Test 1

Crabman

Test thread

Crabman

New! Engine Air Filter
[CHECK: EVERY 12 MONTHS]
[RENEW: 12-24 MONTHS]

What's an Engine Air Filter?
Necessary for supply of clean air to the engine, a filter in good condition will help ensure optimal efficiency during combustion.

Checking Condition of Air Filter
Under the bonnet, look for a plastic casing (either square or circular). If unsure, check your vehicle/Haynes manual for precise location. Undo any clips and remove the cover to expose the air filter. Prior to removal, note which way it's fitted. Take a look at the underside and note whether it's relatively clean/clogged with black dust. If the latter, it's time to replace - read on...

Air Filter Replacement
Giving your local motor factors a call will invariably be cheaper than sourcing it via a main dealer/other commercial retailers. It takes under a minute to replace (literally, remove old, insert new - again make sure you note which way up/round it fits) so there's normally no need for this to be carried out by a garage provided you're confident with the procedure.

Useful Websites
Air Filter Information & Pictures (external link)
Wikipedia: What is an air filter? (external link)

Useful Forum Threads
/B][URL="http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/search.html?do=process&query=air%20filter&forumchoice%5B%5D=70&titleonly=1"][B]Air Filter - Motoring Board Search Results[/B][/URL][B

Crabman

New! Spark Plugs
[CHECK: EVERY 12 MONTHS]
[RENEW: 24 MONTHS/20,000 MILES]

What is a Spark Plug?
In simple terms, it's an electrical component responsible for ignition of fuel in the engine. It doesn't take a bright spark (:p) to realise this is a vital component of the engine and therefore a priority in terms of trouble-free motoring.

Checking Condition of Spark Plugs
Before unplugging the HT leads, make sure each is numbered. It is absolutely essential these are plugged back in the correct order. Once unplugged, using a suitable ratchet/wrench over the spark plugs, unscrew gently and remove.

On some modern cars, instead of HT leads, there is a coil pack that sits on top of the spark plugs and has to be removed to access the spark plugs. It's usually a case of undoing the that hold them in to gain access to the spark plugs. [thanks to anewman for this bit!]

Inspect the electrode - if quite black/oily or fairly white, this could indicate an engine problem (e.g. worn piston rings) requiring specialist attention. If it doesn't appear to have much sooty deposit near the base of the plug, it's probably ok to keep for a few more thousand miles.

If they look chocolatey brown, this indicates it's time to replace but that the engine mix is ok - i.e. there's not too much oil/fuel being burnt or water entering via head gasket [goldspanners]

Renewal of Spark Plugs
Check the new spark plugs are appropriate for your vehicle as the electrode gap varies between engines and manufacturers. In terms of MoneySaving, try your local motor factors as prices are nearly always a fraction of dealer/Halfords prices.

When installing spark plugs it's best to smear a small amount of copper grease onto the threads to stop them seizing in with the cylinder head. If they do seize (or snap), it'll be expensive to sort out later. [anewman]

When inserting spark plugs, fit a piece of garden hose over the end - this is to prevent cross-threading. The idea is if the threads aren't right, the hose will slip off, as it'll need more force to screw in. If this happens, remove and try again.[goldspanners]

Check out the links below for a step-by-step guide to the entire check & renewal process complete with pictures.

Useful Websites
DIY Motoring: How to Change a Spark Plug (external link)
Wikipedia: What is a Spark Plug? (external link)

Forum Threads
URL="http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/search.html?do=process&query=spark%20plugs&forumchoice%5B%5D=70&titleonly=1"][B]Spark Plugs - Motoring Board Search Results[/B][/URL

Edinburghlass_2

Test 3 ...........