How to Make Your Own Hanging Car Air Freshener

Posted on August 28, 2019 by autorepair

Hanging a new car air freshener on your rear-view mirror is a great feeling, and you get some pleasurable aroma therapy. But just as soon as you open your new scented ornament, the clock starts ticking down to the moment you need to replace it with a new one. Rather than continuing the cycle of tossing out old air fresheners and buying new ones, you can simply make your own with a few humble supplies. With your own car air freshener, all you have to do is reapply your fragrance to revitalize that pleasurable aroma therapy and fresh smell!

Continue reading to learn what you need to get started!

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What You Will Need:

✅ Thin Wooden Ornament of Your Choice Scented
✅ Essential Oil of Your Choice
✅ Small Glass Dish
✅ Small Paintbrush
✅ Small Sealable Plastic Bag (i.e. Ziplock®)
✅ Small Drill or a Thick Nail and Hammer
✅ Old Towel or Napkins
✅ Twine

Notes: When shopping at your local crafts section, opt for a wooden ornament that already has a string attached for hanging. Otherwise, you will need to also purchase some twine, and drill a hole (or hammer a hole) through the top of the ornament so that you may loop the twine string through the hole and create a hoop for hanging.

Trick: Rather than buying a new wooden ornament to fragrance, you can use an old car air fresher (like the tree-shaped ones) instead!

Instructions:

➀ After you make your hole and attach the twine for hanging, you are ready to take the next step in the process of making your own car air freshener! Here is what to do:

➁ Lay out an old towel or spread out some napkins for a safe work surface.

➂ Pour your essential oil into a small glass dish.

➃ Dip your paintbrush into the dish of essential oil and then “paint” the surface of the wooden ornament. Generously cover the entire top surface and the sides, then flip it over and paint the back side.

➄ Once you have painted all sides of the ornament, place it inside a re-sealable plastic bag and allow it to absorb all the oils overnight.

➅ The next day, hang your car air freshener in your vehicle and hit the road happy!

RE-APPLICATIONS: After a few weeks, you can freshen up your homemade car air freshener by simply dabbing it with a cotton swab with more essential oil. If you like, you can change up the scents, or combine them to create new ones

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3 Options for Homemade Engine Degreaser

Posted on August 12, 2019 by autorepair

Engine degreasing involves removing the buildup of dirt, oil and grease inside a car engine compartment. Removing this accumulation is beneficial for several reasons. Not only does it make your car engine look brand new, it enhances performance and efficiency, which in turn, saves you money on fuel, repairs, replacements, and more. In fact, a cleaner engine runs cooler, which is better for all interior automotive systems.

Best of all, you do not have to spend your hard earned money on expensive engine cleaners to get the job done right. You can make your own engine degreasing solutions with a few common household ingredients. There are several recipes to choose from, so the one you choose will largely depend on what you have one hand and what you are comfortable applying to your vehicle.

Continue reading to learn the top three most recommended recipes for homemade engine degreaser, as well as, what to do if you are experiencing car engine troubles.

❶ Sodium Carbonate Washing Soda

For this engine degreaser, you will need ¼ cup of sodium carbonate washing soda, also known as washing ash. You will also need one gallon of warm water. Simply combine the two ingredients until they are fully incorporated, then transfer it to a plastic spray bottle. Do not use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as a substitution because it will not clean as effectively.

❷ Kerosene Degreaser

This recipe may sound strange, but kerosene works well to remove grease and gunk from engines. For this engine degreasing solution, you will need kerosene, water, and liquid dish soap. Combine one part kerosene with four parts water, and then add a few drops of soap. Then transfer to a plastic spray bottle. Just be very careful working with and storing this solution, as kerosene is highly flammable.

❸ Ammonia Degreaser

For this engine degreaser recipe, you will need to mix two parts ammonia, two parts water, and one part liquid dish soap into a plastic spray bottle. Be sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined. It is important to be very cautious when using this degreaser because ammonia is caustic and can harm the eyes, nose, throat, and mouth.

Using Your Engine Degreasing Solution

The first step to using your engine degreaser is to ensure your car engine is off and completely cooled. You will also need to don some protective gear, such as work gloves, safety goggles, and apron. Once your engine is cool and you are geared up, it is time to apply your solution with a stiff bristled scrubbing brush.

Start by generously coating the engine compartment with your degreaser. Let it to sit for a few minutes, then use your brush to scrub the solution in, one small section at a time. Do your best to avoid hoses and wiring, as strong cleaning chemicals can damage them if they are delicate. Finish by thoroughly rinsing your work areas with clean water, and then patting it all dry with a microfiber cloth.

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Check Out the Current Auto Repair and Service Specials at Northeast Auto!

Posted on July 31, 2019 by autorepair

Here at Northeast Auto Service, we offer comprehensive automotive repair for all make and model vehicles, both foreign and domestic, specializing in major engine work. As ASE certified factory trained mechanics with decades of experience, you can rest assure that your vehicle is in the hands of true industry professionals who care about quality.

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Our ASE certified factory trained mechanics provide a wide selection of professional auto repair services for all make and model vehicles, including both foreign and domestic. In addition to the latest technologies and premium auto parts, we retain the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver outstanding workmanship that stands the test of time, all while keeping your passengers and you safe.

Bet of all, when it comes to a budget, we understand the value of a dollar, which is why competitive pricing has always been a priority for us. So you will certainly be satisfied with our economy-based prices, as well as our automotive repair coupons and discounts!

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Any customer, first or repeat, can get 50 dollars off any service or repair that exceeds 250 dollars! This is an amazing value that no other automotive repair shop can beat! More deals include: Buy 4 oil changes and get one free, 50 dollars off ignition tune ups and fuel injection service, 25 dollars off each brake axel repair or 50 dollars off complete brake repair, and a fee safety inspection any time!

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How to Quickly Cool Down the Inside of Your Car

Posted on July 11, 2019 by autorepair

This summer heat has many people avoiding the great outdoors at all costs. However, most of us have no choice but to commute around town for everyday life responsibilities, like work, school, kids, errands, and more. And in this heat, no one wants to deal with discomfort in the middle of a busy day, especially a sweltering car. After sitting in the heat, the interior temperature of a car can rise quickly, and even reach temperatures higher than the outside climate. Fortunately, there are some easy and effective methods you can rely on to cool down the inside of your car on a hot summer day.

Continue reading to learn what you can do to make yourself, your passengers, and your pets feel much more comfortable when hopping into the car in hot, humid weather.

Consider Your Safety First

As mentioned, there are many ways to cool off the inside of a car on a hot day, most of which do not require any additional costs or major adjustments. The most important part about dealing with a hot car interior on a regular basis is to consider safety. You never want to put yourself, a child, or a pet inside of a hot car for any period of time; even just for a minute. If a car is very hot, allow it to cool down before entering. Also be sure to have clean, bottled water on hand to avoid dehydration and to help ease the discomfort of feeling hot in a car.

Here are Some Ways to Cool Down a Car as Fast as Possible:

☑ Use a Windshield Cover

Windshield covers are available at any local automotive store, department store, home improvements stores, and online. They are inexpensive and come in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, and level of quality. Choose one that works best for your windshield shape, and see how well it blocks out the sun during the day. Your car interior will be much cooler with this cover.

☑ Park in Shady Spots

By parking under a tree or in a large shadow, you instantly prevent your car from becoming as hot as it could be on a hot day. Use this habit, along with other methods, to get your car to a safe and comfortable temperature in no time at all.

☑ Roll Down Your Windows

As soon as you get to your car, open the doors and roll down all the windows. While you are implementing other strategies, this allows the hot air to escape and the wind to blow through the car. Allow the car to air out for a minute or two, or however long you can stand waiting. Then if you have it, proceed to turn on your air conditioning, but not to the max setting. See below.

☑ Turn On the Regular AC Mode

Turn on your air conditioning, but not to the max mode. You do not want to blast hot air from your vents. Instead, put your AC on low, and then after a minute or two, increase the speed of the fans. Once you have felt a cool down, turn your AC to your desired, default setting.

☑ Have Your Car Serviced

If you want to keep cool in your car this summer, be sure that your car’s air conditioning is prepared to perform at top efficiency. Routine car maintenance is the best precaution to take to avoid summer breakdowns. Not only will a mechanic ensure your AC is tuned and charged, they will be able to catch and reverse any small issues that might affect your air conditioning down the line. And this is important since no one wants to be left without air conditioning on a hot summer day!

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How Much Does Alternator Repair Cost?

Posted on June 28, 2019 by autorepair

If your car’s electrical systems are acting up, it could be due to a failing alternator. There are many signs of a malfunctioning alternator, such as dimmed lights, short battery charge, or in more serious cases, the smell of burning plastic due to burning wiring or internal components. If your car is exhibiting these same signs, you are in need of immediate alternator repair or replacement. Fortunately, alternator repair is not as expensive compared to other major automotive repairs, like engines and catalytic converters.

Continue reading to learn more about alternator repair costs, including the difference among new, used, and refurbished alternators.

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Your car’s alternator is important because it converts the revolutions of the engine into electrical energy, which in turn, recharges the car battery and allows for all your electrical systems to operate. Such systems include your interior and exterior lights, stereo, GPS, wipers, spark plugs, and more. Basically, if your alternator stops working, eventually your car won’t drive.

Alternator Repair Prices

The price to repair a failing alternator depends on several factors. Such factors include the make and model of your vehicle, as well as, the extent of damage to the inner components and more. On average, the cost to repair is less than the cost to replace, as a new alternator will run anywhere from $200 to $600, not including parts and labor. You can opt for a refurbished or used auto part, which will save you a lot of money. Refurbished alternators will likely come with a 1 year warranty too, so they come recommended, but used parts may suddenly break down at any time, so tread carefully.

As for the cost to repair or install an alternator, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $400, depending on the above-mentioned factors. Luxury and exotic vehicles will be more expensive to repair, while older cars may be easier, which means paying less in labor. Just be sure to choose a reputable and professional Indianapolis auto repair shop to ensure you are getting quality work at a fair price.

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A Simple Guide to Flushing a Car Radiator

Posted on June 14, 2019 by autorepair

For radiators to be effective, they must stay cool. And in order to ensure this, they must be flushed on a routine basis, or at least once per year. In fact, car radiator flushing is one of the most important routine maintenance jobs and must be done to keep vehicles operational over time. Fortunately, it can be done on your own. It’s also quick and inexpensive to do!

Continue reading to review a quick guide to flushing a car radiator in the comfort of your own garage or driveway.

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Gather Your Supplies First

The first thing to do when it comes to flushing a car radiator is gather up all the necessary supplies and materials. This includes a funnel, cloth rag, coolant, radiator flush solution, Phillips screwdriver or wrench, separate container for old coolant, and extra rags for accidents and spills. When you have determined that all your supplies are in place, you can begin the process of flushing the radiator.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Before you remove the radiator cap, be sure the car engine is COMPLETELY cool; otherwise you run the risk of spilling hot coolant on yourself. Next, flush the used coolant out of the radiator. Do this by locating the radiator drain plug. It is typically located at the bottom of the radiator. If you have trouble finding it, refer to your owners’ manual or look online for pictures and instructional videos. You can also contact a professional mechanic for over-the-phone assistance.

Once you find the drain plug, place the container for old coolant under the drain and open it up. Let the old coolant flow out for a few minutes; if it seems to be moving slow, check to see if the plug is all the way open. When the radiator is empty, replace the drain plug and open the radiator cap. Next, pour the flush cleaning solution inside. Fill the remaining space inside the radiator with room temperature water.

Now you are ready to replace the radiator cap; just be sure it is screwed on tight. It is possible for caps to fall off, which allows coolant to escape from the radiator. Let the car engine run until it reaches its normal driving temperature. Then turn it off and let it cool completely.

Once the car engine is cool again, you are ready to flush the solution from the radiator and add fresh clean coolant. Use the same emptying process as before. Use a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to get optimal and safe results. You can find premixed coolants at your local auto store. This is sometimes more convenient.

😳 Didn’t quite do the trick? Enlist a licensed mechanic for the job! Professional car radiator flushing is fast and affordable!

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4 Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage

Posted on May 31, 2019 by autorepair

The price of fuel is ever-fluctuating in this economy, making most of us keen on conserving our gasoline whenever possible. Aside from not driving, there are some easy and effective ways to increase your gas mileage and save some money. Continue reading to learn the top 4 methods of obtaining better gas mileage, as well as, what to do if you suspect your fuel system is not performing as well as it should.

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➀ Tire Pressure

Surprisingly, the amount of pressure you have in your tires can influence the amount of gasoline consumption. This is because low tire pressure forces a car to exert more energy and work harder to get from one place to the next. This uses a lot of fuel. Be sure to check your tires on a monthly basis, and do not let radial tires trick you. They can sometimes look completely inflated, but actually be low on pressure.

➁ AC Usage

It is hard to not always blast your vehicle’s AC on a scorching hot summer’s day. Unfortunately, the frequent use of a car’s air conditioner uses a lot of fuel. Try to roll down windows and keep a cool drink in your cup holder. These are ways you can avoid using too much AC and wasting all your fuel. Also, try parking in shady areas to keep the car cool when not in use.

➂ Aggressive Driving

Quick stops and sudden starts is often referred to as jackrabbit driving. Aggressive and abrupt driving habits can not only use up a lot of fuel, it can potentially damage your vehicle. If this describes your driving, try to slow down in the future. Relaxed driving keeps your car at a comfortable status and reduces the amount times you have to fill up.

➃ Routine Car Maintenance

Having your car in optimal condition drastically improves the amount of miles it gets per gallon of gas. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, brake services, engine cleanings, tune-ups, and much more. Keeping your car in a condition that it can perform at its best reduces the amount of work the engine has to do to operate the vehicle. Factory scheduled maintenance is crucial for any vehicle you own. It has a huge influence on how long your vehicle will survive and how fast it uses its fuel.

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What Happens if You Put the Wrong Type of Fuel in a Car?

Posted on May 14, 2019 by autorepair

Oops! You accidentally put unleaded gasoline into your diesel car engine. Now what? Well, automotive fuel systems are designed to use a specific type of fuel for optimal performance and efficiency. So if you use the incorrect type of fuel in your car or truck, you could be looking at some mechanical consequences.

Continue reading to learn what could happen if you use the incorrect type of fuel in your vehicle, including what you should do if you make this common fuel pump error.

Gas Pump Confusion

At modern-day gas stations, you will find a series of fuels to choose from, including unleaded, premium, diesel, and more. As a result, gas pump confusion and fueling mistakes happen every day. Most of the time, a fuel switch up is harmless, but when it involves diesel fuel, the result could be quite detrimental.

Gasoline in a Diesel Engine

If you have a diesel car engine, and you accidently use regular gasoline in the tank, you could be facing some serious damage, spanning from corroded fuel lines to complete engine failure. If you instantly realize you have made this mistake, do not start the car. Starting the engine can make the situation much worse, as it will send the fuel from the tank, through the fuel lines, and circulate it within the engine. Instead, you will need to immediately have your vehicle towed to a trusted mechanic to have the entire fuel system flushed out.

If you start the engine before realizing that you have put gasoline in your tank, unfortunately, the most likely result will be total engine breakdown, but not before the injection pump and the injectors experience complete mechanical failure. There is no telling when this breakdown might occur, but it is not safe to drive a vehicle under these impending conditions.

Why is it So Bad?

The reason why you cannot use regular gasoline in a diesel car engine mostly has to do with petroleum refining process. You see, the process of making gasoline (petroleum) gives the fuel much higher boiling points, roughly between 105 and 410 degrees Fahrenheit. Diesel fuel, on the other hand, boils between 500 and 650 degrees Fahrenheit, making it incompatible for gasoline designed automobiles.

On a more technical scope, diesel engines do not have spark plugs, and instead, use compression to ignite the fuel. Using gasoline in a diesel engine will result in an increased amount of pressure of the early ignition, which in turn, can damage pistons, warp connecting rods, and even blow the head off the engine.

Diesel Fuel in a Gasoline Engine

If you were to put diesel fuel into a car engine designed for standard gasoline, you can expect some complications, but none comparable the scope of using gasoline in a diesel engine. If this were to happen to you, simply follow the same advice as above. Do not start the car if you realize your mistake, and have it towed to a mechanic right away. If you do start the engine, the fuel pump, lines, filter, and other components may get ruined.

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Northeast Auto Service Makes Auto Repair Simple and Affordable!

Posted on April 22, 2019 by autorepair

Northeast Auto Service is a locally-owned and operated automotive repair shop based out of Indianapolis, Indiana, just off of Binford Boulevard and 65th Street. We are ASE certified and licensed mechanics with nearly 30 years of hands-on experience in the automotive service and repair industry. We offer a wide selection of professional auto repair services for all make and model vehicles, including both foreign and domestic.

Continue below to learn how Northeast Auto Service make Indianapolis auto repair affordable and hassle-free!

TRUE Industry Professionals

Here at Northeast Auto Service, our ASE certified factory trained mechanics retain decades of experience, and offer comprehensive automotive repair for all make and model vehicles, both foreign and domestic, specializing in major engine work. In addition to extensive skills and knowledge, we also retain the latest technologies and premium auto parts necessary to deliver outstanding workmanship that stands the test of time, all while keeping your passengers and you safe. So you can rest assure that your vehicle is in the hands of true industry professionals who care about quality, safety, and efficiency.

Steadfast, Economy-Based Prices

As a family owned business, we understand the value of a dollar, which is why competitive pricing has always been a priority for us. So when it comes to a budget, you will be pleased with our economy-based prices, as well as our automotive repair coupons and discounts! In addition to these fantastic client conveniences, we also offer free written estimates, free car care advice, before and after-hours drop-offs, customer referrals, assistance with tows, and the most courteous customer service around town.

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Are Your Car Tires Over-Inflated?

Posted on April 8, 2019 by autorepair

Routine automotive wheel care is vital to the overall safety and performance of your vehicle. After all, they are the first and only point of contact with the ground beneath you. For this reason, you must regularly inspect your tires, rims, and brakes to ensure that your vehicle is still safe to operate. One of the most common mistakes made by drivers is over-inflating their tires. Over-inflated tires are not only detrimental to your vehicle’s operation, but also to your overall safety.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about tire over-inflation, including how to check your tire pressure, recommended tire services, and answers to common tire care questions.

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Tire Pressure and TPMS

Proper tire pressure is important because it maintains proper sidewall flexion and reduces stress on all tire components, which ultimately promotes better fuel economy, traction, handling, braking, temperature control, tread wear, and much more. In fact, tire pressure influences various components and systems in a vehicle, and thus, effects all aspects of driving safety and performance.

Most modern vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems, which are designed with advanced technology to detect and warn drivers of under and over-inflated tires. In vehicles equipped with TPMS, a light will illuminate on the dashboard to indicate unsafe tire pressure detection. This light will remain on until the air pressure imbalance is resolved. These systems are always operating in a vehicle, which means they continually measure tire pressure to ensure that all tires are properly inflated.

Manually Checking Tire Pressure

Those without a modern tire pressure monitoring system in their vehicle are left to use manual tire gauges to measure tire pressure. You can choose between a digital gauge or a “pop-out” style gauge. If you have a roadside kit in your car, it likely has a tire pressure gauge inside. If you do not have one already, tire pressure gauges are cheap and available almost anywhere with an automotive section, even gas stations. In order to use a tire pressure gauge properly, be sure to begin on a “cold” car that has not been driven in the past few hours. Then just refer to the manufacturer instructions for a step-by-step guide on how to use your tire pressure gauge.

Under-Inflated Tires

Under-inflation is just as bad for tires, so be on the lookout for improper tire pressure figures across the board. Since tires naturally lose 1 to 2 PSI (pounds per square inch) per month, the Car Care Council suggests checking your vehicle’s tire pressure monthly, especially during the winter season when cold temperatures cause increased air loss in tires, in order to keep your TPMS light from coming on. You might be interested to learn that, according to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, every 10 degree decrease in temperature causes tire pressure to decrease by one to two pounds per square inch (PSI).

Furthermore, it is also vital to service your vehicle’s tires regularly. This include tire rotations, balancing, brake pad replacement, brake inspections, and more. This should be done every 3 to 5,000 miles or so, depending on the make and model of your vehicle and how much you drive. Talk to an ASE licensed car mechanic for professional advice regarding your car’s factory scheduled maintenance plan.

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