DIY Car

A lot of guys are particular about their wheels getting the monthly once-over by a mechanic. But guess what? Sometimes a car needs to feel the touch of its owner more than anything else. On top of undergoing regular professional maintenance, enjoying a hands-on check-up by its owner can have a car performing much better than it otherwise would. And it takes just 20 minutes! So roll up those sleeves and proceed with checks of the following: •

Engine Oil: Let the engine run for a while. Then, turn it off. Wipe the dipstick clean and check oil level. Top oil if it's low. • Radiator coolant level: Coolant level must be between the high and low marks. Add if it's low. Only check when the car is cool. • Wiring, hoses and pipes: Check for damaged, loose or disconnected wiring. If there are any, get a mechanic to check immediately. • Fan belt: Check for thin areas. Change if necessary. • Automatic transmission and power steering fluid levels: Only top up with fluid specified by the car's manufacturer. If unsure, seek a professional. • Brake and clutch fluid levels. • Battery: Always check that the distilled water level is about 5mm above the plates. Never smoke when you are doing this. Check connections for corrosion and clean with wire brush if necessary. • Windscreen wipers and washer fluid: Fill the container with clean water. Check the windscreen wipers and replace if it is not in good condition very important in rainy weather! • Tyres: Check the tyre pressure. Your life may depend on it! • Headlights: Check that all lights are working. Especially high beams, stop and reverse lights. • Inside controls: Do not switch on the engine. Check brake pedal and gear for tightness. Test the steering wheel. Done? Now turn on the engine and enjoy the ride!

Few things are more embarrassing to a guy than when his car breaks down due to engine failure (especially with a fuming girlfriend in the front passenger seat). A philosophy such as 's*#t happens' is one that a lot of guys go by, but does it apply to car troubles? Are engine problems really unforeseeable? The simple answer is: Heck, no! You don't have to be Einstein to know when there's something wrong with your car, as symptoms of trouble are usually pretty obvious. But a lot of guys then go on to ignore the symptoms, somehow thinking that the emerging problem will either not deteriorate, or will, somehow, miraculously fix itself. Big mistake. Because, guys, if you want to avoid major engine trouble, huge repair bills and, worst of all, the wrath of your girlfriend, you should not only learn to detect signs of an engine malfunction, but learn how to decipher them as well. The following are some tips for engine problem detection: •

Try to pinpoint the problem: Is the car not starting? Is it running roughly? Conking out or using too much petrol? • After you've detected the problem, isolate the system most likely to be the cause. If it is conking out, then the fuel system might be at fault. If it is not starting, the electrical system may be worth looking at first. If the car is overheating, check the cooling system. • After you have isolated the most likely system, locate the weakest link in that system. The fuel pump, for example is often the most vulnerable part of the fuel system. • Check each successive part in the system until the problem is solved. • Get the broken part replaced or repaired. Consult your car's manual for other specific problems you might be facing. This will help to speed up the diagnosis. So when you next break up with your gal, you'll, for once, have something other than your car to blame!

Whoever said the only place to get a good workout is at the gym couldn't be farther from the truth. In fact, you can pump up and tone your body anywhere, given the right tools. That said, there's nothing sexier than a clean, polished ride. For a full body workout session, it's as simple as getting a bucket and sponge to keep the car surface spotless. Pre-rinse the entire exterior of your car before scrubbing the dirt away. Finish off with a dry-wipe. Here's what car washes don't tell you, using "high pressure wax" preserves shine and protects paint. Some nuggets: •

Rustproofing your brakes The under part of your car's brake system is most vulnerable to rust due to weather conditions such as extreme heat and rain. Rustproofing protects electrical connectors and wires from the moisture. Recommended rustproof liquids include Dinitrol and Waxoyl, which are available at major hardware stores often sold as spray cans. Always ensure that it's a warm day, the car is completely dry and there is ventilation. Avoid spraying onto naked lights or sources of ignition, as it is flammable.

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Repairing stone chips Tiny stone chips can occur around the edges of your car's body. To repair, you need to order the matching spray paint from your car dealer. Spray some paint into the cap and using a toothpick, dab some paint gently onto the corners that are chipped. This simple touch up will prevent your car from further corrosion.

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Removing minor scratches Got marked? Sometimes branches or small objects can become road hazards, particularly leaving unwanted scratches on windows or the body. The good news is, you can remove these marks with polishing compound! Pick it up at any hardware store, be sure to check that it is the finest abrasive. Dab some with a sponge and buff scratched areas in circular motion until they disappear. Wash it off completely then apply liquid wax with a soft towel and buff until it's clear! Remember, revving up and blasting the stereo doesn't get all the attention or even give the right impression. Sometimes the smallest things score big.

As a guy who drives, you should know your car battery is needed to start your engine and if the batteries fail, you need to know which type and size battery you need for replacement from the nearest supply shop. Car junkies know the average 12-volt automotive battery has six compartments or cells filled with a solution containing sulfuric acid and distilled water. Each cell has a series of alternating positive and negative plates separated by isolators. Each positive and negative plate in the battery is connected and has lead sheeting that is bonded to it. When the battery supplies electricity, electrolytes react with the lead to form lead sulphate. As it charges, the acid is returned to the electrolyte and the lead sulphate

need for replacement from the nearest supply shop. Car junkies know the average 12-volt automotive battery has six compartments or cells filled with a solution containing sulfuric acid and distilled water. Each cell has a series of alternating positive and negative plates separated by isolators. Each positive and negative plate in the battery is connected and has lead sheeting that is bonded to it. When the battery supplies electricity, electrolytes react with the lead to form lead sulphate. As it charges, the acid is returned to the electrolyte and the lead sulphate is converted back into active material in the plates. During this cycle, hydrogen, and oxygen molecules evaporate out of the electrolyte. This is the main reason car batteries need topping up with distilled water. Continuous charging and discharging washes lead off the plates and these build up at the bottom of the battery. This is why plates short out and batteries die. Maintenance-free batteries found in most new vehicles have thicker plates and more electrolytes which make them more reliable and last longer than the older version. Maintenance-free batteries must not be topped up. Once the electrolyte evaporates and the plates are exposed, the battery is dead. Gel-type batteries, meanwhile, have gelatin-like electrolytes which are not lost through evaporation. However, the gel requires the use of thinner plates for proper distribution which can be shaken apart in rough driving if the gel battery is in marginal condition. Recombination batteries are a new type which allows the gases formed during charging to be recombined. As a result, electrolyte concentrations are kept to their optimum levels. These batteries are completely sealed, do not need topping up, and come with either liquid or gel-type electrolyte. The lead do not get sloughed off to the bottom of the plates and these are generally tightly packed. The result is a powerful, compact battery with quicker charging time and a longer lifespan--but you have to pay higher. Batteries are rated by ampere hours (Ah), cold cranking amperes (CCA) and reserve capacity. These ratings tell you how much power a battery can produce, especially under marginal conditions. Ampere hours rate how much current can be drawn from a battery over a 20-hour period without voltage dropping below 1.75 volts per cell. A healthy battery should keep the parking lights lit for 20 hours. If you're into listening to your audio system or using other accessories without the engine running, this is an important measurement. Cold cranking amperes, meanwhile, rate a battery's ability to start an engine in cold conditions. Fortunately, this is not an important consideration in warm Malaysia. Reserve capacity, measured in minutes, tells how long a battery can keep the engine going if the alternator fails. To test, 25 amperes are drawn from the battery for as long as voltage does not drop below 10.5 volts. Any car battery should have a reserve capacity of at least 120 minutes, so you can always make it home. When buying a car battery, get one rated for your vehicle and all the accessories it uses. This means a high Ah and high reserve capacity. To be sure of the quality, purchase a name-brand battery and make sure you have a warranty for it. Your car won't have a pleasant relationship with batteries that are poorly assembled and use inferior materials. In the end, it might leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere for your stinginess.

a reserve capacity of at least 120 minutes, so you can always make it home. When buying a car battery, get one rated for your vehicle and all the accessories it uses. This means a high Ah and high reserve capacity. To be sure of the quality, purchase a name-brand battery and make sure you have a warranty for it. Your car won't have a pleasant relationship with batteries that are poorly assembled and use inferior materials. In the end, it might leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere for your stinginess.

We women have a positive reputation for not being averse to stopping and asking for directions when driving (unlike men, of course). Well, that general inquisitiveness will help us when it comes to other things related to cars. Most important of all, asking questions can help us make the right choice when hunting for a pre-owned car - and stave off the mocking laughter of men who think we're talking too much! The bottom line is, if you ask the right questions and get the answers you're looking for, you'll be the one having the last laugh! We at TopMark have compiled a list of things you should consider bringing up before making a decision on purchasing a pre-owned car. They are as follows: 1. How many miles are on the car? 2. Does the car have a manual or automatic transmission? 3. What modifications have been made to the car? 4. How often has the car been sent for service? 5. Is there a working security alarm system on the car? 6. Why is the owner selling the car? 7. Is the current owner the first owner? 8. Has the odometer ever been rolled back? 9. Has the car ever been in an accident, and if so, what were the damages? 10. Has the car ever been repainted? Of course, you're bound to come up with other questions. As and when they come to you, just let 'em rip!

A lot of women are great at spotting the 'danger signs' when it comes to their relationships, but are totally myopic when it comes to their cars. But let us assure you - a car about to go over the deep end sends out signals like you wouldn't believe. It practically cries out for help! If your car is not performing at its optimum level, it will give you certain indications even if you yourself notice nothing outwardly wrong. So don't take it lying down you MUST stop and check when you notice that: • a warning light remains on • unusual vibrations are felt • the temperature gauge reads 'hot' • unusual noises are heard • the oil pressure gauge reads 'low' • the car tends to wander or steer to one side • the break doesn't work too well Drop everything, pick up your handphone and call the mechanic, or immediately send your car to the workshop if you notice that: • the car uses more fuel or oil than usual • it is difficult to start • it leaves oil or coolant on the ground • it blows smoke (this can be very dangerous) So remember: if you keep your eyes on your car the way you do your guy, it won't take you for a ride either.

A lot of women are great at spotting the 'danger signs' when it comes to their relationships, but are totally myopic when it comes to their cars. But let us assure you - a car about to go over the deep end sends out signals like you wouldn't believe. It practically cries out for help! If your car is not performing at its optimum level, it will give you certain indications even if you yourself notice nothing outwardly wrong. So don't take it lying down you MUST stop and check when you notice that: • a warning light remains on • unusual vibrations are felt • the temperature gauge reads 'hot' • unusual noises are heard • the oil pressure gauge reads 'low' • the car tends to wander or steer to one side • the break doesn't work too well Drop everything, pick up your handphone and call the mechanic, or immediately send your car to the workshop if you notice that: • the car uses more fuel or oil than usual • it is difficult to start • it leaves oil or coolant on the ground • it blows smoke (this can be very dangerous) So remember: if you keep your eyes on your car the way you do your guy, it won't take you for a ride either.

A lot of women probably wish their car engines were less intimidating and complex, and instead, big on 'warm and fuzzy'. But take it from us - it's all bluster. Once you get past the tough exterior, the rev of an engine sounds a lot like the purr of a kitten. So schedule a one-on-one with your engine as soon as you can, because getting to know your engine is key towards being able to handle any and all enginerelated problems, should they arise. Rest easy though - major sudden failures are rare and often the result of an underlying problem that has been left unchecked. And components that do fail suddenly are often easily rectified. All the same though, it's important to always be on your guard. The following list details common engine problems and their likely causes: Engine will not turn when attempting to start • Battery terminals are corroded • Battery terminals are poorly connected • Faulty connections in starter circuit • Faulty starter solenoid • Faulty starter motor • Earth strap to engine either loose or corroded Engine turns but will not start • • • • •

Fuel tank empty (you'd be surprised!) Battery problem Air filter clogged Poor cylinder compression Timing belt broken

• Faulty connections in starter circuit • Faulty starter solenoid • Faulty starter motor • Earth strap to engine either loose or corroded Engine turns but will not start • Fuel tank empty (you'd be surprised!) • Battery problem • Air filter clogged • Poor cylinder compression • Timing belt broken • Ignition system damp or wiring fault • Faulty spark plugs • Choke incorrectly adjusted • Fuel line fault or fuel pump Noisy starter motor • Starter motor mounting bolts loose • Internal damage to starter motor • Flywheel teeth damaged Engine starts, but then cuts out • Ignition system wiring fault • Faulty fuel injectors • Uneven cylinder compression • Fuel line or fuel pump faulty • Choke mechanism faulty or incorrectly adjusted • Blocked carburettor jets Uneven engine idle speed • Incorrect setting for idle speed • Air filter blocked • Faulty spark plugs • Timing belt incorrectly adjusted • Faulty fuel injectors Engine misfires or stalls • Distributor car faulty • Faulty fuel lines, pump, injectors • Fuel filter clogged • Fuel tank vent blocked Engine runs on after switching off • High carbon build up in engine • High engine operating temperature Oil pressure warnings • Low oil level/incorrect oil grade • Oil pressure sender unit faulty • Worn engine bearings • Faulty oil pump • Excessively high engine temperature • Oil relief valve defective That's all there is to it! Who knows? This could be the start of a beautiful friendship!

Finding an honest mechanic is sometimes as hard as finding a good man. Here are a few things every driving woman should know to avoid getting cheated in the car maintenance area. 1.

You know you need to change your engine oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or about every three months. However, some service stations have been

Finding an honest mechanic is sometimes as hard as finding a good man. Here are a few things every driving woman should know to avoid getting cheated in the car maintenance area. 1.

You know you need to change your engine oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or about every three months. However, some service stations have been known to skip changing the oil or to do part of the job by changing the oil but not the oil filter. To make certain that the oil filter was in fact replaced, use a black marker to put an X on the new oil filter after an oil change. When the next oil change has been completed, the newly installed filter should not include an X.

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You should also check if you need to change your air filter each time you service your car, and replace it if it appears to be dirty. You should replace the air filter every 15,000 miles or so, as they are generally inexpensive. Other things to check are:

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◦ Transmission fluid ◦ Brake fluid ◦ Power steering fluid ◦ Radiator coolant (check the clear plastic bottle) ◦ Windshield washer fluid ◦ ◦ Consider investing in a tube of dielectric grease when changing spark plugs. The lubricant will make removing the plug wires much easier the next time you replace your plugs.

1. 2. So you’re driving down the road when something happens to your car. It might smell funny, it might sound strange, it might break down. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad day. Why? When you’re prepared, any situation thrown your way is just an opportunity for you to exude panache. You can’t always rely on a man, but you can count on your urban jungle survival skills. 3. City Chic How-to’s From essential tools to spare parts - there’s no need to get manic and pack an extra steering wheel - in an emergency, it’s best to have some of these babies in your car:4.

Warning reflective triangle Tells other drivers you’re in trouble from a distance so they don't ram into you!

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Jack Does all the muscle work for lifting.

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Wheel brace Gets those nuts and bolts screwed in tight.

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Spare tyre & Air pump An inflator works fine too, think on the bright side, you get to tone those calves!

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Jump leads Revive Bessie’s batteries by juicing her up

Does all the muscle work for lifting. 6.

Wheel brace Gets those nuts and bolts screwed in tight.

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Spare tyre & Air pump An inflator works fine too, think on the bright side, you get to tone those calves!

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Jump leads Revive Bessie’s batteries by juicing her up

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Windscreen replacement Nasty stone cracks are dangerous, use a temporary fix until you reach a garage.

10. Petrol can For when you run out of fuel with no nearby gas station. 11. 4-Litre water bottle Even Bessie gets thirsty or heated, best to cool her off quickly. 12. Water dispersant This nifty spray does the trick for a damp ignition. 13. Fire extinguisher Worst-case scenario, use it to clobber an attacker! Keep one inside the car. 14. 15. 16. Create Your Own Roadside Survival Kit 17. While flares are illegal, there’s plenty of fun you can have prepping for an emergency… think G.I. Jane-Super–Spy! Nothing sexier than knowing your gadgets and what you’re about. Suit up:18. 19. First Aid Remember, safety first. Include gauze, compressors, creams and migraine meds. 20. Blanket Use all-purpose material to keep warm at night. Save the rags for covering up roadkill. 21. Flashlight Extra batteries wouldn’t hurt in the middle of the night - no need to be dancing with shadows. 22. Gloves Forget greasing your pretty manicured nails. Here’s where extra rags are handy too. 23. Duct Tape Please, not for gagging unless it’s a thief. Cover sudden cracks and holes. 24. Pocket knife It’s a lifesaver when you need to cut, screw or just feel safer. 25. Pen & Paper For notes, makeshift signs or to leave distress calls. 26. Granola Bar & Mineral Water Wahey, a real lass eats when she’s hungry.

Please, not for gagging unless it’s a thief. Cover sudden cracks and holes. 24. Pocket knife It’s a lifesaver when you need to cut, screw or just feel safer. 25. Pen & Paper For notes, makeshift signs or to leave distress calls. 26. Granola Bar & Mineral Water Wahey, a real lass eats when she’s hungry. 27. Change Spare cash and clothes for a quick cleanup and getaway would suffice. 28. Super Chic Case To bag all your funky gadgets of course! Finally, keep your cellular phone charged, preferably one with global satellite coverage, GPRS, WAP, hit tunes etc. for that urban chic. One phone call could make a life-or-death difference. Occasionally you need to give in and simply call the towing service. For the best rates, get one with regional membership coverage – it comes with insurance!

Park your car at a level spot and kill the engine. Wait for a while to let the engine oil drip down to the oil pan. Look for your engine oil dipstick. (Check your owners manual if you can’t find it!) Pull it out and wipe it clean with a tissue. You should be able to see the markings for FULL and EMPTY along the length of the dipstick. Insert it back all the way down, and pull it out again. The ideal level is of course to have it at FULL, and you should top it up if it’s lower. (If it’s at EMPTY your car would probably have given up some time ago!). Check the oil for colour and texture: •

Thick, black oil - Definitely time to change! Get a mechanic to do this for you, as it involves getting down and dirty under the car… • Light brown – Okay • Dark brown, but still liquid – Okay for a couple more trips, but schedule a date with the car doctor to change it. • Whitish (like milky coffee) – Uh-oh. The engine coolant has mixed with the engine oil. Make a trip to the mechanic straight away. How to top up the engine oil: You should have some oil handy from your last change in a bottle somewhere. You should always use the same type and brand of engine oil. Remove the cap of the engine oil tank (consult the owners manual again to be sure). Pour a little oil in and wait for a minute to let the oil flow down. Check the level again with the dipstick. If it's still low, add some more but always a little at a time so you don't overfill it. When you are done, re-insert the dipstick and replace the cap on the tank. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!