Lexus Vehicle Parts & Accessories - Page 6 - Popular Questions, Answers, Tips & Manuals

The prime purpose of the battery is to supply a source of energy for cranking the engine. It also provides the necessary power for the ignition system. A battery can for a limited time supply adequate current to satisfy electrical demands during periods when requirements exceed alternator demands. Before deciding on a battery which will fulfill your needs, first, consider some of the things that may put the replacement battery in a different category than the battery which came with the car. By the time the original battery has outlived its usefulness, resistance in the wires and circuits have probably increased considerably. The starter will also be using more current. The ignition system is probably less efficient and you may have added a few accessories. All of the above reasons are justification for choosing a new battery with a greater capacity that the original battery supplied by the manufacturer.

How to fix a cable operated electric car window

With the prices that automobile repair centers are charging nowadays one would think that it would be less expensive to "do it yourself" to save a few dollars. Let us compare doing it yourself with having trained personal do the work on your automobile or truck. To do it yourself you need to have several basic tools. Since you will need to get "under the car" you will need a jack to lift it up. The minimal work would be to lift both front tires off the ground. Yes, you have a common car jack to change a flat tire, but you would need to lift each tire separate and use jack stands to keep them up for safety reasons. And since you would like to keep your clothes clean, a mat or creeper to use to slide under the car to reach the oil drain plug will be needed. Next you need something to catch the oil in after you pull the plug out. Be careful not to lose the washer that is on the oil plug. You will need to know the size of the oil plug nut to be able to get it out. That could take several trips to the tool box to get the right one. Next, where is that oil filter? Some oil filters are hard to find and harder to reach with the correct tool. Yes, some newer cars have a special tool to remove the filter which in most cases spill oil on the frame and onto the lower engine cover. That takes time to clean it off so that the oil does not drip for days on your driveway. Now putting the new oil filter on may not be as hard as getting it off, but remember to fill it with oil first and lube the o ring gasket. Be sure to check to see that the old o ring came off with the old filter. You will have a problem if you leave the old one on. Replacing the oil pan drain plug is fairly easy if it was not damaged by the last person who changed the oil. If you tighten the plug too tight it will pull the threads and make them weak and they can come apart when you put it back causing them to jam the pan threads destroying their ability to hold the plug tight. To fix that could cost hundreds. Now, what to do with your used oil? You will need to pour it back into the container it came from and take it back to the store you bought it from. It is considered hazardous material. The oil and oil filter alone will cost you around $18-$20 for the oil and $8-$14 for a filter. Plus the time it takes to go to the store to buy it and then return to the store to depose of the old oil. That does not include your time to do the job. What is your time worth? You can find quality service centers that have specials for oil changes for as little as $19.95-$24.95. While they are letting the oil drain, they will check other areas of your car for safety concerns. You can save time and money and have more done than just change the oil. Do I know what I am talking about? I am a retired ASE Certified Master Mechanic with 40 years experience and I do not change my own oil. Make your own decision.