Quick Cash Auto Blog

As one of the most enjoyable advancements in automotive technology, car stereos allow us to hum along with our favorite tune or listen to our favorite talk show while driving. While the main component to your car stereo system is the stereo unit itself, your vehicle’s speakers are equally important, as without speakers, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy your stereo at all. Furthermore, damaged speakers can completely destroy your listening experience.

If you have damaged speakers, or you’d simply like to replace your factory speakers, installing new ones is a relatively easy process. Depending on your vehicle, you may need some special tools to get to your speakers. These tools will be used to take off interior panels without damaging them, and can typically be found at an auto parts store. Some vehicles simply use a speaker grill that can be removed with a screwdriver or by simply popping it off.

Before you begin the process, you need to determine the size of the speakers you’ll need. While most speakers come in standard sizes, there are variations. You can check in your vehicle’s manual for the correct speaker size, or you might want to consult with a car stereo retailer. Many aftermarket speakers include a list of makes and models that they will fit into.

To begin, you’ll need to get to the speaker. As mentioned, either remove the interior paneling or remove the speaker grill. Many speakers will be screwed or bolted into a mount. If your speakers are made to fit your vehicle, this mount should usually be left in place. If your replacement speakers are larger or smaller than the factory speakers, you may need a separate mount to make everything fit. Once again, you will need to do your research beforehand to get the proper speakers for your vehicle.

Once you’ve removed the screws or bolts, gently pull the speaker out. It should have wires leading from the back of it. These wires may be in the form of a harness. If this is the case, simply unplug the harness from the old speaker and attach it to the new one. If you don’t have a harness, you may simply have two wires leading to two posts, each of which represents a separate audio channel. If this happens, you will need to mark each wire to so you know which is the left channel and which is the right. From there, you may be able to simply detach the wires, or in some cases, just cut them and strip them. You can then attach the wires to the posts on the back of the new speaker, screw or bolt it back into place and then reattach the panel or grill.

It happens to virtually everyone at some point: you’re driving down the road, your vehicle is running smoothly, and suddenly, your “check engine” light comes on. As vehicles have become more technically advanced, computerized components have taken over more and more of your vehicle’s day-to-day operations. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult for everyday people to diagnose a “check engine” problem without advanced tools, such as code scanners.

If you’ve found yourself with a check engine light error, it’s important to get your vehicle to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Often times, a check engine light signifies that there is a potential problem with your vehicle’s powertrain and supporting systems. A check engine light may also signify that there is a problem with your vehicle’s exhaust, meaning you could be spewing dangerous pollutants into the air. Then again, it could be something as simple as a loose gas cap.

The problem with the check engine light is that it really doesn’t give you any real indication as to what the exact problem is. Your vehicle’s electronic control systems are so complex and so varied that it would be nearly impossible for there to be a warning light for every potential problem. With that said, as vehicle manufacturers have continued to integrate computer screens and controls into vehicle consoles, the ability to display detailed information has become easier.

If your check engine light comes on, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to immediately pull off the road. You should, however, get to a mechanic soon. Some vehicles use a graded system of lights to signify dangerous problems over innocuous ones. These systems may use a solid yellow or orange check engine light to show that there is a potential problem that you need to address. As the problem becomes worse, the light may then begin to blink. Finally, if the problem is serious, you may receive a solid or blinking red light. This light may also be accompanied by a chime or beeping sound. If this happens, you should probably pull over, as continuing to drive under this condition could cause serious damage to expensive components.

Fortunately, drivers that experience a check engine light have inexpensive options to have it checked. Many auto parts stores will perform a system scan for free, which will then generate a trouble code. This trouble code will allow you to know exactly what’s wrong, allowing you to decide whether it’s something you need to fix right now, or if it’s something that can wait.

Although it’s quite simple, many people are unsure of how to change their own oil. Changing the oil in your vehicle is a very important part of keeping it running correctly, and forgetting to change your oil can lead to dire consequences. Essentially, the oil in your vehicle is the lubrication that allows for various metal components to rub against one another smoothly. Without oil, these components would quickly break down due to heat and wear. Also, by not changing your oil on a regular basis, you may end up with dirty sludge in your engine, leading to slowed performance and component damage.

Before you change your oil, you need to know how many miles you’ve driven since your last oil change. Most experts recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles, or every three months, whichever comes sooner. You also should find out what type of oil your vehicle requires. You can do this by looking in your owner’s manual or by consulting with your vehicle’s manufacturer. You’ll also need to gather up some supplies. Some rags or paper towels for cleaning, an oil pan to catch the old oil, five quarts of new oil, a new oil filter and a wrench to remove the drain plug. Because it’s recommended to replace your oil filter when you change your oil, you will also want a wrench to remove the filter.

To get started, you may need to jack up your vehicle to get underneath it comfortably. This should be done on a flat, stable surface, and you may want to add some ramps to keep the car from rolling. Once you can get underneath your vehicle, locate the drain plug under the engine. If you are unable to find it, consult with your owner’s manual. Place your oil pan underneath the drain plug, accounting for the plug’s angle, and then remove the plug with your wrench. After all of the oil has been drained, replace the plug. Position your oil pan underneath the filter, remove it and allow it to drain into the oil pan. Once this is done, set aside the old filter and connect the new one.

From here, all that’s left to do is pour in the new oil. Locate the oil cap on top of your engine bloc, remove it and then pour in the new oil. It’s best to use a funnel to avoid messes. Once you have poured in your five quarts, replace the oil cap, lower your vehicle off of any jacks and ramps and then run the engine for a few minutes, as this allows the new oil to circulate. Afterward, simply check your dipstick to ensure a proper oil level and you’re done!

It wasn’t that long ago that virtually everyone was awaiting the car of the future; the hybrid. These vehicles were to run on gasoline and electricity, be rechargeable and deliver fuel economy that dusted the competition. However, just as fast as hybrids arrived, it seems now that their fate is uncertain. Many vehicle manufacturers seem to be turning their back on the technology, instead opting for more fuel efficient traditional cars, trucks and SUVs.

In fact, all one needs to do is take a look at the latest info coming out of the recent Detroit Auto Show. There, Cadillac introduced the new ATS sedan, which the company boasts can achieve up to 40 MPG using a traditional engine. Additionally, Ford has announced that it will stop producing its Escape hybrid. It seems the tide may be turning for hybrid enthusiasts and maybe for your wallet as well.

One of the biggest reasons for the recent shift is the cost of ownership of hybrid vehicles. Consumers that initially purchased these cars and trucks to save money on gas have quickly come to realize that the trade-off is higher energy costs elsewhere. What the general public is coming to see is that there is no reason for the extra expense if they can get a traditional vehicle for less money that delivers better fuel economy. If you save a few hundred dollars a year in gas costs, but end up spending many thousands of extra dollars for a hybrid, at what point does it stop making sense to own one?

When taking a look at the numbers, hybrid sales dropped from 2.4 percent of vehicle sales in 2010 to 2.2 percent in 2011. These figures may also be a reflection of the general public’s trust in hybrid models, and with good cause. The recent developments with Chevy’s Volt, in which batteries have been combusting, are a stark reminder that electric technology in vehicles has not been perfected, leaving most people with a wait-and-see attitude. It seems, however, that this has bought enough time for auto manufacturers to play catch up, as they have continued to find ways to reduce energy waste, reduce vehicle weight and develop more efficient technologies in gasoline engines.

Whether the future holds traditional filling stations or glowing electric hubs is uncertain at this moment. While the auto industry is in transition, it may be wise to join everyone else in sitting this one out until a clear winner is decided.