Self-tutoring about autos: the tutor mentions a new finding. My son drives a Jeep Liberty 2007. Thinking about the possibility of his driving in the snow, I researched the vehicle’s 4WD system. My understanding is that full-time 4WD means it…
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Category: autos
Autos: how often to replace windshield wipers?
Self-tutoring about car maintenance: the tutor researches a question. As a kid, I can’t recall witnessing anyone change their wipers. I didn’t drive, so of course didn’t look for an advantage from it. Now, as a driver in this rainy…
Autos: windshield wiper replacement
Self-tutoring about car maintenance: the tutor mentions an observation. On Saturday I bought some replacement windshield wiper blades. Today I installed them. Getting the old ones off was easy – it’s not always. Putting a new one on, I didn’t…
Oil changes: is there a rule of thumb for how often?
More lifestyle self-tutoring: the tutor inquires about oil change frequency. I suddenly wondered: Is there a “rule of thumb” for mileage between oil changes? Of course, the manufacturer’s advice for any specific model should be followed. Moreover, newer cars often…
Autos: tire pressure gauge accuracy
Maintaining vehicle safety, for me, means self-tutoring. The tutor shares an experience with tire pressure gauges. 24 or 35? I noticed the car tires might look a bit low, so wondered about their pressure. I found a gauge and checked…
Tagged with: tire pressure gauge accuracy reliability
Auto batteries: reserve capacity vs Ah (Amp*hrs)
The tutor defines two terms relating to auto batteries. The reserve capacity (RC) of a car battery is given in minutes. It’s the duration the battery can discharge 25A at ≥ 10.5V. Ampere hours (Ah), on the other hand, is…
Physical chemistry: vapor pressure: why a car may be harder to start in the winter
The tutor implicates the Clausius-Clapeyron equation to explain why combustion is more difficult at lower temperatures. To burn, a fuel must evaporate.1 In colder temperatures, fuel has less tendency to evaporate. For two specific temperatures (T1 and T2), the Clausius-Clapeyron…
Tagged with: vapor pressure of gasoline
Electricity: getting a shock from the car
The tutor shares some research about why he gets shocked leaving the car. When the weather turns dry and summery, I love it. However, I face a summertime hazard: getting an electric shock when I leave the car. Sometimes the…
Autos: routine maintenance: signal bulb replacement
The tutor shares his experience changing a signal bulb on the minivan. While I drive much more now than I used to, I’m not a casual driver. I try to minimize the risk of problems by keeping the car maintained.…
Driving: rain-x and Fog Relief
The tutor brings up two products he finds indispensable. I’m not a casual driver, but I have to drive sometimes. More often, my wife does the driving. I try to make the car as easy and safe as possible to…
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