Automotive Equipment » car parts http://www.gptoolkit.org Automotive Tools, Automotive Equipment Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:21:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Car Parts Staying Safe While Installing http://www.gptoolkit.org/car-parts-staying-safe-while-installing.html http://www.gptoolkit.org/car-parts-staying-safe-while-installing.html#comments Sun, 24 May 2009 03:34:35 +0000 Admin http://www.gptoolkit.org/?p=187 Finding and installing car parts can be different thing to different people. For some, it is an enjoyable hobby, with the garage being like no place else on earth. For others, however, hunting down those wretched parts and trying to get them into the car is a job borne out of necessity rather than a labor of love. But whatever the impetus behind your car repairs, one thing remains true for all car part enthusiasts, and that is that safety must come first.

A car can be a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands, and this is as true of a stationary vehicle as it is of a moving one. Installing car parts can be treacherous work, and you must never begin until you have taken care of all your safety requirements. We all know that driving under the influence can be life threatening, but any exposure to a powerful vehicle can be potentially dangerous if you do not have your wits about you. Never attempt to install car parts when your judgment is in any way impaired, and once you start to get tired, stop immediately. Your car parts can just as well be installed in the morning.

Remember to dress for the job when installing car parts – avoid wearing any loose clothing that might get caught on any moving parts, and be sure to wear sturdy shoes. Do not – under any circumstances – smoke while you are adding parts to your car, the gasoline and oil under the hood are highly flammable. Exhaust fumes also contain a potentially lethal substance, carbon monoxide, so always make sure that you are working in a well-ventilated area.

There are many other dangers lurking under the hood of your car, so always be vigilant when installing new car parts. Battery acid, for example, is highly corrosive, while the battery itself can emit shocks. Prevent injuries when working with your car battery by disconnecting it while you work and always wearing special protective gloves. There are also many potential fire hazards involved in car part replacement, so be sensible and have an extinguisher within arm’s reach.

Installing your new car parts can be an enjoyable and challenging task, so ensure that you enjoy it to the full by taking care of your safety before you start. Exercise caution at all times – using good sense when installing car parts will allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labor in safety.

]]> http://www.gptoolkit.org/car-parts-staying-safe-while-installing.html/feed 1 You Can Examine Your Brakes http://www.gptoolkit.org/you-can-examine-your-brakes.html http://www.gptoolkit.org/you-can-examine-your-brakes.html#comments Sun, 24 May 2009 03:32:13 +0000 Admin http://www.gptoolkit.org/?p=185 Regular brake inspections are an essential part of good automotive maintenance that can save you money and keep your car from wrapping itself around the first tree out of your driveway. Make sure that your brakes and rotors are receiving the proper maintenance by following the steps outlined. Your safety as well as that of your passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers is at stake.

1. Time for a free inspection. Many local brake shops as well as national brake repair chains offer customers free brake inspections at no obligation to you. The inspection typically includes the following steps:

  • Check your vehicle’s brake pads and shoes for signs of wear;
  • Fill and/or replace hydraulic fluids;
  • Examine rotor/drum wear and calipers;
  • Examine the anti-lock brake system [if you have one]An annual check up of your brakes is wise, but do it more often if you drive well above the national average [about 15,000 miles per year] or if you do heavy stop and go driving.

    2. Awareness is the key. Most brake system problems can be avoided if motorists would pay attention to certain signs of pending problems including:

  • Your brake warning light comes on.
  • Your brake pedal is either squishy, difficult to push down, or you must pump the brakes to get them to work correctly.
  • Your brakes grind continuously and you hear a loud metallic racket when you push down on them.
  • Your car pulls to one side when you push down on the brakes, instead of stopping in a straight line.
  • Your car jerks to a halt when you push down on the brakes.
  • One or more wheels are strikingly hot even after a brief trip.
  • You observe fluid leaks in the vicinity of any wheel or in the engine section near the master cylinder.If you are an at home mechanic, you can complete your own inspections and fit your vehicle with top notch replacement parts including brake pads and calipers. You can save on parts by purchasing them from a reputable online wholesaler such as Pit Stop Auto Parts who can offer to you top quality parts at sensible prices, typically much lower than what your dealer or an auto parts store would charge you.

    Take care of your vehicle and it will take car of you especially in an emergency situation where a properly working brake system is an absolute must.

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