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Replacing Shock Absorbers

                    
Tires may be the only part of a vehicle that physically meets the road, but your shock absorbers are next in line. Working with the suspension springs, they absorb shocks from bumps and cracks in the road, while simultaneously controlling bounce and body roll.
Depending on what vehicle you drive and your driving habits, shocks tend to wear out after about 60-90K miles. A completely blown shock absorber is very easy to diagnose; your car will have to ride only on the suspension springs, which causes excessive bouncing. If you push down on the vehicle while it’s parked, you’ll see more than a single gyration. A slightly worn shock will be less obvious, but you will eventually notice degraded ride quality.
Aside from the lack of comfort and control, a worn shock will also cause accelerated tire wear, and in some cases, an increase in stopping distance.
Depending on your vehicle, shocks are usually an easy-to-medium level repair in terms of cost and difficulty. The replacement parts tend to be reasonably priced, and there may even be some upgraded components available if you want to improve the driving dynamics. Replacing the shocks will require some dismantling of the suspension system, so expect a few hours of labor to be quoted, though every vehicle is different in this respect.

This content was provided by DriverSide. For more information go to: http://www.driverside.com/

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Spark Plug Wire Replacement

                  
Spark plug wires are common tune-up items, and on most vehicles the replacement process is actually relatively easy, so long as you order the correct parts from the distributor. Spark plug wires are the most common failure in ignition systems, as they carry the spark for the greatest distance and are subject to all kinds of wear and exposure. Fortunately they aren’t too expensive to purchase and install, and just about any shop can take care of the replacement with relative ease.
It should be noted that they are not found on all vehicles, especially 2000 model year cars and newer. Diesels don’t use spark plugs (though they do have glow plugs), so if you have a diesel engine spark plug wires won’t be of any concern.

This content was provided by DriverSide. For more information go to: http://www.driverside.com/

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Flushing Your Radiator     

Keep your car’s cooling system running well.

After years of constant circulation and heat cycling, the cooling system’s fluids and parts start to break down and clog up. Changing the coolant every couple of years helps to keep things clean and fresh, flowing coolant to your engine to help maximize its lifespan.

 

Occasionally, the cooling system will clog up to the point that a chemical and/or machine flush is required to remove contaminants. Without coolant flow, the cooling system simply cannot do its job. A flushing kit – available at most auto parts stores – can be used to clear the system of blockages, and just about any repair shop can do this service for you.

 

If you’ve been using tap water in your cooling system or it has been otherwise contaminated with minerals over time, you may even need to replace some of the system components, such as hoses, the radiator and heater core. A well-functioning cooling system is vital to an engine’s longevity, especially in warmer climates.

This content was provided by DriverSide. For more information go to: http://www.driverside.com/

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As a result of House Bill 2305 passed during the 83rd legislative session, the State of Texas will stop issuing inspection stickers and transition to a “Two Steps, One Sticker” vehicle inspection and registration program. Beginning March 1, 2015, vehicles will no longer be issued an inspection sticker. Your registration sticker will serve as a combined proof of registration and inspection.

Why You'll Love “Two Steps, One Sticker”
  • One sticker, one date: Are you one of the millions of Texans whose inspection sticker and registration sticker expire in different months? With “Two Steps, One Sticker” you will just have one sticker with one expiration date.
  • Less clutter, better view: Who wants multiple stickers in their view while behind the wheel? With “Two Steps, One Sticker” you will just have the familiar blue-bordered registration sticker in the corner of your windshield.
  • Safer streets, cleaner air: Because a passing vehicle inspection will be a requirement to renew your registration, more Texans will comply with the safety and emissions testing laws. So with “Two Steps, One Sticker” there will be safer and more environmentally-sound cars on the road.
  • Fraud prevention: With inspection stickers no longer needed under “Two Steps, One Sticker,” this change will eliminate the risk of inspection sticker fraud and theft.
Who’s At the Wheel
  • The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV): The TxDMV administers the state’s vehicle registration program.
  • The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): DPS administers the state’s vehicle safety inspection program.
  • The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ): The TCEQ administers the state’s