Category Archives: car

Change engine oil quickly, safely and correctly for a Subaru

https://youtu.be/DLcraYvfldI

Did you know if you have your oil changed at a non-dealer garage, they might install the wrong oil filter? Last time I had my Subaru oil changed at a non-dealer garage, they installed a wrong filter because it has the wrong bypass pressure for a Subaru. So it is important that you use a correct filter.

Most of the time going to a dealer for service is more expensive. So in this video I am showing you the easiest way to change your oil in under 20 minutes. You want it to be quick, but also safe. For a Subaru Forester, there is no need to jack up the car, the SUV is high enough, and the oil drain plug is within arm’s reach from the front. If your head is too large or your car’s clearance is too low, watch my other video on how to raise your car safely without a jack:  https://youtu.be/KwJRQKDszyo

You need to loosen the drain plug first. If your arm is not strong enough, watch my other video on how to use your foot to loosen it:
https://youtu.be/C074os54sQM?t=97

I put an oil pan in a box. The box will catch oil splashes and it also lets me adjust the pan under the car more easily. If you don’t have an oil pan, watch this video about how to make a zero cost oil pan:
https://youtu.be/aPYtICiotEc?t=26

My oil filter socket fits the correct oil filter from Subaru, but it is too small for the Metrostreet filter. If you don’t have an oil filter wrench, watch my other video on how to remove the filter without purchasing a filter wrench:
https://youtu.be/QPVs03aZjmc

Lastly, when you pour oil, there are various ways to do it without using an oil funnel:
https://youtu.be/QHIiFG0FlSw

Best car battery troubleshooting, correct diagnosis and proper fix with certainty

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What is the difference between a Hydrometer and a load tester? Can epsom salt recondition a battery with sulfation? Depending on what is the problem and what tools you have, there are different ways to resolve your problem. Some of these may work for you, some won’t, this video will explain to you the “why” part, i.e. what are conditions under which the solution will work for you and what are the limitations.

We propose various steps for you to diagnose your car battery problems, and suggest alternative ways to test if you don’t have the best tools.

Diagnose car battery problems & find proper fix, everything you need to know about a battery

Note, with my old cars, when I did not have a voltage meter, I used the method of disconnecting the battery when the car was running. But now new cars may have more sensitive devices, and since the voltage may spike without battery connected, it may cause some electronics malfunction. So it is safer if you use a voltage meter (if you have one) instead.

We should also remind you that the charge-discharge cycle will shorten the battery life. When your battery passes hydrometer specific gravity test but fails the load test, you have no other option but to perform the charge-discharge cycle. But if it is something other than this condition, don’t cycle unnecessarily.

When you need to replace your battery, if a bigger battery costs the same as the smaller one, you can choose the bigger one even if it is wrong sized, check out my other video on how to replace with the least cost: https://youtu.be/hymGI0ra7gE
A bigger battery may mean either the dimension is bigger or more importantly the weight is higher which means it has more lead.

Another important factor is the price. Big stores such as Costco, Walmart, Home Depot have high volume, and can sell the same quality items at lower price. The smaller stores auto specialty stores such as AutoZone, O’Reilly, Pepboy may give you better service, but higher price for commodity products.

In addition to the weight, sizes, and prices, you should also pay attention to the number of years warranty the battery provides. Note that free replacement is more valuable than the pro-rated “warranty” which may only take about a few bucks off the price of the new one, if you buy it from them again.

Below some samples prices:

Walmart:
$50 ValuePower brand: 12V car battery with 1-year free replacement warranty.
$94 EverStart Maxx brand: An included five-year warranty (three years free replacement and two years prorated) provides peace of mind.

homedepot:
$89 Exide brand. SPRINTER 12 volts Lead Acid 6-Cell 35 Group Size 550 Cold Cranking Amps (BCI) Auto Battery
2-year free replacement
$99 Exide brand. SPRINTER MAX 12 volts Lead Acid 6-Cell 35 Group Size 650 Cold Cranking Amps (BCI) Auto Battery
3-year free replacement

Costco:
$79 Interstate brand: three years free replacement.

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How To Pour Engine Oil | NO FUNNEL,NO TOOLS

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Did you know there are actually 3 different ways to pour oil into your engine? Two of them you may already know. Today I’m introducing a new and unique third way.

This is very useful for when you’re traveling and you find your oil level is low. You don’t have to buy a funnel or any other tools — just a bottle of oil!

Assuming that you don’t have a funnel, knife, or a screw driver, we will show you how to pour oil without spilling! Whether you have a 1-quart bottle or 5-quart jug, we have you covered. And you’ll impress your friends!

Since there are different kinds of oil bottles and different kinds of cars, we have done extensive research to cover all possible scenarios. Hopefully you will find the solution to suit your needs. If you don’t find a solution, or if you have any tips, please leave a comment below.

If you are at home, you can easily make a funnel with zero cost. Check out my other video: https://youtu.be/ICcqwXPSxmk (4 Ways To Make An Engine Oil Funnel & 2 Ways To Pour Oil)

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