Summertime! Everyone wants to go cool off at the river, lake or ocean. And you’ve got the car to carry them all. Besides, you’d rather drive than ride, right? So Let’s Go! Nothing beats a day at the beach and nothing tests the patience of a meticulous car owner more than the day after when you try to figure out how to remove sand from your car. And if you’re not that picky, you should be. That sand isn’t just unsightly — it can cause real damage to the interior of your car. Sand is abrasive. You know that rough feeling when you get some in your shoe and walk for a while? Now picture people’s feet and bodies grinding that grit into the carpet and seat fabric of your car. Doesn’t matter whet

The summer is the best time to go cruising with your convertible top down. However, situational awareness on your part can avert potential trouble and costly repairs. As you prepare to drop the top of your convertible, keep in mind the following points: Soft Top Considerations Soft tops are either manually or power-operated. Models that have power-operated tops come equipped with a manual override, which allows you to bypass the folding mechanism. Your owner’s manual will outline any features unique to your vehicle. You should never try to force a motorized unit down, as it may cause irreversible damage. Before lowering a soft convertible top down, always verify that the roof is clean and dr

Engines are complex machines with rapidly moving metal parts and small clearances. And as such, they generate a lot of heat. You already know that coolant is an integral part of keeping your engine from exploding, and you probably also know that you have multiple coolant options that aren’t interchangeable. But how do you know which is OK to use? Color is not a reliable indicator in choosing between OAT, IAT and HOAT, so you better choose wisely … and what is HOAT coolant anyway? Let’s dig in. 1. The Story on HOAT Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) Coolant was pretty much the original type of coolant and is still used in older vehicles. It lasts around 30,000 miles before it turns too acidic an

When you start working on cars it is common to acquire a starter tool set to cover most repairs. A set of wrenches and a socket set are great, but a few key specialty tools can be a real time saver. We’ve listed a few of our favorite specialty tools that we think should be in every toolbox. Hose Clamp Pliers One of the most hated parts under the hood of a car is the dreaded spring clamp. These clamps are a universal favorite of automobile manufacturers due to their extreme ease of installation. They do a great job of holding hoses in place, but the trouble comes when that hose needs to be removed. Some spring hose clamps were installed on the assembly line before other large components were

As summer approaches and the weather warms up, your tire pressure fluctuates rapidly, regardless of your driving habits. Knowing how to check tire pressure can go a long way toward helping your tires last longer, keeping a good grip on the road and improving your fuel economy. Seasons of Change The temperature of the outside air directly affects the pressure in your tires. Tires lose pressure naturally, at a rate of approximately one to two pounds per square inch per month. They also gain or lose pressure based on the weather, about 1 psi for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit increase or decrease in ambient temperature. For instance, if your tires were set at 32 psi in January, when Boston tempera

Boat enthusiasts know there’s nothing quite like spending a day out on the water, but mechanical issues can bring that fun to a grinding halt. Because your boat’s motor is exposed to some of the harshest conditions, regular outboard motor repair and maintenance is essential. Here are six things you can do to get your boat ready for the season and help you avoid needing a tow back to the slip. 1. Spark Check One of the most common boating problems is an engine that won’t start. Before you head out, check your spark plugs and replace them if needed. A good indicator that you need new plug is excessive fuel consumption and a slow-revving engine. If your motor has either of these symptoms, remov

Over the years, there have been all kinds of packages and sub-models for GM’s answer to the Mustang and the champion of all pony cars, the Camaro. From the base model to the RS, SS, RS\SS, Z\28, IROC, and Berlinetta, the pinnacle version is the ZL-1. Unlike the others, the ZL-1 Camaro was never actually supposed to be available to the public; in fact it was never supposed to be built at all. ZL-1 was the GM factory code for the aluminum 427 cubic-inch big-block designed only for use in Corvette race vehicles. Special Order Shenanigans The ZL-1 engine is a 427-cubic-inch engine with aluminum heads and block. Compared to the similar L88 427, which had an iron block, the ZL-1 weighed over 100 p

Wondering how to prepare your car for summer? The season’s warm weather can be hard on your ride, placing stress on everything from its air conditioner to its battery. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your vehicle cruise through the heat without breaking a sweat. Read on to learn how to get your car ready for the dog days of summer. The tasks listed below are easy to tackle and can be completed in just a few minutes. Check the Air Conditioning System Your car’s air conditioning system takes a beating during the summer, working tirelessly to keep you and your passengers fresh and cool. Don’t wait until a sweltering day to learn that it’s not working properly. Give it a test r