Basic Safety Guidelines
Before you even pick up your screwdriver,you should have a safe work environment. Safety is synonymous with planning,meaning that if you plan your work area and task ahead,your safety will be insured. The basics are simple. Attempting to work on your own car without at least a basic level of safety is irresponsible Launch X431 Diagun. But like so many small tasks that produce big results,just a small amount of safety-conscious planning can mean you’ll never be running inside for the ice pack unless you’re trying to keep your lemonade cool.
Keep your work area clean.
Clutter and mess are the first enemies of safety. If cleanliness is next to Godliness,then a messy work area is next to a picture of you landing on your buns,hard.
Always have emergency safety devices close at hand.
Remember high school chemistry class? There was a little corner of the classroom that had a collection of”just in case”items that you hopefully never needed. But that fated day when Jeffrey’s ponytail got too friendly with the Bunsen burner you all knew where to run to put his head out. You should have the same special corner in your garage autel mx-sensor. Hopefully you’ll never need it.
Be familiar with your tools
Many injuries in the automotive realm happen because of the misuse of a tool. Most tools,probably 99% of them,can’t do any serious harm to your body. But most of them can do some not-so-serious harm,which can put a damper on your afternoon of seasonal maintenance. Know what your tools are made to do,what they’re capable of,and where their limitations lie. It’s a cornerstone of safety.
Know the Don’ts
Sit any mechanic down and he will run out of belly-button lint before he runs out of things to tell you not to do. The list may be long,but there are some”dont’s”that are universal and can come up on a regular basis. They seem simple,and perhaps even obvious,but”safety first”is a useful mantra,and these are the first rules of safety.
Have an escape plan
We hope you’ll never need it,but it’s very important to be prepared should something disastrous happen that needs professional attention. It takes a little planning,but without it you’ll be leaving your most critical thinking to a time when clear decision making is the most difficult. It’s hard to flip through the yellow pages when your thumbnail is hanging by a thread and keeps getting caught on the page corners.
Great! Now that you know what to do when things go wrong,you’re ready to make sure everything goes right. So get out there and experience some real Automotive Empowerment. You can do it,yourself.
Whether working on cars is a hobby or a cost-driven necessity,most DIYers and backyard mechanics are better off with inexpensive alternatives to expensive professional tools. There are some good tools that can interface with your computer,phone,or tablet. If you want to know more about some vehicle maintenance information,please click on the below information:

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5 Tips for Saving on Gas
When gas prices spike,people panic. We’ve heard that fuel for vehicles is likely to become a much pricier commodity in future years. However,there are some pretty good ways that drivers can”engineer”their commutes and other necessary trips in order to improve gas mileage and save money. Some of them are obvious,others less so. Here are some of the biggest gas savers that some drivers may not know about.
1. Cut Down on the Stop and Go. With new fuel-economy monitoring features,drivers see first-hand that all of those quick accelerations,such as battling through red and green lights or hitting on-ramps aggressively,can burn a lot of fuel. One way to manage this is to look at all of the possible routes to a destination,evaluating traffic signals,stop signs,and other factors. The shortest path isn’t always the most fuel-efficient,and by avoiding situations like block-to-block stop and go,or big traffic snarls,an individual driver can save gallons per month.
2. Roll down the window. Another relevant tip,especially in summer weather,is to also evaluate when it’s more fuel-efficient to turn on the air conditioning,and when it’s better to just roll down the windows. Detailed studies have shown that the fuel efficiency of A/C is tightly tied to vehicle speed. It’s actually more efficient to drive with the windows down when traveling at slower speeds because there is less aerodynamic drag than when driving at faster speeds Car Diagnostic Tool.
3. Inflate Tires to Proper PSI. Inflating tires to manufacturer specs can save on gas and even prevent some types of accidents. The . Department of Energy’s site indicates proper PSI can save drivers up to on gas costs autel maxitpms.
4. Maintain Computerized Exhaust Systems. Modern vehicles have advanced systems composed of catalytic converters,oxygen sensors,and other parts that closely monitor a vehicle’s fuel mix in fuel injection systems. It’s important to make sure that these systems are in good working order. An exhaust system in sub-par condition can cause wasted gas; a faulty oxygen sensor can reduce MPG by up to 40%. Many of these problems will flag the vehicle’s check engine light,and some states already require annual emissions inspections that will catch glitches. When you ensure your fuel system is working well you can also reap the benefits of better gas mileage.
5. Shop Loyal. In the past,some drivers spent time and money looking around for the cheapest gas stations. Now,many of them no longer have to. Customer loyalty programs at supermarkets and big box chains can save money at the pump,just by leveraging their routine grocery purchases.
All of these overall fuel efficiency strategies can help combat the costs for a driver or family,to save on one of the average household’s biggest routine expenses.

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What to Do If I Overfilled a Car with Oil
Even if you have changed the engine oil in your car multiple times, there is always the chance that you will accidentally overfill it. Overfilling the engine oil in your car can cause serious damage to your internal engine parts and eventually lock up your engine. To remedy engine oil overfill in your car, you must first verify that the engine oil is actually overfilled and then drain the excess engine oil from your vehicle’s oil pan. Have a question? Get an answer from a mechanic now!
Dangers of Overfilling
While it may not seem like a big deal to overfill the oil in your car, it can cause major malfunctions and potentially cost you thousands of dollars.
When too much engine oil fills the crankshaft in your car, the oil becomes aerated and is whipped into foam. This is caused by the high rotation of the crankshaft. Foamy oil cannot lubricate your car well, and in many cases it will cause oil flow to halt completely, overheating your oil and causing loss of oil pressure. The engine then becomes starved for lubrication and may potentially lock up.
How to Check the Car Oil
If you have recently changed your engine oil and you see thick, white smoke fumes coming out of your car’s exhaust while driving, then you may have overfilled your car with oil.
To verify if your engine oil is overfilled, drive your car around for five or 10 minutes so that the engine becomes warm. This will ensure you get an accurate reading on the engine oil dipstick. With your car parked on a flat surface, open the hood and find the engine oil dipstick. Use your car maintenance manual if you have problems locating the engine oil dipstick.
Pull the dipstick out and wipe off the excess oil with a rag. Reinsert the dipstick and wait a few seconds before pulling it out again. Investigate the fill line. If the oil reaches a point above the fill line launch x431 v plus, then you have overfilled the engine oil in your car.
How to Drain Excess Oil
If you have too much engine oil in your car, you must drain it from beneath the car. With a 3/8-inch drive socket wrench and plastic oil pan in hand, crawl beneath your car and locate the oil plug. This will be a relatively large bolt at the bottom of the car’s oil pan. Reference your car’s maintenance manual if you have problems locating the plug.
Place the plastic oil pan beneath the oil plug. With the socket wrench, loosen the oil plug until oil begins to trickle out Launch X431 Diagun. Continue to loosen the oil plug as much as you think necessary to drain excess oil. However, be careful not to loosen the oil plug too much, as it will result in a flood of oil.
Continue to check the oil dipstick until the oil level is even with the full mark.

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Vehicle Maintenance
It’s hard to understand how much maintenance and upkeep a vehicle takes until you own one. First-time car owners are not always prepared for the many routine problems that they may need to fix, or know what to look for when a problem arises. Want to be a car owner that knows how to keep their vehicles in good operating condition? You should be able to:
1. Check your Oil. Sure, you can always go to the shop – but knowing where the oil goes into the engine, how it drains, and how to check oil levels can help to prevent problems if you get sub-par oil service, or if the vehicle starts to burn or leak oil as it ages. Start by checking the owner’s manual to confirm the type and amount of oil that’s required, and how often the manufacturer recommends changing the oil for your model of car. Be sure to check your oil after the car is cooled down and use a rag to wipe the dipstick clean so that you will have a clear, accurate reading. The dipstick should have markings on it indicating a range for acceptable oil level.
2. Change a Flat Tire. The generic guide to changing tires involves simply taking off the lug nuts, jacking up the car and swapping out the hub – but what many owners find is that, for practical use, the standard jack and tools that came with the vehicle may not make this job easy. That’s why it’s a good idea to get actual, first-hand experience before having to fix a flat by the side of the road – familiarize yourself with the tools and process before you find yourself in the real situation.
3. Replace Windshield Wipers. Changing a wiper blade can be fairly simple, but drivers need to know which specific parts fit their model, and how to correctly attach the wiper blade to its housing. Different models of cars and blades require different types of mountings, so follow the instructions for your particular model, and once installed remember to clean them every so often to extend their life and effectiveness.
4. Add Wiper Fluid. This is a simple task that can be completed simply by knowing where the wiper fluid reservoir is located in your car. Keep tabs on fluid levels and fill up as needed, because running out of wiper fluid on the road, particularly in winter weather conditions, can cause dangerous windshield streaking, freezing, and loss of visibility.
5. Locate the battery. Another very good preparation for new car owners involves looking under the hood at where the vehicle battery is placed. Some batteries are easily accessible, while others are blocked by hoses or other interior parts. There may also be bolts holding a battery in place. Vehicle owners should also know the correct procedure for using jumper cables, if you don’t feel comfortable with the process; call a professional – as jump starting a car incorrectly can be dangerous for both you and your car. Each car is different, so check your owner’s manual for their recommendations and special instructions.
6. Check your Tire Pressure. Ensuring correct tire pressure can help to avoid serious accidents, while also saving fuel. That’s why newer models have tire pressure monitors on the dashboard. Look in the owners’ manual or on the inside of the driver’s side door for the standard tire inflation pressure recommended for your vehicle type. Using an air pressure gauge press the device evenly onto the valve stem for an accurate reading.
Locate and Assess Belts. Serpentine belts, AC belts and other drive belts are essential for 7. Keeping vehicle systems going, but they do wear out over time. Most drivers go to a shop to get belts replaced, but knowing what to look for in terms of looseness, dry rot and other wear can help turn a major roadside emergency into a simpler fix. Knowing where the belts are located and what they look like in good working condition can help you pinpoint problem areas.
8. Change a Car Light Bulb. Then there’s the array of little lights installed all over the vehicle – as the owner Car Repair Tool, you’ll probably have to start replacing these, one by one, at some point. Headlights, dome lights, brake lights and even license plate lights each have their own hidden bulbs, and finding all of the right crevices and connections can involve a little research, but are easy fixes that you can do yourself.
9. Check Coolant Levels. Along with wiper fluid, engine oil and other essential fluids, coolant is something your vehicle needs to run. Sometimes, leaks or other problems can leave a car dry, which can cause major engine issues. Know where the coolant tank is and how to safely check it for proper levels and any cracks or leakage.
10. Understand the Check Engine Light. A check engine light (CEL) often used to mean serious engine trouble, like a loss of oil. Today, many CEL lights come on because of new engine computer systems that sense a change in fuel-air mix or some other kind of operating ratio. Car owners who really understand what flags a CEL can more effectively handle a situation where this dash light suddenly blinks on during travel Launch X431 Diagun. Knowing all of the different options that can trigger this light with your particular car will help you assess the likely causes, and determine your course of action to get it fixed.
All of this research and preparation can help a vehicle owner save money and become better informed about what makes his or her prized set of wheels work properly.

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The Kaizen Philosophy in the Auto Industry
Kaizen philosophy and the auto industry intersect in Japan in the 1950s, but it’s a philosophy and management style that continues to be practiced today — most notably by Toyota.
After World War II, Taiichi Ohno was charged with setting up machine shops for Toyota. He came to the United States to study Henry Ford’s assembly lines. Ohno saw that while the Ford assembly lines worked, there was a lot of waste in the process. Some parts of the factory would have too much inventory, while others would have too little. Also, there wasn’t a clean and efficient way to check for quality and the assembly line workers weren’t asked to provide solutions to problems. Ohno wasn’t impressed.
On the other hand, Ohno was very impressed by the American supermarkets he visited. He saw how the stores only ordered what they needed and kept their inventories low to respond to consumer demand.
Using what he saw in the States, Ohno applied the principles of Kaizen to Japanese auto manufacturing and came up with several programs Porsche Piwis II, like just-in-time inventory, for example. The just-in-time system is where inventory is delivered based on what’s necessary right at that moment, not what’s available. Kaizen continues to reform the company’s practices by charging every employee — from the CEO to the janitor — with continuously improving quality. Rather than waiting for problems to occur, Toyota employees are expected to continually seek improvements in efficiency and quality. If factory workers see a potential problem, they can actually stop work to find a solution, rather than letting the problem grow as production continues. As part of Kaizen, Toyota has quality circles, which are groups of workers who know how the company works, and whose job it is to find areas for improvement, either through cutting waste, changing a process or improving a product.
And, for the most part, Kaizen seems to be working for Toyota. And while it may have lost some sales due to the economic downturn, for most consumers, the Toyota name continues to be synonymous with quality and reliability. That’s something that owners — especially those that practice Kaizen car maintenance at home — are likely to appreciate maxitpms.

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