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Ok, guys, to most of you this is a no-brainer--but for me, I'm not too tech savvy when it comes to mechanics. I want to replace my old spark plugs and wires, and the old coil pack. Which is the best and safest way to do this (what are the steps involved)? My Mustang is 17 years old and I thought...

Are the spark plug wires supposed to be changed when replacing the old spark plugs? The owner's guide indicates the mileage as to when to install new plugs, but there is no mention of the ignition wires. Any input would be helpful---thanks in advance!

While in storage, is it ok to disconnect the car battery for short periods (1-2 weeks) between use? Does this do something to the chip or any of the electrical systems? Thanks in advance for any advice!

I have a 2003 Mustang with 30K miles on the ticker, and the owner's guide says the transmission fluid should be changed at 30K. I know next to nothing about tranny fluids (properties, brands, levels of quality, etc.). Because the vehicle is 14 years old, is it due for a drain, or can I let it go...

On the back of most engine oil bottles, there is a one-liner about oils meeting or exceeding requirements from, i.e., Ford, GMC or Chrysler. What does this mean, and how are those standards set? Just curious . . . should I be looking in another part/topic of the Forum?

Should the thermostat be replaced with every radiator flush? The last time I drained the radiator was 2009 (I didn't install a new thermostat then), but have driven just 10,000 miles since. Thanks in advance for any recommendations and input.

The Petroleum Quality Institute of America lists both MC's 5W20 and 5W30 volatility (15.2%) as near the maximum limit. Can anyone please explain how volatility comes into play and should I be concerned since I use both MC viscosities in my vehicles? Thanks in advance!

Because of my once-a-year OCI for my Mustang, would an oil filter with more "longevity" be used? I currently install the Motorcraft FL-400S at every change. I've never cut open a used filter, so I don't know what the pleats look like. Does the pleat material (i.e., cellulose, synthetic blend...

What is the difference between these two ADVs? One leading oil filter manufacturer says that silicone will not brittle over time, compared to nitrile. If that's true, why do some top companies use the latter? I have skimmed over the first dozen or so pages of posts on this forum, but couldn't...

I am the original owner of a 2003 Mustang V6 with 30K miles. Because of the limited amount of driving, I only change the oil (Motorcraft 5W20 Synthetic Blend) once a year. I also use a MC oil filter. Because of the car's age, would any of you recommend a high mileage oil, or continue with the...

I have a 1991 Mustang 2.3L and a 2003 Mustang 3.8L. I average 3K and 1.5K driving miles a year (mostly highway) respectively. The '91 Mustang has 70K original miles while the '03 has 28K on the ticker. With so little mileage each year, I only change the oil/filters once a year. Is it ok to use...

Our local Dollar General stores are having a BOGO free sale on their conventional oil. The normal price is $3.60 per quart so it's a pretty good deal!

I recently bought a new 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT from a local dealer. The dealer offers several free oil changes as part of the purchase package. The dealer will use Penzoil 5w20 and Mopar oil filters. Following these free OCIs, should I continue with the Penzoil and the Mopar products (I...

What is the difference (advantages/disadvantages) between the two? I believe Wix and Napa Gold both use the coiled spring; I buy Motorcraft and it has the leaf spring. Even some of the popular, high-end filters (Mobil 1, K & N) use the leaf version; Amsoil, I think, does not. Not sure about...

I own a 03 Mustang with 23k original miles. It is usually driven now less than 1k a year and I do the annual OCI with either the Mobil 1 or Motorcraft Synthetic Blend oil, 5W20. I have been using the Motorcraft Oil Filter but somewhere on BITOG someone said that a better filter would not degrade...

I read somewhere on BITOG that Fram Full Synthetic Oil may be or has been discontinued. At our local Rural King, they're selling the 1 quart bottle at $3.00, down from almost $5.00. The oil is a bit outdated with API Service SM and ILSAC GF-4. But it's manufactured by ConocoPhillips so it should...

I recently noticed some residue on the driver's side front wheel. I am assuming there's a leak somewhere? As you can tell, I'm not too mechanically-minded. The car is not a daily driver. It's a 2003 Mustang with only 22,880 miles. For the past five years, it has mostly been driven during the...

Some of the high mileage oils do not carry the ILSAC Starburst Certification. Why is that? Thanks in advance!

I recently purchased a one-owner,'91 Mustang LX 2.3L NA. It has 47k original miles and was driven by an edlerly couple before it was sold. The Owner's Guide lists 5w30 as the recommended oil. Should I use a high-mileage, conventional, blend, or full synthetic, oil? Any input would be greatly...

Is it ok to combine the Motorcraft 5W20 Syn Blend's two specifications (GF-4 and the new GF-5)? One of the local auto parts stores had the newer GF-5 in 5-qt. jugs, but sold only the GF-4 in 1-qt. bottles. Thanks in advance!