Category: Maintenance

How Much Oil Does My Car Need?

John BakerJohn Baker|

The answer seems simple: probably about five quarts. But, if you drive a small car with a four-cylinder engine, it’s likely closer to four quarts. However, the V-8 engine in your truck could require about seven quarts. My in-laws’ RAM diesel pickup takes 12 quarts of motor oil.



Is an Engine Flush Good or Bad?

John BakerJohn Baker|
engine flush after

To flush or not to flush. It’s a question whose answer is obvious in the bathroom, but vigorously debated in the garage. Let’s get right to the point. Is an engine flush good or bad?



Expert Tips for Fixing Rust on a Vehicle

John BakerJohn Baker|
Fix rust on a vehicle

Most vehicle-restoration projects eventually run into rust. At some point you’ll need to repair rust holes or rusty panels. For starters, it’s unsafe; once rust starts, it tends to spread and eventually weaken the vehicle’s structure. And it looks horrible.



Hydraulic Power: Common Problems and Solutions

Andy ArendtAndy Arendt|
Hydraulic Power

In the simplest terms a hydraulic power system consists of a sump, motor, pump, valves, actuators and hydraulic fluid. This combination can be configured into millions of applications to transfer power and reduce mechanical complexity.



Never Overlook This When Maintaining Your Snowblower

John BakerJohn Baker|
Snowblower won't start? Try this.

Thanksgiving day, 2016. While my family was gathered in my dining room, imbibing spirits and making merry, I was in the shed disassembling the carburetor on my snowblower, reeking of petroleum as rivers of gasoline flowed under my jacket cuffs and saturated me to the elbows.



How to Winterize your Motorcycle

John BakerJohn Baker|
Removing Fairing Motorcycle

Unless you live in the south or you lost a bet, you’re not riding your motorcycle during the winter. Here’s how to properly winterize your motorcycle to ensure it’s ready to go in the spring.



What is Fuel Dilution (and Why is it Bad)?

John BakerJohn Baker|
check your oil for vehicle longevity

Fuel dilution occurs when gasoline or diesel fuel infiltrate your engine’s crankcase and dilute, or “water down,” the motor oil.



What to do About Frozen Diesel Fuel

Mark NyholmMark Nyholm|
frozen diesel - thermometer in winter

Are you in the holiday spirit? The season is bustling, and everyone is burning the candle at both ends. There’s no time to waste, especially stuck on the side of the road from frozen diesel fuel in your car or truck. Are you prepared?



The Diesel Upgrade that Should Top Your List

Andy ArendtAndy Arendt|
Diesel Power Challenge 2016

Enthusiasts who build serious diesel power are a special breed. They can invest the value of two new Toyota Tacoma trucks into a single truck capable of 1,200 hp and 2,100 lb-ft torque.



What Causes Engine Oil Oxidation?

John BakerJohn Baker|
How to change your oil

As you might expect, oxygen causes engine oil oxidation. Oxygen comprises about 20 percent of our atmosphere. It’s the third most common element in the universe. Without it we’d all be doomed. And yet too much of it can cause problems inside your engine.