Synthetic oil is produced in a lab, which means the only stuff in it is what they put in it. Despite the high-tech refining of crude oil, there are still contaminants in the oil that can build up and eventually damage an engine. Changing your oil and filter removes any loose particles that form, but often the build-up occurs in an isolated area of your engine, usually where it gets really, really hot. This build up can clog oil passages and valves, which can eventually lead to reduced engine life.

Your fuel filter is one of those engine components that may only cost $10 or $20, but can protect your engine from thousands of dollars in damage. Fuel filters protect some of the very delicate parts of your engine. Carburetors and fuel injection systems can be clogged up by the tiniest of particles, so a properly functioning fuel filter is very important.

You've got your suntan lotion, a giant cooler and three cheap novels -- you're ready for a summer road trip. You may be prepared, but are you up to date on your summer auto maintenance? Sure, auto maintenance is the last thing on your mind, but it'll jump to the front pretty quickly if you're on the side of the road.

Obviously, the size is the single most important piece of info on the tire - get it wrong and it might not even fit. Size includes the width, aspect ratio and wheel diameter. These three measurements will be universal no matter what brand of tire you're looking at.

You've got your suntan lotion, a giant cooler and three cheap novels -- you're ready for a summer road trip. You may be prepared, but are you up to date on your summer auto maintenance? Sure, auto maintenance is the last thing on your mind, but it'll jump to the front pretty quickly if you're on the side of the road.

Before you even pick up your screwdriver, you should have a safe work environment. Safety is synonymous with planning, meaning that if you plan your work area and task ahead, your safety will be insured.

Keeping a clean work area is very important to your safety when working on your car. Tripping through your garage is a quick trip to injury. You are well aware of this, so you're sure to clean up after every job.

Jacking your car up is no trivial matter when it comes to car safety. You're taking thousands of pounds and dangling it over your body while you tinker underneath.

We take the motto "Safety First" seriously around here. There's no reason working on a car should be dangerous, but somehow automobile-related structure fires are far too common.

For auto repairs you would need auto manuals as guide. Learn how to extract all the information and help from your auto manuals. There are manuals for repair, maintenance, bodywork, and so on. Try to buy the exact manual for your car, this will make work easier and faster. The more you do in-depth study on your auto repair manuals, the more you 'know' your car, and the more success you record in your Do It Yourself auto repairs.