How to Change Spark Plugs

How to Change Spark Plugs

By Ron Haugen

You will find that spark plugs are very important when it comes to keeping your car running. They need to be not only changed periodically but taken care of and kept clean. Make sure that you know when they need to be replaced and what you need to do in order to replace them so that you can keep your car running as smoothly as possible for as long as possible. Changing your spark plugs is something that is very easy to do and can end up being extremely beneficial to the running of your vehicle.

Spark Plug Location

The first thing that you are going to need to do is know where exactly the spark plugs are. You will need to open up the hood of your vehicle and then pull on the release catch that will be on the inside of your vehicle. This will allow you to open it. Once you have successfully opened the hood of your vehicle, you are ready to find the spark plugs. If you have an engine that is a 4 cylinder, then they will be on top of your engine block where the cylinders will be upright along a line. If working on a V engine, then they are going to be in 2 different rows sitting at an angle. HT leads will cover the spark plugs so that they cannot be easily seen. Your manufacturer's handbook will be able to provide you with the exact location if you can't easily locate them.

HT Leads

It is important that you understand what order that your HT leads are in. they are made so that they can fire on your cylinders in a very specific order so that your vehicle can run properly. Whenever you are getting your leads replaced, you will need to make sure that they go along with the right spark plug. You will need to make sure that you always start with the lead that is on the right side first. Once the HT lead has been pulled off, then remove your spark plug where it will be exposed. A socket as well as a wrench will be necessary for removal.

Inspection

Once you have removed the spark plug, inspect it thoroughly. Clean the dirt off of it and make sure that the gap that is at the base of it is the right size. The size that the gap should be will have a lot to do with the make and the model of your vehicle. Make sure that you know the right size of it before determining if it needs to be replaced. A gapping tool or a feeler gage will be able to set the necessary gap for you.

Thread

Whenever you are screwing the spark plug back into place, make sure that it is threaded properly. This is something that can be very difficult and expensive to have to repair if it is not threaded the way that it should be. Over tightening can also be something that can damage your thread.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen


http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Change-Spark-Plugs&id=5385717

Heated Seats, Air Conditioned Seats, and More

Heated Seats, Air Conditioned Seats, and More

By Ron Haugen

The seats in our vehicles used to be incredibly simple and incredibly easy to use. They simply moved forward and backward, allowing you to adjust to fit in the vehicle comfortable. Today's world has completely changed the way we view how we sit in a vehicle. Changes in technology have allowed for
incredible advancements that make our ride more enjoyable, more comfortable, and easier to manage.

While there are various changes that have been made to our seats, there are a few that stand out among the rest. These are some of the major changes that have come to the world of sitting in a vehicle.

Heated Seats

Heated seats are one of the best inventions, in terms of luxury, for recent vehicles. This invention is especially important for those who have leather seats in their vehicles. The heated seats work quickly, helping to heat up the entire seat, for both the back and the rear. It is something that can be controlled by individual seat, with some allowing for completely temperature control.

Air Conditioned Seats

Air conditioned seats follow the exact same principle as the heated seats. The air conditioned seats help to cool the entire chair down, and is especially important for those who have leather seats. There are simply small perforations in the seat that allow for air to go through the seat. There is cool air that is pushed through these perforations, creating air conditioned seats. These seats are also controlled individually, with some offering climate control.

Seat Settings

There are some vehicles that allow you to save settings for your seat. This means that when you get in your vehicle, you can simply sit in the seat and press a button. Your seat will automatically remember your preferences in terms of height, forward/backward motion, and lean. It will move the seat accordingly, giving you the exact seating position that you need.

This is perfect for family vehicles that are driven by multiple people. Each family member can create their own setting on the seat. They can then simply push their setting when they get in the vehicle. This eliminates the headache that many get when they get in the vehicle, only to find that someone has moved the seat. You can simply push a button and have your seat returned to your preferred setting.

Most of the things that are available for these seats are considered luxury items. We do not need to have heated seats and we do not need to have air conditioned seats. We simply want them because they make our ride more comfortable and more luxurious. While these options will eventually be standard on many vehicles, they continue to be luxury items for those willing to spend a little more. All of this seat technology helps to make your driving experience the best that it can be.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen


http://EzineArticles.com/?Heated-Seats,-Air-Conditioned-Seats,-and-More&id=5353313

How to Get to Work When You Car Is Getting Worked On

In today's world...everyone is too busy to even think about getting their car worked on, but at Westside Auto Pros, you have nothing to worry about. With their AAA approved service, you will always be taken care of. Whether from a speedy fixing of your car to the courtesy shuttle that will take you anywhere you need to go. At Westside Auto Pros...you have nothing to worry about.

We are looking forward to servicing all of your automotive needs.

Everything You Need to Know Four Wheel Drive

Everything You Need to Know Four Wheel Drive

By Ron Haugen

Four Wheel Drive is something that many look for when they are looking to purchase a new vehicle. The power and control offered by these drives lead many to believe that the cars are safer on the roads in a bevy of conditions.

It is important for all to understand exactly what it can do in these conditions, and to understand both the positives and negatives of this form of vehicle. The more that you understand, the better you will be able to understand whether or not this is the right type of vehicle for you.

The system that you hear about with most vehicles is not a full four-wheel drive vehicle. The system is only a part-time four wheel drive system, giving you the benefits of four wheel drive when you need the benefits of control of all four wheels.

One of the major benefits that you will get from four wheel drive is traction. This means that the vehicle is going to be able to grip the road better than it would if it was only two wheel drive. All four of the tires are working individually, directing the vehicle. If the two front tires or two rear tires stop working, the other tires will be able to continue to grip on the road.

This makes it incredibly useful for those who will be driving in less-than-stellar road conditions. Snow, ice, sand, and gravel are just some of the conditions that can be somewhat tamed by a vehicle with this type of drive system.

With that being said, four-wheel drive is not just for larger vehicles or vehicles that are made for less-than-perfect road conditions. Some sports cars rely on this type of driving for performance. These vehicles can get more grip and traction on the road when they have four-wheel drive, allowing them to be more stable through turns at higher speeds. This helps to improve the acceleration abilities and steering of sports cars.

It is important to note that these vehicles are not perfect. They can still slip and slide in bad road conditions. You must be careful when driving in poor conditions no matter the vehicle type. They also require more power to operate. This can drastically reduce the miles per gallon that your car receives, costing you more in gas money.

While this is perfect for some situations, it is wrong for other situations. You need to fully understand the capabilities and limitations of this type of drive before you actually make a purchase. You simply need to work to understand how you would benefit from this form of driving. If you believe that the benefits far outweigh any of the potential negatives, this type of vehicle is the right vehicle for you.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen


http://EzineArticles.com/?Everything-You-Need-to-Know-Four-Wheel-Drive&id=5325610

Windshield Repair - Which Method Is Best?

Windshield Repair - Which Method Is Best?

By Ron Haugen

If you need to replace or repair a windshield, you will have several options. Some may be better than others, and it can be overwhelming deciding what to do. Leaving a cracked or chipped windshield untouched will end up causing more damage to the glass in the long run. It's best to have this fixed sooner rather than later. Here are some options to consider.

Complete Replacement

If you have insurance that will cover windshield repair with a low deductible, this may be a good option. Many companies that specialize in windshield repair will pay the deductible for you provided it's under $100. If you call ahead to make an appointment most of these companies can replace the windshield in less than an hour. If you don't make an appointment, you may have to wait a few hours if there are many customers in front of you.

Even without full coverage insurance, these companies are typically fairly inexpensive to work with. Just be sure they offer warranties, and check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints before you spend your hard earned money.

Chip Damage Repair

If you just have a small chip or small crack to deal with, you may not have to replace the entire windshield. A special epoxy resin can be used to fill in the crack or chip and strengthen the area around the chip. Once the resin dries the chip isn't noticeable anymore, although you may see a slight difference in the glass around the repair. This difference isn't typically enough to make a dangerous situation while driving. This type of repair is usually under $100. You may have to pay a little more if you choose a mobile repair option and the company comes to your location. Even so, it's cheaper than replacing the entire windshield.

Do It Yourself Kits

Those who want to save time and money may choose to repair small blemishes on their own using a repair kit. These can be purchased at any auto parts store or ordered online. In the kit you will find the epoxy resin and the tools to apply this. Care needs to be taken when using these, and the outdoor conditions must be warm and dry. After the repair is done the windshield will need to be able to cure in the sunlight for a few hours before maximum strength is achieved.

Advantages of Repair

Repairing a windshield has several benefits opposed to complete replacement. Repair is always going to be less expensive. Repairing a chip or crack also doesn't damage the watertight seal created in the factory windshield, replacing the windshield will require this seal to be broken. Secondary windshields tend to leak over time. Repairing a windshield is also much better for the environment since your windshield won't end up in a landfill somewhere.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen


http://EzineArticles.com/?Windshield-Repair---Which-Method-Is-Best?&id=5287696