If you’re looking for ways to save money, learning how to do some basic DIY car maintenance is a great option. Here at U Wrench It, we help Atlanta’s DIY mechanics find the best used auto parts for their projects, whether that means rebuilding a car or making a repair. 

One of the common maintenance tasks that you may want to learn is how to change the coolant in your car. 

Tips for Changing Coolant

What you’ll need

• 2 gallons of new coolant
• A drain pan
• An air compressor
• An air-powered refill tool
• A hose removal tool
• Paper towels
• Standard wrenches and screwdrivers
• Manual (to find block drain plugs)

Draining the old coolant

• Start with a cool engine. Remove the cap from the coolant reservoir or radiator and look at the color of the liquid. If you see rust, debris, or oil floating on the coolant, or if it’s the color of chocolate milk, you have a bigger issue on your hands. You may have blown a head gasket or have some other issue with your engine. However, if the coolant looks clean, you’re good to move on to the next step. 
• Jack up your car and set the jack stands. Place your drain pan directly underneath the coolant reservoir or radiator, and loosen the lower radiator hose clamp. To do this, you’ll need to use spring hose clamp pliers or a worm clamp screwdriver. If you’re unable to remove the hose, you may need to bring in the big guns. You can get a hose removal tool for under $10 to pry it loose. 
• Once the hose is off, allow the radiator and water pump to drain. After they are entirely empty, reconnect the lower radiator hose and clamp securely. 
• Use your manual to find and remove the block drain plugs. After all is drained into the pan, replace the plugs.

Adding new coolant

• Place your air tool into the neck of the radiator or coolant reservoir. Join the exhaust hose and compressed air line, diverting the free end of the air tool’s exhaust hose into a large receptacle, like a gallon bucket. 
• Open the valve and allow the vacuum to increase until the gauge is just to the red zone. 
• Add your coolant. While many coolants are marketed as “universal,” be aware of the manufacturer’s suggested coolant. Whichever type of coolant you go with, you’ll need 2 gallons. While you’re doing this, the vacuum is sucking any air out that is left in the system, so you can completely fill it with the coolant of your choice. 
• Once you’ve filled the coolant reservoir, replace the tank caps. You’re free to remove your jack stands and hit the road! 

A note of caution:

Remember that used coolant is toxic and dangerous. Because of the sweet taste, pets and children are drawn to it, and ingesting even a small amount can be fatal. If you spill so much as a drop, make sure to clean it up right away so that it can’t harm kids or pets who may wander by. 

To dispose of used coolant, pour it into a plastic container with a screw-on lid and take it to your local recycling center, like Atlanta’s CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials).

Buying tires isn’t the sexiest part of vehicle ownership, but it is one of the most important ways to maintain your safety on the road and get you where you want to go. If you think you might be due for new tires, don’t panic—while they can be an expensive purchase, there are ways to save money and still equip your car with reliable tires.  

Check out our tips to find out what you should know before purchasing replacement tires, and get all of the DIY tips and used auto parts you need right here at U Wrench It! 

What to Know Before Replacing Tires

How to tell if your tires actually need to be replaced

Replacing your tires can get expensive, so make sure you actually need to do it! There are 4 common ways to tell it’s time to replace your tires: 

• They’re expired. Yes, it’s true—tires can actually go bad! In most cases, tires can last up to 6 years, but it all depends on the circumstances. Even if you don’t drive the vehicle often, you should still replace the tires at least every 10 years.
  You can find the age of a tire by looking at the 16-digit ID number on the sidewall. It will start with DOT (Department of Transportation) and end with a four digit number. For instance, if the last four digits are 1220, the tire was manufactured in the 12th week of 2020. You can also use this ID to look up the tires on the manufacturer’s website. 
• They’re bald. Use the penny test to see how much tread is left on the tires. Simply take a penny and insert it into the tread, with Abe’s head down. If the treads are touching Abe’s head, you’re good. If not, the tires are too worn down and need to be replaced. 
• There’s a visible defect. This one is simple; if you see a nail or other object imbedded in the tire, it’s going to need to be repaired at the very least, and probably replaced. 
• The tread wear indicators are sounding off. Many newer tires have wear indicators to let you know when to replace your tires. Once they are exposed by wear and tear, they will make a grinding or humming sound when changing lanes. 

What type of tires are right for your vehicle and driving conditions

When selecting replacement tires, it’s important to take into account the type of driving you typically do; do you frequently drive in snow? Do you plan to take the vehicle off road? Are you looking for better handling or durability?

It’s also crucially important to make sure you’re buying the correct size and type of tires for your vehicle. Refer to your owners manual to see what the manufacturer’s recommendation is so you can buy the correct type. 

Where to buy tires

You can purchase tires from a tire shop or dealership, but that can get expensive. Fortunately, if you’re looking for DIY options, you can also purchase used tires from an auto salvage yard like U Wrench It! 

We have a huge selection of quality used auto parts, so check out our inventory online or come see us.

Much like your heart pumps blood to your body, the fuel pump in your car delivers gas from the tank to the engine, as well as maintaining the appropriate pressure to keep your vehicle running optimally. If your fuel pump fails (or is well on the way to doing so) it can cause several issues that will clue you in to what the problem is. Check out these harmful indicators of a bad fuel pump so you can keep your ride on the road and get where you need to go. 

How to Know If the Fuel Pump is Failing

Starting Problems

If your car isn’t starting, or you have to attempt to start it multiple times, the fuel pump may be the culprit. Each time you turn your car on, the fuel pump is activated to send fuel to the engine. However, mechanical problems or simple wear and tear can cause the fuel pump to weaken over time, preventing it from providing the level of pressure needed to start the car. 

Decreased Gas Mileage

Keeping track of your gas mileage is a smart way to see if your vehicle is running smoothly, as worsening gas mileage can be an early indicator of problems. If you’re noticing lower gas mileage than usual, it may be because the fuel pump is not delivering the appropriate amount of fuel consistently. Inconsistency from the fuel pump leads to excess fuel in the engine, which is simply wasted. 

Whining Sounds from the Fuel Tank

When the fuel pump is in good condition, the only sound you should hear from it is a soft hum. If you’re noticing a loud whine, something’s up. Check to see if your fuel pump is working or if your fuel is contaminated. Contaminated fuel can wreck your engine, as can a faulty fuel pump. 

Surging

If you feel like your car is jolting or surging forward without you pressing the gas pedal, it could be due to the fuel pump delivering inconsistently pressurized fuel to the engine. 

Sputtering at High Speeds

The same cause (inconsistent or insufficiently pressurized fuel supply) can also cause your engine to sputter and shake, especially when driving at high speeds. 

Stalling at Higher Temperatures

You may also notice that your car stalls when the temperature gauge is higher. While there are a few issues that can cause your car to stall, a worn out or damaged fuel pump is often to blame.

Loss of Power During Stress

Pulling a trailer, carrying a heavy load, or driving up a steep hill can all cause stress on your engine, pushing your car to its max. If your vehicle is losing power and having a hard time with the stress, it may be due to insufficient fuel pressure. As a fuel pump wears out over time, it also loses the ability to accurately regulate the amount of fuel needed for different types of driving. 

If you think the fuel pump is going on your car, don’t wait to replace it! At U Wrench It, we have a wide selection of affordable used auto parts to help you with all of your DIY car maintenance needs.

Is there anything more annoying than trying to clean your windshield, only to discover that what’s obstructing your view is actually a scratch, not a smudge? If you find a scratch in the glass of your windshield (or one of your windows), don’t panic; you may be able to fix the issue yourself without having to replace the whole window. Keep reading to learn some tips for fixing windshield scratches from U Wrench It, your source for used auto parts in Atlanta. 

Evaluating the Scratch

The first thing you should do when you notice a windshield scratch is evaluate the depth. You can do this by running a fingernail over the scratch; if your nail gets snagged, the windshield may be too compromised to fix, and you’ll need to either replace the windshield or get a professional to fix it.  If not, you can probably buff out the scratch yourself. 

Repairing a Minor Windshield Scratch

• First, you’ll need to gather your materials. A standard auto glass repair kit is the best way to go, but you can also substitute other materials if needed, like a non-gel toothpaste with baking soda instead of rubbing compound. 
• Next, prepare the surface. Clean your windshield with glass cleaner and dry thoroughly. Use painter’s tape to mask off the edges of the windshield so you don’t get anything on the car itself. Wear goggles, gloves, and a dust mask if the products you’re using call for them. 
• Use a clean, soft cloth to apply rubbing compound to the area with the scratch. Mist with water, and use a microfiber cloth to gently rub the compound into the windshield. 
• Use a buffing pad designed for glass to buff the scratches. Once you’re done, use a microfiber cloth to wipe any excess rubbing compound away. DO use long, broad strokes; DO NOT rub in a circular motion. 
• Allow the rubbing compound to dry for at least 30 minutes, or as indicated on the packaging of the auto glass repair kid. 
• Once the compound is dry, you can wash your windshield and dry it with a microfiber cloth to prevent any further scratches.  
• Remember to keep an eye on the affected area and reapply the compound when needed. It will wear down over time, so repeat these steps and keep your windshield looking great. 

Of course, if your windshield is scratched too badly for a DIY auto glass repair job, you may need to replace your windshield. Find the used auto parts you need for all of your DIY car maintenance at U Wrench It in Norcross. 

You should also look at your car insurance policy to see if any windshield repairs are covered. Depending on your plan, you may be able to get the scratch repaired, or even the whole windshield replaced. Good luck, and happy driving!

Wondering if you should sell your junk car? Here at U Wrench It, we pay the most for junk cars in Atlanta, typically $150 and up. While that’s a great incentive to evict your hunk-a-junk, its not the only reason to get that junker out of your driveway or yard. 

5 Reasons to Sell Junk Cars ASAP

You’re Tired of Looking at It—And Everyone Else Feels the Same

Let’s face it, if you’re not planning to refurbish an old car, it’s just a bummer to see it sitting there, slowly decaying from rust and weather. But as sick as you probably are of seeing it sitting outside your home, you can bet that your family, friends, and especially neighbors are ten times more sick of it than you are! 

Junk Cars Decrease Property Values

Speaking of your neighbors, they probably have more than a purely aesthetic concern about that junk car you’re holding onto. Broken-down, falling apart vehicles are not only an eyesore, but also drive property values down. 

You May Be Breaking the Law

In addition to whatever local ordinances are at play in your town, you may also be breaking a “Law of Torts” known as attractive nuisance doctrine. What is an attractive nuisance? 

An attractive nuisance is an object, structure or condition that is both dangerous and irresistibly inviting or intriguing to children.

If that’s clear as mud, don’t worry. Some examples of possible attractive nuisances include: 

• Water features, man-made ponds, or swimming pools that are not appropriately secured.
• Treehouses, jungle gyms, or skate ramps that are accessible to children who are too young to safely use them.
• Abandoned or discarded appliances that a child might be tempted to climb inside and subsequently be suffocated in. (This is why you may have seen old refrigerators and freezers dismantled with the doors removed.)
• Junk cars, which pose a safety hazard to local children. In some cases, kids have accidentally put a car into gear and been crushed or otherwise injured by the rolling vehicle. 

It’s Flat Out Dangerous. 

Holding on to a junk car and allowing it to rust right in your driveway or yard is a great way to expose yourself to unnecessary dangers like sharp, rusty metal, not to mention the effect it can have on the environment. Cars contain fluids and materials that can leak or breakdown and expose you to toxic chemicals, chemicals that can also seep into the ground and poison plants and wildlife. 

Junk Cars Attract the Wrong Kind of Attention

A junk car in the driveway isn’t just bad for property values, it can also draw some visitors to your yard that you would prefer to stay away. Broken-down cars are like cushy mansions to raccoons, rodents, roaches, and other feral animals. A junk car may even invite unwanted human guests to your property, making the perfect mark for vandals or vagrants. Your junk car is also full of valuable parts and materials, which can draw thieves to your property. 

Ready to get that junker off your property ASAP? Get in touch with us at 404-805-0900 or fill out our form to get more information about selling your junk car in Atlanta.