Car Care Tips for the Computer Geek - Winterizing
Winter is upon us and for those of you that are savvy with computers but not savvy with cars we have thrown together some winterizing tips:
Today we will hit ‘Checking Belts and Hoses’:
Pop the hood (typically you can find the hood latch under the dash on the drivers side it usually a black handle or lever that says hood or has a picture of a hood on it) and lets check them out:
Belts should be free from cracks and splits. To check the Belt make sure your vehicle is not running. Grab the belt between your thumb and fore finger and twist to look at the underneath side of the belt. If the belt has cracks or excessive ware it will need to be replaced. Typically a serpentine belt should be replaced every 50,000 to 60,000 miles Will should also make sure the belt doed not have too much glaze. (if you can see your reflection in the belt it has too much
Hoses should be firm and not cracked or worn. The best time to check the hoses are when the vehicle is at operating temperature. Let your vehicle idle for 10 mins or wait 10 mins after you have driven your vehicle. To test the hoses make sure the hoses are not to hot to touch. You will want to start with the upper radiator hose and then check the lower radiator hose. Then grab the hose and squeeze. The hose should feel firm and pliable. Check for cracks and leaks especially by the clamps. If you see a crack a leak or a bulge in the hose replace immediately. If the hose was pliable and no leaks or cracks are present your hoses have passed.
Most people will fail to check heater hoses wich are smaller than the upper and lower radiator hoses. The same process you did when checking the radiator hoses will be used also for the heater hoses.
More tips will follow later on so stay tuned to blog.myobsoleteparts.com.
Anybody who doesn’t cut his speed at the sight of a police car is probably parked.
Anonymous
