Buying a Car: Setting a Budget

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Questions and Answers

What is the importance of setting a budget when purchasing a car?

To manage finances wisely, avoid overspending, and ensure financial stability.

Where can you find resources to research cars?

Edmunds & Kelley Blue Book

YouTube & Reddit

Facebook marketplace, Offer Up, and Cars.com

All of the above (correct)

Salvage titles mean the vehicle is no longer roadworthy.

False

When negotiating a price for a car, it is important to always ________________.

be polite and know when to walk away Signup and view all the answers

Match the following car detailing steps with their descriptions:

Clay Bar = Removes embedded contaminants from paint surface Polishing = Restores gloss and removes imperfections from paint surface Wax = Enhances shine and provides protection to paint surface Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of the lighting system in a vehicle?

Headlights, Taillights, Turn Signals Signup and view all the answers

Low beam headlights are designed to provide maximum visibility in dark or poorly lit conditions.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of aligning headlights in a vehicle?

optimal visibility and safety Signup and view all the answers

The oil pressure warning light illuminates when the engine's oil pressure falls below a safe ________.

threshold Signup and view all the answers

What does the ABS warning light alert drivers to?

potential issues with the braking system Signup and view all the answers

What does the brake warning light symbol usually look like?

Exclamation point Signup and view all the answers

The TPMS light illuminates when the computer detects high tire pressure.

False Signup and view all the answers

The coolant temperature warning light indicates potential issues with the vehicle's ____________ system.

cooling Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components of the starting system with their function:

Battery = Primary source of electrical energy when the engine is not running Ignition switch = Primary control mechanism for starting and stopping the engine Starter Solenoid = Serves as a primary control mechanism for starting and stopping the engine Starter Motor = Converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the first aspect to consider when changing a tire?

Choosing a flat surface Signup and view all the answers

What tool is used to loosen and tighten the lug nuts?

Lug wrench Signup and view all the answers

Tire rotations help prevent uneven wear patterns on tires.

True Signup and view all the answers

The ________ connects the left and right sides of the suspension system to reduce body roll.

sway bar Signup and view all the answers

What does turning the key to the 'ON' position in a vehicle do?

Powers the vehicle's electrical systems, including the fuel pump and ignition system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of the starter motor in an engine?

Rotating the components inside the engine Signup and view all the answers

Fuses are designed to protect electrical circuits from damage caused by overloads or short circuits.

True Signup and view all the answers

Coolant leaks can lead to insufficient cooling, causing __________ and potential engine damage.

overheating Signup and view all the answers

Match the following fuse types with their descriptions:

Blade Fuses = Most common type found in modern vehicles with plastic housing Glass Tube Fuses = Consists of a glass tube with metal end caps and a thin metal filament inside Ceramic Fuses = Has a ceramic body with metal end caps, offers higher protection against extreme temperatures Fusible Links = Integrated into a wiring harness, designed to melt and open the circuit if current levels exceed their rating Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of wheel balancing?

To ensure the weight of the tire and rims are distributed evenly around the axle. Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of a braking system? (Select all that apply)

Drum Brakes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of brake fluid?

Brake fluid transmits force from the brake pedal to the brake calipers to compress the brake pads against the rotors or drums. Signup and view all the answers

Drum brakes use brake 'shoes' and ____ to generate the friction needed to slow the vehicle down.

drums Signup and view all the answers

Match the following brake pad materials with their pros and cons:

Organic Brake Pads = Low noise & Gentle on rotors Semi-Metallic Pads = Improved heat dissipation & Greater longevity Ceramic Pads = Excellent heat resistance & Minimal noise & dust & Greater longevity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Buying a Car

Start by thinking about the kind of car you want, considering factors like color, interior, transmission type, and more
Set a realistic budget to avoid overspending and ensure financial stability
Research different vehicles within your budget, using online resources like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, YouTube, and Reddit
Look for cars on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up, Cars.com, and Craigslist, and filter by make, model, year, price range, mileage, and location

Inspecting a Car

When inspecting a car, check for signs of leaks, unusual noises, and vibrations
Check fluid levels, belts, and hoses, and assess the condition of the exterior and interior
Look for any dents, scratches, or rust, and check the alignment and consistency of the body panels
Check the functionality of accessories like air conditioning, stereo, and power windows

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Frame damage: avoid cars with a history of frame damage
Salvage titles: be cautious of cars with salvage titles, which means they've been deemed a total loss by an insurance company
No title: avoid cars with lost or missing titles, as it can be a headache to deal with
Weirdly low prices: be wary of cars with prices that are too good to be true
Generic pictures: reverse image search pictures to ensure they're not scams

Negotiation Strategies

Research the market value of the car and be prepared to negotiate
Know when to walk away if the seller is unwilling to compromise
Be polite and professional during negotiations

Car Washing and Detailing

Regular washing and detailing can help preserve the car's resale value and prevent corrosion
Use a car washing/detailing cart with necessary supplies, and check it out from the owner
Pre-wash rinse the car to remove loose dirt and debris, then use a foamer to apply soap
Rinse the car from top to bottom, and dry with a microfiber towel
Clean wheels and tires with separate sponges and rags to avoid cross-contamination

Exterior Detailing

Clay bar: removes embedded contaminants from the paint surface, restores smoothness and shine
Polishing: removes minor imperfections, restores gloss, and provides long-lasting protection
Waxing: enhances shine, provides long-lasting protection, and protects against the elements

Exploring Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Hybrid vehicles: combine internal combustion engine and electric motor for better fuel economy and reduced emissions
Components: battery pack, electric motor, internal combustion engine, regenerative braking system
Regenerative braking system: captures energy from wheel rotation during braking, converts it to electrical energy, and recharges the battery pack
Fully electric vehicles: rely only on electricity stored in high-capacity battery packs, produce zero tailpipe emissions

Lights

Importance of proper lighting: enhances visibility, safety, and is a legal requirement
Parts of the lighting system: headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights
Headlights: primary source of illumination, types of bulbs: halogen, LED, HID/Xenon
Halogen bulbs: reliable, cheap, moderately bright, higher power consumption
LED bulbs: efficient, bright, long-lasting, low power consumption
HID/Xenon bulbs: superior brightness, visibility, and longevity, but require a ballast, and can be expensive to replace

Jumpstarting

Importance of knowing how to jumpstart a car
Dead battery: can be caused by age, leaving lights on, or other factors
Jumper cables: transfer electrical power from a donor vehicle to the disabled vehicle
Pre_jumpstart precautions: ensure both vehicles' ignition is turned off, check polarity, and keep cables away from moving engine parts
Jumpstarting procedure: position vehicles close, connect cables in the correct order, and start the donor vehicle### Jump Starting a Car
When jump starting a car, hook the last clip to a clean piece of metal in the engine bay to reduce the risk of sparks.
Start the donor vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery.
Try starting the dead car, and if successful, keep the engine running to charge the battery further.
If unsuccessful, let the donor car run for a little longer to charge the battery more.

Disconnecting the Cables

Start by removing both black clips, then the red clips.

Portable Jump Boxes

A portable jump box is a recommended investment for car owners.
It eliminates the need for jumper cables and a donor car.
It is easy to use and has a built-in battery that acts as a donor vehicle.

Dashboard Warning Lights

Dashboard warning lights serve as early indicators of potential problems or malfunctions in various vehicle systems.
Ignoring these lights can lead to safety issues on the road.

Common Dashboard Warning Lights

Check Engine Light: Illuminates when the vehicle's computer detects a problem with the engine or its related systems.
- Purpose: Alerts drivers to potential engine issues.
- Symbol: Outline of an engine, often amber or yellow.
- What to do: Don't panic, and use an OBD-II scanner to determine the cause.
Oil Pressure Warning Light: Illuminates when the engine's oil pressure falls below a safe threshold.
- Purpose: Alerts drivers to potential engine damage.
- Symbol: Oil can or oil drop, often red or amber.
- What to do: Pull over, stop the engine, and check the oil level.
Battery Warning Light: Illuminates when the vehicle's charging system detects a problem.
- Purpose: Alerts drivers to potential battery issues.
- Symbol: Battery, often red.
- What to do: Check battery connections for signs of corrosion or looseness.
ABS Warning Light: Illuminates when the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) detects a problem.
- Purpose: Alerts drivers to potential braking system issues.
- Symbol: Letters "ABS" and often red or amber.
- What to do: Safely test the vehicle's braking performance and pull over immediately if it's inadequate.
Brake Warning Light: Illuminates when the computer detects a problem with the braking system.
- Purpose: Alerts drivers to potential braking system issues.
- Symbol: Exclamation point and the word "BRAKE", often red.
- What to do: Check the brake fluid level and inspect the brake pads.
TPMS Warning Light: Illuminates when the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) detects a deviation from the recommended tire pressure.
- Purpose: Alerts drivers to potential tire pressure issues.
- Symbol: Flat tire, often amber.
- What to do: Check the tire pressures and ensure they are at the manufacturer's recommended level.
Coolant Temperature Warning Light: Illuminates when the engine's coolant temperature exceeds the normal operating range.
- Purpose: Alerts drivers to potential cooling system issues.
- Symbol: Thermometer, often red.
- What to do: Pull over, shut off the engine, and check the coolant level.
Airbag Warning Light: Illuminates when the airbag system detects a problem.
- Purpose: Alerts drivers to potential airbag system issues.
- Symbol: Image of a person with an airbag deployed, often red or amber.
- What to do: Take the vehicle to a qualified mechanic to resolve the issue.
Low Fuel Warning Light: Illuminates when the fuel level in the tank drops below a predetermined threshold.
- Purpose: Alerts drivers to refuel.
- Symbol: Fuel pump, often amber.
- What to do: Refuel the vehicle.

Introduction to Automotive Diagnostics

Diagnostics are essential for modern automotive repair.
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics, version 2) is a diagnostic tool used to communicate with and retrieve information from a vehicle's onboard computer system.

OBD-II Scanners

OBD-II scanners provide access to a wide range of diagnostic functions, including:
- Reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
- Running diagnostic tests and checks on various vehicle systems.
- Providing access to vehicle information such as calibration IDs or readiness monitors for smog tests.

OBD-II Ports

The OBD-II port is usually located beneath the dashboard on the driver's side.
It may also be located near the center console or in the passenger footwell.

Basic Diagnostic Functions

OBD-II scanners can:
- Retrieve data and display DTCs stored in the vehicle's computer.
- Clear or reset a DTC from the computer.
- View real-time sensor data from various vehicle systems.

DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes)

DTCs are codes generated by the vehicle's computer to indicate a specific issue or malfunction.
Generic DTCs are standard codes across all vehicle makes and models.
Manufacturer-Specific DTCs are unique to a particular vehicle manufacturer and may vary in format and meaning.

Interpreting DTCs

The prefix of a DTC indicates the system or area of the vehicle where the issue is detected.
The numeric portion of the code provides further details about the specific problem or malfunction.

Pre OBD-II Vehicles

Before 1996, OBD-II was not standardized, and diagnostic systems varied between vehicle manufacturers.
Pre OBD-II vehicles may have their own diagnostic systems, making diagnostics more complex.

Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers are important for maintaining visibility on the road.
Wiper blades are usually made of rubber or silicone strips.
Types of wiper blades include:
- Traditional wiper blades with a metal frame.
- Beam or flat wiper blades with a single piece of rubber or silicone.
- Hybrid wiper blades that combine traditional and beam blade designs.

When to Replace Wiper Blades

Wiper blades should be replaced when they show signs of wear, such as streaking, skipping, or noise.
They should be replaced every 6-12 months or when showing signs of wear.

The Starting System

The starting system consists of:
- Battery
- Ignition switch
- Starter solenoid
- Starter motor
The starting system converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy to rotate the engine.

Key Components of the Starting System

Battery: The primary source of electrical energy when the engine is not running.
Ignition Switch: The primary control mechanism for starting and stopping the engine.
Starter Solenoid: Acts as a bridge between the battery and the starter motor.
Starter Motor: A powerful electric motor responsible for rotating the engine.

Ignition Switch Positions

Off: Cuts off power to the vehicle's electrical systems.
ACC (Accessory): Allows power to be supplied to accessories without starting the engine.
ON: Powers the vehicle's electrical systems, including the fuel pump and ignition system.
START: Activates the starter motor to begin the combustion process.

Common Problems with the Starting System

Dead Battery: Causes include aging battery, leaving lights or accessories on, or electrical system faults.
Faulty Starter Motor: Causes include wear and tear, electrical issues, or damaged Bendix gear.
Ignition Switch Problems: Causes include wear, electrical faults, or damaged contacts inside the switch.### Fuses and Relays
Fusible links are special types of fuses that are usually integrated into a wiring harness and consist of a small length of wire with a lower melting point than the rest of the circuit.
When current levels in a circuit exceed their rating, fusible links melt and "open" the circuit, stopping current flow.
Fusible links are a one-time use and must be replaced if they blow.
Fuses have a printed number that refers to the maximum amperage that the fuse can safely handle before blowing.

Relays

Relays serve as switches that control high-powered circuits with very low power signals.
They take low current signals from switches or sensors to power high current circuits such as headlights, starter motors, fuel pumps, air conditioning, and radiator cooling fans.
Relays use electromagnetism to open and close the switch inside.
When replacing relays, make sure the new relay has the same number of pins as the old one.

Locating Fuses and Relays

Fuse and relay panels can be located in various places depending on the car, such as under the hood, under the dashboard, or in the trunk.
Always refer to your owner's manual to find the exact location of the fuse and relay box for your car.
The manual will also provide information on the functions of each fuse and relay for easier troubleshooting.

Replacing Fuses

When replacing fuses, it's important to replace the fuse with the same amperage rating.
Replacing a fuse with a lower amperage fuse can cause it to blow prematurely, while replacing a fuse with a higher amperage fuse can overload a circuit.
Overloading a circuit can cause severe damage and even risk a fire.

Leaks

Oil leaks are characterized by a dark brown or black color, slick oily texture, and a distinct burnt odor.
Oil leaks are commonly found underneath the car, especially towards the front or center near the engine block.
If left unchecked, oil leaks can lead to increased friction and eventual engine damage.
Coolant leaks are characterized by a variety of colors, a watery texture, and a slightly sweet odor.
Coolant leaks are commonly found underneath the car near the radiator, hoses, or water pump.
If left unchecked, coolant leaks can lead to insufficient cooling, causing overheating, and possible engine damage.
Transmission leaks are characterized by a red or light brown color, an oily texture, and a slightly sweet odor.
Transmission leaks are commonly found underneath the transmission or along transmission fluid lines.
If left unchecked, transmission leaks can lead to transmission slipping, delayed or rough shifting, or even transmission damage.

Importance of Identifying Leaks

Identifying leaks is essential for ensuring safety, preserving vehicle performance, protecting the environment, and minimizing maintenance costs.
Addressing leaks promptly can help keep your vehicle in top shape and prolong its lifespan.

Wheel Balancing

Unbalanced wheels can cause vibrations that can be felt through the steering wheel, seats, and floors.
Unbalanced wheels can also cause uneven tire wear, which can reduce tire lifespan, compromise traction, and handling.
Wheel balancing is the process of making sure the weight of the tire and rims are distributed evenly around the axle.
Wheel balancing is required every time you get new tires or put a different tire on a rim.
Wheel balancing equipment includes a wheel balancing machine, wheel weights, and a wheel weight removal tool.

Roadside Tire Change

Flat tires can occur anytime unexpectedly due to various reasons such as punctures, tire blowouts, or gradual loss of tire pressure.
Safety is the most important aspect of changing a tire on the road.
Choose a flat surface, stay clear of traffic, turn on your hazard lights, and apply your parking brake.
The tools required for a roadside tire change include a scissor jack, lug wrench, and spare tire.

Tires

Tires play a significant role in vehicle performance and safety.
Tire anatomy includes the sidewall, tread, shoulder, bead, and ply.
The sidewall has important information such as tire size, max load, and speed rating.
Tread patterns are designed to provide maximum traction and grip in different circumstances.
The shoulder is the area where the tread meets the sidewall and plays a big part in cornering stability and handling.
The bead is the inner edge of the tire that sits securely on the rim.
The ply provides reinforcement to support the tire's structure and maintain its strength under various loads and conditions.

Common Tire Wear Patterns

Cupping appears as uneven wear in a wave-like pattern around the tire tread.
Feathering appears as smooth, diagonal wear across the tread.
Camber wear appears as excessive wear on one side of the tire tread.

Tire Rotation

Tire rotation is a simple but essential maintenance procedure that can maximize tire performance and longevity.
Rotating tires helps to prevent uneven wear patterns and extends the lifespan of the tire by making sure they all wear out evenly.
Tire rotation techniques include front-to-back rotation, cross rotation, and side-to-side rotation.

Suspension

The suspension system is responsible for providing a smooth and comfortable ride while ensuring stability, control, and safety.
Basic suspension components include springs, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, and sway bars.
Coil springs support the weight of the vehicle and absorb shocks from road irregularities.
Leaf springs are robust and well-suited for heavy-duty applications.
Shock absorbers control the movement of the springs and provide a smoother and more controlled ride.
Struts combine the functions of a spring and a shock absorber into a single unit.
Control arms connect the suspension components to the chassis or frame of the vehicle.
Sway bars offer additional support to reduce body roll and improve stability during cornering.

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Description

Learn how to set a realistic budget when buying a car, considering factors such as transmission type, color, and interior. Understand the importance of budgeting in making big purchases and managing finances wisely.