuals recommend changing out the oil less frequently, usually after 5,000 or 7,500 miles.
Step 1 Park your car on a level surface and apply parking brake
Park your car on a level surface and apply parking brake Run your engine for 5 minutes before draining oil, as warm oil drains faster than cold.Do NOT drain oil that is at full operating temperature as it will be too hot to safely Handle. Remove your keys from the ignition, as some hybrid models can auto-start.To be safe, always check your owner's manual before working on a specialty vehicle.
Step 2 Jack your car up and place it on jack stands
A jack alone will not safely support the full weight of your car. Consult your manual for The proper jacking points. The placement of a jack stand is just as important as the jack Placement. The wrong placement can damage your car's suspension or body parts.
Step 3 Locate the oil drain plug and place the drain pan below
The oil drain plug is usually near the front center of the engine, but some vehicles have More than one plug. Check your manual for the exact location. Loosen the plug with a Socket or wrench. Make sure that the drain pan is large enough to hold 4-5 quarts of oil Or more. The oil drains at an angle, so position the drain pan to catch it.
Carefully jack the car up until it can be removed comfortably. Consult your owner's manual to determine the correct position for the car jack under your car. Put some blocks behind the other wheels to stop the car from rolling forward or back. Place a jack stand under the frame of the vehicle. Do NOT trust the jack alone. Repeat for the other side of the car so that both sides are securely supported.
Step 4 Unscrew the plug by hand
Remove the plug by hand. While unscrewing the plug, push it back towards the pan.This prevents oil from rushing out until you are ready to remove the plug from the hole.
Step 5 Drain all oil
To speed up the draining process, remove the filter cap located on the top of the Engine and allow air to enter from the top. Check your owner’s manual for the exact Location.
Step 6 Replace oil plug
Tighten the oil plug by hand so it is not cross-threaded. Once the plug is tight, finish Tightening with a wrench or by hand. Always use a new drain plug gasket and never Over-tighten the drain plug.
Step 7 Remove existing oil filter
Place the oil pan underneath the old filter to catch any remaining oil while unscrewing it,Using an oil filter wrench. Use a rag to clean the mounting surface. Make sure that the Sealing O-ring from the old filter is not stuck to the mounting surface on the engine.
Note: Some vehicles use remote mounted oil filters that may be on top or on the side Of the engine.
Step 8 Lubricate new filter and screw into place by hand
Lightly coat the rubber seal of the new filter with fresh oil. It’s usually not necessary to Tighten the oil filter with the wrench. Refer to the filter’s instructions. Once the filter is Installed, lower the car.
Step 9 Clean the oil filter neck and pour in the new oil using a funnel
Typically, you will use 4 to 5 quarts of oil, but check your manual for your vehicle’s oil Capacity. Fill to three-quarters of the engine’s capacity to avoid overfilling, as there is Always oil that does not drain. Then replace the cap.
Step 10 Run the engine for a few minutes to make sure there are no leaks
Check the area around the oil drain plug and the filter for any leaks. If you notice a leak,Shut the engine off immediately and correct it or them. Check the dipstick afterward, And add more oil, if necessary.
Replacing Brake Pads
Step by step full guide
Replacing Brake Pads is not a difficult task, but it is one that must be done properly. Learn how to change oil by following these steps. A correctly performed Replacing Brake Pads extends your vehicle's life while keeping you and the environment safe.
Step 1 Make sure the vehicle is cooled down
If you have recently driven, you may be working with extremely hot pads, calipers and rotors. Be sure that these parts are safe to touch before moving on.
Step 2 Loosen the lug nuts
Using the lug wrench provided along with the car's jack, loosen each of the lug nuts that hold the wheels onto the car about two-thirds of the way.
Don't loosen all the tires at once. Generally, you'll change at least the two front pads or the two back pads, depending on your car and how evenly the brakes wear. So either start with the front or the back.
Step 3 Carefully jack the car up
Carefully jack the car up until it can be removed comfortably. Consult your owner's manual to determine the correct position for the car jack under your car. Put some blocks behind the other wheels to stop the car from rolling forward or back.
Place a jack stand under the frame of the vehicle. Do NOT trust the jack alone. Repeat for the other side of the car so that both sides are securely supported.
Step 4 Remove the wheel
Remove the wheels. Finish loosening and removing the lug nuts when the car is raised.Pull the wheel straight out towards you to remove it.
If the wheel rims are alloy and on the studs, you should clean the studs, stud holes, rotor mounting surface, and the rear mounting surface of the alloy wheel with a wire brush and apply anti-seize compound before refitting the wheel.
Remove the wheels. Finish loosening and removing the lug nuts when the car is raised.Pull the wheel straight out towards you to remove it. If the wheel rims are alloy and on the studs, you should clean the studs, stud holes, rotor mounting surface, and the rear mounting surface of the alloy wheel with a wire brush and apply anti-seize compound before refitting the wheel.
Step 5 Remove the caliper bolts
Remove the caliper bolts using the correct size of socket or ring-spanner.[1] The caliper fits over the brake rotor like a clamp and its job is to slow the wheel using hydraulic pressure. The brake pads will create friction with the rotors to slow the vehicle to a stop. Calipers generally come in one-piece or two-piece designs, secured with between two and four bolts at the inside of the stub axle housing, where the tire fits onto the axle.[2]Spray these bolts with WD-40 or PB Penetrating Catalyst to aid in removing them.
Check the caliper pressure. The caliper of a car at rest should move back and forth a little bit. If not, the caliper is under pressure and it may fly off when you remove the bolts. Take extra precaution when checking to keep your body to the side of its path,even if it is loose.
Step 6 Remove the old pads
Remove the old pads. Finally! Note how each brake pad is attached. They typically snap or clip in with attached metal clips. Remove both pads. They may take a little force top op out, so take care not to damage the caliper or brake line while getting them out.
Inspect brake rotors for warped, heat damage or cracks to surface and replace as needed. Rotors are recommended to be replaced or resurfaced during brake pad replacements.
Step 7 Put the new pads on
Remove the old pads. Finally! Note how each brake pad is attached. They typically snap or clip in with attached metal clips. Remove both pads. They may take a little force top op out, so take care not to damage the caliper or brake line while getting them out.
Inspect brake rotors for warped, heat damage or cracks to surface and replace as needed. Rotors are recommended to be replaced or resurfaced during brake pad replacements.
Step 8 Check the brake fluid
Check the brake fluid. Check your vehicle's brake fluid level and add some if necessary.Replace the brake fluid reservoir cap when finished.
Step 9 Replace the caliper
Replace the caliper. Slide the caliper slowly back over the rotor, proceeding easily so as not to damage anything. Replace and tighten the bolts that hold the caliper in place.
Step 10 Put the wheel back on
Put the wheel back on. Slide the wheel back into place and hand tighten each of the lug nuts snugs before lowering the car.
Step 11 Tighten the lug nuts
Tighten the lug nuts. When the car is back on the ground, tighten the lug nuts in a "star"pattern. Tighten one lug nut, then one across from it until each nut is fully tightened to torque specification.
Check the owner's manual to find the torque specifications for your vehicle. This will ensure the lugs have been tightened enough to prevent the wheel coming off or over-tightening.
Step 12 Start the vehicle
Making sure the vehicle is in neutral or park, pump the brakes 15 to 20 times to make sure the pad is seated properly. Top off brake fluid levels or follow bleeding of brakes section to flush out old fluid and replace with new fluid.
Step 13 Test new brake pads
Going no more than 5 mph (8.0 km/h) on a quiet residential street, brake like normal. If the vehicle seems to stopping normally, repeat the test and go up to 10 mph (16 km/h).Repeat several more times, gradually going up to 35 or 40 mph (56 or 64 km/h). Also, check in reverse. These braking tests ensure there are no issues with your brake-pad installation, gives you confidence when driving on main streets and helps "seat" the brake pads into place.
Listen for problems. The new pads may squeak a bit, but i you should hear a grinding,metal-on-metal sound, you probably have the brake pads reversed (i.e., the inside surface is incorrectly facing out). This should be corrected immediately.
Changing Battery
Step by step full guide
Changing Car Battery is not a difficult task, but it is one that must be done properly. Learn how to Changing battery by following these steps. A correctly performed Changing battery extends your vehicle's life while keeping you and the environment safe.
Step 1 Make sure the battery needs to be replaced
Make sure the battery needs to be replaced. You don't want to spend time and money installing a new battery if the problem is not with the battery itself. Take the following three things into consideration:
Look for sulfate build-up in the form of a whitish or blue residue around the terminal —removing this can sometimes solve issues with a faulty battery. This residue may indicate a bad seal around the battery terminals and is leaking the acid out onto the terminals. Note: do not touch this powder with your bare hands, as it can often contain dried out sulfuric acid which will begin to burn your skin.
Verify that the battery has been given the chance to recharge properly by driving constantly for 30 minutes (with minimal electrical usage, including the air conditioner)
Finally, you should check the alternator. Some cars also have a battery meter, with the engine running, the alternator usually maintains a charge close to 13.8 – 14.2 volts in a properly functioning charging system. The battery should have 12.4 – 12.8 volts with the engine off, and with no accessory load.
Step 2 Buy the correct replacement battery
Buy the correct replacement battery. Find out what kind of battery you're replacing(or the dimensions of your battery) and bring this, your car's make, model and engine size information to a local auto parts store. This is important because automotive batteries vary in size and electrical capacity and you will want to purchase a battery which matches the size of the battery tray/support in your vehicle.
Step 3 Set up a secure working environment
Set up a secure working environment. Park on a flat, level surface at a safe distance from traffic, sparks or open flames. Put on the parking brake. Don't smoke, and make sure any smokers in proximity to the working area know not to smoke as well.Remember that electricity is not the only danger; batteries contain a sulfuric acid electrolyte solution, which is highly corrosive (i.e. can burn your skin) and produces a flammable hydrogen gas. Put on gloves and safety goggles.
Step 4 Remove the cigarette lighter
Remove the cigarette lighter and plug the memory keeper into the lighter socket. A Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) will keep the PIN codes and settings for radios and navigation systems from getting erased when you disconnect the battery. If you don't have a memory keeper make sure you have all the PINs for your electronic equipment before you start. You may wish to check your car manual to see what devices may be affected.
Step 5 Prop open the hood of your car
Prop open the hood of your car. After opening your hood, use the prop rod to keep your hood open (Most newer cars have hoods that hold themselves up.
Be aware that some cars have batteries locate elsewhere, like in the trunk, so you may not need to pop the hood at all.
Step 6 Locate the battery
Locate the battery. The battery should be located in an accessible part on either side of the car's frame. The battery is a rectangular box with two cables attached to it. Some European cars (some BMW's) have the battery under the matting in the trunk, some vehicles can have the battery located under the rear seat, or some are located inside the fender of the wheel well (some Chrysler's). The latter is often very difficult to remove.
Step 7 Identify battery terminals
Identify battery terminals. Locate the positive and the negative terminals of the old car battery. The positive terminal will have a plus sign (and is often red) and the negative terminal will have a minus sign (and is often black).
Step 8 Disconnect the negative terminal
Disconnect the negative terminal. Loosen the negative cable clamp with a wrench(Usually 8mm or 10mm) and slide it off of the terminal. If the cables are unmarked,label them so that they don't get mixed up (otherwise you may ruin your car's electric system later on). It is also important that you disconnect the negative terminal socket before the positive terminal socket. Otherwise, you may short circuit the positive terminal to a grounded part of the car.
Step 9 Disconnect the negative terminal
Step 10 Remove the car battery
Remove the car battery. Unfasten the battery holder and remove any screws, clamps or bars holding the battery in place. Carefully lift the battery out of the car. Remember that a battery can weigh 30 to 60 pounds, or 13.5 to 27 kilos, so if you have any back problems, get a helping hand.
Step 11 Clean the terminal clamps and the battery tray
Clean the terminal clamps and the battery tray. You can use a baking soda solution and a wire brush. If there's any severe corrosion to the terminal ends or the cables, consider repair or replacement by a mechanic. Otherwise, let the area dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 12 Replace the battery
Replace the battery. Place the new battery where you just took the old battery out, with the positive and negative terminals on the correct sides. Connect all the screws, clamps or bars that may hold the battery in place.
Step 13 Reconnect the positive terminal
Reconnect the positive terminal'. Tighten the clamps using a wrench.
Step 14 Apply battery lithium grease
Reconnect the negative terminal. Tighten the clamp with the wrench.
Step 15 Apply battery lithium grease
Apply battery lithium grease. Spray the terminals with lithium grease to prevent corrosion.
Step 16 Close the hood
Close the hood. Shut the hood of your car firmly and start your car. Check that all the electronic devices are working properly. Remove any battery memory saver that was installed to save the radio memory.
Step 17 Close the Properly Dispose of the Old Battery
Dispose of the used battery at service garages, auto supply stores, and recycling centers.There may be a small fee for the service, but throwing the battery away as normal garbage is not an option.
In the US, most battery retailers charge a deposit on the battery, which will be refunded with the return of an old battery.
Changing Fuel Filter
Step by step full guide
Changing the fuel filter is a part of regular maintenance. Keeping your fuel system properly maintained by Changing the fuel filter prolongs the life of the fuel pump. Dirt in the fuel is captured by the filter which clogs Over time, causing it to operate less efficiently. The clogged filter reduces fuel pressure and volume in the fuel System. If your vehicle is losing power, it could be a sign of a clogged fuel filter. Replace the filter at the Manufacturer’s recommended interval.
Step 1 Disconnect the battery
Disconnect the battery. Now that there is no reason for the engine to be started again Until the project is complete, you should disconnect the negative terminal on the battery.Removing the cable from the negative terminal will prevent the engine from being Started while you work. You will need to use a hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut Holding the cable onto the negative terminal, but you will not need to remove the nut Completely.
Step 2 Locate the fuel filter
Locate the fuel filter. There are two common locations fuel filters are mounted in Vehicles, so you should refer to your vehicle’s service manual to help you determine Which place to look. The most common location for modern vehicles is along the fuel Line on the bottom of the car, just past the fuel pump. In some vehicles, the fuel filter is Located in the engine bay on the line that leads to the fuel rail.
Some vehicles may place the fuel filter in a different location, so refer to your service Manual to find out for sure.
You may need to access the fuel filter from inside the cabin of some vehicles.
Step 3 Jack up the car if necessary
Jack up the car if necessary. If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle,you will need to jack up the car to access it. Slide the jack under the car at one of its designated jack points, then either pump or twist the handle to raise the vehicle(depending on the style of jack).
Once the vehicle is jacked up, place jack stands beneath it before working under the vehicle.
Never rely on a jack to support the weight of a vehicle you are beneath while working.
Step 4 Place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter
Place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter. Although you relieved the pressure in the fuel line, there may be a bit of fuel left in the line that can spill out when disconnected from the fuel filter. Place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter to catch any fuel that drips or pours out.
Do not mix the fuel with oil or coolant to be recycled. Gasoline should be held in its own container until it can be dropped off to a recycling location.
Be careful of using plastic containers to hold gas, as it may eat through some kinds of plastic and cause a leak.
Step 5 Remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place
Remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place. Most fuel filters are held in place by two plastic clips. Locate the clips on either side of the cylindrical fuel filter, then use a flat head screwdriver to pop them out of the holes they are in. These clips may break as you remove them, so purchasing replacement clips along with your fuel filter is advised.
The clips that hold the fuel filter in place are made of thin plastic and tend to break easily. If you are able to remove them without them breaking, they may be reused.
You can purchase replacement fuel filter clips at your local auto parts store.
Step 6 Remove the fuel lines from the filter
Remove the fuel lines from the filter. With the clips removed, slide the fuel lines away from the filter to pop them off of the nozzles on either end. Make sure to tip the fuel lines toward the bowl or bucket in place as you remove them to catch any spilled gasoline.
You should wear eye protection and gloves during this portion of the project to protect you from fuel splatter.
Do your best to avoid allowing any gas to pour out onto the ground.
Step 7 Slide the fuel filter out of its bracket
Slide the fuel filter out of its bracket. The fuel filter is likely held in place by a metal bracket that wraps around its outer housing. With the fuel lines disconnected, you can slide the fuel filter out of the bracket by pushing it toward the front of the car. The fuel filter will have a slight bell shape, allowing it to slide out in only one direction.
If your filter sits in the bracket differently, you may need to slide it toward the back of the car to remove it.
Some fuel filters under the hood may he held in the bracket with a bolt that will need to be removed to slide the filter out.
Step 8 Compare the new filter to the old one
Compare the new filter to the old one. Before installing the new fuel filter, compare it to the one you just removed. Make sure they appear to be the same outside diameter,that the nozzles are the same size, and that it will fit into the bracket.
If the fuel filters do not match, you will need to return the new one for the correct replacement filter.
Do not attempt to use a fuel filter for a different application in your vehicle, as it may not be capable of allowing the appropriate volume of fuel to pass through it.
Step 9 Slide the new fuel filter into the bracket
Slide the new fuel filter into the bracket. The new fuel filter should easily slide into its bracket. If you have to force it, it is likely not the correct diameter. The fuel filter should stop when it is seated properly, as it should only be able to slide all the way out in one direction.
Be careful not to damage the housing of the fuel filter, as that may cause a leak.
If you find yourself pushing hard on the filter to make it fit, it is likely not the correct one.
Step 10 Fasten the fuel filter to the fuel line
Fasten the fuel filter to the fuel line. Slide the fuel lines onto the front and back of the filter the same way they were attached to the old one. With the fuel line in place on the filter, slide the plastic clips through the holes on the fuel line nozzle to secure the line in place on the fuel filter.
If the plastic clip breaks as you slide it in, do not attempt to drive the vehicle until you replace the broken clip.
Make sure the fuel lines are snug on the nozzles of the fuel filter before sliding the clips into place.
Step 11 Lower the vehicle off of the jack stands
Lower the vehicle off of the jack stands. Jack up the car to relieve the weight on the jack stands, then slide them out from beneath the vehicle. Once the jack stands are clear,lower the vehicle to the ground by either releasing the pressure in the jack or turning the jack handle counter-clockwise, depending on your style of jack.
Be sure the jack stands are completely out of the way, otherwise they may damage the vehicle if lowered onto them.
Once the vehicle is safely on the ground, reconnect the battery to complete the project.
Changing Headlight Bulb
Step by step full guide
Change a Headlight is not a difficult task, but it is one that must be done properly. Learn how to change a headlight by following these steps. A correctly performed change a Headlight extends your vehicle's life while keeping you and the environment safe.
Step 1 Locate the Bulb Holder
In many instances, you won't need any tools to replace your vehicle's headlight bulb;in others, ​you may need a pair of pliers or a screwdriver. Check your owner's manual first. Make sure your vehicle is turned off and parked in a location where you can work safely. Open the hood of the car, locate the back of the headlight, and find the bulb holder. It will have three wires coming out of a plug that is shaped like a trapezoid.
Step 2 Remove the Wiring Harness
Three wires are attached to a plug located the base of the headlight itself. This plug is held in place by a plastic catch, a metal clip, or, in some cases, a screw cap. For a plastic catch, you'll see a little lever sticking up at the top of the plug. Press down with your thumb while pulling firmly but gently. It should slide off. For a metal clip, pull up and away and the plug will come off in your hand. For a screw cap, simply unscrew the plug by turning it counter-clockwise (the old righty-tighty/lefty-loosey guide might not apply here since you are doing a reach-around).
Step 3 Remove the Wiring Harness
With the wiring out of the way, you should be able to pull the bulb out by holding on to the base (the part that the plug was in). In some cases, you may have to rotate the bulb slightly for it to release or gently wiggle it to loosen it.
Step 4 Put the New Bulb in Place
Before you take the new bulb out of the packaging, grab a tissue or a clean rag. If you must touch the glass of the bulb, do so using the tissue or rag. If the oils on your skin get on the glass bulb, it can burn out as soon as you turn on your headlight. Holding the bulb's plug end, stick it into the back of the headlight. Be sure to visually confirm that it's all the way in. You can tell because it will be lined up evenly and none of the bulb's rubber gasket will be showing.
Step 5Check Your Lights
Plug the wiring back in and re-secure the headlight. Testing your new headlight bulb is as simple as turning on your car's headlights. If one or both of the bulbs don't turn on, check the wiring to make sure you've securely connected them.