Recent content by mikethern

here's a video of my engine. does it sound okay? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hdssUIVSaM

I have a 2010 mazda 3 sedan. Is it normal for the engine to make a ticking sound? Please open your hood and listen to your engine.

It's also a good idea to have someone watch you in case you have an accident. Imagine being pinned down by a car with no one around.

Then I recommend a cheap pair of jackstands, chock blocks, and a floor jack..... http://shop.oreillyauto.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=ALT&MfrPartNumber=410755&CategoryCode=3397

Exactly. If the plastic shield must be removed, then you should DEFINITELY do it yourself. If you let someone else do it, eventually the shield will be missing screws.

I am pretty sure you can find a Mobil One filter that fits your car. It already exists but it is not in the auto shop databases yet. In other words, you need to figure out which older cars have the same filter as your car. I have a 2010 Mazda3 i-touring. It has a plastic shield under the...

Especially in California.

Lowering a car looks ghetto.

Some think that the factory puts in a special oil meant to break in the engine. Others think this is false. I recommend changing the oil after 4 months or 5,000 miles. Most importantly, do it yourself using a mazda filter. Save all filter and oil receipts to prove that the oil was changed if...

Turns out you were wrong. I removed my wheels for the first time today. The hubcaps do not pry off. You have to remove the lug nuts before you do anything else.....

Turns out I overfilled it because I didn't put the dipstick all the way down. Duh. 4.5 quarts seems correct after all.

Changed oil for the first time on my 2010 i-touring. Oil filter location is awesome. Allowed me to fill the new filter with oil before installing. Used 17mm wrench for oil drain plug. Didn't need to raise the car. Piece of cake. Although the manual states that the engines holds 4.5 quarts...

Just leave your car alone. It will be easier to resell.

No, it has not been changed yet.

I think my oil level is a little bit lower than it was 2,500 miles ago. Has anyone else noticed their new car's oil level decreasing?