ThrottleHolic

Why Take Your Car to the Mechanic When You Can Simpy DIY?

Maintenance Talk

Catalytic Converters and Gas Mileage: What’s the True Connection?

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“Throttle, my car is consuming a lot of fuel, and my mechanic said we need to install catalytic converters!” The voice on the phone sounded serious, matter-of-fact, and almost desperate. At the other end of the phone was one of my friends who lives miles away. Like most car owners, when he notic...

Should You Buy an OBD II Code Reader or a Pro Scanner?

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There's a worry that weighs heavily on the minds of vehicle owners who are interested in knowing more about their vehicles or taking the all-important step of fixing them directly when an issue arises: it's the matter of whether they should get a code reader or a pro scanner instead. You se...

Any Subscription Free OBD II Scanner? YES – There’s One!

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When I decided to focus on auto DIY as a full-time hobby, I knew one thing I didn't like: the subscription fees that come with pro-level OBD II scanners. Around this time, I got a smart security camera (this is one of my passions, too) that didn't require monthly fees (a common reality in the niche)...

What Is a Battery Tester? Why Should You Own One Right Away?

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What is a battery tester? Why should you consider owning one right away? Most car owners today know what an OBD II code reader or scanner is. As a result of this wide scale adoption, the bulk of users who buy vehicle scanners and code readers are regular vehicle owners and passionate DIYers. Subsequ...

I Ditched Mobil 1 EP for Castrol EP & This IMMEDIATELY Happened

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I've never been completely satisfied with engine oils: since they're the lifeblood of every ICE, I've always been on the hunt for brands that serve better (or, promise to). And, this did not start with Mobil 1 or Castrol Edge. The first brand of engine oil I used was Mobil XHP (conventional min...

Where Is Bank 2 on the V6 Engine of the Lexus ES330?

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A friend reached out to me recently, panting over the phone. "Throttle!" he shouted. Where's bank 2 of my car? I can't figure it out,aand the research online isn't helping matters!" Calmly, I asked what make and model he was dealing with. "It's the same vehicle as your Lexus, don't be silly!"...

Can You (Truly) Go 20k Miles Without an Oil Change?

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Can you go 20k miles without an oil change and still have your engine performing optimally in the short and long run? Twenty thousand miles is a long time. For folks who don't drive much, it may take five years (or more) to cover such a distance on a vehicle. For folks who drive religiously,...

5 Lies You Need to Stop Your Mechanic From Saying

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Most mechanics, especially in the developing world, tackle most vehicle repairs based on a trial-and-error approach. This is a quick guide to making sure that your car isn't their guinea pig Kazeem was as confident as the devil, riding a broomstick. "Madam," he started, brimming with confide...

Using Vegetable Oil as Engine Oil Replacement

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Will cooking oil (palm or vegetable) serve as engine oil? Turns out you don't need to try - there has been a lot of research in the field already Some time ago, I came across a seemingly 'crazy' video of a bald man, passionately turning cooking palm oil into the crankcase of his motorcycle. ...

Fuel Pump Failure: 1 Major Reason Why Your Pump ALWAYS Fails

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Fuel pump failure is something that I've NEVER experienced, all through my motoring years. This may appear like the ramblings of a crazy folk who also doubles as sardonic, but it's not...it's the truth. Now, great chances are that you may think luck has a lot to do with it. No, instead, it’s the...