5 Car Mechanic Secrets to Keep Your Car Running Like New

Transmission Fluid Service and Shudder Fix

• 💡 An experiment with Lubegard Instant Shudder Fix revealed that transmission shuddering in a 25-year-old Lexus was caused by dirty fluid.
• 🛠️ After the additive stopped the shudder, the transmission fluid was changed using the original Toyota Type T4 fluid purchased from Amazon to ensure compatibility and additive integrity.
• 🚗 The process involved jacking up the car, draining approximately 3.5 quarts of old fluid, and refilling with the correct factory fluid, emphasizing the importance of using the same fluid type for dilution.
• 📈 Checking the transmission fluid level requires warming up the engine, running it on a level surface in park, and using the dipstick, with the ideal level being in the middle of the hot range.

EVAP System and Check Engine Light Diagnosis

• ⚠️ A check engine light was diagnosed as a PO440 EVAP emission system vent control code, often related to the evaporative emission system.
• 💨 After checking the gas cap and finding no leaks, the issue was traced to a dislodged vacuum hose on the EVAP system, likely dislodged during a previous thermostat replacement.
• ✅ Snapping the vacuum hose back into place and clearing the codes resolved the check engine light, demonstrating a simple fix for a common issue.

Battery and Charging System Testing

• 🔋 A Topdon BT100 battery tester, costing around $42, is recommended as a worthwhile investment for car owners.
• ⚡ The tester can accurately assess battery health, load test the starter, and check the charging system, potentially saving money on unnecessary repairs.
• 📊 It tests 12-volt batteries by entering the cold-cranking amps and provides readings for battery health and charging system performance, including ripple tests.

Cosmetic Car Repair and Maintenance

• ✨ For cosmetic repairs on a 23-year-old car, a paint chip on the fender was addressed using a touch-up kit from Automotive Touchup.
• 🖌️ The process involved applying primer to prevent rust, followed by the color-matched paint, and then a clear coat for shine, using small brushes for precision.
• 🚫 The video also includes a strong opinion against diesel engines for personal vehicles due to their noise, smell, and high repair costs, advocating for gasoline engines instead.