Do It Yourself (DIY)

There are two types of Fathers...those who work on their own vehicles and those who don't. Whether your dad is a do-it-yourselfer (DIY) or a Do-It-For-Me type (DIFM), consider an automotive gift for Dad this Father's Day.

69% of male drivers work on their car, truck, mini van or SUV, according to the Car Care Council. Whether it's light maintenance, like changing the oil and replacing the wiper blades, or heavier projects, such as replacing brakes, most Dads enjoy taking care of their own vehicles. Automotive accessories, tools, parts, and products make ideal Father's Day gifts.

How much dirt and debris can a car’s engine air filter keep out? Depends on whom you ask. The average motorist will probably not know. But ask Kevin O'Dowd, and you can expect to hear, “Much more than you would expect.” And O'Dowd would know. He is an executive for MANN+HUMMEL Purolator Filters, a company with a long-standing history in the field of filtration. After nearly 90 years in the business, Purolator is still one of the largest suppliers of high quality automotive filters to the North American Aftermarket.

It's time to be seriously thinking about Mother's Day. A great place to look for useful ideas is her driver's seat, especially if Mom spends a lot of time behind the wheel.

By changing a few habits, you can do their part in helping the environment, say the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE recommends regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits as two easy-to-implement strategies. What’s more, improved automotive habits will help your vehicle last longer and command a better resale price.

The following tips from ASE can put you on the road to environmentally conscious car care:            

The worst is over, we’re thinking. With winter officially behind us, we need only look to warmer days ahead. Not so for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. A short winter season followed by an early spring – as we have experienced lately – may only hasten the onset of allergens and pollen in the air causing an itchy and runny nose, teary eyes, sneezing and congestion in those who are prone to allergies.

Most car owners know that they need to change their vehicle’s oil and filter periodically, even though they may not always follow the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) recommended schedule.  The type of oil their car needs is usually easy to figure out. It is specified in the owner’s manual, which will indicate both the quality and viscosity (thickness) of the recommended engine oil.

With no end in sight to rising gas prices, consumers who modify their driving habits and properly maintain their vehicles will get more miles per gallon. The Car Care Council recommends the following ways to drive smart and save gas money:

The buzz around ‘extended oil change intervals’ for passenger cars and SUVs is everywhere. Some vehicle manufacturers are recommending longer oil change intervals. Oil companies are offering oils that they promote as having extended life. And motorists, pressured by the challenges of a tight economy and a hectic lifestyle, like the prospect of fewer trips to their repair shop or local quick lube to get their car’s oil changed.

A Fouled Engine Air Filter Can Damage The Mass Air Flow Sensor

With the days of carburetors behind us, the electronic fuel injection system in the cars we drive today is king. While carburetors mixed the air and fuel together and the mixture was sucked into the cylinder and burned, modern electronically controlled fuel injection injects the right amount of fuel, at the right time for optimum fuel efficiency and economy, and driving performance. But the question remains, how does it know what that ‘right amount’ is and when’s the ‘right time’ to inject?