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Auto Parts USA
Your Car and Truck Parts Headquarters

 

 

 

  

 

 

Belt and Hose Replacement

Like most rubber parts on your car, belts and hoses are subject to the vagaries of high engine temperatures, oil and ozone - all of which deteriorate the rubber prematurely. So start by treating the hoses periodically with a rubber protectant or spray silicone. But not, obviously, the belts - the slippery treatment will prevent them from gripping the pulleys.

Even with good maintenance, the rubber will weather-check and begin to fail. Aside from the obvious inconvenience of an outright failure some rush-hour afternoon, a glazed or slipping belt can produce excessively high engine temperatures. This is also true of an oil-soaked lower radiator hose that's softened to the point of collapse under the suction of the water pump at high engine speeds.

So, periodically inspect all the belts and hoses, and replace them before they damage a perfectly good engine.

 

 

Change Oil and Filter

Changing your oil and filter is one of the simplest car-care operations you can perform. Not only can you save money but changing oil regularly can be one of the most beneficial services you car can receive.

Most vehicle manufacturers recommend oil replacement usually every 3,000 to 10,000 miles or more frequently if it's stop and go driving. To be sure, consult your car's recommendation. There are also some extended life motor oils available that will go well beyond normal motor oil life. Even so, be sure to consult your car warranty requirements for compliance.

Raise front of car and support it on jack stands unless working clearance under car is adequate. Place pan beneath drain plug. Loosen plug with wrench, then remove plug by hand.

Let old oil drain into pan. Clean drain plug and washer with rags. Some plugs are magnetized to trap metal particles.

The old filter must be loosened with a filter wrench. After loosening, it should be removed carefully by hand so that no oil is spilled. The gasket of the new filter is then lubricated with clean engine oil, and the filter is threaded on by hand. Follow the filter manufacturer's instructions for proper tightening procedures.

Replace plug and washer as soon as the oil has drained. Start plug by hand and tighten it as far as possible. When plug is seated, tighten it another half-turn with a wrench.

Find oil filler, add amount of oil given in owners manual, 1 quart less if filter is not changed. Start engine and check for leaks at drain plug. Lower car. Check oil level; adjust if necessary.

Start engine and check for oil leaks. (Note; the engine oil warning light might stay on for a few seconds.) Stop engine and check oil level.

TIPS
Don't over tighten oil filter and be sure old oil filter gasket has not stuck to engine. It is best to always change the oil filter. A used oil filter contains about a quart of dirty oil. Reusing it quickly adds its load of contaminants to the fresh oil. Check where you can deposit your old oil. Many states and local governments have strict laws on disposing of waste oil.