DIY Network – Home Improvement How-To & Projects : DIY Network

my truck is hard to start in cold weather . when it dose start it wont run long

. Fully charge both batteries. Diesels require strong batteries, particularly in winter.

. Check/replace air filter. Diesels require lots of air–restricted air filters can bend turbine blades.

admin Auto Air Filters, Battery Terminals, Check Engine Oil, Check Fuel, Cold Weather, F 250, Fuel Filter, Fuel Pressure, Gas Mileage, Glow Plug, Glow Plugs, Life Performance, Oil Analysis, Oil Filter, Oil Level, Synthetics, Test Light, Turbine Blades, Turbo Diesels, Underdash

It’s been almost dry for the past few weeks with occasional showers popping up here and there. Anyhow, after we planted seed the first time & without any warning, a strong storm came. It wouldn’t have been so bad if it had rained before the storm to hold down the straw/seed. However, before it poored, we had very strong winds. Everything got washed away and we salvaged what we could.

We went back out Saturday to plant more seed/straw because it said there was only a 40% chance of showers today. We figured if we got the seed down and it rained a little that would help. We’re seeding an acre and a half and we just can’t water that by ourselves. Anyhow, I look on the forecast and we no longer have showers headed our way… we have severe thunderstorms. The red cells are about an hour away from hitting us.

I do have a question, after we put the straw/seed down we did roll most of the yard. The roller only had about 4 gallons of water. Do you think that would help keep everything in place a little better since the straw and seed are tacked a little in the soil? Also, we heard that since we rolled it, it could of done more damage than good. Is this true?

Thanks

I am not a fan of rolling lawns because of potential for soil compaction. Seeds are usually raked over with about 1/4″ soil. You did not damage with the light rolling. It did assue contact of seed with soil.

This is not a good time of year if you are trying to grow a cool season grass. We’re plunging into hot weather and new seedlings will suffer without water. Thus, it’s best to seed cool season grasses in the fall when it is cooler and the potential for fall rains is great. Seedlings have a chance to become established before cold weather.

admin Gardening Acre, Chance Of Showers, Cold Weather, Cool Season Grasses, Fall Rains, Good Time, Hot Weather, Lawns, Nightmare, Occasional Showers, Red Cells, Season Grass, Seedlings, Seeds, Soil Compaction, Strong Winds, Time Of Year, True Thanks

As American drivers see heating and food costs rise, they might feel tempted to let small things slide.

Perhaps that dentist appointment can wait a few months, or maybe the car doesn’t need its tires rotated exactly on schedule.

But delaying routine car maintenance can cause costly problems.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a nonprofit organization that tests and certifies automotive and repair technicians, suggests that drivers follow their vehicles’ owner’s manuals to winterize their cars.

Here are some problems drivers will want to address before cold weather hits:

- Engine Problems.

Cold weather will only make hard starts, rough idling or stalling worse, so you should see a technician at the first sign of engine trouble.

- Dirty Filters.

Dirty filters can waste gas and put extra stress on vehicle components. Check your air, fuel and PVC filters, then replace them if needed.

- Oil. To extend the life of your engine, check the oil and the oil filter according to the schedule specified in your owner’s manual.

- The Cooling System.

It’s colder outside, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore your car or truck’s cooling system. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. A certified auto technician should check the tightness and condition of the drive belts, clamps and hoses.

- The Heater and Defroster.

To prevent dangerous window fogging, make sure they are in good condition.

- The Battery.

Only an auto technician with specialized equipment can detect a weak battery. Technicians can perform routine battery care, like scraping away corrosion from posts and cable connections, cleaning services and retightening all connections.

- Exhaust System. For safety, have your vehicle’s exhaust system checked for leaks.

- Tires.

Worn tires make winter driving unsafe. Analyze your tires for cuts, nicks and uneven wear patterns. Check your tire pressure once a month when the car is cool.

For more seasonal driving tests, visit www.ase.com.

admin Auto American Drivers, Auto Technician, Automotive Service Excellence, Battery Care, Cable Connections, Car Maintenance, Certified Auto, Cold Weather, Costly Problems, Dentist Appointment, Dirty Filters, Drive Belts, Engine Trouble, Food Costs, National Institute For Automotive Service Excellence, Repair Technicians, Specialized Equipment, Vehicle Components, Weather Hits, Worn Tires