Wagon Parts Manual

Wagon Parts Manual

A properly functioning car exhaust system is critical toward keeping the environment clean, reducing noise, as well as preventing a deadly build up of carbon monoxide [CO] inside of your car. You can stop problems from occurring if you keep in mind the following four safety tips.

1. Annual inspection. If you own the correct equipment [such as a lift or jacks] you can perform a visual inspection yourself. Things to look for: corrosion, loose mountings, leaking joints, damage to various parts including the catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, and other exhaust components. Many garages and retail establishments offer free exhaust system inspections as well if you prefer to leave it up to a mechanic. Tip: Always check your exhaust system immediately after bottoming out from a pothole or running over road debris. Do not wait for your annual inspection; inspect it right away.

2. Keep windows cracked open. Carbon monoxide can build up in the cabin of your car without warning. You can't see it and by the time you realize its effects it may be too late. A slightly opened window will help gathering poisons to leave your car's interior. This is especially important to do if you are stuck in traffic.

3. Station wagon precautions. If you own a station wagon and you leave the tailgate down while driving, make sure that windows or vents are open.

4. Open up the garage door. Letting your vehicle run inside a closed garage can be deadly. Fumes will quickly accumulate in the garage and spread to the remainder of the house if you have an attached garage. If you must run your car inside of the garage, vent it by opening up the garage door. Always keep the door from the garage to the rest of the house closed when your car is running inside of your garage.

If you determine that your exhaust system does need maintenance, you can do the work yourself and save plenty of money. Top performing exhaust system brands include Bosal Exhaust, Dynamax Exhaust, Gibson Exhaust, Flowmaster Exhaust, Magnaflow Exhaust, Remus Exhaust, as well as others. Selecting the right system for your car can help you reduce noise, increase torque, and free up horsepower. Above all, a well fitted, properly installed system will protect the environment both inside and outside of your vehicle.

Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff, an online supplier of high quality and well priced automobile parts.

Replacing car suspension?

I have a 1989 Toyota Corolla All-Trac Wagon with 189000 miles that needs new suspension (It feels like its time) I've always had good luck doing work myself and have a Hayes manual. What parts do I need to replace (ie: shocks, struts, joints). Or in other words, what parts do I need to purchase before I start my work?

IMHO, to do the job properly (with that kind of mileage) I would recommend replacing the springs, struts, strut mounts, shocks, control arm bushings, and sway bar bushings. Also, before you begin, check your ball joints and tie rod ends for any looseness. Check all the brakes too.Now is the time to change them! Also, an alignment after all the work is completed. For special tools, you'll need at least a spring compressor and possibly a "Pickle" fork to separate the tie rods (if necessary). I know it sounds like a lot, but most (if not all) of these parts have supported the vehicle for almost 200,000 miles, and are just "tired" for lack of a better term.
HTH!! Good Luck!!