Flush The Cooling System On Your Car, or Truck

Your cooling system should be flushed every other year. No, I'm not crazy, but with all the new chemicals they use today, it will literally eat up the rubber hoses and deteriorate the heater core, and the radiator core.

Have a drain pan under the drain plug, or the lower radiator hose, to catch the old fluid. EPA doesn't want you to let it run out onto the ground--it will contaminate Earth!

Make sure the engine is cold! Hot antifreeze burns dramatically and it will burn you, too!

If you can get to the drain plug, (sometimes it's hard to get to) you can put a piece of 3/8 inch hose onto it. Put the other end into the drain pan and open the drain plug. This will let the fluid empty into the drain pan--that way all the fluid will go into the drain pan and not spread out and drip all over the place. Remove the radiator cap.

If you want, and it's much faster, you can remove the lower radiator hose from the radiator. Use caution, though, you don't want to break the neck on the radiator--that's a no-no.

It is better to have the drain plug opened, though, when you start to flush.

A word of caution! Antifreeze/summer coolant is very toxic. Don't get it on the body paint, or on your skin. Wash it off with water! Another thing, it will kill your pets if they drink it, so keep them, and children, away from it, remember, I warned you!:-)

Some vehicles have a vent plug. It's located near the thermostat housing (where the upper radiator hose is connected to). Open this to vent: the fluid will empty out better.

Now will be a good time to inspect the hoses. Look at the heater hoses: are they swelled near the clamps? Do they feel hard, or real soft? If so, replace them. The same with the upper and lower radiator hoses. If your vehicle has a by-pass hose (from the water pump to the thermostat housing) check it also. Don't be skimpy here, a little for a hose now will save a lot later. Replace the hose clamps, too, if they need replacing. I hate those "clip" type, and they are usually in need of replacing.

You can get a "flush kit" at most auto parts stores. Read the instruction as to how to install it. Most of the time you can cut the heater hose going to the waterpump and install it there. They are designed to be a permanent fixture: you can leave it hooked up.

After you have installed the flush kit you need to hook up the garden hose to the fitting. It might be best for you to remove the thermostat, as cool water will close it and restrict flow.

Turn the water faucet on, not too much, and leave the radiator cap off and the drain open. If water spews from the vent plug opening, put it back in.

Crank the engine and let it idle. Watch the fluid coming from the 3/8 tubing. When the fluid is clear as water, ha, you can turn the faucet off and then turn the ignition switch off.

You may need two drain pans to catch all the fluid, plus, you will need to find a place in your city to dispose the fluid: a repair shop, or disposal plant. Do not pour it out on the ground: EPA!!!

Let the vehicle cool down. After the engine is cold you can turn the water faucet on again and reflush. There is no need to restart the engine, just let the water run through the block, heater core, and radiator. Let this go for about two or three minutes, then you can turn the water off and remove the garden hose. Put the cap that came with the kit over the spout after you remove the garden hose...you won't have to remove the flush kit, just leave it there for the next time.

They make chemicals to flush systems that have a lot of rust and deposits in them, but this procedure will work in most cases.

Be sure you have the lower radiator hose clamp tight (if you removed it), and have the drain plug tight (remove the hose if you put one on).

Now you can add your antifreeze/summer coolant. Depending on where you live, most vehicle manufacturers recommend a 50/50 solution. Look in your owner's manual and see what they recommend. If your vehicle holds two gallons of coolant, then you want to put in one gallon of coolant and one gallon of water.

If your vehicle doesn't have a vent plug, you can fill the radiator to the top, then crank the engine. Note: If you removed the thermostat, be sure to reinstall it, I'd recommend installing a new one.

After you crank the engine, let it idle. Watch the radiator filler spout, water may overflow. If it does, put the cap back on. Feel of the upper radiator hose. When it gets warm to hot, then the thermostat has opened and you can remove the radiator cap slowly. If no water tries to escape, then you can remove it and add water.

Most vehicles of late have a plastic reservoir. After you have the radiator full you can fill the reservoir to the line on the side of the container, "full cold", with water.

Now, start the engine again and let it idle. Look for leaks (repair them if you have any) and watch the temperture guage. If you have a light you will have to feel of the upper radiator hose to tell when the engine is at operating temperture: the hose will be very hot. Most vehicles run a 190o thermostat, so you won't be able to hold the hose very long, unless you're a hot-metal worker. :-)

No leaks? Temperture ok? Fluid level full? You're a genius! You are ready to do some more "maintenance" on your vehicle, and you don't have to take it to the repair shop.

Tommy Sessions has been in auto repair since 1970. He publishes Auto Repair Answers Newsletter so you can learn how to keep your vehicle looking new, running safely and efficiently, while you save money and time...also, learn how to avoid shop rip offs. Don't be at the mercy of the dealerships and auto repair shops...they will have more respect for you.
http://www.auto-repair-answers.com

Buying Car Parts An Overview

Buying car parts can easy or it can be extremely difficult. It is probably easier to find parts for an older car than it is for a newer car. Car parts for cars that are a year or two old must, for the most part, come from the dealer. Since the car is under warranty, the dealer usually supplies the parts or acquires parts that they know are of good quality and compatible. The after-market for new cars doesnt exist until the warranties have expired. Most new cars shouldnt need parts. Older cars can be easier to find parts for because there are more parts available and more places to buy them. For a car that is ten or fifteen years old, the systems werent as finicky then as they are now. They could accommodate different kinds of parts without the chance of damaging an operating system with a part of inferior quality which is a chance with the new cars.

If you have an older car and you can do repairs yourself, a good place to look for parts at a good price is at a junkyard. You just find the make and model car and take the part off. You usually have to do it yourself but you will get a good deal on the part and may even find original factory equipment. Older cars are easier to buy parts for because the parts are interchangeable to a certain extent. Today cars and parts are too highly specialized for the parts to be interchangeable.

You can buy car parts in a variety of places. You can find parts on sale at discount stores like Wal-Mart or K-Mart. If you buy at one of these places, make sure that you know their return policy. You may find that the part is a knock-off without you or them knowing it. A knock-off is an imitation of a brand name product, usually made of inferior material. Check the packaging for any errors in printing or spelling. That is usually an indication that the part is a knock-off. The cheap part may save you a few dollars now, but it may cause hundreds of dollars of damage to the cars operating system. Car parts are also available online. If you buy parts online, make sure you buy from a reputable supplier. If you have any doubts about the supplier, dont buy from them.

Joseph is the proud owner of Parts Guide, a website that will explain everything you need to know about Auto Parts. We invite you to visit our site today and see what we have to offer.

Financing Your Home Equity Loan in Cyberspace

By now, most of us rely on the Internet for a great deal of things. Chances are that you have made an online purchase recently. It is even possible to order groceries online and have them delivered to your front door. Due to its penetration into our everyday lives, it is no surprise that online money management has become a staple of the Internet. Not only can you monitor your bank account, opening special savings accounts, and pay your bills online, but it is also possible to get a home equity loan using the Internet.

Online Lenders

There are several lenders that offer competitive interest rates on home equity loans and home equity lines of credit. These rates are often lower than the rate you would get at a local bank. This is because many exclusively online lenders have lower overhead. Some lenders, like E-Loan and Bankrate offer loans at various rates, depending on your credit. Other sites, like Lending Tree, actually have you put in your information and then find the best rates from a variety of sources. Either way, researching the best interest rates can be done from home.

Applying For Your Home Equity Loan

Most online sites offer fairly simple forms for you to fill out in order to apply for the loan. If you need help, live chat is provided, or a phone number that you can call to be talked through the process. Most users find the forms easier to fill out than the paperwork issued at a bank. Additionally, in many cases you can receive an approval answer for your home equity loan in less than two minutes. In order to make sure that your information is secure, make sure that you are dealing with a reputable company. Secure sites have addresses that start with https instead of merely http. Before entering any personal information, make sure you check the address bar.

Watching Out For Scams

As with all great, new technologies that provide access and convenience, the Internet is a prowling ground for predators. Scammers wait to bilk the unknowing out of their money. Before applying for a home equity loan using the Internet, make sure that you are using a company that is legitimate, and make sure that you are using a secure server (see above paragraph). Additionally, to reduce the risk of hackers getting your information, make sure that you close your browser window completely, and clear your history or cache after you are finished with the home equity loan form.

Visit Home Equity Wise to view our Recommended Home Equity Lenders online. Also, visit Home Equity Wise for help finding reputable Home Equity Lenders Online.

Equity Loans: An Introduction

Anyone who wishes to apply for an equity loan should learn as
much as they can about the many different loans available to
find one that suits their needs the best. Note that some equity
loans have annual fees, closing costs and require application
while others do not. There are also a number of lenders who
provide 100% tax deductible loans, hence offering additional
savings to the borrower.

One of the types of loans available are called fixed rate
loans. The adavantage of this type of loan is that it allows
the borrower to transfer the variable rate principal into a
fixed rate alternative. Despite this being so, the lender may
stipulate the amount available for conversion and may even
fix boundaries to the loan options.

Home equity loans may not indicate that there are closing costs
payable, but if one reads the fine print, one will notice that
the borrower is liable to pay closing cost on a fixed amount.

One instance where closing costs may be applicable is when
the borrower applies for less than the amount agreed by the
lender. There are also a few other loans that may require the
borrower to pay the cost of appraisal. It is necessary to read
the terms and conditions when one applies for a loan, as many
lenders don't advertise certain clauses regarding exclusions
and restrictions, etc.

By reading the fine print one is likey to pick up many vital
details that the lender may choose not to divulge.

Equity loans are called as such because the borrower uses his
house as collateral. Because of this fact home equity offers
better interest and repayment rates and hence save money.

Failure to read the fine print may caus you to sign for a
loan that gets you further into debt, as equity loans seek
to roll the high rates of interest from credit cards into
lower repayments. Not following the terms as set out
in the fine print may result in you having to pay excessive
fees you cannot afford.

For more information on how to find the best deals on equity loans please visit http://www.equity-advisor.com

Mortgage Refinance With Bad Credit - Things to Avoid

Being labeled as a high risk borrower can be a bad situation to be in, refinancing your mortgage could however help bring relief to this situation. So it seems a little odd to have to take out a new loan to pay off your other loans. This is however very beneficial if done right, and a way of making your current financial situation a little easier, while keeping your home.

There are a lot of mortgage lenders that prey on home owners looking to refinance with bad credit. With rates as low as they are, and so many people looking to refinance, these companies will kill you with over the top fees, or a bait and switch mortgage loan rate, etc. Here are some things you can do to prevent getting sucked into fly by night mortgage refinance company.

Do research on sub prime interest rates - Avoid at all cost loans that are 2% or more above the prime rates. While it is normal for sub prime rates to be higher, that is just to substantial of a percentage.

Do lots of comparison shopping - As with a big purchase, or any other long term financial situation, do your research prior to parting with your money. It is not impossible to refinance your mortgage with bad credit, however, the amount of work you as a borrower must do beforehand does make a big difference.

Read all terms and conditions carefully - Be sure to be on the look out for prepayment clauses or other odd sounding clauses that will prevent you from having any flexibility in the future. Adjusted rate mortgages and interest only loans are now advisable - You are almost always better with a fixed rate mortgage. Even if the APR on a ARM loan is really good right now, in the long run it is almost always better to have the fixed rate. Especially with rates as low as they are now.

Don't get taken by Weird Fees - These are random fees charged by the mortgage broker. They are known in the industry as plump fees, or junk fees. Examples may include, fees higher than 2% for origination, phone and fax fees, transportation fees between office and bank, I have even seen fees that charge by the email. Google "junk fees" for a more detailed rundown of the types of fees I'm talking about.

With research, which is easily done these days on the internet, you will be able to refinance in a way that is beneficial financially for you. Be sure that you check multiple sources for mortgage refinance quotes, especially with bad credit. The differences between mortgage company offers can be huge depending how much you know going in. Do not expect a mortgage refinance to be the be all end all to your financial situation. If you are not careful you will just repeat this viscous cycle in a matter of years.

-M Petrone
RefinancingCondo.com

If you liked this article and would like to see others like it please check my blog http://www.refinancingcondo.com It Contains plenty of articles related to refinancing

Jumbo Mortgage

A Jumbo Mortgage, (also known as a "non-conforming" mortgage) as the name may suggest, is a large mortgage that exceeds a limit that is set by the nations largest mortgage backers. At present, the limit is $417,000. These mortgages are used to buy higher-priced houses and at the rate that property prices are increasing, more and more clients are having to apply for these mortgages.

The two biggest agencies that buy the majority of residential mortgages in the U.S are Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC) These two agencies modify the mortgage amount limit annually, and this is the maximum amount that the mortgage companies will finance. This leaves large private investors, like insurance companies to purchase these larger loans to be used as secure investments.

Unfortunately, these loans mean that interest rates are generally up to a third higher than conventional loans. The rates depend mostly on the mortgage amount and the type of property being mortgaged. However, when paying back the loan on a Jumbo mortgage, once it reaches a balance that is below the maximum limit set by the two agencies mentioned above, it can be converted to a traditional mortgage meaning that you can then get typical interest rates and monthly payments.

As well as a Jumbo Mortgage, there is also a plan called the Super Jumbo Mortgage that is used for residential properties above an even larger limit. This limit now stands at $650,000!

There are so many mortgage companies on the internet that specialize in these Mortgages, and even offer free quotes and online calculators so you can find a deal that is suitable for you. They explain, in detail, why your loan is classed as a Jumbo Loan, and the options you have when the balance of your mortgage has reached a level below the maximum amount so that you can refinance it with a better, more affordable option. You are more likely to find a Jumbo Mortgage to suit you on the internet and this is where many of the people who have these plans start looking, simply because companies will be competing for your contract! The increased interest rate associated with a Jumbo Mortgage often adds as much as several hundreds of dollars to the monthly payment, so the option of being able to eventually refinance is a godsend! This is because the borrower is seen to be of a higher risk than those who qualify for mainstream mortgages.

The highest rate ever recorded for a Jumbo Mortgage was a whopping 8.5% and the lowest was 5.87%, which just goes to show how varied the rates can be for this type or mortgage plan! Jumbo Mortgages are also seen to make up a very small population of all mortgages. California has the highest number of Jumbo Mortgages simply because property prices are so high.

What you must remember about this type of Mortgage is that it is only the mortgage value, and not the value of the property!

Jim is a writer for the home mortgage information site about Jumbo Mortgage if you want more information about mortgages please visit http://www.mortagesave.com