How to Change the Oil in Your Car

Posted on June 2, 2010 by randall

Changing your oil can be a pretty simple process if you follow a good set of instructions. I found a great 13-step walk-through on a site, and I think it will help you have your oil changed in no time at all. Take a look:

  1. Make sure your vehicle is parked on a flat surface and not at an angle.
  2. Run the engine for several minutes to heat the oil before draining. Shut off the engine before proceeding.
  3. If using ramps, drive the vehicle onto the ramps. If using a jack and jack stands, raise the vehicle with the jack and lower it onto the stands. Never go under a vehicle unless it is supported by quality jack stands or drive-on ramps. Never go under a vehicle supported by drive-on ramps unless both of the non-ramped wheels (the ones which remain on the ground) are chocked. Blocks of wood of sufficient size suffice for this purpose; simply place them behind the tires. When using a jack, take care to lift the vehicle from a proper lifting point. If you’re unsure where to place the jack, consider having just one more oil change done by a mechanic. When the vehicle is on the service hoist, ask if the mechanic would point out the proper lifting points on your vehicle.
  4. Always wear appropriate eye protection when working under the vehicle. Components under the vehicle will be hot. Use caution, especially when working near the exhaust system. The engine oil pan should be easy to identify. It’s large and sags down a bit from the engine area. There will be a drain plug on the bottom edge.
  5. Once you find the engine oil pan and locate the drain plug, slip the drain pan below.
  6. Unscrew the drain plug with the proper size box end wrench. (counter clockwise to loosen). The oil rushing from the drain most likely will drive the drain plug into the drain pan. Remember, the oil will be hot, so it is best to just let the bolt fall into the drain pan rather than try to yank it away once it comes free. This will save your hands from getting burned and gooey.
  7. It will take several minutes for the oil to drain., Retrieve the drain plug from the drain pan and inspect the drain plug washer. A metal drain plug washer that is no longer flat should be replaced. A rubber drain plug washer that is damaged or deteriorated should be replaced. Reinstall the drain plug into the oil pan. Do not over tighten.
  8. Find the oil filter. Adjust the drain pan to catch the oil that will fall from the filter once it’s removed from the engine. Attach the filter wrench tightly around the filter and rotate counter clockwise to remove. You may find yourself in a battle trying to remove the filter and even crush the body. Simply make sure the wrench grip is solid and try for that first release. Once you achieve that, the filter should twist right off. The filter gasket should come off with the filter. If it didn’t, remove the filter gasket from the filter mounting area. Wipe the filter mounting area with a clean rag.
  9. Set the old filter off to the side and swab the housing area with the rag until it’s free of old oil.
  10. You’re now ready to install the new filter. Coat the filter gasket with clean oil. Screw it in, taking caution not to go to the extreme when tightening. The tightening instructions will be printed on most filters. If not,a good rule to use is to rotate until gasket contacts mounting surface, then tighten an additional ½ turn.
  11. At this point, the hard part is over. Now locate the lubricant depository, usually marked by a cap noted appropriately: oil. Open it and pour in the required amount of oil. Replace the cap upon completion and wipe up any excess oil.
  12. Start the vehicle and do a quick check on all of the components to seek out any leaks. With the engine running, verify there is no engine oil leaking from the filter or from the drain plug. Shut off the engine and check engine oil level.
  13. Now you’re ready to clean up. Used motor oil is classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws. Using a funnel, carefully pour the used oil from the drain pan into a leak proof container. Take the old oil to your local garage or auto parts store for disposal.
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Should You Lease Your New Car or Truck?

Posted on May 31, 2010 by randall

Buying or leasing, which to choose?

Leasing your next new car or truck is a great option to consider instead of buying, but I’ve found that a lot of customers aren’t really sure of the differences between the two. Buying a car is pretty straightforward; you make payments on a vehicle that you want to own, and when you’re done with the payments, the car or truck is all yours.

Now, with a lease, it’s still easy to understand if you know how it works. When you lease, you are mainly paying for the depreciation of the vehicle, which is the difference between the capitalized cost (the purchase price, taxes, fees, and anything else you include into the lease) and the residual value (the estimated wholesale value of the vehicle when the lease is up) of the vehicle. If you opt for higher residuals it means you can get a lower monthly payment, but if you want to keep the car or truck at the end of the lease, it could end up costing you more money. But, since you’re only paying for the depreciation and not the vehicle itself, you can usually get more car for less money per month.

One benefit of leasing is that you can a drive newer-model car or truck, and when the lease is up, get another newer vehicle. This also helps with repair costs when you have a newer vehicle, and a good tip would be to make sure that the lease term doesn’t extend past the manufacturer’s warranty.

Leasing really is a great option that you should consider when shopping for a new car or truck, and with more manufacturers offering lease-specific incentives, it could wind up saving you big bucks. If you have any questions on leasing vs. buying, feel free to comment below!

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The 3 Parts to the Mustang Exhaust System

Posted on May 28, 2010 by randall

When you want to make your Ford Mustang perform better, the first step for most people would be modifying the exhaust system. It’s usually an inexpensive and simple process to get more horsepower out of your pony car. One of many great things about the Ford Mustang is that the exhaust system consist of only three parts, regardless of the generation of the car.

The people over on the American Muscle site have a great understanding of the inner-workings of the Mustang exhaust system, so let’s get started:

  1. Manifolds – The manifolds are connected to the exhaust ports of the engine. They funnel the exhaust gases from the cylinders into a single exhaust passage (the mid-pipe).You will hear manifolds referred to as headers. While they perform the same function, they are not exactly the same.
    • Manifolds (the factory headers) usually have several holes that merge into a common chamber.
    • Headers (the aftermarket manifolds) generally have tubes that curve to join the exhaust ports to the pipe. Shorty headers are designed to bolt into the factory manifold location. Long-tube headers are usually made for racing applications. Equal Length Headers can be either shorty or long-tube, they have tubes of equal length allowing for slightly better exhaust flow.

    It is the curves that make headers a popular modification. This allows the gases to gently slide into the pipe, rather than slamming through the ports.

    Shorty Headers are equivalent in size to stock exhaust manifolds. They work with stock mid-pipes, as well as standard length aftermarket mid-pipes.

    Long-Tube Headers are longer than stock exhaust manifolds. They do not work with stock mid-pipes, because they are too long to bolt up to the factory mid-pipe. Long-Tube Headers require a “shorty” mid-pipe to maintain a consistent exhaust length. Long-Tube headers and Full-Length Headers are the same thing.

    Simplicity never looked so good.

  2. Mid-Pipe – All Mustang exhausts have a mid-pipe. This is where gases go when they leave the manifold. GT mid-pipes are different than V6 mid-pipes.
    • GT Mustangs: Come stock with a pipe that has an H-formation (H-Pipe)
    • V6 Mustangs: Come stock with a pipe that has a Y-formation (Y-pipe).
    • Some Aftermarket mid-pipes come in an X-formation and are called X-pipes.

    All stock mid-pipes come with catalytic converters, or “cats”. Cats remove the contaminants from the exhaust, making them emissions friendly.

    Aftermarket mid-pipes that are meant to be used off-road or for racing don’t have catalytic converters, and are called “off-road H- or X-pipes”. Off-road mid-pipes aren’t meant for street use and, depending on your state’s emissions laws, may not pass inspection.

    Almost every mid-pipe AmericanMuscle.com carries are standard length. They will work with stock exhaust set ups, as well as aftermarket headers and catbacks.

    We also carry several shorty mid-pipes, which are used most often in racing applications. These pipes will only work with aftermarket long-tube headers. When buying aftermarket long-tube headers and short mid-pipes, it is recommended that you stay with the same brand for both parts.

  3. Cat-back – The cat-back bolts on behind the catalytic converters. The assembly contains the mufflers and the tailpipes. This is the final destination of the nasty gases from your engine.

If you need any help with your Ford Mustang exhaust or any other performance upgrade, Check out my Reed Speed site to talk to a performance and accessory specialist.

Posted in Ford Technology, Parts and Accessories, Tips and Hints | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Ford Time Machine: The 1940s

Posted on May 26, 2010 by randall

The 1940s are usually remembered for World War II, and with good reason. And, Henry Ford and his remarkable production abilities came to the aid of America by helping build tanks, amphibious vehicles, the B-24 bomber, and more.

Take a look and see for yourself:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slq08mFbZX0

It takes a lot of patriotism for Henry Ford to stop the production of vehicles and dedicate his resources to the war effort. Sherry and I will be back soon with the next installment of autotainment for you to enjoy! If you have any comments or questions about any of these videos, come on over and let me know.

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Foster Elementary Celebrates Reopening of Playground

Posted on May 25, 2010 by randall

Take a look at this story by Jennifer Summer from the Atascocita Observer. It was a true honor to be involved with such an amazing cause, and thanks again to the Be An Angel Foundation for everything they do.

When vandals destroyed the playground at Foster Elementary School last June, the students decided to take it into their own hands to raise funds to rebuild.

Between manning lemonade and fresh baked goods stands, selling their own stuffed animals, holding car washes and several other fundraising events, the students raised a good portion of the money to donate to the playground.

Randall Reed Planet Ford of Humble stepped forward to donate a $25,000 check to the rebuilding effort, and with the help of the Be An Angel Foundation, all of the kids’ dreams became a reality.

Foster Elementary celebrated the grand reopening of its new playground May 19 with representatives from Planet Ford in Humble, the Be An Angel Foundation, members of Foster’s Parent-Teacher Association and other community members.

“We are very excited and very humbled by how many people in our community helped us rebuild the playground. We are even more proud as parents how hard the students at Foster worked to raise money so they could have a playground again,” Sarah Stevens, Foster PTA member and Playground Committee chair, said at the ceremony.

“They did not wait for someone else to come along and rebuild their playground; they had the initiative to work hard for their community and school.”

During the planning process for the new playground at Foster, the Be An Angel Foundation approached the school and inquired about installing equipment that all students could use including students who have physical disabilities.

The school and the district agreed a playground for all children was beneficial, so the new playground at Foster Elementary is one of the only all-inclusive, barrier-free playgrounds in Humble ISD. The only other all-inclusive playground in the area is at Lindsay/Lyons Park in Humble.

“It truly is amazing when you get the chance to see a child who is in a wheelchair get to use the playground equipment; their face lights up with delight – it is amazing. This playground is representative of what an entire community can do,” Bill Shank, chairman of the Be An Angel Foundation, said.

Before the ribbon cutting ceremony, Randall Reed of Planet Ford spent time with Foster Elementary students and even enjoyed a ride down one of the slides.

The playground was a community build for Planet Ford so employees, Randall Reed and community members constructed the playground as a team and under the supervision of the playground company.

Every year Reed selects a community project and since the fire-damaged playground affected the whole community, he selected this as his pet project.

“My wife, Sherry, and I have a passion for children and supporting a community that has always supported us. This is our chance to give back and we knew this was the right thing to do,” Reed said.

For more information about Foster Elementary or the playground, call Humble ISD at 281-641-1000.

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A Certified Pre-Owned Car: What Are the Benefits?

Posted on May 20, 2010 by randall

A certified pre-owned car usually goes through a much stricter inspection than that of a regular used car. Some certified vehicles will come with a full inspection report, a history of the vehicle, and even 24/7 roadside assistance. When looking for a certified pre-owned vehicle, make sure that you ask the dealership to review all of the benefits as they may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

To give you a better understanding of the benefits from a specific manufacturer, take a look at what you get with a Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle:

Dallas Ford Lincoln Mercury Dealership Randall Reed's Prestige Ford Garland Dallas TX Ford Dallas Ford Truck Serving Dallas Fort Worth DFW

169-Point Inspection by Certified Mechanics — Rigorous inspection by factory-trained technicians. If a vehicle doesn’t meet their strict criteria, they won’t certify it. It’s that simple.

Powertrain Warranty — Peace of mind is standard on every Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle since each comes with 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty coverage, backed by Ford Motor Company.

Comprehensive Warranty — They’ve got you covered. Enjoy the additional confidence of their comprehensive limited warranty-coverage on more than 500 components-included with every Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle.

Vehicle History Report — Know your vehicle’s past, and feel confident when you get behind the wheel of your Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with an informative, full history report.

24-Hour Roadside Assistance — Help when you need it most. Wherever you roam, they have you covered with their Roadside Assistance program. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and nationwide.

If you have any questions about coverage for used or certified pre-owned, come on over and let me know.

Posted in Driving Safety, Tips and Hints | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Ford Work Solutions: Crew Chief

Posted on May 18, 2010 by randall

Crew Chief from Ford Work Solutions helps you run trucks and crews more efficiently with a simple on-board device. You can tell where each truck in your crew is 24/7 though the in-dash computer screen, or, you can use any computer with Internet access.

The size of your company doesn’t matter, whether you have 10 trucks or 1,000, Crew Chief can raise your productivity and efficiency. Take a look at what Crew Chief can help you accomplish from Ford Work Solutions:

Crew Chief technology

  • Crew Chief employs cutting-edge telematics and diagnostics in a black box located under the dashboard.
  • Data is linked to a turnkey Web-based application from Microlise that is easily customized to display the data most important.
  • The Crew Chief application can be accessed from any Internet-connected computer, including the Ford Work Solutions In-Dash Computer.

Real-time vehicle tracking

Downtime is money gone. Crew Chief can help.

 

  • Dispatch vehicles to service locations quickly and monitor their activity.
  • Redeploy vehicles that are out on the road at a moment’s notice.
  • Track vehicle location and other key data such as excessive speed, fuel consumption, idle time, driver performance, and more.
  • GPS mapping support includes satellite aerial views.
  • “Geofencing” capability sets operational boundaries by vehicle, based on geography or hours of operation.
  • Identify user-set alerts, such as unauthorized use of a vehicle or excessive idling.

Real-time maintenance tracking

  • Crew Chief records and displays diagnostic information, such as engine conditions and tire pressure, and notifies you when scheduled maintenance is needed.
  • Users can define reports based on what information they want.

Crew Chief really is the ultimate fleet-management too, and I would love to hear what you think. Have you used it on the job? If so, come tell me what you think or leave a comment below!

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Maintenance Tips: Leaking Fluids

Posted on May 17, 2010 by randall

It takes a lot of different fluids to get your car or truck down the road every day, and when they start leaking out of you car, it can be hard to tell what the problem is.

Fortunately, the color of the leaking fluid can give you a good idea about what the issue is, and then you can move on to fixing it. If you’re experiencing this problem now, take a look below to see if any of these colors look familiar.

Yellowish-Green, Blue, Orange — These colors could point to a few different problems. First, check your radiator and see if you can see any of the fluids coming from it. If that’s not it, it could be your water pump going out or hopefully it’s just a cracked or leaking hose. That would be an easy fix, but if your car or truck has been overheating lately, it could be an engine-related problem.

Brown, Black — This one you might recognize because it’s probably oil. Now, a little oil leaking out isn’t a huge problem, but if it’s a decent amount of oil, then it could be an old or broken seal or gasket. Definitely something you’d want to get fixed.

Red — Especially a darker red, and this could be bad or really bad depending on what it is and the amount of damage. It could be your power-steering pump leaking, and that might not be so bad. A lot power steering fluids you can buy come with some chemicals in them that will help seal smaller cracks, so look into that first if there’s not a major amount of fluid leakage. That dark red fluid could also be transmission fluid, and you should take this in to have a mechanic take a look if you think this might be the problem. Hopefully it’s nothing serious, but if you’re driving an older car, it could be your transmission going out.

Clear — I saved the best for last! If you see some clear fluid underneath your car or truck, it is most likely normal condensation coming from the air conditioner. No problem.

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Stopping Driving Distractions

Posted on May 14, 2010 by randall

Driving around town can be challenging enough as it is, but when you add a mobile phone in a driver’s hands, it can get dangerous. Younger drivers are becoming more and more preoccupied with talking and texting while driving, and as a father, this topic hits close to home.

Take a look at this video that covers some of the risks of being distracted while driving:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su3xvFIfZPE

According to distraction.gov, there are three main types of distraction:

Visual — taking your eyes off the road
Manual — taking you hands of the wheel
Cognitive — taking your mind off what you’re doing

Texting while driving covers all three types, so it’s no surprise that it’s especially dangerous. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. But, there are other distractions that you should be aware of:

– Using a cell phone
– Eating and drinking
– Talking to passengers
– Grooming
– Reading, including maps
– Using a PDA or navigation system
– Watching a video
– Changing the radio station, CD, or Mp3 player

It’s a good idea to tell your family and friends that if they call you or text you while you’re in the car that you’ll follow up once you’re at your destination. If you have any questions or comments about this post, feel free to leave a comment below or come on by and see me!

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Ford Time Machine: The 1930s

Posted on May 13, 2010 by randall

Sherry and I step back into the Ford Time Machine to bring you the 1930s! While this was the time of the Great Depression, Henry Ford keeps on doing what he did best, and the world get the first view of the new Ford Model A, and a whole lot more.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-goQDENoWw

Talk about a memorable decade, not only is it Mercury’s first appearance, but the V8 as well. And, I bet you didn’t know that two pounds of soybean products were built into every Ford. You learn something new every day!

Posted in Ford History, Ford Technology, Just for Fun | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment