Maintenance

Learning how to start a snowblower after it’s been sitting unused through warm weather is easy. But like anything with a motor, your snowblower needs maintenance to stay in running condition, especially if it’s been sitting for a while. Here’s what you need to know about starting a snowblower that’s…

Driving with a cracked windshield can be unavoidable. Maybe a rock flew off a construction vehicle driving in front of you or a pebble was kicked up from the road. Either way, the damage is done, and now you have to deal with the repair. In the meantime, here’s what…

A diesel fuel filter ensures that fuel is clean before it reaches the injectors that feed the engine. If a filter is dirty or clogged, you may find it difficult to start your vehicle, or you may notice it idling roughly, perhaps sounding ready to stall. Most diesel engines have…

Your DIY skills are evolving, and now you’re ready to work on your own brakes — pads, discs and everything else. One tool you’ll need to get started is a brake bleeder kit. Why You Need to Bleed Your Brakes It’s important to get any air bubbles out of your…

How long does an oil change take? Is it something you can knock out on your lunch break, or do you need to set aside a whole day to get the job done? The answer depends on a few factors, including your vehicle, your skills (if you’re doing it yourself),…

Autumn weather means it’s time to check that your tires are properly inflated. If you think back to your high school science classes, you may remember that most objects expand when heated and contract when cooled. That’s exactly what happens with your tires and the air inside them, so even…

Typically, lube, oil and filter servicing includes an inspection of the constant-velocity (CV) joint boots. The CV boots keep grease in and contaminants out of the CV joint, whose job is to protect your axle and align your wheels. CV joint lifespan is drastically reduced if the CV boot breaks,…

As critical components go, your braking system is top of the list. However fast you’re going, you need to be able to stop on demand. Vehicle braking systems are hydraulic, which means they work by pushing pressurized fluid. If there’s an air bubble in the system, there will be less…

Even if you’re careful, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually need to know how to remove rust from tools. Rust can form as a result of particularly humid weather or a slightly damp garage or a tool not being used in a long while. Here’s how to remove rust from…

When your car alerts you that it’s time for an oil change, how quickly do you do it? If your answer is that you thought the warning light was just a permanent fixture on your dash, maybe it’s time to do some serious soul-searching. It’s easy enough to put off…