Life Happens

I started this blog thinking I would be able to write an entry every couple of days. I really didn't think it would be a big deal. Boy was I wrong. I woke up and realized life was happening and my plans were out the window. I started to work on my truck that hadn't been running right. I thought I had it diagnosed as a faulty EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve. When I went to remove it, the bolts were seized and would not come loose. The only way I could remove it was to break the bolts off and drill them out. So that is what I did....

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Gas Saving Tips

I was hanging out in the garage the other day talking with some guys and we began discussing the price of gas. Showing my age a little, but I remember selling gas for less than $1 a gallon. One of the guys asked me "What are some of the things I can do to my vehicle that will improve my fuel mileage and save me money?" There are a few things a person can do to their vehicle that will help improve gas mileage and they really don't cost that much. One of the main things that most people do not think about is the air pressure...

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Preventative Maintenance, Part 3; Checking Engine Coolant

Now that we have mastered checking the engine oil, the next step is to check the engine's coolant level. Before we go any farther, NEVER EVER REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT. Most engines maintain a temperature of 195 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. Coolant at this temperature can scald or burn your skin badly. Only check the coolant...

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Preventative Maintenance, Part 2; Adding Oil

Now that you have checked your oil and determined that the engine is a quart low, you now have to figure out what weight oil you need to add. The best way is to check the owners manual for the weight of oil recommended for your engine. If you do not have an owners manual, then contact the vehicle dealership, one of the major auto part stores,...

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Preventative Maintenance Part 1, Checking The Engine Oil Level

As a father, we try and teach our children all of life's skills they need to face the world on their own. We try and protect them to the best of their ability and maintain that "Hero" status as they get older. I recently had a young lady come into the parts store. She was a college student heading home for Summer Break. She said she had a noise coming...

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Welcome To Daddy D's Garage

Having worked in the automotive industry as a mechanic and parts man pretty much my entire life, I have found that there are a lot of little things one can do to prevent and save on vehicle maintenance. Also having a 15 year old daughter, I want to teach her and you what to expect when you have to go to a repair shop or a parts retail store. When I was 6 months old, my dad started his repair shop. I still have memories as a young boy "helping" dad in the garage. But the most amazing thing, my mom would work side by side with my dad in the shop....

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