Hot Maintenance How-Tos

How To: Change Your Own Oil — A Beginner's Guide

If you're one who enjoys a good DIY project, or if you're just tired of paying exorbitant labor fees to have your vehicle serviced every 5,000 miles, changing your own oil can be a rewarding endeavor. Even though cars and trucks are becoming increasingly over-engineered these days, manufacturers generally see to it that the basic maintenance items can still be taken care of in your driveway with a few common tools.

How To: Replace outer tie rod ends

In this video, Rich Pin teaches us how to replace an outer tie rod end on a vehicle. First, get the vehicle in the air supported on jack stands, and remove the tire wheel assembly. Next, put a mark on the top of the tie rod shaft so you know where to line it up when you replace it. Next, loosen the jam nut from the rod, remove that and the nut. Remove the tie rod end after this by shocking it with a hammer. When it is removed, replace it with a new part and then attach all the bolts and nuts ...

How To: Change your own oil on a 2006 Ford Explorer

In this tutorial, we learn how to change your own oil on a 2005 Ford Explorer. First, find the oil drain underneath the vehicle and remove it. Once you remove it, let the oil drain into an oil pan underneath the car. Let the oil drain completely out, then when it's finished replace the plug. Now, go to the hood of the car and remove the cap from the oil can. Place a funnel inside and then pour your new oil into the can. When finished, replace the cap and start the car. Now go back and check t...

How To: Change your differential oil on a Jeep Grand Cherokee

In this tutorial, we learn how to change your differential oil on a Jeep Grand Cherokee. First, you will need to remove the drain plug from the underneath of the vehicle, then let it drain out onto an oil pan, use a pipe and pump to do this. Once it's finished draining, you will need to replace the plug. After this, grab a new pump and pour your new oil into the pump. Remove the plug again, then pump the oil back into the engine. Once the oil is full, you can replace the drain plug and check ...

How To: Remove your windshield washer tank

In this video, we learn how to remove your windshield washer tank. First, lift up the hood of the car. After you have done this, you will need to remove the outer light on the front of the vehicle with a screwdriver. Next, find the tank on the inside of the hook where the windshield wiper fluid is located at. After you have done this, make sure to disconnect any tubes and parts that go to this, then set them aside. If you are replacing this, you will need to put your new one in and then repla...

How To: Replace the side view mirror on a Nissan Altima

Someone has just smashed the side mirror off your perfect Nissan Altima that you parked on that busy road you know you shouldn't have parked on anyway, so now it's up to you to repair it— unless you want to pay an overpriced mechanic, who will charge you for parts, labor, and whatever else he thinks he deserves. If you're up for repairing your side view mirror by your lonesome, for cheap, then this video by Richpin will show you the exact steps required to fix your Nissan Altima's side mirror...

How To: Remove 3M paint protection film

In this how to video, you will learn how to remove 3M paint protection film, also known as a clear bra. This is used for protecting the front of a vehicle. To remove it, you will need to use a heat gun on the film so that it will peel off. This takes a while to remove, so be patient. The film itself is very useful, as it protects from rock chips and bugs while driving. Note that it is a lot easier to take off during the summer time since the car exterior is already hot. You should not worry a...

How To: Replace the front crankshaft oil seal

In this video demonstration you will see the work done on a GM 3.1 Liter V6; your instructor is replacing the cam cover seal. First raise the car into the air, remove the tire wheel assembly and place a jack stand underneath the car or vehicle on the side where you have removed the tire wheel assembly. Now remove the serpentine belt from the engine by using a 3/8ths breaker bar. Place it on the tensioner and lift up while removing the belt from the alternator. Keep lifting the belt out from t...

How To: Repair coolant level sensors

Where is the coolant level sensor and how to fix or replace it on a Mercury Sable?? The coolant sensor is located in the coolant reservoir bottle. It cannot be serviced, you can only replace the reservoir. However, if just the sensor is bad, you can also try unplugging the sensor at the coolant reservoir bottle. Unscrew the two screws holding the reservoir bottle in place. With the bottle loose, tilt the bottle slightly toward you until you see wiring coming out of the reservoir bottle, that ...

How To: Change the transmission fluid on a Honda Civic

To change the transmission fluid on a Honda Civic, you will need a good rug, a drip pan, 10 quarts of transmission fluid, a funnel and a ratchet wrench. First, remove the dipstick to release the pressure on the liquid. Then, remove the drain plug with the ratchet wrench. You may need to bang on the bolt with a cheater bar to loosen it. Drain the fluid into the pan. Then replace the drain plug until it is hand tight. Use the ratchet wrench to tighten the drain plug. Clean up the excess transmi...

How To: This Hair Care Product Will Keep Water Spots Off Your Car for Good

Taking care of your car requires effort, whether you take it to the pros for washes, waxes, and detailing, or you spend time to make it shine yourself—and it often seems that, right after your car is sparkling again, rain or midnight moisture appears to cover its surface in water spots. With a small tweak to your typical car care routine, you may be able to keep your car's surface and windows shining longer and better: you just need to add a little hair conditioning liquid.

How To: Change the oil in your 2002-07 Jeep Liberty 3.7L

In this tutorial, we learn how to change the oil in your 2002-07 Jeep Liberty 3.7L. First, go underneath your Jeep and remove the oil plug from the tank. Once you do this, let the oil drain out into an oil pan or plastic container. While this is draining, go to the hood of your car and find where the oil filter is. Once you find this, take out the old one and replace it with the new filter. When the oil is done draining, place the drain plug back on and then fill in the new oil to your Jeep i...

How To: Remove a rear inside door panel from a Saturn S series

In this tutorial, we learn how to remove a rear inside door panel from a Saturn S series. First, open the door and take off the handle to the door, then remove the screw inside of that. After this, unlatch the side of the door and unscrew the bolts from this. Now, go inside the side pocket of the door and remove the screws from that, then set aside. Remove the foam padding against the inside of the door, then loosen up the wires on the inside of it. Now you will be able to remove the door and...

How To: Perform a P0404 EGR cleaning on a Saturn S-series

If you own a Saturn S-series and keep getting the code P0404 and your check engine light is on, you probably need to perform an EGR cleaning. This is actually a commong problem with soem cars and can be taken care of easily wthout having to go to the mechanic. This video will show you how to clean it properly and use the right materials for the job. You might want to wear gloves and protective eyewear when cleaning an EGR. So good luck, pay attention, and enjoy!

How To: Replace windshield washer nozzles

In this video, we learn how to replace a windshield washer nozzle. First, use tape to mark where the wipers were at so you know where to replace them. After this, remove the wipers from the vehicle by using a wrench. Now, pop the hood of the car and remove the screws that are on the front of the car surrounding the nozzles. Once you get the top area removed, you will find the nozzle and hose underneath it. After this, replace the old nozzle with the new one and then put it back. When finished...

How To: Adjust the flame on your RV water heater

In this video, we learn how to adjust the flame on your RV water heater. First, open up the area where your gas valves are. Find the air opening to make a smaller air adjustment. The setting should be 1/4 of the way open. Snug down the locking screw when you have adjusted it properly. Now, you have to fire up the water heater by turning on the water heater switch first. Once the main flame is lit, you will see it with a nice blue color. Play with the adjustment some more until it's adjusted h...

How To: Set the ignition timing in an Acura Integra

If you recently have replaced the distributor in your car or plan on doing so, prepare to set the ignition timing in your car. This is a process that can take some time and requires the right tools for the job. Trying to start and use your car before you set the ignition timing can be a bad idea since it can mess up your car in the long haul. This tutorial will tell you what tools you'll need and how to find the area in which to test.

How To: Reset the clock in your Hyundai

There are many cars out on the market that are unable to change the time according to location or daylight savings time. So it's important to know how to change the time or reset it completely. In this helpful tutorial, you'll be finding out how to reset the clock in a Hyundai vehicle. It's easy to do and will make life a bit easier. Enjoy!

How To: Fold down the seats in a 2010 Lincoln MKX

If you're in a rush, it can sometimes be difficult to fold down the seats in your car. Often times the mechanism usually gets jammed and makes it almost impossible to fold down. In this tutorial, you'll find out how the 2010 Lincoln MKX, makes folding down the seats so easy and simple. So sit back and enjoy!

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