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Lets talk about testing automotive AC. Although it is still winter our thoughts will soon be thinking of spring and summer. It is a common condition that after a long winter season of not using your automotive air conditioning it may not seem to operate correctly when you do turn it on that first warm day.
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ac test guages

Testing automotive AC can be tackled in the driveway by a DIY car mechanic with some experience wearing comfortable safety glasses. Performance testing the system is a good place to start.

Performance testing provides a measurement of air-conditioning system operation and efficiency. It is recommended that a manifold pressure gauge be used to determine both the high and low pressures in the automotive AC system.

These manifold gauge sets have really come down in price over the last few years. Although professional grade sets can cost well over $100 a good DIY set can be had for fewer than 50.

This could be considered a good investment that will return big rewards over time on several different vehicles.

Automotive AC pressure readings

The desired pressure readings will vary according to the temperature during the time of testing.
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Many mechanic career opportunities exist that are not well known. I am currently employed as a fleet service technician servicing mostly diesel equipment. I have been doing this for the last five years and it's a good job.
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New car dealer

Prior to this my mechanic career had taken me the route of the new car dealership technician. I held this position for about 20 years and worked for about six or seven different new car dealerships. It is commonplace to switch jobs several times in a mechanics career.

Although there are always exceptions to the rule. A real life example would be my first dealership when my mechanic career first started. Me and my best friend were hired right out of high school by a local Pontiac dealership.

After we completed our training and passed our ASE certification tests I moved on for more money. My buddy stayed planted at that dealership and still works there today.
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Fixing Old Cars 01/09/2010
 
The popularity of fixing old cars rises and falls with the state of the economy. Once again people are leaning towards repairing that old car as opposed to buying a new one.

Some adventurous people have decided to try to fix it themselves.

Diy auto repair

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TPS Sensor
These bold people willing to learn a new skill, truly earn my respect and admiration.

There is no question that do-it-yourself auto repair can save money if applied properly.

The trick is to perform only the work that is needed and avoid replacing parts that are not required.

It is very tempting to start throwing parts like a throttle position sensor at the vehicle in the hopes it will solve the car problems.

This procedure usually leads to disappointment and expenditures that would have exceeded having someone else fix the car for you.

My main advice is to learn about your vehicle. Spend the money and purchase service manuals or reference materials that will support your repairs.

Since your relationship with your car is most likely a long-term affair this would be considered a good investment.
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