Auto Factory Service Repair Manuals

Illustration of a 4-Cylinder Engine Timing Belt

Replacing your car's timing belt is not an easy task.  It probably requires a full weekend to remove all the parts and then reinstall them back again if you are a beginner.  If you have your factory car service manual handy, you should probably always follow it at the first time as it does often point out the details and tips on how to perform certain procedures.

So why do people replace their timing belt?  The purpose of a timing belt is to provide a flexible connection between the camshaft and crankshaft to keep the valves opening and closing in phase with the movement of the pistons.  When you car hits every 60,000 miles, it generally requires you replacing the timing belt.

You should always plan on changing your timing belt whenever you are accessible to the timing belt for other jobs, such as replacing water pump.

If your timing belt is worn or damaged, it can cause your engine to run rough or even not running at all if it's broken.  A worn belt can decrease your power and lower your car's mileage.  When a timing belt is broken, it can be catastrophic for the engine.

The condition of the belt is not easily seen as it is always covered in order to protect flying objects that might cause a damage to the belt, therefore you should always inspect your timing belt whenever you are accessible to the area or replace it at recommended intervals specified on your factory car service manual.

Lastly, if you are not comfortable replacing it yourself, you should seek your local shop to do the job for you.  If you want to learn how to replace your own timing belt, you should follow the  prodcedures specified on your factor car service manual.

Your car's air filter is an important component part to your car's air intake system, because it is through the air filter that the engine breathes.  Your car's engine needs a mixture of air and fuel in order to spark and make the engine run.  All of the air enters the system need go through your air filter first.

The purpose of an air filter is to FILTER out dirt and other foreign particles from the air to your engine's intake system.  Preventing these foreign particles such as dirt into your system is crucial.  A dirty air filter can possibly damage your car's engine and hurt your car's performance such as gas mileage.

Changing your own air filter is very easy, and it is generally pretty cheap to buy one.  You should change your car's air filter at least once a year.  If you live in an area with dirt roads or air pollution, the air filter would need to be changed regularly.

The exact location of the filter is different in various cars.  When you plan to change your air filter yourself, you need to look for a large plastic cube leading away from the top of the engine.  The tube should connect to a large container box that may be square or round shaped, that's your air filter box.  All you need to do is to access to the air filter box and have the top comes off in order to replace it.

Below shows you a brief video on how to change your own air filter.  If you still have difficulties to access to the air filter box or you still need specific directions on how to access to your air filter, you can consider purchasing a factory service manual for your car to guide you through it so you can replace it with confidence.

What does coolant do?
Coolant, also called radiator fluid, it keeps your engine temperatures stable under all climate extremes and driving conditions.  Because your engine can produce high level of heat when it is running and the fluid flowing through the radiator system can help to draw some of the heat away from your engine so it doesn't over heat and it also prevents the water in the radiator from freezing under colder weather.

Generally you should complete your coolant flush and change for every 24,000 miles or two years because there is a life span of chemicals in the radiator fluid.  Follow your factory service manual or maintenance manual for better radiator fluid change procedures.

Watch the video below on how to change your car's radiator fluid as a reference.

Replacing a spark plug is one of of the task on your car tune-up checklist.  It is a high voltage bridge for electricity. When the electricity crosses the "bridge" (which is actually a gap between two contact points) inside your engine, the spark it makes ignites the gas vapors, which makes the engine running.

So how do you know when you need new spark plugs?

• Getting low gas mileage - If the spark plugs are worn down and corroded by burns and carbon deposits, they will hurt your engine performance and efficiency, resulting in low gas mileage. This is usually the first thing you should look at when you start getting poor gas mileage.
• Getting hard starting or rough idling - Worn or corroded spark plugs can be a factor to this. However, fuel injectors being dirty can also be attributed to this problem. Spark plug is often the first thing you should look at.
• Time between last spark plugs change - Check your owner's manual or factory service manual for the correct time or mileage when it comes to spark plugs replacement. If you don't know when your spark plugs last time changed, you can pull out the plugs and check for wears and/or any carbon deposits.

Refer to your owner's manual or factory service manual for better procedures on how to replace your spark plugs. In most cars, changing the spark plugs is easy and fast. Before you start, make sure you have the following tools ready:

• Ratchet wrench
• 12-in socket extension
• Spark plug socket for your car

The following video is here to guide you through the process:

Typically, you should change your radiator fluid or engine coolant twice a year to prevent buildup of silt in your coolant system. The video below shows you how to change your radiator fluid.

Changing Engine oil is perhaps one of the most important car maintenance on your checklist.  Fresh and clean engine oil can ensure your engine run smoothly.  When you change your engine oil, it's also important that you replace your oil filter as well.  Most people choose to take their car to the local shop for oil change.  However, changing your own engine oil is very simple, and you can save a little bit of more money if you choose do it yourself.  If you have a car jack and couple of simple tools, you are ready to change your own engine oil.  Make sure you buy the correct engine oil weight and oil filter for your car's engine.  If you do not know which type of oil and oil filter to buy, you can often refer to your car's owner's manual or factory service manual to get the specification.  If you don't have either manuals, you can also call your local car manufacture or stores like Schucks for the same information.  Watch the video below to learn more on how to change your engine oil: