May 2023

Can you really clean cloudy headlights with WD-40? You’ll find lots of home-remedy hacks to clean cloudy headlights on your car. Most of them don’t work, or work for a little while and then they look cloudy again. One of those hacks is to use WD-40 and a loofah. How does WD-40 clean headlights? The main ingredient in WD-40 is solvent naphtha. It’s a cleaning solvent used in laundry soaps and cleaning fluids. It’s actually the main ingredient in paint thinner and mineral spirits. In addition to naphtha, WD 40 … Read More
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How fluid film versus boundary lubrication operates in an engine Automotive lubrication systems protect against metal-to-metal contact using both fluid film lubrication and boundary lubrication techniques. The difference between the two can be confusing to DIYers that think that engine lubrication is based more on oil viscosity than pressure. To understand the difference between film lubrication and boundary lubrication we must first understand the difference between the words absorb and adsorb. Absorbtion versus adsorption Sorption refers to the process where a one substance attaches to another. The sorbent is the … Read More
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How to remove axle nut when replacing CV joint boot or axle Carmakers usually use three types of locking axle nuts: 1) Nuts with cotter keys, 2) Staked nuts, or 3) Prevailing torque nuts. The staked and prevailing torque nuts are the most difficult to remove. Here’s what you need to remove an axle nut • 3/4″ drive x 40″ breaker bar • 3/4″ to 1/2″ drive adapter • Pin punch • Large screwdriver • Proper size deep socket Remove staked axle nut Step 1: Unstake the nut If your … Read More
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How to diagnose car AC problems yourself using professional techniques The tools you’ll need to professionally diagnose car AC problems You’re kidding yourself if you think you can diagnose car AC problems with just the gauge on a DIY recharging kit. First, a low side pressure reading really doesn’t tell you much. At the very least you need high and low side pressures, along with outside and center duct temperatures, and even then, you still don’t have the complete picture of what’s going on in your AC system. If you’re … Read More
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