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Why do my brakes squeak at low speeds?

Why do my brakes squeak at low speeds? As described in some owner's manuals, the squealing noise is caused by high-frequency vibration of the brake pads against the rotating disc. Vibration is the unavoidable result of friction generated by the pads as the caliper clamps them against the rotating disc. What does it mean when your tires squeak while driving? Squeaking tires while driving isn't just annoying — it could be a warning of a serious problem. Don't ignore that squeak. Tires are one of your vehicle’s most important systems and they take a lot of abuse. A squeaking sound...
Common questions

Is E85 better for flex-fuel vehicles?

Is E85 better for flex-fuel vehicles? While E85 gas costs less than regular gasoline at the pump, the decrease in miles per gallon makes it more expensive when driving. Despite the lower miles per gallon, flex-fuel vehicles often put out more torque and more horsepower when running on E85 instead of regular gasoline. What does flex-fuel mean on a Dodge Caravan? The term “Flex- Fuel ” indicates that the Dodge Grand Caravan can use either regular gasoline or E85 fuel . When filled with E85 fuel , the Grand Caravan's mileage drops to 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway. This...
Common questions

Why does my cruise control not work at all?

Why does my cruise control not work at all? All other controls/lights/GPS all work just fine, just no cruise. Any ideas? Could be many things. Most common are a bad front or rear brake light switch followed by a bad roll off switch. What does the cruise control switch do on a car? The cruise control switch is what you use to set your cruising speed. This information is transmitted to the engine control unit and cruise control module in order to sustain the acceleration speed. Can a bad brake release switch cause a bad cruise control? One of the...
Common questions

Do you gap Champion spark plugs?

Do you gap Champion spark plugs? Today, Champion spark plugs come pre gapped, eliminating the need for this step most times. You should double check that the gap is correctly set; check your owner's manual to find the distance for the spark plug gap and use a gap gauge or feeler gauge to check the distance. What should the gap be on a Champion Spark Plug? What is the gap on a Champion spark plug? The gap setting is different for each vehicle but most are somewhere between 0.028″ and. 060″. Consult the owner’s manual or Champion ® catalog to...
Common questions

What should the torque be on a lug nut?

What should the torque be on a lug nut? Using the manufacturer recommended torque also helps guarantee that there isn’t either too much or too little pressure on any of the assemblies to which the wheel attaches. Before you install your wheels, check your vehicle’s recommended torque. What is a 45 degree lug nut spec? The 45 degree spec is a centerline angle measurement which makes it a 90 degree included angle. This lug nut taper is used for aftermarket racing wheel brands such as Speedway Motors, Aero, Bassett, etc. What are the dimensions of a SAE lug nut? Common...
Common questions

What should you do before starting the vehicle engine?

What should you do before starting the vehicle engine? 10 things To Check Before Starting Your CarNothing is obstructing your car. Make sure there are no stones near the tyres or another car blocking your way. Check the tyres. Check all fluid levels. Clean all the glass area. Adjust the rear view mirrors. Adjust your seat. Fasten your seatbelt. Check all the warning lights. Do you have to warm up your car engine before driving? But this idea is an old one and mostly applies to old cars because older models would not run smoothly unless they reached the correct...
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How do you clean diesel fuel out of a tank?

How do you clean diesel fuel out of a tank? How to Clean a Fuel TankDrain all fuel from the tank with an approved container or a fuel caddy.Drop the tank (see your service manual for further instructions).Clean area where the pump is being removed from with a brush.Remove fuel pump from tank (avoid letting residual debris fall into the tank). Is cleaning fuel tank necessary? Your gas tank needs to be cleaned, since over time the tank will accumulate sludge at the bottom. You don't want this sludge to be passed along into the fuel pump or fuel filter....
Common questions

What does it mean when your car is popping under the hood?

What does it mean when your car is popping under the hood? This is rare, but it’s something to look for if you hear a small explosion under the hood. Most of the time, the popping sounds you hear will be far less explosive. Some examples of popping that may indicate a problem that you can deal with are popping, coughing, and hesitation on acceleration. How to start a car with a bad ignition switch? Jumper cables Open the hood of your car and locate the ignition coil and the battery. Then using a jumper cable, connect the positive terminal...
Easy tips

What should I do if my lights are not working?

What should I do if my lights are not working? The easiest check is to see if the bulb is in the socket correctly. You may also have too many lights, which means you need to take some out or increase the voltage. Recalculating the voltage drop isn’t too difficult and may solve your problem. Why are my radio and lights not working? Often, this issue is caused by a dead battery. When a dead battery is the cause of the problem, all accessories in the vehicle, including the radio and lights, won’t work. But when a car owner attempts...
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How to test AC pressure with a manifold gauge?

How to test AC pressure with a manifold gauge? How to test AC pressures with a manifold gauge. 1, Set the AC controls to MAX and RECIRCULATE 2. Blower set to HIGH speed 3. Close the doors. Windows can be open. 4. Once you attach your gauges and start your engine, keep RPMs steady at around 1,200 to 1,500 RPM. Refer to this chart for AC pressure gauge diagnosis. What the AC gauge pressures mean When to use a vacuum gauge to diagnose engine problems? If you have a periodic drop in vacuum as the motor is running, that indicates...