Car Care: Inspecting the Timing Belt

Your timing belt is the main maintenance item in your engine. It's the one that keeps the engine running. If the timing belt breaks down or jumps a tooth, your automobile's engine won't run properly. In some engines, a timing belt can also drive additional components such as a water pump, balance shaft, intermediate shaft, injection pump and an oil pump. Understanding how to check the timing belt could save you a costly repair.

If you have reached the recommended maintenance interval for the timing belt, it needs to be replaced, no matter what its condition. If you bought a used vehicle, click here to check the VinAudit car history to be sure that the timing belt was changed according to the proper schedule, and if doubtful, have it changed.

The timing belt is commonly located on the end of the engine under a small plastic or metal cover, which is held on by a couple of bolts or a few clips. To look at the belt, start looking at the outside of the belt to see if any tiny cracks are forming. One or two small cracks in the outer shiny coating of the belt are ok, but if you see a great deal of cracking on the surface this may signify extreme wear.

Next turn the belt over slightly to examine the teeth. A single broken tooth can be catastrophic. Also check the belt's play by twisting it. If you can turn it much more than halfway around, it might have too much free play. Check your manual to see what your car's specs indicate.

When you have finished checking the condition of the timing belt, be sure to replace any covers that you may have taken off. These covers secure the timing belt and help shield it from liquids that could make it slip. If your timing belt fails any of these tests, it's best to have it changed to prevent you from being stranded on the side of the road and a potentially expensive engine repair.

Car Interior Cleaning Tips

Most people spend a great deal of time in their vehicles. If you're one those that basically live in your vehicle and, in particular those with small children, you probably know how dirty your car could possibly get. A clean car interior not only looks great, it is also better for your health and health of your passengers.

It takes approximately an hour or so to clean the entire interior thoroughly. Take extra care with water inside the car; if water gets into electrical components, it may cause problems. Similarly, don't soak the seats too much and don't let water to get under the carpet; it could cause corrosion, stains and damp mouldy smell. Make certain to dry the interior well after you're finished.

Dump things which shouldn’t be in the car into a small bin. Throw trash into a garbage bag. Spritz the cup holders with glass cleaner and let sit.

Making use of the wipes, clean the dashboard, center console, inside door pockets, steering wheel, and gearshift. Spray air-conditioner treatment into the air vents beneath the windshield and let sit.

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Clean leather seats with a few wipes. (Seats that are upholstered will get vacuumed later.)

Put a wipe around the end of a flat-head screwdriver, and run it over the buttons and switches on the dashboard. Wipe out the cup holders with paper towels.

Spray glass cleaner on paper towels and wipe all the windows, including the windshield, sunroof, and rear window.

Take away the floor mats and whack them against each other to dislodge any dirt.

On the driveway, vacuum the floor mats using the bare hose of a hand vac for maximum power (do not attach a tool). Vacuum the seat upholstery and foot wells, moving the front seats fully forward, then back, to hit every spot.

Replace the mats and return the seats to their original placements. Open all the doors and allow clean air to blow through.

Steering Wheel Removal and Installation

Installing a new car steering wheel is a challenging process, but one that can be completed with a bit of patience and time. When attempting to replace your steering wheel, it is important that you follow the manufacturers instructions. You should also have a copy of your vehicle's service manual handy should you need it. Here's how you go about installing a new steering wheel.

Removing the Old Wheel

1. Orientate your vehicle so the wheels are pointing straight ahead.
2. Before working on the car you should disconnect the battery. Do this in order to prevent the horn from sounding while you work on the steering wheel. Alternatively, you can remove the horn fuse from the fuse box.
3. Next, remove the horn mechanism. Press down on the center of your steering wheel to depress the horn cap. Then twist the cap or ring and remove the horn emblem cap. To do this, you will need to pull it off or pry it loose. Your horn cap may be attached by the use of screws. If this is the case you will need to unscrew them prior to removing the cap.
4. Disconnect the horn wire or the connecting mechanism. When disconnecting the horn, you may be forced to clip the wire below the plastic sleeve. Save this sleeve for later.
5. Detach the steering wheel by removing the nut-shaft.
6. Place a mark on the shaft. This should be placed at the 12 o?clock position. This is done so you can make sure the steering column is properly lined up when you replace the nut-shaft.
7. Pull off the hub of the previous steering wheel, using a pliers or a puller. Next you can remove the old steering wheel.

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Installing the New Wheel

1. Place the metal sleeve over the steering column.
2. Place the hub over the shaft, lining up the shaft with the previously applied mark. You may be required to rotate the plastic horn tube in order to properly align the hub in the necessary position.
3. Take the plastic sleeve and spring, and re-insert them into the horn housing.
4. Insert the new wire lead into the plastic sleeve. The larger end should come into contact with the horn housing. Next, insert this assembly into the housing and lock it into the proper position.
5. Place the new wheel on the column, feeding the new wire through the center holes. Properly align the new wheel. Fasten the hub to the steering column once the wheel is in the correct position.
6. Re-attach the shaft nut. Once finished, re-install the shaft nut retaining clip next. Tighten the nut and shoulder bolts.
7. Re-connect the lead wire to the connector. Position the spring in its proper spot on the center nut. Re-align the horn cap and push it back into place. Turn the cap until it properly tightened.
8. Re-connect the battery, or re-install the horn fuse.