So now that spring is here, it may be time to show your car some love. Here are a few spring clean-up ideas for vehicle maintenance:

1. Have your car washed and detailed. Finish with a quality wax job.
2. If you have winter tires on your vehicle, switch to all-season or summer tires.
3. Change your windshield wiper blades. This is especially important if you have winter blades on your car. Also check windshield wiper fluid and/or replace if you are using winter windshield wiper fluid.
4. This is also a good time to check your tires for air pressure and poor alignment. Many auto experts further suggest that you rotate your tires at this time to get the most wear out of them.
5. Have the oil changed.
6. Check other fluid levels including transmission, power steering and brake fluids.
7. Flush and change coolant.
8. Test your lights and replace bulbs if necessary.
9. Check the air filter and replace if needed.
10. Replace timing belts if necessary.

Follow these steps and you can be assured your car is ready for vacation and the occasional summer road trip. Yearly maintenance will also expand the life of your car thus saving you money in the long run. Visit www.deelat.com to find a wide array of vehicle maintenance supplies. Shop with us today and save!

So just how long do spark plugs last? Well, it depends on the vehicle, but the general rule of thumb is that you should replace them before they go bad. Not only do warn spark plugs cause engine problems; if left unattended, they can potentially seize and quickly increase the cost of repairs.

In general, the most expensive “extended-life” spark plugs have a range of about 100,000 to 120,000 miles, but yet, if used for the entire life, they will become worn down. They can be about four-fifths worn by the time they hit 90,000 miles. Yet, not all spark plugs have an extended-life. Copper spark plugs, for example, have a range of about 12,000 to 25,000 miles, while iridium spark plugs can more than double the life to about 60,000 miles.

Signs Your Spark Plugs Are Worn

The best prevention for spark plug problems is regular inspection. Extended-life spark plugs should be inspected every 30,000 miles, while copper or iridium plugs should be inspected every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. But if you suspect your spark plugs are going bad, there are a few tell-tale signs.

• Trouble Starting Your Vehicle: Faulty spark plugs do not generate enough of a spark to light the fuel and air in your engine. This is especially a problem in colder months, and it can cause your vehicle’s battery to drain. If you’re experiencing trouble cold-starting your vehicle, worn spark plugs may be to blame.
• Engine Misfires: Worn spark plugs are more prone to fouling, which means the nose of the plug is dirty from oil, carbon or some other substance. Fouling, in turn, is a common cause of engine misfire.
• Excessive Fuel Consumption: Bad or improperly fitted spark plugs diminish the amount of fuel that is combusted – a problem called incomplete combustion. Because of this, your vehicle wastes fuel, and it can result in up to 25 percent or more drop in efficiency.

  

These are just a few symptoms of faulty spark plugs, but yet spark plugs are not always to blame. These symptoms can be caused by a number of problems, so if you’re unsure, it’s best to check with a licensed mechanic.

Choosing Spark Plugs for Your Vehicle

It’s important to choose the proper spark plugs for your vehicle. Improperly fitting plugs can result in performance issues. So how can you buy spark plugs at fit your vehicle?

First, consult the owner’s manual. Often the vehicle’s manual will have precise information about the type of spark plug that is needed in your vehicle. If not, the manual will have other valuable information, including the size of your engine, the engine’s displacement, the number of cylinders, the spark plug gap, and the type of fuel system in your vehicle. All of this is needed  when determining spark plugs to buy.

If your vehicle’s manual doesn’t have a specific size, consider searching a parts database. Many spark plug manufacturers take information about your vehicle, including make, model and year, and can tell what type is recommended for your vehicle.

Shop for affordable iridium spark plugs on Deelat.com. We offer a vast selection of private-label spark plugs, at the best prices and of excellent build qualities.

If it’s time to replace your wipers, chances are you’re wondering how to determine the size of blades that you will need.

It’s important that you find the accurate size. Installing new windshield wipers that are the wrong size will result in reduced functionality, and at worst, might even damage your wiper system. Fortunately, there are a few ways drivers can determine the size of the wiper blades for their vehicle.

Tips for Choosing and Sizing Wiper Blades

Before you determine size, it’s often best to take a look at the connection of your wiper blades. There are three main types – including side post, J-hook and bayonet wipers – and this refers to how the new blades are installed. For example, J-hook wiper blades are attached to the blade holder, which is attached to the windshield, by clamping a J-shaped hook. This is an important differentiation, as J-hook wiper blades won’t fit in a side post or bayonet system and vice versa. In addition, you’ll also want to consider the performance of the blades.

Plus, drivers should consider the performance of the blade. Research has shown that wiper blades typically last 6 months to 1 year, regardless of price, and there are different types for different seasons. Drivers in rainy environments would benefit from wipers designed to handle heavy rain, while those in winter climates would benefit from winter blades.

Finally, once you’ve determined the style and performance of the blades, you can figure out what size works. Here are three strategies:

• Measure Existing Blades: Typically, wiper blades are available in various sizes measured in inches. Thus, you can measure your existing blades and then purchase blades of the same size. Be careful to get as accurate a measurement as possible and to measure both blades. Many vehicles use two wiper blades of differing sizes.
• Consult Owner’s Manual: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual contains valuable information about your wiper blades, including the sizes used and connection type. Plus, the owner’s manual will also inform you have to replace and install new wiper blades.
• Use an Online Parts Locator: Auto parts stores and online retailers typically have parts locators available. You enter the make, model and year of your vehicle, and the database returns the type and size of blades that will fit your vehicle.

Deelat.com is your source for quality automotive supplies. Find the best prices on low-cost wiper blades anywhere at Deelat.com. We offer a huge inventory of blades in a variety of sizes and styles. Start shopping today!

Brake light bulbs fail over time, just like those in your home, but automotive lights are designed to last up to five years. When the lights fail, it’s important to replace them promptly. Not only is a burnt-out brake lamp a safety issue, but it can also lead to costly traffic tickets. So how do you choose the right brake lights for your vehicle? And how do you go about replacing taillights?

Choosing the Correct Brake Lamp

Automotive lights are organized according to a unique numbering system. Every vehicle requires bulbs with a specific number, which refer to the wattage, socket type and the shape of the bulb. Consult your owner’s manual, an online lighting chart, or automotive parts store to find the correct bulbs for your vehicle.

This numbering system ensures that you can purchase the correct bulbs for your vehicle. You should choose a bulb that features the correct:

• Wattage
• Socket Type
• Voltage

For example, a PR21W-382R is a 21-watt, 12-volt brake light with a BAW15s socket. This particular bulb would not work correctly in a vehicle that required 5-watt brake lights.

Replacing Brake Lights in Your Vehicle

The most difficult step in replacing a brake light is determining how to access the bulb. For example, some vehicles have screws in the plastic bulb shield, which when removed, provide access to the bulb socket. In other vehicles, the taillights may be accessible from the inside the trunk. Trunk-accessible bulbs are generally protected by a plastic covering, which will need to be removed.

Once you’ve found how to access the bulb, the rest of the process is quite simple.

1. Remove the bulb by gently pushing in the bulb and unscrewing.
2. If the socket is corroded, clean it using a shop rag or wire brush.
3. Screw the replacement brake light into the clean socket. This will require you to push the bulb in gently, while screwing. Other types simply pull out and can be easily pushed into place (rather than screwing).
4. Reattach the plastic brake light cover, whether on the exterior or in the trunk.
5. Finally, test the new brake light. Step on the brake, while someone watches the rear end of the vehicle. The light will light up if properly installed.

Deelat.com is your source for low-cost automotive brake lights, taillights, and headlights. We offer an unbeatable selection, at unbeatable prices, and we guarantee quality. Start shopping today.

Valve lapping – which is often called valve grinding – is the process of working the valve and valve seat together to grind a new seal. In this process, an abrasive lapping compound is applied to the valve seat and valve face. Then, as the two components are ground together, the lapping compound, which has a sandy texture, will smooth the surfaces of both the valve and valve seat, resulting in a uniform seal.

The process of valve grinding begins by removing the valve from the seat. Lapping compound – which is a putty-like, gritty substance – is applied to the seat or valve face. Then, the valve is rotated back and forth over the valve seat, while light pressure is applied. Once the process is complete, there will be a uniform gray band around the face of the valve, as well as on the valve seat. This is the new seal, and it will be free of pits and scars. Finally, the lapping compound must be removed from the valve face and seat, using a solvent. Leaving lapping compound on the seat and face will result in faster wear and diminish the tightness of the seal.

There are many different ways that the valve is ground. There are hand-held, manual tools, which contain a suction cup and are rotated by hand. Plus, some prefer to clasp the valve stem with a vice grip, and spin the valve against the seat, by rotating the valve stem. These processes are more time intensive. An air valve lapper kit is a mechanical device that uses power to spin the valve, and it provides several advantages over manual resurfacing.

How Air Valve Lapping Kits Work and Create Tight Valve Seals

Valve lapping kits are a must-have item in any automotive garage. These are similar to handheld lapping tools, but are connected to a power supply. Air lapping tools contain a rubber suction cup that attaches to the valve head. Then, power is applied, resulting in the fast spinning of the suction head. This creates more uniform seals between the valve and valve seat. Here are some reasons a valve lapping kit is a good investment:

• A variety of suction heads: Valve lapping kits are equipped with a range of suction heads in different sizes. Thus, the operator can apply the right sized suction head to match the size of the valve, providing a better grip on the valve and more uniform grinding.
• More uniform surfaces: Although grinding the valve and valve seat by hand is possible, it can be very difficult if the seal is badly pitted and worn. A valve grinding tool is better equipped to handle badly worn valve, spinning the valve at a faster rate. This results in increased grinding power, which can create a more uniform seal.
• Stem Choices: Valve lapping kits are often equipped with a variety of stems, which is the piece that connects the suction head to the power supply. This enables the tool to be adjusted to fit into tighter squeezes, where valves may be obscured by engine components.
• Horizontal and Vertical Orientations: Valve lapping tools are available in either horizontal or vertical orientation, enabling operators to choose the device that would work best for them.

Deelat.com is your source for quality, affordable and extremely durable air valve lapper kits. We offer two options: A six-piece vertical kit and a 12-piece vertical kit, each with a range of suction head sizes for broad applications. Start shopping today.

Wire harness tape isn’t like typical electrical tape, and often, it’s recommended that standard electrical tape shouldn’t be used in automotive applications. These differences include:

• Self-Bonding: Automotive harness tape doesn’t have a sticky adhesive like electrical tape. Instead, automotive tape bonds to itself, creating a watertight seal. Electrical tape on the other hand, when it’s heated up, can start to “weep” its adhesive, which creates a sticky mess inside the vehicle. Since the tape is self-vulcanizing, it is also easier to remove, which is ideal for faster automotive repairs.
• Heat-Tested: Automotive tape is designed to withstand extreme temperatures created by the engine block. Each type of tape is tested up to a certain temperature, and in addition, they’re flame retardant.
• Weather Proof: When applied properly, wire harness tape creates a weather proof seal. This protects the harness from engine fluids and oils that may seep onto the harness, as well as moisture that gets into the engine. Electrical tape isn’t designed to stringently protect against weather and moisture, and therefore, electrical tape is more likely to lose its adhesive and unravel from the harness.

In addition, these tapes are created using a variety of materials, including PVC and vinyl, and since they do not contain a sticky adhesive, they’re required to be wrapped more tightly.

Common Causes for Wire Harness Repair

In automotive applications, wire harness tape can be used in a variety of situations. Often, antique cars may need to have the wire harness rebuilt – which requires a new wrapping, once all proper wires have been spliced. After-market electrical components, like stereos, for instance, also require a new harness to be built, and many drivers choose to modify their wire harness. In addition, wire harness failures are also caused by:

• Extensive body damage: Most harness run inside body panels on a vehicle. Thusly, following accidents that cause extensive body damage, wires that are inside the body can be damaged as well.
• Improperly installed harnesses: After-market parts, for instance a new stereo, are often installed hastily with electrical tape. These quick-fix wire harnesses degrade more quickly and can lead to the need for wiring repairs.
• Water damage: This is a very common cause of electrical failure in vehicles, which requires the harness to be rebuilt. Water damage can be caused by rusted out body panels, which allow water to get to the harness, as well as plugged drain holes and water damage around sunroofs.
• Improperly routed wiring: Body repairs and major engine work often result in the need for removing wiring. In turn, these wires can become improperly routed when the vehicle is put back together. That can cause wires to be located closer to heat sources, resulting in electrical damage.

Deelat.com is your source for the best prices on automotive harness tape. Shop our vast selection of utility tape online today!