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Showing posts from October, 2017

How to Determine Gear Ratio

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In mechanical engineering, a gear ratio is a direct measure of the ratio of the rotational speeds of two or more interlocking gears. As a general rule, when dealing with two gears, if the drive gear (the one directly receiving rotational force from the engine, motor, etc.) is bigger than the driven gear, the latter will turn more quickly, and vice versa. We can express this basic concept with the formula '''Gear ratio = T2/T1''', where T1 is the number of teeth on the first gear and T2 is the number of teeth on the second.<ref>http://bowlesphysics.com/images/Robotics_-_Gears_and_Gear_Ratios.pdf</ref> [[Category:Car Maintenance and Repair]] [[Category:Cars & Other Vehicles]] == Steps == === Finding the Gear Ratio of a Gear Train === ==== Two Gears ==== #Start with a two-gear train. To be able to determine a gear ratio, you must have at least two gears engaged with each other &mdash; this is called a "gear train." Usually, the...

How to Chrome Plate

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Chrome plating uses electrolysis to bind a thin plate of chromium onto an object, usually an easily corroded metal. Chromium is an element found in nature, but it is not substantial on its own. You will not find things made of chrome alone, however, chrome plating provides a very bright, high-gloss, mirror-like metallic surface to automobile and motorcycle trim, bathroom fixtures, and many household and industrial objects. Resistant to tarnish, chrome plating serves to protect metals and reduce friction on surfaces. The process is highly specialized, requires use of highly toxic, volatile, and carcinogenic elements (such as chromic acid and sulfuric acid), and produces very hazardous waste. Knowing how to chrome plate may interest you, but you are advised to consider specific safety concerns. [[Category:Cars & Other Vehicles]] == Steps == === Use chrome for decorative purposes === # Use chrome to plate metals subject to corrosion, including steel, brass, copper, aluminum, ...

How to Check RPM

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RPM stands for Revolutions Per Minute.  RPMs serve as a way to measure how hard your engine is working.  While most vehicles come equipped with a tachometer, some may not.  You may need to install an aftermarket tachometer in order to read RPMs while driving.  If you need to measure the RPMs of your vehicle to help diagnose an issue, you may choose to utilize a handheld tachometer that can measure the vehicle’s RPMs while you work under the hood.   [[Category:Car Maintenance and Repair]] == Steps == ===Using the Vehicle’s Tachometer=== #Identify the tachometer before driving.  Get into the driver’s seat of the vehicle and take a good look at your gauges.  Most vehicles come equipped with a speedometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge and a tachometer.  They may be arranged in a number of ways depending on the make and model of your vehicle.<ref>http://www.driversedguru.com/driving-articles/car-auto-maintenance/yes-those-gaug...

How to Check a Car Before Driving

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Driving an automobile is one of the potentially most dangerous things people do, but you can prevent certain problems if you know how to check your car before driving. Visual inspections may prevent an accident caused by a blown tire, and many other potential hazards. [[Category:Car Maintenance and Repair]] == Steps == === Short Trips === # Check under the car for obvious leaks. Driving with leaking fluid may cause failure of the steering, brakes or radiator.<br><br>[[Image:4999818 1.JPG|thumb|description]] # Check the tires for proper inflation and any obvious damage or signs of excessive wear. In a worst-case scenario, a blown tire could cause you to crash.[[Image:Check Car Before Driving Step 2.jpg|center]] # Ask someone to stand behind your car to check the lights. Turn on the car and activate the directional signals, then apply the brakes and put the car in reverse so the person can see if lights are working correctly.[[Image:Check Car Before Driving Step 3...

How to Change an Oxygen Sensor

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# Locate the oxygen sensor on your vehicle by looking for a part that looks like a spark plug that sticks out from the exhaust pipe. It will have an electrical connection attached to it.[[Image:Change an Oxygen Sensor Step 1.jpg|center]] # Disconnect the electrical connection on the oxygen sensor. Use a flat tip screwdriver to push in the tabs and pull the connection apart.[[Image:Change an Oxygen Sensor Step 2.jpg|center]] # Unscrew the oxygen sensor off the exhaust pipe using either an open-end wrench or a special socket made to remove it. The majority of oxygen sensors will take an SAE {{convert|7/8|in|cm|adj=on|1|1}} wrench.[[Image:Change an Oxygen Sensor Step 3.jpg|center]] # Compare your new oxygen sensor to the old one. If the new one did not come with an electrical connection, but just with the wires stubbed out, you need to do a little work.[[Image:Change an Oxygen Sensor Step 4.jpg|center]] #* Cut off the old connector from the bad oxygen sensor, strip the wires an...

How to Become an Electric Car Mechanic

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#Research the field of hybrid automotive technology to learn more about the industry to see if a position as an electric car mechanic is the right career for you. If you are already working as an automotive technician and want to specialize in electric vehicles, consider additional training to advance in your present job.[[Image:Become an Electric Car Mechanic Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]] #Assess your current skills and educational level to ascertain your strengths and weaknesses. Working with hybrid technology in the automotive industry requires a strong mechanical aptitude and reasoning skills in order to diagnose, service and do repair work with the more advanced components on electric vehicles.[[Image:Become an Electric Car Mechanic Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]] #Decide what type of trade or vocational educational program that you want to enroll in. Training for working on hybrid vehicles and electric cars is available at trade and technical schools as well as some communit...

How to Adjust Timing

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 The car's ''timing'' refers to the ignition and the process by which the spark plugs fire, creating a spark in the car's combustion chamber. Your timing must be at the correct setting for your car to perform at top level, affecting the speed and efficiency at which the engine fires. You can adjust your car's timing with a timing light and a set of wrenches, tools available at any auto parts store. [[Category:Car Maintenance and Repair]] == Steps == ===Understanding Ignition Timing=== #Learn if your car needs to be adjusted or not. Modern cars that are controlled by electronic ignitions don't need to have their timing adjusted, but old-style 4-stroke engines require that the timing be adjusted periodically to optimize the efficiency of the engine, making sure that the spark fires at the appropriate moment in the ignition cycle.[[Image:Adjust Timing Step 1 Version 3.jpg|center]] #*If you hear telltale signs of the timing of your car not being quit...

How to Start a Car in Freezing Cold Winter Weather

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{{fa}}Freezing cold weather can take a toll on car batteries. That's why it's important to be prepared for the winter season and the car trouble that might ensue. Read after the jump to learn what to do when your car won't start and what you can do to prevent this problem beforehand. [[Category:Car Maintenance and Repair]] == Steps == ===  Starting the Engine=== #Minimize electrical drain on the battery. Ideally, this was done when the car was last used before the cold weather hit. But doing these steps just prior to starting will give you the best chance of starting.  [[Image:Start a Car in Freezing Cold Winter Weather Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]] #*Shut the car's doors (mostly to keep the overhead light off) #*Turn off ''all'' accessories; this includes the heater/blower, radio and lights. #Turn the key to start and hold it for up to 10 seconds. Don't hold it for any longer than 10 seconds, as overworking the starter will not make it any...

How to Keep Car Doors from Freezing Shut

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{{fa}}In cold weather, car doors can freeze shut, and typically at the most inconvenient time. You can end up with a door that refuses to open, a lock that refuses to budge, or both at the same time. But this is not an impossible task. With some preparation, a little know-how, and ingenuity, you will be in your vehicle soon. [[Category:Car Maintenance and Repair]] == Steps == ===Keeping Doors from Freezing Shut=== #Avoid weather effects. The typical cause of car doors and car locks freezing shut is ice. When icing conditions are predicted — rain near the freezing point, freezing rain, freezing fog, or rain and snow — get your vehicle under cover. Another possible cause is frigid weather, which may cause locks and car doors to freeze without a lot of moisture causing the problem. Of course, not everyone has access to a covered parking space, heated garage, or the like. #*Avoid locking your doors. If possible, keep doors unlocked. This will avoid the locking mechanism from lock...

How to Remove Rust from a Car

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{{fa}} A troublesome rust spot on a car typically spreads with time as the metal underneath is exposed to moisture and air, which cause it to oxidize, or corrode. Whether you plan on keeping it or selling it, your car will look cleaner (and be worth more) without the rust, so don't hesitate to take immediate action. Remove the rust spots and give the car fresh coat of paint as early as possible to stop widespread rust damage before the spot has a chance to spread. [[Category:Car Maintenance and Repair]] == Steps == === Buffing and Re-painting Rust Spots === #Take basic safety precautions. This method involves using a sander and a grinder &mdash; two powerful electric tools that can kick fine rust and paint dust into the air. To avoid injury and protect yourself from these airborne particles, be sure to wear gloves, safety glasses and ''especially'' a dust mask to keep the rust and paint particles out of your lungs.[[Image:Remove Rust from a Car Step 1 Ver...

How to Clean a K&N Air Filter

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{{fa}}K&N auto air filters are prized for their durable construction and long lifespan. Unlike normal paper filters, they can be cleaned and reused for tens of thousands of miles, which will spare you the inconvenience of having to have your air filter replaced regularly. Best of all, they’re a cinch to clean. Using the Recharger kit included with your K&N filter, just spray the filter with the cleaning solution, rinse it and apply a new coat of dust-trapping oil. Keeping your K&N air filter clean and in good condition will greatly improve your vehicle’s mileage and overall performance. [[Category:Car Maintenance and Repair]] == Steps == === Cleaning the Filter === #Remove the filter. Pop the hood on your vehicle to access the engine compartment. Find your air filter—these are almost always housed inside a large plastic box that makes them easily identifiable. If there are ring clamps or latches holding the filter in place, disengage them and lift the filter straight...