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Humble Mechanic Podcast Episode 1 Introduction

Hi everyone. Today I have something a little different for you all. As you know, I have been doing this blog for a little over 2 years. Things have been going really awesome. In that time, we have grown a great community here.  Over the last few weeks I have really been kicking around the idea of switching the format of the blog.

So today I give you the very first episode of the Humble Mechanic Podcast. This podcast will be about the same type of automotive things we talk about now, just in audio format.

As I said in the show, I really want your feedback. Is this something that you guys like? Once I get the hosting and RSS dialed in, I will be submitting the show to Itunes. I wanted to do a few episode just to see how it goes. That is why I am using SoundCloud. That is a temporary format.

Thank you all so much for listening. Again, PLEASE post your feedback in the comments below. Seriously, if you like it, hate it, think I should do a few more and see?

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Purolator Oil Filter Review

Whether you drive a big SUV, a TDI Jetta, or a Smart car, they all need maintenance. There are tons of choices you can make when buying oil filters and other maintenance parts for your car. Today we are talking about Purolator oil filters. The folks at Purolator were nice enough to send me a few oil filters to review for you all. I have been a fan of their products for years, so it was my pleasure to do this review.

A Little Purolator History

Purolator actually invented the first oil filter right here in the USA. The original Purolator was an upright series of seven twill weave cloth covered perforated plates encased in a heavy-duty cast container. The product featured a sight feed glass on one side so that the oil flow could be viewed and the filter changed when the flow diminished to a trickle. How cool would it be to see the oil flow thought your cars filter. You can check out more of their cool history here.

The Filters

Purolator has 3 choices when it comes to oil filters. The PureOne, the Synthetic filter, and the Purolator Classic.

The PureOne Oil Filter
This is the filter that I have always used. Going cheap on one of the most vital parts of your car is never a good choice. This filter features:

  • 99.9% efficiency means better protection for your engine.
  • Exclusive Micronic filter media traps even microscopic contaminants
  • Silicone anti-drainback valve offers superior protection against dry-start.
  • 100% grip control for easy installation and removal. This is the texture I talk about in the video below

The Synthetic Filter
Another top quality filter for engines that use synthetic oil.

  • The Ideal filter for full synthetic oil change – provides up to 10,000 miles of protection.
  • 100% Synthetic filter media provides for ultimate engine protection.
  • Full 100% synthetic filter media for ultimate engine protection
  • Wire backed media for maximum durability
  • No-slip textured grip for easy install and removal

The Purolator Classic
This filter is perfect for the conventional oil and filter chance.

  • It provides preimuim protection for everyday driving
  • Provides 97.5%efficency rating for excellent engine protection

The Pros

Like I mention in the video, I have been using Purolator filters for many many years. Comparing the PureOne filter to the factory Nissan filter was apples to apples. They were basically the same. I really do like the fact that the PureOne is textured. As critical of products that I am willing to recommend, I have no problem recommending this oil filter.

The Cons

Even on a product that is fantastic, there is always room for improvement. If you drive a car that requires synthetic oil, stick with the PureOne or the Synthetic filter.

Here is the How-To Video I shot for you guys. Again, this is my wife’s 2008 Nissan Frontier V6. She is nice enough to let me drive it when it needs service.

As you can see, changing oil yourself can be easy. If you are not someone who wants to DIY, that’s cool too. There are pros like me that are happy to do it for you.

Here are the tips I mention in the video

  • Take your time, there is no need to rush this
  • Do not use power tools on the drain plug or oil filter
  • Tighten the drain plug properly
  • Be sure not to double gasket the oil filter.
  • Clean up any residual oil
  • Check and top off all the other vehicle fluids
  • Check the tires and tire pressure
  • Document the service. Good record keeping is important
  • Check and double check the oil level. Be sure the car is on a level surface

If you have any other DIY oil change tips, please share them in the comments below. Hopefully the next time you change your oil, you will pick up a Purolator filter. If you do, please let me know. I would love to hear your thoughts too.

Disclosure
I was paid by Purolator to review for this post with Burst Media, all thoughts and opinions are my own. All products were provided by Purolator; however are items I genuinely enjoy and feel are appropriate for my site.

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The Truth About Car Dealer Add-Ons

What exactly do I mean when I say “add-ons”? When you buy a new car, you do the negotiating, agree on price with the sales person. Then you move in to the office with the finance person. That is where they try and sell you the “add-ons”. This is one of my favorite Simpson moments. Yep, here we go with the add-ons.

So today we are going to talk about the pros and cons of these “add-ons”. My dealer offers:

  • Wheel and tire insurance
  • Extended Warranties
  • Gap Insurance
  • Key replacement
  • Simoniz or other paint/interior treatment
  • Security Coding

Wheel and Tire Insurance

Out of all the extras that F+I people try and sell you, this is the best(in my opinion). This plan can cover damage to a wheel, and or repair/ replacement of a tire. If you hit a pot hole and bend a wheel, they will pay for repair or replacement. If a wheel face gets scuffed at a drive-thru the insurance company will repair or replace it.

The same goes for tires. In Shop Shots Volume 58, I posted a picture of a tire that was damaged by a nail. The tire required replacement. The customer had purchased the tire insurance, so she didn’t have to pay the $180 for a new tire. It only takes a couple of repairs to fully pay for this insurance.

BUY OR DON’T BUY: This is one that I say BUY! If your car has upgraded wheels and tires, it is a definitely buy.

Extended Warranties

This would be a warranty on mechanical failures of your vehicle. I have dug deep in to this before. You can read more about Buying an extended warranty for a car. Here is the short version. There are many factors that go into this decision.

  • Do you have extra cash on hand to pay for repairs?
  • Can you do repairs yourself?
  • Can you live with somethings not working like power windows, power locks, air conditioning?
  • What does the warranty cover?
  • Where do you have to take the car for repairs?
  • Is there a deductible?

These are some of the things to consider when thinking about the extended warranty.

BUY OR DON’T BUY: Maybe, but if you do buy it be sure to get the most coverage you can. I highly recommend reading the post I wrote about it.

Gap Insurance

This one is 100% case by case. Gap insurance covers the difference between what you finance on the car, and what the car is worth. Let’s say you buy a $20,000 car. If you finance all $20,000 you are immediately “upside down” with the car. That means you owe more than the car is worth. Remember your car depreciates the second you drive it off the lot. So now that car you just financed $20,000 on i worth $15,000.

What would happen if you totaled the car the next day? Your car insurance would cover the value of the car, but what about the other $5000. This is where gap insurance would be a smart choice. Also if you buy a car and roll negative equity from a trade in, gap insurance may be a good idea.

BUY OR DON’T BUY: If you buy a car smart with a big down payment, there is no need. If you will owe more than your car is worth, it could be a good move.

Key Replacement

This is actually new to me. This covers losing or damage to a vehicle key. While it is true that vehicle keys are VERY expensive, I don’t know about this one. Volkswagen keys run from $200-$300 to replace. That is not pocket change, but if we are smart and responsible with keys, there is no need for this.

BUY OR DON’T BUY: At this time I am saying do not buy. If I come across something that makes a good case for this, I will let you guys know. Until then don’t buy

Simoniz

Simoniz is the brand my dealer sells. There are other brands of detail products out there. Basically this is the “Scotch guard” and “Paint protection” packages. This type of thing is the typical snake oil in my opinion. Sure you could make a case for this being a good idea, but I am just not there. I think taking good care of your car and keeping it clean is important. I think that this may not be the best way.

BUY OR DON’T BUY: I don’t think that this is one I can recommend. The products may work, but again, this just seems like a snake oil type thing to me.

Security Coding

This is a system that codes the body panels of a car. We put little stickers on the doors and lids of a car. It is an anti-theft device. I am not going to spend any time on this. I do not see 1 benefit to this. Lock your car up, and if someone wants to steal it, they will. Do you really want a car back after it has been stolen? I don’t think that I would.

BUY OR DON’T BUY: Simple, do not buy! Done and done

There are most likely other add-ons that dealers off. Some are good and some are not worth your money. Remember, these are big time money makers for the dealers. Yes some of them are a great value, but if they didn’t make the dealer money, they probably would not offer them.

Well I hope that this post can help someone make a good choice about the extras that dealerships sell. If you know anyone in the market for a car, please share this post with them. In fact, this may be one of those posts that can really help a ton of folks from making a poor choice while under pressure from a finance manager.

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What Has Been Happening At Humble Mechanic

Hey everyone, it has been a long time between updates on the blog. I wanted to just tell you all what has been going on, and why it has been so long.

In 2012 I was updating the car blog 4-5 times a week. For those of you that do not blog, it is a ton of work. I was spending about 35 hours a week doing website related things. Whether is was spending time answering emails, helping folks in forums, or creating fresh new content. It was a ton of work, but also a lot of fun.

Late last year my wife and I moved to our new homestead. One of many awesome things about that is, a new garage. That finally gave me the room to start working on the MK1 Cabriolet again. Since about March, I have been working nonstop on the cabby project, Luv-A-Dub.

This VR6 Cabriolet project is the most intense car project that I have ever done. Sure I have stripped car interiors all the way down. I have also done a few engine. This is far and away the most I have ever done on one car. You read in forums and other blogs about how “easy” things are to do. Then you actually do them yourself. You quickly realize that even if it’s not hard, it is still a lot of work. That car has taken up just about every spare second of time. I have been posting pictures on the Facebook page, Twitter, and instagram. I hope that you have been following there too.

How close is the Cabby to running?

Well, that is a good question. We have come so far in the last few months. From parking it in late February, to stripping the engine compartment and interior, to a fully rebuild VR6 engine, new wiring, tons of new part, and making several custom pieces. Many of the custom things I can do myself. There are however somethings that just make more sense to have made, or buy. Right now, a good buddy of mine is making my header.

THANK YOU!

I want to take a minute to thank all of you that have been following the blog, and connecting with me on all the social media sites. I really enjoy answering all your questions and helping everyone out. If you ever have a car related question please feel free to ask. I know there has been a prolonged hiatus in blog updates, and for that I am sorry. We will get back on track before you know it.

ONE LAST THING, for those of you that have subscribed to get email updates. I have changed the emailing service that I use. If for some reason your email alert is not right, please let me know. You can post a comment, use the Contact Me form, or email me Charles(at)Humblemechanic(dot)com

 

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Customer beer holder Growler box

GROWLER BOX GIVEAWAY!

A while back on Shop Shots, I posted a picture of a six pack beer holder from my buddy Mike from Growler-Box.com. Well, if you are a beer fa, or just like winning stuff, today is your lucky day. I got another customer Growler-Box with the Humble Mechanic logo! You have the chance to win one of only 2 custom beer holders. I am keeping the other one for myself 😉

I WILL RANDOMLY CHOOSE THE WINNER ON FRIDAY 6/21/13 AT 9:00PM EASTERN TIME!

Customer beer holder Growler box

How To Enter
I am making this contest as simple as possible. There are 2 ways to enter.

  1. Go to Growler-Box.com.
    • Click on “Assembly instructions”
    • Copy step “5”
    • Paste that into the comments section below. Be when you fill out the comment to include a valid email. I am the only one that sees it.
  2. Visit Growler-Box on Facebook
    • “LIKE” their Facebook page.
    • Post this comment on their page “I want to win the Humble Mechanic Growler-Box”
    • When you type “Humble Mechanic” be sure to put @ so that it tags me in the post. If you did it right, it will highlight Humble Mechanic.

You can enter both ways. If you are on Facebook, I would recommend you enter both ways. Also, consider sharing this with your friends. If we really blow up Growler-Box’s FB page, maybe I will throw in a little something extra.

If you have any questions, post them in the comments below!

Other info

  • I will be picking up the shipping. Due to that, I have to limit the winner to the continental USA. Sorry about that, but shipping is expensive. If YOU want to pay shipping, I will ship it anywhere.
  • Contest will end Friday 6/21/13 at 9:00pm eastern time. Get your entry in ASAP!
  • If you are not a beer fan, that is cool. Don’t be selfish you can always give it as a gift 😉

 

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Volkswagen Oil Leak

Shop Shots Volume 56 Insider Pictures of Automotive Service

Hey everyone, normally I don’t repost a post. Last week something got messed up with all of my websites. It was something with a malware or virus that affected the back end of all my blogs. It is all worked out and everything is working properly. Host gator got everything worked out, except Volume 56 of Shop Shots. I am really impressed by Host gator. They spent all day fixing all of my sites. If you ever need hosting, I can’t recommend them enough. There is a link at the right of the site, use it, don’t use it, it doesn’t really matter to me. But if you need hosting, they are the folks to use. Alright, lets get these pictures rolling.

Volkswagen Tire IssueWe start off with this tire blowout. This poor customer was driving on the highway, and had her tire fail. Many times when you hear folks talk about having a blown tire, it is not to this extreme. The reason for her issue was due to having old tires. The tires on her car had good tread. The problem was, the tire was dry rotting. When you look at your tires, or have them looked at, be sure the entire condition of the tire is examined. If you look at only the tread depth, you could be missing a safety issueVolkswagen Oil LeakIt doesn’t matter how many certifications that a mechanic has. We do more oil changes than just about any other repair or service. That means we never mess up oil changes right? WRONG! This is a drain plug for an oil pan. It is the primary thing that keeps the oil in the car.

The tech that performed this oil change, made a small mistake. He installed 2 crush washers. Basically he put 2 gaskets on. Despite what you think, 2 gaskets are not better than one. The crush washer takes up any space between the engine oil and and the oil drain plug. This also means that the drain plug is not properly torqued. Luckily it there were no issues. But that did not stop me from harassing the guy that did it.

Customer beer holder Growler boxOkay, this may in fact be the coolest thing on the planet. If you have followed the blog, or know me at all, you know that I LOVE craft beer. Seriously, it is crazy. I also have an amazing wife that works in the beer industry(it’s a tough life I know). Well she hooked up this super awesome beer holder from Growler-Box.com. Mike was able to take the Humble Mechanic logo and make a custom 6pack beer holder. If you like beer, swing by his site and check it out. He also has a Growler-Box Facebook page go ahead and give him a like.

I have also talked Mike into making me another one just like this. When I have the other growler box(I am not giving this one up 😉 ) Mike and I are going to do a fun give away. I will do a post about it, so stay tuned.

That pretty much wraps up Shop Shots. Sorry for the site issues last week. I am really glad things have been repaired. Thanks for hanging in there everyone. Also, be sure to stay tuned for that Growler-Box give away.

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Southern Worthersee Banner

Southern Worthersee VW And Euro Car Show

Every May the small town of Helen, GA hosts a European car show called Southern Worthersee. It is the US’s answer to the car show in Austria called Wothersee. Helen, GA is a replica of an Alpine village, and is one of the top tourist spots in Georgia. It really looks like a German mountain town.

This year I was able to make the trip for part of the show. The little town was packed with Volkswagens and Audis.Everything from brand new Golf Rs, and Audi RS4s to old air cooled Beetles and buses. There were so many cars there, it was hard to take it all in. I know that I missed some really awesome stuff. I think next year we will make a vacation out of it.

Here are the pictures that I took. If you find a your car, please post that it’s yours, and tell us a little about it. If you know who owns the car, please let them know. The one thing I wish people would do is, put a stat sheet on the car. That way people like me can give them the proper shout out and tell folks more about their car.

I did my best to get all the information correct. If I labeled something wrong(mk1 instead of a mk2) PLEASE just post it in the comments.

Thanks to everyone that was involved. It was also great to meet all of you. To the ones that I didn’t get a chance to talk to, I am really sorry.

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