Ground Clearance and Handling

One of the most common suspension upgrades are left coil springs lift kits and/or coil spring spacers, typically accompanied with upgraded shock absorbers and/or upgraded shackles. Also, add in the tires and wheels that have been swapped for a much larger size, and you will find yourself riding high. But riding high can cause handling problems, so make sure you make the proper mods there, as well.

Sometimes traction control can hinder the vehicles ability to handle, and when your riding in a vehicle that has been lifted or raised the traction is diminished, especially without some type of upgraded traction control. There are many ways to upgrade a 4x4 vehicle's suspension and lift, just make sure your vehicle is fully able to take those extreme off road conditions before making the trek to the nearest mountain or mud pit.

Finding Your Oxygen Sensors

Oxygen sensors were first introduced in the mid 1970s and by the 1980s, all vehicles were equipped with at least one oxygen sensor. Today, it's not uncommon for a vehicle to have four oxygen sensors. The location of an oxygen sensor plays a huge role in its ability to correctly send signals to the computer. Usually an oxygen sensor is before the catalytic converter and the muffler, this way the oxygen sensor can get an accurate reading of how much unburned oxygen is in the exhaust gases. For some vehicles, there are oxygen sensors after the catalytic converter, although these oxygen sensors have a small role in the vehicles performance. For vehicles with multiple oxygen sensors, this increases the vehicle's chances to perform and have less harmful emissions. With modified exhaust systems, sometimes the oxygen sensor or sensors will need to be replaced with upgraded oxygen sensors.

Replacing an Alternator

The alternator is the charging system on a vehicle. Some alternators have more amps than others and some are more expensive than others, but all serve the same purpose. When replacing an alternator on any vehicle -- no matter if its a truck, car, SUV or van -- make sure you can access the bolts. Sometimes this is not as easy as it sounds, especially on front-wheel drive vehicles. It's not uncommon to find yourself removing other parts to be able to reach the bolts to remove the alternator. Another good idea is to make sure you find the belt configuration diagram, this is typically found under the hood of the vehicle or in your owner's manual. You will need this information when reinstalling the belt, whether it be a serpentine belt or just a single alternator belt. The next step is to have tools and a new alternator readily available. Pay close attention to how the alternator is connected to the engine and with a crayon or marker, mark the location of the alternator prior to removal, this will give you an idea of where to put the new alternator so the adjustments won't be a guess. There are usually two areas of concern: the adjustment area, which allows you to move or swivel the alternator into position when loosening and tightening. It also allows for the tension of the belt.

Most vehicles have tensioner pulleys and like any other alternator set, requires you make proper adjustments prior to tightening the alternator completely. The belt can be a bit difficult to remove on front-wheel drive vehicles because of the location of the belt or belts. Take your time and be patient. Look for the wires connected to the alternator, unplug them and  proceed to remove the bolts holding the alternator in place. Start with the bolt that allows for adjustment, this should keep you from getting your hands smashed by a moving alternator. Move to the second bolt and remove it. If there is a third bolt, proceed with it, even though its uncommon to find a third bolt holding an alternator in place.

Once all bolts and wires are removed, the alternator is free from the engine. Start the installation of the new alternator. Remember to start with the bolt that does not allow for adjustments. Do not tighten completely, hand tighten or tighten only so that the alternator can be moved for adjustments. Replace the belt, making sure it is going around the pulleys correctly. Once the belt is on, make the proper adjustments and tighten the alternator. Plug the wiring back into the alternator. Now you have replaced your alternator.

Catalytic Converter Failure

The catalytic converter has no mechanical working parts inside, it is designed to help the flow of harmful gases. There are many reasons a catalytic converter would fail. Sometimes the converter is dented or has a hole in it. Other times, it's a cracked converter neck. Damage like this will cause failure every time. Another reason could be poor installation, where catalytic converter gaskets have not been replaced with the new converter. Fuel and engine additives can cause converter failure, some of these additives are not oxygen-sensor safe. Using the wrong fuel specified for your vehicle will cause the same effect. If your vehicle calls for an 89 octane, then using a 93 octane is bad for your vehicles engine, exhaust system and the catalytic converter. 

Restricting the exhaust can cause converter failure. A lot of people will change the factory exhaust with a smaller or even larger exhaust system or tip. The same goes for air injection systems. Ignoring your air filter, ignition parts, such as spark plugs and spark plug wires, can have an effect on your converter. If you take care of your vehicle and stay within the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines for fuels and maintenance, you will find your vehicle performs well.

A Guide to Buying Car Covers

The best car cover manufacturers have a broad range of materials and car covers that will meet your individual needs. You need to consider several factors ahead of time because otherwise when you are ready to order, for example, covercraft car covers, you will be lost!

1. Is the car going to reside indoors or outdoors?
2. What kind of weather do you need to protect against: sun, snow, rain?
3. Do you need dent protection?
4. Is your climate extremely windy (for putting the cover on and making sure it stays in place)?
5. Do you need storage space in the car cover?
6. Does it need to resist mildew or rot?

Once you have the answer to these questions, you will be able to make an informed decision. Most companies will rate their car covers according to their strengths.

Symptoms of a Dirty Air Filter

If you aren't a car guy or gal, you may think you need to go to the shop when the car is starting to perform poorly. It may be something as simple as the air filter - so check out these symptoms of an old air filter in need of replacement.

• Has your car lost performance? A dirty air filter can rob up to 20 horsepower from your engine!
• Is your fuel efficient car suddenly costing you more at the pump? Clogged air filters can absolutely make an impact on your gas mileage, so make sure you change them regularly to make the most of your fuel efficient car.
• You car may be idling rough – coughing or spitting when you are sitting at a light. Just like clogged lungs, swap out your air filter!
• Slow off the mark? Sometimes when you hit the gas the first time, it may feel boggy or jerky – this can be caused by a dirty air filter as well – so before you troubleshoot the fuel line or anything else, hit your local auto parts store and get the right model.

Exhaust Systems: Not Just a New Muffler

Don't think you can just throw a big muffler on your car and start blowing the doors off other cars. To get the most out of your engine, look at the exhaust as a system, from exhaust port to tailpipe.

Keep in mind; some exhaust modifications are illegal on newer cars, so let's just say you have a 69 Charger. Replace your factory cast iron exhaust manifolds with a good pair of higher flowing headers. The exhaust pipes going back to the mufflers should be as straight as possible, to aid airflow. If you're running more than 500 horsepower, don't go with anything smaller than 3 inch pipe. Finish it off with muffler of choice, and nice chrome tips. THAT'S an exhaust system.

Change Your Air Filter!

A car's engine is basically a great big gas powered air pump.

Consider a basic four stroke engine, gas fired engine:
• Air comes in through the air intake, and travels through the air cleaner.
• Gas is added to the air and that mixture is compressed inside the cylinder; when the atomized mixture is at its densest, the spark plug is fired.
• This ignites the mixture, and forces the piston down into the cylinder.

When all the pistons fire as they should, the driveshaft turns, and your car goes vroom. This complicated process requires precise ratios of air to fuel to be at top efficiency, so a clean air filter is essential. Dirty air filters can choke an engine, decreasing gas mileage, and cause fuel deposits to form from a * too rich * fuel mixture.

Air Filter Tip: Check your air filter every 12000 miles to ensure it is at its peak performance, and replace it when it becomes dirty. Your car and your wallet will thank you.

Choose A Good Used Part For Your Vehicle

Quality is essential when buying used parts for your vehicle. Although there are many ways to find used parts, it's not always easy to find good used auto parts. Here are some simple and easy guidelines to follow when buying used auto parts:

• Make sure the part is in working order with little or no flaws.
• If you buy parts online, make sure to check picture and spec information available. It should give details about the used part, including the age and model of the part.
  
• Try to get the original reciept and warranty.
  
• Shopping around is the best way to find your used auto part.
  

If you find a good deal, check it out first and then make your decision. After all, it's your money, your time, and your vehicle.

Shocks and Struts - What's the Difference?

Both shocks and struts are designed to damp the harmonic oscillation of the car's springs after hitting a bump, or taking a curve. The most common shock absorbers have a “twin tube” design that makes up a hydraulic pump that sits between the car frame and the wheels. They work in a compression cycle and an extension cycle – the compression cycle compresses the hydraulic fluid downward (as the piston moves down) while the extension cycle occurs when the piston moves up, compressing the hydraulic fluid in the opposite direction. Most modern shock absorbers are speed sensitive so the faster the car moves, the more resistance the shock absorber gives.

Changing Your Oil Filter

When removing an oil filter, always make sure the engine and the filter has cooled.

After the engine is cooled and if the oil filter can easily be accessed (sometimes you may have to loosen or remove parts to get to the oil filter), with a oil filter wrench, loosen the filter. If it feels like it's not moving and you can reach the filter with both hands, use both hands. Once the filter is removed, take a look at it to see if there is excessive or unusual wear or metal shavings around the opening. If there are metal shavings or a question about what you see, consult your local mechanic for advice. If you have already drained all the oil from the vehicle and are ready to replace the oil filter, fill the oil filter about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way full with motor oil. Install the oil filter, hand-tighten only, but firmly and do not use your oil filter wrench to tighten the oil filter.  Make sure you remember to install your oil drain plug and refill your crank case with motor oil.