DIY Auto and SUV Repairs

An engine compression test enables you to determine the condition of the internal parts, how well the valves and pistons are sealing and the sealing of the "combustion chamber" or chambers. Unless engine-compression readings are within the automobile maker's specifications engine performance cannot be or seldom be improved with an auto tuneup.

Check oil level. Add oil if dipstick shows it at or below the ADD mark. Change oil if it is "dirty" or if you feel that a change is due. Depending on driving patterns and personal preferences some change oil by time - how many months , while others do it by mileage driven. If you follow a regular and ongoing maintenance schedule , your vehicle should be ready for long and short trips at any time. For extended trips however it is a good idea to make a few special checks - the carburetor). As your car ages it needs more frequent service. The engine requiring an oil-and-filter change at 6,000 mile intervals when new, may require it at 4,000 mile intervals after 50,000 to 60 k. Engine wear permits greater leaks of combustion products and exhaust gasses into the crankcase thus contaminating the oil.

The beauty of an engine compression test is that for mechanic or dealer service dept tech it is a relatively quick , easy to do ( and inexpensive) , quick & dirty down to it auto diagnostic test that requires little more than removing one of the spark plugs in your power plant, attaching a relatively standard & inexpensive gauge & turning over the motor. Some services need to be done only once or twice a year. If you drive under conditions and cover from 10 to 12 twelve thousand ( 10,000 - 12,000) miles a year. These are often called "seasonal checks", and many of them are somewhat unnecessary because of varying weather conditions in different parts of the country. Some may be essential in colder climates such as Northern Minnesota or Alberta Canada, yet not essential or required in the southern US states. Yet this simple test can inform even a backyard mechanic a fair bit about the state & condition of your car's engine & whether it is worth dropping a lot or any cash &! service time into it.

Weekly checks
With the car stationary and engine cold check the following weekly
1)engine oil level
2)battery fluid level
3)radiator coolant level
4)windshield water reservoir
5)power steering reservoir fluid
6)tire pressures
7)tires for cuts and tire wear patterns
8)brake pedal action
9)fan bolts and cooling system hoses ? In the case of VW diesel engines its an entirely different manner than standard gasoline powered engine powerplants. Conventional compression gauges with their 250 to 300 psi limit will not do. VW supplies a model that not only reads 600 lbs per sq inch, but provides a roll of paper and an automatic marking pen ( in place of standard indicator needle) to provide a permanent record of compression readings. Of course in the new millennium electronic versions are available at your local Canadian tire outlet store. Car oil varies from four quarts to seven. The owner's manual and markings on the dipstick will inform you how much oil that your auto requires and needs. The thickness of an oil ( also called or referred to as its viscosity). The standard procedure by the society of Auto Engineers (SAE), is to number the oils according to viscosities. Generally the higher the number , the thicker the oil. All numbers are preceded by the le! tters SAE, the abbreviation for the accepted professional and trade society that sets "the standard" employed. If the number is followed by the letter "W" , the thickness was measured at zero degrees (0), if no letter follows then it was done at 210 degrees F. Engine oil loses its ability to lubricate properly , when it becomes contaminated with dirt drawn in with outside ambient air. metal particles from engine wear and of course by products of combustion.

No doubt about it. In today's modern world of 2010 , most people are dependent on their vehicle - Before removing the spark plugs check your battery's voltage. Next check the engine oil to insure proper engine lubrication. Start the engine, allowing it to reach proper and normal operating temperatures, then turn off the ignition switch. Then remove the air-cleaner assembly. Mark the vacuum hoses attached to the air cleaner with masking or duct tape using your own code to replace them properly before disconnecting them. Basic and simple checks should be done each and every day. If however you skip a day , be sure to add this list to your list of weekly checks. Check 1) lights
2) horn
3)windshield wiper operation
4)outside rearview mirrors
5)Front windshield cleanliness
6)rear windshield cleanliness
7)side windows cleanliness
8)tires - visual check.