Replace Auto Bulbs and Rear Brake Lights with Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

A burned out auto light can leave you with a ticket, or even worse, serious auto repairs because of an accident caused by faulty lights.  You should regularly check all of your automobile’s lights to ensure that they are working and keeping you as safe as possible on the road. 

So what do you do about a burned out bulb?  Well, if you are really pressed for time and it do not have the time to do it yourself, feel free to bring it by Sanford’s AutomotiveService, where our ASE Certified Master Mechanic can take care of this and any other domestic or foreign auto repair.  If you’re inclined to perform your auto bulb replacement yourself, just read on for our step-by-step instructions on how to change a burned up rear brake, back up light, or turn signal bulb.

How to Unscrew the Light Housing

All auto lights are protected by a lens.  Colored auto lights just have a colored lens that covers them.  Begin by removing the lens housing.  These are usually attached by a few Phillips-head screws.  When removing them, be sure to keep them safe so you do not lose them.

How to Pull the Bulb Housing

Now you can remove the bulb housing, or bulb assembly. The attached wiring usually prevents it from pulling out too far, but still be cautious of the wires when you remove it.  If you pull too hard it could compromise your wiring connections.

How to Unscrew the Bulb Holder

A plug holds your brake light, or tail light assembly, in place.  The plug is screwed into the light assembly itself.  You can trace the wires on the backside of the light needing to be replaced to easily see which bulb holder should be detached.  This will not usually be screwed down very tight. In most cases, it only takes a quarter-turn to remove it and be able to pull it free.

How to Remove the Bad Bulb

You are finally ready to get rid of your burned up bulb.  It is time to remove the old and install the new.  In most cases the bulb will pull out very easily. If it will not, try to give it a gentle quarter-turn like you did before, and it should take care of it.  Once free, discard your burned out bulb and install the new one. 

How to Get it Back Together

Just simply work in reverse.  This will walk you through re-attaching the assembly, your housing, and re-securing your auto’s light housing using the screws you took out at the start. 

Get Back on the Road

You are now ready to get back on the road, safely and with properly functioning lights.  Sanford’s Automotive Service is helping keep you as safe as possible and hopefully avoiding auto accidents that result in you sitting at the auto repair shop later.

This Auto Repair Pro knows that something that seems minor, such as a burnt out light, can end up with you in the shop, or worse, the hospital.  Why let something like a bulb leave you in a dangerous situation or facing serious damage?  It only takes minutes to check.  If you need to replace it, get to it right away.

Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro on How to Fix a Broken Exhaust Strap

We have all seen a car, barreling down the highway, muffler sparking as it bumps along the road.  It is an ugly thing, not to mention terribly dangerous.  If you even hear your muffler making that clunk, clunk bounce as you ride along, you need to see what the problem is.  You are likely looking at a broken or badly worn exhaust strap (also called an exhaust hanger).  An exhaust strap is a lot like a heavy duty strength rubber band.  Over time, that rubber begins to deteriorate and stretch.  As it begins to lose elasticity, it slowly loosens its grip on the muffler.  If your exhaust hanger has broken completely you get a dragging muffler.  Lucky for you, replacing an exhaust strap is an auto repair that you can do yourself.

First, you will need to find the exhaust straps on your automobile.  Start at the tailpipe and work backwards toward the muffler.  You will find one or more thick, black, rubber exhaust straps, or exhaust hangers.  If one of them is totally broken it will be pretty easy to see.  Check the hangers to see if they are tight. When you determine which one or ones are the problem, you’ll need to remove and replace them.   

To get an exhaust strap off you will remove it from the top mount attaching it to the car and the mount to the muffler itself.  Keep in mind that the strap may be in more than one piece if it was badly deteriorated.  Be sure that you remove all of the pieces.

Now it is time to install your new exhaust hanger or exhaust strap.  You should start by attaching the side that mounts right to the car.  Just let the strap hang where it is for now while you are prepping to attach the muffler.  This is where having a helper comes in handy.  If you are working alone, be sure to check out the mechanic tip below this section.  Have your helper hold the muffler in place so you can attach the new exhaust hanger. 

Mechanic Tip: When you are working solo and need to replace an exhaust strap, you will have to slip the muffler into the hanger at the same time you are securing the muffler in place. To install the new exhaust strap using only one hand, use a crescent wrench as your helper.  Grab a crescent wrench with a large hole and slide the handle’s end through your exhaust hanger.  Next place the hole in the handle over the exhaust mount.  Now just slide the exhaust hanger over the mount!  And you thought you needed a helper…

And you are done!  It is as simple as 1, 2, 3!  Locate the bad exhaust strap, remove the faulty exhaust hanger and replace it with a strong, new strap.  No more clunking! 

If you do not have the time to complete this auto repair on your own, we would love to help you out.  Drop by our Columbia, SC Auto Repair Shop , contact via web or call us at 803-735-7902 to set an appointment.  We have been proudly serving the greater Columbia SC area for nearly 30 years!

Columbia SC Mechanic Saves Money on Auto Repairs: Do it Yourself Jobs

The Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro is all for helping you save some money on auto repairs.   

While we love to serve all of our wonderful customers, we also know that there are some auto repair or auto maintenance tasks they can easily do themselves.  Of course, you could stop by our north Columbia, SC auto repair shop and have us take care of it for you if you’d like.  But for those ready to take on a little bit of beginner level auto mechanics, there are multiple tasks you can safely and easily do.

Many of you may think that performing auto repairs or maintenance must take special tools and an in-depth knowledge of all of your vehicle’s intricate systems.  While some repairs really do require all of that, you can still easily save cash by taking care of the simpler stuff on your own.  Believe it or not, you can do more than just change your oil.  With some basic tools and the patience to read and follow the step-by-step instructions, you can not only save money but increase your own confidence by performing your own work too.

In addition to changing your own oil, I’d like to highlight a few other tasks you can easily take on. 

Replace Air Filter

This one is really easy.  Any auto repair shop will be happy to handle this easy task, but why hand over your hard earned money when you can do it yourself in minutes!  Changing your air filter requires minimal tools and time.  These simple instructions to replace your air filter will have you done in no time!

Replace Fuel Filter

I know, any auto repair occurring around the fuel tank may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be.  If you can follow instructions and observe all of the basic rules of auto repair safety you should have no problem at all.  We have provided you a detailed tutorial on how to replace a fuel filter on our Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro Blog. 

Flush Cooling System

Again, I know “flushing” any system may sound a bit taxing to a novice mechanic, but we all have to start somewhere!  This sounds much harder than it is.  In fact, in one afternoon you can completely flush your radiator and cooling system yourself.  Be sure to gather all of the materials need before you drain the radiator though, or you could end up adding a lot of extra work to the job.

There are some auto repairs and auto maintenance jobs that really can be done by a beginner and be done just as well as a certified mechanic could perform the task.  Remember, follow the advice of a proven, reputable mechanic and do not be afraid to ask questions if you need to.  All mechanics start someplace, and today you can start with the simple auto repair tutorials linked above.  To schedule Columbia, SC auto repair appointments just email us, give us a call or visit us at www.SanfordsAuto.com.

Changing Headlights with the Auto Repair Pro of Columbia SC

Replacing a Headlight

We are all looking to save money, especially on auto repairs.  For beginners or people not confident in their own home mechanic skills, deciding whether to take on an auto repair can be a difficult choice. 

Do it myself vs. Auto Repair Shop 

 

Some easy auto repair jobs can easily be completed by anyone with enough time and patience to read and follow basic tutorial instructions. Naturally, if you still lack confidence after seeing the instructions, you should always bring your vehicle to the auto repair shop for a professional to safely complete the job at hand.  Always remember: On the highway, lack of safety can cost lives, so it is always better to play it safe than be sorry!

All headlights will eventually burn out. Luckily, this is a pretty easy fix.  While you could pay to get this done for you, you really don’t have to.  Most of the halogen headlight systems out there today have bulbs that are easy to replace since they are loaded right into the back of the lens.

Step 1: Wiring Harness Removal

 

This is usually a no tools needed job.  With your hood opened and secured, do a quick check behind your burned out headlight to locate the bulb holder.  Coming out of it should be a trapezoid shaped plug with three wires. This is your the wiring harness, and you will have to remove this.  The plug is secured using either a metal clip, plastic catch, or in some cases, a screw cap.  With a metal clip, just pull it up and off.  Keep a good grip on it because if it drops, it will likely never be seen again.  With a plastic catch, there will be a little lever that extends from the top of the plug. Using your thumb, just depress the lever while pulling the plug out.  If happen to have a screw cap, simply unscrew the cap turning it counter-clockwise.

Step 2: Removing the Burned Out Headlight Bulb

 

With the wiring out of the way, you can now remove the old burned up headlight bulb. Holding the base (where your wiring harness had been plugged in) pull the bad bulb out. it should slide out pretty easily, but there may still be a few requiring you to rotate the bulb a little bit in order to release it.

Mechanic Tip: 

You really should handle the new bulb very carefully.  Be sure that you use a clean rag or cloth when touching the bulb.  If they touch the glass bulb, the oils in our skin can cause your new bulb to burn out VERY quickly. You should only touch the glass bulb when necessary and using a rag, tissue or cloth to prevent transferring these oils.

Step 3: Installing a New Headlight Bulb

 

Holding the bulb by only the plug end, insert it into the back of the headlight where you  just removed the old one.  Be sure it has been completely inserted and that your bulb’s rubber gasket is no longer visible.  Everything should now be lined up as it should be.

Step 4: Re-Securing your Headlight Wiring Harness

 

You’re now ready to plug the wiring harness back in.  Remember how simple it was to remove? Simply re-attach the plug and replace the clip, catch or screw top.  It is as easy as reversing the removal directions above.  Once that is all finished, you are too!  All that is left is to turn those lights on, stand back and admire your work!

Like I said earlier, if you lack confidence in your auto repair skills, do not attempt to perform auto repairs yourself.  Safety (should) always come first. If you don’t feel secure in your ability to make a repair, do not try it.  

For questions or for us to perform this auto repair for you, get in touch now and schedule your appointment.  Sanford’s Automotive Service cares about our customers: we are always here to serve all of your vehicle maintenance and auto repair needs.

Replace Your Fuel Tank Sending Unit with the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

A worn out fuel tank sending unit can cause any driver a headache.  While some will head in to a reputable auto repair shop or mechanic to have the work done, it isn’t always a necessity.  If you’re mechanically inclined and able to follow instructions, you can likely complete this job on your own.

Tools for the job

You will want to gather screwdrivers, both Phillips and flat head types, a hammer, open end wrenches, and the new fuel tank sending unit you will install.

 

Find Your Fuel Tank Sending Unit or Fuel Sender

In most vehicles, this isn’t as involved an auto repair as you might first think.  Start with your automobile’s manual.  The fuel tank sending unit is often positioned beneath the back seat, but it is still just as do-able if it is located under the carpet in your trunk.

 

Mechanic’s Safety Warning

ALWAYS start with disconnecting your negative battery cable!  This is done to ensure that no electrical sparks can occur.  You will be working in an extremely flammable area and MUST take all proper safety precautions.

 

How to Disconnect your Negative Battery Cable

Start with one of your wrenches on the outside nut of the negative battery cable.  You may need to place a second wrench on the opposite side as well.  Turn the nut counter-clockwise until approximately 1/16-inch from being off.  You should be able to get the cable loose with a slight twist.  If it is still stuck, you might want to try placing a flat head screwdriver into the gap above the bolt, and then gently pry it open.  Be sure that you DO NOT pull the terminal right up off the post.  This could result in serious injury. 

 

Accessing your Fuel Tank Sending Unit

The fuel tank sending unit or fuel sender is located on top of your auto’s fuel tank.  You usually access it by going under the rear seat of the car.  In some vehicles you will have to access the fuel tank by looking under the carpet in your trunk.  Once you have found your access point, you will find an access cover that is protecting the fuel tank sending unit.  The cover will most likely be secured by some screws.  You will start with lifting up either the back seat or carpet in the trunk.  Find the access cover described above.  Once you have found it, simply remove the screws securing it and remove the cover.  You are now looking at your fuel tank sending unit.

 

Removing your Faulty Fuel Tank Sending Unit

The fuel tank sending unit should have a wiring harness that is plugged in right on top.  Unplug the entire harness and just move it off to the side.  If you sending unit is secured by screws or bolts of some kind, you will need to remove those as well.

There are a couple of different ways you fuel sending unit may “lock” into place.  Many use the twist-lock type.  There will be visible notches around the edge.  You can put the tip of a flat head screwdriver into one of them and then tap it in a counter-clockwise direction.  Once it has rotated loose, you will need to very carefully remove it from the gas tank.  It will have a long rod with a float attached, so don’t just jerk it out.

 

Install a new Fuel Tank Sending Unit

All that is left now is to replace the old unit with your brand new fuel tank sending unit.  Follow the instructions backwards now to re-install all screws, nuts, bolts and access covers along the way.  Don’t forget to plug the wiring harness back into the new unit. 

And that is it!  You are done and once again are ready to roll.  If you have read through this tutorial and do not feel 100% comfortable with performing this type of auto repair, stop now.  We would be happy to schedule an auto repair or auto maintenance appointment at our Columbia, SC auto repair shop.  At Sanford’s Automotive Service, we ALWAYS do it right the first time!