SOL's Automotive Corner

ladyscorpio

Lively up yourself
BGOL Investor
Are any of you ladies here self sufficient enough to be able to do a tire change, an oil change, basic maintenance to your vehicles?


Here are some tips. :D

[flash]http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/FN5QQJlT8uw[/flash]

Put the car in park on level ground and apply the parking brake. Place manual transmission cars in gear. Make sure you have pulled off the road. Turn the engine off and turn on the hazard lights. You may want to open the hood to indicate to other drivers that you are stopped for repairs.

Step 2:
Place a wheel chock or a large rock behind (if facing uphill) or in front (if facing downhill) the diagonally opposing wheel to prevent the car from rolling. Do this even on a slight incline. Get out the spare, a lug nut wrench (tire iron) and the car jack.

Step 3:
Remove the hubcap, if necessary.

Step 4:
Loosen the lug nuts, which hold the wheel in place, before jacking up the car: Place one end of the lug nut wrench over a lug nut. Use a hollow pipe (about 2 feet in length) for leverage by slipping it over the end of the lug nut wrench. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the lug nut. Loosen the lug nuts in a star pattern, first loosen one a few turns, then loosen the one opposite. Work across the tire until all the lug nuts are loose and unscrewed slightly.

Step 5:
Carefully jack up the car (see 'Jack Up a Car Safely'). Check your owner's manual for the correct and safe place to put the jack. Jack the car up a little higher than is necessary to remove the old tire so there is room to put the new, full tire on.

Step 6:
Remove the lug nuts all the way and set them aside in a place where you won't lose them and they won't roll away. The flat tire should be hanging from the threaded studs now.

Step 7:
Remove the flat tire and set it aside.

Step 8:
Lift the new tire onto the wheel studs. If you're confused about which is the right way to put the new tire on, check for the valve where you add air, it always faces out.

Step 9:
Replace the lug nuts. Tighten them the same way you loosened them: Give each nut a few turns, first one, then the one opposite, working around the wheel in a star pattern. Try not to tighten adjacent nuts consecutively.

Step 10:
Slowly lower the jack and remove it.

Step 11:
Tighten the lug nuts again as much as you can.

Step 12:
Put the hubcap back on.

And don't forget the flat. Put it in the trunk and take for repair or replacement as soon as possible.


Warnings/Tips
# The best thing to have with your tire changing equipment is a strong, hollow pipe, about 2 feet long, to use for leverage.

# If a lug nut sticks, squirt penetrating oil around its base and wait a moment, then try again. Repeat as needed.

# Mind your hands when you remove a flat tire. Strands of steel may be sticking out of the back of the rubber (on a bald tire) and can cut you.

# Check out all your tire changing equipment at home before you need it on the road!

# Most people's spare tires are flat. Check the tire pressure once a month. Temporary spares (the small ones that have a "T" on them, require 60 PSI, regular sized spares need 32 PSI). A flat spare is useless.

# Cars can slip off jacks. Be extremely careful. Never get under a car with only a tire changing jack holding it up.

# To avoid bruised knuckles, pull rather than push when removing lug nuts.

# To avoid a strained back, use your knees when pulling on the wrench and pipe rather than your back.
 
How to change your Air Filter.


[flash]http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/OuAH8lpgDrk[/flash]

A clogged air filter affects your car's performance on a number of levels. It robs your car of power, something you need every ounce of when you're navigating a freeway on-ramp. Perhaps more important is the effect a clogged air filter has on your gas mileage. It takes 10 minutes and usually costs less than $20. These easy steps will get you there and back in no time flat.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 minutes
Here's How:

1. Locate and Open the Filter Housing

With your hood open and safely propped, locate the air filter housing. On any car made in the last 20 years or so, it'll be in a black plastic case with metal clips on the sides. You'll also see a black tube going into the plastic case on most cars. Flip the little metal clips downward. If they are tight, slide a flat-head screwdriver in between the clip and the case from the top, and pop it off. Some housings will also have a nut holding them from the top.

2. Squirrel Your Nuts

If you removed nuts from the top of your filter housing, be sure to put them in a safe secure location. You don't want to lose these! In the vehicle used in our example, the top of the filter housing comes off, so we put them in the housing top where they couldn't roll away. You can even stick them in your pocket. Whatever you do, put them someplace safe.

3. Remove the Old Filter

Your filter (round or rectangular) will be made of lots of folded paper surrounded by rubber. Before you remove the dirty filter, take a moment to note how it sits in the housing so you can be sure to put the new one in correctly. Carefully pull it out, being sure that nothing falls into the bottom of the box. I've seen sticks, trash and some really big bugs caught in the filter. If it looks anything like the filter in the above photo, you know you're doing the right thing.

4.Put the New Filter in Place

Put the new, clean filter in place, being sure to put it in the same configuration as the one you removed (as in which side is up, etc.). Don't worry about making a mistake here, if you have the filter in upside down you won't be able to get the top closed. Also be sure to press the rubber gasket of the filter all the way into its groove in the housing. If you find the cover hard to get back on, re-check this as it's often the culprit.

5. Empowerment!

That's it! You just saved money on gas, and saved a nice bit of cash by installing the filter yourself. That's 10 minutes well spent, and look at the difference you made under the hood. And it's all because you did it yourself!

What You Need:

* Flat-head screwdriver (maybe)
 
:lol:

Good thread.

I think tune knows some things about cars.

I'am ok with them.

I'am mostly interested in body work.

I've been wanting to learn how to weld.

I'am gonna be restoring a some american muscle. :yes:

This thread should help everybody out.

Save you a couple dollars.
 
Nice thread Ladyscorpio and since were talking about automotive matters, how about some common sense items that should be in every car in addition to your cell phone, the latest CD, and lipstick.

A can of instant tire inflate (use only when a tire has slowly lost pressure its not for a blowout)

A working flashlight

Flares

Jumper cables

A blanket depending on the region you live in but especially for you ladies living in the north.

A jack

A spare tire (PROPERLY INFLATED)

A First aid kit

Keep drinking water and a empty container in the car. Empty containers come in handy.

(You could also purchase an emergency road kit.)

Before a trip check all your fluids, that means brake fluid, antifreeze and steering fluids, and of course tire pressure.

One other thing with today's cars its unlikely a repare can be made on the street or road. So your best bet is to call AAA or whatever road service your signed up with. In the case where your car does stop running, your cell phone is your best friend. Call for help be it the police, family or a friend don't sit waiting for someone to drive by to assist you. Today that's just too dangerous.
 
Excellent thread, I believe Femme knows a bit about cars! :D Ole grease monkey she! :D

Give me pussy on a regular basis ladies, and I'll rebuild your damn car! :D


I've said it on this board before.

You want grown women interested in you . . .

717e55.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/717e55.jpg

:hmm:

REAL SIMPLE FELLAS. REAL SIMPLE.


Women in relationships come over to see me, " To get their OIL changed ".

The women I mess with are into preventative maintenance, their cars are in the shop on schedule. I know good damn well they know how to check their oil. They just wanna come by.

:hmm:

Don't be the ninja without the tools. She will find the one with the tool.

:hmm:

No puns intended.
 
Excellent thread, I believe Femme knows a bit about cars! :D Ole grease monkey she! :D




I've said it on this board before.

You want grown women interested in you . . .

717e55.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/717e55.jpg

:hmm:

REAL SIMPLE FELLAS. REAL SIMPLE.


Women in relationships come over to see me, " To get their OIL changed ".

The women I mess with are into preventative maintenance, their cars are in the shop on schedule. I know good damn well they know how to check their oil. They just wanna come by.

:hmm:

Don't be the ninja without the tools. She will find the one with the tool.

:hmm:

No puns intended.

That's a cute little set of tools. Perfect for most women or someone looking to make repairs on Fisher-Price vehicles. :yes:
 
Oil Changes

[flash]http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/EA989OnnXp4[/flash]
Never change your oil while the engine is hot! Let it cool for a few hours, oil can burn you badly.

Be sure you have a safe area to do your oil change. Level, solid ground is a must so that you can safely jack up your car. I also like to put something on the driveway or garage floor underneath the engine in case you spill. Cardboard or a piece of plywood are great for this.
Before you even start to do your oil change, be sure you have everything you need to get the job done.

What You'll Need

* Ratchet or open end wrench
* Oil filter wrench
* Oil catch/recycle container
* Funnel
* New oil filter
* New Oil
* Clean rag

Step 1:
Gather necessary tools and materials (refer to Necessary Items list). If you plan to change your oil regularly, consider investing in jack stands, a socket set and an oil drain pan.

Step 2:
Run the car's engine for 10 minutes before you drain the oil. Warm oil drains faster than cold oil.

Step 3:
Park the car on a level surface, engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. If your car has a low clearance, raise it by driving it onto a ramp or by jacking it up and supporting it securely.

Step 4:
Open the hood and place the new oil and funnel on top of the engine to ensure that you won't forget to add oil afterwards (an expensive mistake that many do-it-yourselfers make!).
Draining the Oil and Changing the Oil Filter

Step 1:
Crawl under the car once it is securely supported.

Step 2:
Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of the engine, usually near the front center of the car. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location.

Step 3:
Place the oil drain pan under the plug and loosen the plug with a socket wrench. Remember: turn counterclockwise to remove bolts.

Step 4:
Remove the plug by hand. Be prepared for the rush of hot oil!

Step 5:
Let the oil drain into the pan. Hold onto the plug.

Step 6:
Reposition the pan, if necessary, to catch all the dripping oil.

Step 7:
Wipe off the drain plug and the plug opening when the oil finishes draining.

Step 8:
Replace the drain plug gasket.

Step 9:
Reinstall the plug. Always start threading any bolts or screws by hand to prevent cross threading.

Step 10:
Tighten with a wrench or socket. Be careful not to overtighten the plug.

Step 11:
Locate the existing oil filter. Oil filters are usually on the side of the engine.

Step 12:
Position the oil pan underneath the filter to catch any remaining oil.

Step 13:
Use an adjustable oil filter wrench to unscrew the old oil filter.

Step 14:
Use a rag to wipe the area where the filter mounts to the engine. Make sure the rubber seal of the old filter is not stuck to the engine.

Step 15:
Use some new oil to lightly coat the rubber seal of the new filter.

Step 16:
Screw the new filter into place by hand. It's usually not necessary to tighten the oil filter with the oil filter wrench, but have it at the ready if you're grip's not strong (or large) enough.
Installing New Oil and Cleaning Up

Step 1:
Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Remove it.

Step 2:
Place the funnel in the opening and pour in the new oil. Typically, you will use 4 to 5 quarts of oil. Check your manual for the correct oil capacity.

Step 3:
Replace the cap when you're finished.

Step 4:
Run the engine for a minute, then check the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.

Step 5:
Check the area around the oil drain plug and the filter for oil leaks. Tighten the plug or oil filter if you find leakage.

Step 6:
Use rags and newspapers to wipe away excess oil.

Step 7:
Pour the used oil into a plastic container after the used oil cools.

Step 8:
Dispose the used oil properly: either bring it to a recycling center or an auto repair shop that can recycle it for you. Don't pour it down the sewer!
 
not wishing bad on anyone, :rolleyes: BUT

*pulls out lounge chair

patiently waits for someone to attempt an oil change and ends up draining their transmission fluit and overfills the oil crankcase.


saw the results of a young lady and her attempt to do this a few weeks ago. wasn't pretty
 
not wishing bad on anyone, :rolleyes: BUT

*pulls out lounge chair

patiently waits for someone to attempt an oil change and ends up draining their transmission fluit and overfills the oil crankcase.


saw the results of a young lady and her attempt to do this a few weeks ago. wasn't pretty


uhmmm don't fall off that chair Don ;)I can change my oil :yes:have a lil faith dahlin
 
Like I was saying the other day, I know how to do a few basic things. But that doesn't mean you'll catch me out there :smh: That's what men are for. Sorry sis, I only mess with my car when I have to
 
Like I was saying the other day, I know how to do a few basic things. But that doesn't mean you'll catch me out there :smh: That's what men are for. Sorry sis, I only mess with my car when I have to

Not the pastel wearing cats you prefer, they don't want to get their pink clothing dirty.....:lol::lol:
 
I really hate doing car stuff...but I do know how to change a tire...that's about it. Oil changes, etc. I go to a trusted auto shop.

Also, every woman needs a tool kit. I have a cute pink one...

51w-ldPf70L._SS500_.jpg
 
good info

i dont even know how to put washer fluid in my car...let alone find the spare

thats why i have AAA:smh:
 
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