Often the cabin air filter is overlooked for many reasons. Replacing the Cabin Air Filter (Photo/Derek Mau) If the filter looks extra dirty, then it’s worth the few bucks to change it for having the peace of mind that your engine can breathe easier. The filter is usually housed within the airbox and is often inspected or replaced with few to no tools. Over time, the filter element can become clogged, preventing the engine from working at peak efficiency. The air filter inhibits dust, sand, debris, and insects from reaching the engine and ensures a good mixture of air and fuel. In a similar fashion to the way humans need oxygen to live, a vehicle needs clean air for the combustion process. Use the vehicle’s windshield cleaner system to spray fluid and ensure that the wipers make a clean sweep of the windscreen without coming loose. Test Them Outĭon’t wait until a downpour to see if you did this right. Lower the wiper arm to the windshield before repeating the process on the opposite side. A clicking sound signals that the new blade is locked in place. How to Install Windshield Wipersįirst, confirm that the new wiper blade uses the same hooks as the old, and then attach it to the arm. The wiper blade should then slide off the arm when you pull downward. Remove the old wiper: Carefully pull the arm away from the windshield, and then squeeze the small tab under the wiper where it meets the arm. You can also look up the correct size using the reference guide found next to where they sell wiper blades at most auto parts stores. To find the right size windshield wipers for your car, measure the current blade length and read your owner’s manual. Measure your wipers: Windshield wipers come in several sizes use the wrong ones, and they either won’t fit or won’t work correctly. Measuring your wiper blades (driver side, passenger side, and rear).If you live in milder climates, wipers will last approximately a year before they begin streaking or squeaking annoyingly as they work back and forth.įortunately, learning how to replace windshield wipers is a snap by following these steps: Some parts of the country have extreme weather conditions, and recommended replacement is about once every 6 months. This helps the blades conform to the curved glass and is soft enough to squeegee the water off. Windshield wiper blades are typically made of natural rubber or a synthetic compound with the elastic properties of rubber. Generally, it takes about an hour of labor and less than $20 for replacement parts. Installing new terminals isn’t too difficult and the topic for another article. If the battery terminals and posts are badly corroded, replacing the cable terminals is likely necessary. Plastic or rubber battery post caps are about 5 dollars. If the old plastic guards are done, install new ones. Then add acid-neutralizing felt pads to the posts and reconnect the battery terminals.Īpply an anticorrosive material to the battery terminals to prevent future corrosion. Whichever one you utilize, wipe the terminals and posts clean with paper towels or a rag afterward. Or buy a can of battery terminal spray cleaner. Use a wire brush to clean the terminals and battery posts if corrosion buildup is excessive.īaking soda has a thousand and one uses, one of which is a baking soda and water solution that will neutralize the battery acid. Take precautions not to arc the positive leads to avoid short-circuiting and potentially causing damage to the electrical system. If the battery terminals have minor corrosion, disconnect and clean them. Tools required for cleaning the battery terminals: Hence, cleaning the battery terminals is suitable insurance against future electrical problems. Eventually, it could lead to troubles with one of the many electronically controlled systems present in modern cars. Even minor deterioration can reduce alternator output up to 30%. Inspecting the Car’s Battery (Photo/Derek Mau)Ĭorrosion on the battery terminals can add stress to the vehicle’s charging system. Since a vehicle is a hefty investment, here are some simple maintenance tasks that are straightforward, inexpensive, and will help extend the life of your car. Doing essential maintenance on your car may seem intimidating, but not everything requires advanced mechanical skills.
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