With the exorbitant prices for gas and automotive repairs, most drivers are becoming more personally involved in maintaining their vehicles. One of the best ways of ensuring your car operates at it’s peak level of performance is by routinely changing your car air filter.

It should be noted that this is only a guide to show you how easy something like this can be done.  For your exact make and model, always refer to your owner’s repair manual.  We take no responsibility for any repairs you attempt.  You acknowledge this by reading beyond this point.

You can always take your car in to your favorite mechanic and have this done professionally.  But if you’re “handy”, you can do this yourself.

Before you start, know which type of filter you’re dealing with.  If you have a performance filter, you can actually clean and then reuse it, so make sure you have an automotive air filter cleaner and filter oil spray on hand.  If you have what is commonly known as a stock air filter, you can just go ahead and change the filter. Make sure you have a screwdriver and a new filter on hand (you can skip over the performance filter cleaning process below).

Don’t be intimidated. This isn’t difficult to do, especially if you follow these steps:

• Remove the air sensor from the air intake of your car.  If you’re not sure what/where that is, refer to your owner’s manual.

• Carefully remove the air filter.  With all of the “add-on’s” included in newer cars, some have a very tight-fitting, and sometimes inconveniently placed, air filter housing.

For Performance Filters:

• Apply the car air filter cleaner to both sides of the filter.  Let this cleaning solution sit for ten minutes.

• Carefully rinse the filter with cool water.  If it’s especially dirty, you can repeat the application process a few times.

• Let the filter dry completely.

• Now apply the filter oil, but only to the front side of your car’s air filter. Completely cover it with the oil spray.  It’s the only way to completely seal it. Let this soak in for twenty minutes.

• Once the oil’s soaked in, you can put the air filter back into your vehicle’s air intake. Don’t forget to reconnect the air sensor!

For Stock Filters:

If you’re replacing the air filter, all you need to do is:

• Unscrew the cover

• Take out the old filter

• Clean down filter housing

• Put in the new air filter…

Voila! You’re done! And now, both you and your car can “breathe” easier!

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Remove Brake Dust To Save Your Wheels

Brake dust not only looks bad on your wheels, it can permanently damage them.  Brake dust will corrode the clear coat from the wheel and pit the aluminum wheel surface over time.  Once this happens, there is no fixing it.

So, what is the answer?

Preventative maintenance.

You should clean and remove the break dust from your wheels every time you wash your car.  Just go to your favorite auto parts store and ask the store clerk which brake dust remover he would recommend for your type of wheels.

Be sure to follow the instructions precisely.  Usually you will need to make the sure the wheels are cool.  Make sure you do not leave the brake dust cleaner on too long as it can be corrosive.  Use the right type of brush.  And, be careful that you do not scratch the wheel with the brush.  And rinse thoroughly.

If you clean the brake dust from the wheel regularly it should not be difficult.  The longer you wait, the more work… and the more chance for permanent damage.

You want to keep you car in the best possible shape for your use and a possible sale one day.

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How To Find An Automotive Car Repair Expert

As you can see in the Car Maintenance section and even in the Used Car Review and the Buying Used Car Tips sections, having an honest automotive car repair expert on your side is a must.

A knowledgeable and trustworthy automotive car repair specialist will be able to help you evaluate a prospective new car and confirm or eliminate some of your suspicions.  As mentioned in another article, you always want to have someone that is car smart inspect your car behind you.

It is also important to have that same honest automotive car repair specialist available for your own used cars.  You never know when you are going to need a repair and have to depend on an automotive mechanic to fix your car without taking you for a few extra bucks.  Heck, even routine car service is important to have someone you can rely on.

How do you find someone that is knowledgeable about car repair?  The first step is to look for a ASE Certified Mechanic.  ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence.  ASE’s mission is to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals.  This isn’t a guarantee,but it is a step in the right direction.

Anpther important way is to take matters in your own hands by learning a little about the car repair industry.  What better way to learn than from an industry automotive car repair insider?

Here are a couple of things you will learn from Austin Davis:

• How to avoid overpaying for car service and repairs.
• How to know when you are being scammed on false repairs.
• How to know if you are paying for premium parts and getting generic parts.
• Know what to say and how to say it.
• Know what NOT to say when taking your car in.

I think this is a really good book.  You can download it immediately and I know it will save you a bunch more than the money you paid for it.

In fact, Austin guarantees your satisfaction for a full 90 days!

And more importantly, it takes the stress and worry away wondering if you have been screwed over yet again.  Many other car newsreporters and enthusiasts recommend him … not just me.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Once again click here to see for yourself.

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