Automotive Car Ignition System

With the exception of very old model cars, most cars have electronic ignition systems. In general, the wire sets on electronic ignitions need to be replaced every 30,000 miles due to the high voltage (14,000 to 30,000 volts), which breaks down the wire sets internally. Also, the higher under-hood temperatures of new cars deteriorate the wire sets externally.

Automotive Car Lighting - Tune-Up Accessories

In addition to headlights, taillights, turn signals and license-plate lights, there are numerous lights in the car interior that must be replaced periodically. Also, fuses occasionally need replacing.

Maintenance Equipment - Car Engine Belts

A system of belts and pulleys driven by a main pulley connected to the motor’s crankshaft harnesses engine power to operate the power steering pump, water pumps, fan, etc. The most commonly used belt is the Vbelt, although there is another belt style that utilizes grooves corresponding to grooves in the pulley. Manufacturer programs offer a selection of common belts and pulleys to fit most of the cars on the road and target your inventory investment to the most frequently used items.

Maintenance Equipment - Car Hoses

Hoses in a car’s cooling system should be checked at least twice a year for cracks or other deterioration that can lead to leaks and overheating. When selling radiator and heater hoses, make sure the customer purchases the size and shape required for his

Maintenance Equipment - Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers utilize a system that combines a piston with hydraulic fluid to cushion an automobile’s ride, providing degrees of stiffness and load-hauling capabilities. Several varieties are available depending on how the vehicle is used, such as driving conditions, hauling and pulling requirements. Changing shock absorbers is another task that d-i-yers can handle without special tools.

Maintenance Equipment - Car Air Filter

Paying the labor bill on installing an air filter is a waste of money, since this is one of the simplest tasks for a d-i-yer. Air filters are contained in the air-cleaning system which may or may not be mounted on top of the carburetor. If not there, it is connected to the carburetor by a duct. The filter requires inspection at least every 12,000 miles and

Maintenance Equipment - Spark-Plug Wire Sets

Spark-plug wires transmit the electrical charge from the distributor to the spark plug. They are available in sets of four, six or eight, depending on the number of cylinders. Length of the wires varies to reach the separate spark plugs.They should be inspected annually and replaced as needed.

Maintenance Equipment - Spark Plug Wrenches

Most socket wrench sets contain a deep well socket designed for use on spark plugs. However, on many cars the plugs are extremely difficult to reach. A special long handled, T-shaped wrench with a socket

Tune-Up or Maintenance Equipment - Spark Plugs

Spark-plug performance is one of the single most important factors in maintaining gasoline mileage and engine efficiency. It is estimated that one spark plug firing improperly can rob an auto of 15 to 35 percent of its fuel efficiency. A spark plug consists of an electrode encased in a ceramic insulator plus a metal shell threaded to fit into the engine block. A second electrode is attached to the shell. The distance between the two electrodes is called the gap and creates the spark. Gap settings are specified by engine manufacturers and should always be checked with a gauge and reset prior to installation of the plug.

Tune-Up or Maintenance Equipment - Grease Guns

Two types of grease guns are usually sold by d-i-y retailers. One is a long cylinder (about 14”) that operates with a lever action. It frequently has a flexible hose that allows the user to maneuver the nozzle around corners and into tight spots. A smaller, more compact pistol-type can is operational with one hand and usually has its nozzle at the end of a short, rigid tube. It is suited for work in tight quarters. Grease can be bought in bulk to load into the guns or purchased in cartridge form.

Tune-Up or Maintenance Equipment - Oil Filters

A specially treated paper filtering element contained in a metal screening is the prime component in virtually all oil filters. The paper is pleated into an accordion fold for maximum surface area and the metal screen is used to hold the paper in place and prevent its collapse under the high pressure that builds up in the oil system. Filter quality is determined by the minimum- sized particle that the filter is capable of stopping. A 10-micron rating, for instance, will stop a particle measuring approximately .0004 inches, but still allow the oil to circulate freely in the system.

Tune-Up or Maintenance Equipment - Motor Oil

Automotive d-i-yers have gone far beyond simple car care and appearance projects, graduating into full-scale maintenance tasks that include such things as tune-ups, oil changes, etc. With the available product knowledge and easy-to-use products and kits, the range of projects that d-i-yers are willing and able to tackle continues to expand.