Active Maintenance Posts
How To: Fix an RV awning that will not retract
In this tutorial we learn how to fix an RV awning that will not retract. If you find yourself in the situation where the awning on your RV just won't retract, then this is the video for you! To secure the awning you will first need to go to the roof of the RV. When you get on top, you will need to look at the awning and see if something is stuck and causing it to stick. Manually secure the awning when you go to the roof so that it will stay in place for when you need it. If this doesn't help,...
How To: Keep it safe when driving a recreational vehicle (or RV)
In this driver's guide, we learn how to take some of the stress out of driving an RV. With a few simple techniques, you'll find it's easy. For all of the relevant details, and to get started learning more about RV driving yourself, just take a look.
How To: Program a remote control to work with a Nissan Altima
In this automotive guide from Rich Pin, we learn how to program a remote to work with a Nissan Altima car. For all of the gritty details, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started reproramming your own remote, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Remove the door lock cylinder and door panel on a Saturn S-series
The Saturn S-series was one of the many beloved Saturns that are no longer manufactured, but if you have one and and the locks are giving you trouble, watch this video. It will teach you how to remove the door lock cylinder and door panels on a Saturn S-series.
How To: Clean the A/C drain on your car with a ballpoint pen
Does your car A/C make a horrible smell when it's on? The most likely culprit is a clogged air conditioning drain. Fortunately for you, all you need to fix the problem are jackstands and a ballpoint pen. This video will show you how to combine the two to clean your drain and get your air conditioning back to cooling well and smelling good.
How To: Wire a three way switch
In this video, we learn how to wire a three way switch. The arrangement should be one turning the light on, one turning it off, and the other turning back on. All of the switches should be wired coming in from the source of the power on a cord. A neutral wire should go through and the hot wire should be connected to the first switch and feed into the second. The brass terminals have traveler wires going from the first switch to the second. These have two terminals on each side where a cable w...
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 car's oil to minimize wear and tear
In this tutorial, we learn how to change your car's oil to minimize wear and tear. First, you will need to gather all the equipment you need to change your oil. This will include: jacks for the car, new oil, oil pan, and filter. To start, you will need to jack your car up on the jacks until it's secure and you can reach underneath it. Now, you will unplug that drain for the oil tank and let it drain out into the oil pan. When this is finished draining (15-20 minutes), you will need to replace...
How To: Tell the fuel level in your RV propane tank
In this video Gary Bunzer tells us how to tell the fuel level in your RV propane tank. If you don't have a flow gauge to tell you the level in your tank, it will be more difficult to tell how much you have left inside. Try looking on the tank itself to see if there is a gauge on it that is monitoring how much is inside. You can also tell by throwing warm liquid on top of the tank to see where the condensation is collecting at. As soon as you do this you will have an idea of how much is left i...
How To: Change the brake pads on a 2003 Honda Pilot
In this tutorial, we learn how to change the brake pads on a 2003 Honda Pilot. First, take off the bolts around the caliper on the rotor. Next, take your caliper straight off and rest it somewhere. Now remove your brake pads from the bracket using a screwdriver. Replace the old one with the new ones, then replace your rotor back into the car. Use your wrench to push all the bolts back onto the car properly. Also put the caliper back on, then double check that everything is bolted back in your...
How To: Change the front brake pads on a motorcycle
In this video, we learn how to change the front brake pads on a motorcycle. First, grab a socket wrench and remove the mounting bolts that are around it. Then, remove the caliper from the bike. From here, you will be able to access the brake pads and remove them from the motorcycle. Replace these in with the new brake pads and then replace the caliper and the mounting bolts around the bike. Now you should be finished with changing the brake pads and you can test out the brakes to make sure it...
How To: Change the oil on a Kawasaki Ninja 650R motorcycle
In this tutorial, we learn how to change the oil on a Kawasaki Ninja 650R motorcycle. First, find the oil can on the car and use a socket wrench to remove the drain plug. Let the oil drain into an oil pan until there is no more left inside of it. When finished, replace the plug back on the can tightly. Now, open the cap up on the oil can and pour in your new oil. After this, start your engine and then check your oil level on the motorcycle. Then, you will have changed oil in your motorcycle, ...
How To: Change the engine and oil filter on a Mercedes car
In this tutorial, we learn how to change the engine and oil filter on a Mercedes car. First, find the oil drain plug underneath the car. Remove this, then let it drain into a pan until it's finished leaking out. From here, you will place the drain plug back on, then fill up the vehicle with the correct type of oil from the hood of the car. Then, find where the oil filter is and remove it from the car. Place in the new filter, then tighten all bolts you removed. Check the level in the car to m...
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: Change your engine oil and filter
In this video we learn how to change your engine oil and filter. First, make sure you can go underneath your vehicle. If not place it up on jacks so you can go underneath. After this, find the oil can and then remove the drain plug from it. Let the oil drain into an oil pan until it no longer drains from the car. Next, replace the plug on the bottom of the oil tank and then pop the hood on your vehicle. Remove the cap for the oil tank and then pour your new oil into it. After this, you will r...
How To: Change worn brake pads
In this tutorial, we learn how to change worn brake pads. First, you will need to jack your vehicle up so you are able to fit underneath it. From here, you will remove the lug nuts off of the tires, along with any bolts. Once you remove the tire and the wheel, find the brake pads. Remove these from the inside of the vehicle, then grab the new pads. Replace the old ones with the new ones, then replace the wheel and tire back to the vehicle. Make sure all bolts and nuts are replaced tightly, th...
How To: Change your engine oil for maximum auto performance
In this tutorial, we learn how to change your engine oil for maximum auto performance. First, you will need to find your drain plug underneath your car and let the oil drain out of the tank until it doesn't run any longer. You may need to jack your vehicle up to do this. Once it's done draining, replace the drain plug to the oil tank. Use a new washer and bolt if you need to. Now, pop the hood on your vehicle and find the oil tank. Remove the cap and place a funnel inside of it. Pour your new...
How To: Remove and replace the brake pads on your car
In this tutorial, we learn how to remove and replace the brake pads on your car. First, wash the brake caliper with cleaner, then use a wrench to remove the caliper bolts. After this, remove the assembly and the outer brake pads. Remove the inner brake pads and apply anti-squeal to the backing plates of the pads. Install the pads and then the caliper along with the bolts. From here, you will place the wheel and bolts back onto the car and you will be finished! Make sure everything is tight an...
How To: Change the oil in your Smart car
In this video, we learn how to change the oil in your Smart car. First, you need to go out and buy the appropriate oil for your car. After this, look underneath the car and find the oil filter/plug. After this, you will remove the plug and let the oil drip into a pan underneath the car. Once it's finished draining, you will replace the plug back on the car. When finished, you will pour the new oil back into the car until it's filled up. Then, you will look at the oil to see how much is in the...
How To: Change the oil in your motorcycle
In this tutorial, we learn how to change the oil in your motorcycle. You will need: a drain pan, funnel, oil, screwdriver, filter, and paper towels. First, grab your oil pan and find your drain plug. Then, remove the plug and let the oil drain. After this has drained out, replace the plug to the motorcycle. Then, find the filter and let it drain out. Add in oil to the filter, then replace back into the motorcycle. From here, fill the motorcycle with oil, then measure it to make sure you have ...
How To: Repair auto headlights with a 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System
What's better— forking out the dough for a new headlight or simply restoring it to its original beauty? The latter is definitely the choice for penny-pinchers, and is easy to accomplish with a restoration kit from 3M. This video will show you how to use the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System to restore your headlight's shine.
How To: Find a manual for a used car
Need to know what kind of oil your car needs? How about your vehicle load capacity? What about the standard maintenance procedures for you specific make and model? All of this and more can be located inside your owner's manual. If you don’t have an owner’s manual for your used car, you may still be able to find one even if your car is an antique.
How To: Adjust the headlights on a car
The headlights on your car are vital to your safety, but there are all sorts of ways their functionality can be impaired. If yours aren't lighting the road to your satisfaction, watch this video to find out some things you can adjust to fix the light.
How To: Clean rust off the chrome parts of your car
Real chrome is one of the world's shiniest metals, and it has defined the world of metal auto body accents. If your chrome has gotten rusty, as it is wont to do, watch this video to learn how to restore it's original shine quickly.
How To: Inflate flat or low tires on a car
Maintaining proper tire pressure improves the ride quality of your car and your gas mileage. To ensure that your tire pressure is at the correct level, follow these instructions to check the pressure and fill it to the correct level.
How To: Adjust the brakes on a 1931 Model A Ford
The 1931 Model A Ford is a classic, but like many classic cars owning one means investing substantial time and money into maintenance and repairs. If the brakes are giving you a lot of trouble in your Model A (and when are they not?) it may be time to adjust them. This video will show you how to do just that.
How To: Use a timing light to adjust the timing on a 1928 - 1931 Model A Ford
If you're lucky enough to own a 1928 - 1931 Model A Ford, you've got a piece of automotive history. You also probably know that they are infuriatingly hard to work on. This video will help alleviate your repair pains by showing you how to use a timing light to adjust the timing on your Model A Ford.
How To: Identify the cause of a noise coming from your car
When cars start to get older, their many fragile moving parts start to make noises they never made before. Sometimes, when your car starts making a new noise, it can be very difficult to identify what is causing the noise and what you need to do to repair it. This video offers some great tips for finding the source of different kinds of car noises, from engine noises to suspension noises.
How To: Install a Toad Stop braking system for towed vehicles
In this video, we learn how to install a Toad Stop braking system for towed vehicles. First, determine where you are going to install the braking system. Insert the electrical wires into the appropriate spots by reading the labels that are on them. After this, use a drill to lock down any parts that are loose. Once you place the braking system in, you will need to lock it down using the wires that come with it. Make sure these are installed properly throughout the entire vehicle up until you ...
How To: Keep your RV stove from going poof when it turns off
The stove in your RV is crucial for cooking on the road, and maintaining the LP system that supplies it is vital to your safety. If your RV stove is making a "poof" sound when you turn it off, it's not too hard to fix. This video will tell you about two potential solutions that will ensure proper stove function.
How To: Jump Start a Car
We've all been there before: We're in a hurry to get somewhere (often in bad weather), so we get in the car, turn the key in the ignition and.....WHUH! WHUH! WHUH! The darned battery is dead! After a stream of choice expletives (that is, if you're anything like me....;o)), we open the trunk and take out the jumper cables - but what if we don't know how to use them? Even if we do, we can often forget such things in crisis situations when we're pressed for time.
How To: Change cabin and air filters in a Honda Element
Changing your car's cabin filter and air filter is a really important part of its regular maintenance. Doing this simple maintenance task does not require a professional mechanic, so save your money and watch this video to start saving money today and changing your own cabin and air filters. This video specifically covers changing the cabin and air filter in a Honda Element. You can pick up the parts from your local Honda dealer. Typically, you should change your filters every two years.
How To: Clean and restore plastic headlights
In order to clean and restore your headlights, you will need the following materials: razor blades, tape, liquid rubbing compound, and a power polisher.
How To: Remove an automobile headliner
In this video, we learn how to remove an automobile headliner on a Saturn S-series. First, you need to remove the back cushion and then take the back rest on the seat, then lay it down. After this, remove the dome light and remove all the grab handles from the vehicle. Next, remove both visors and screws, then remove the mouth on the seat belt and bolts. After this, remove the cover on the back brake light, then the trim that runs along the side of the inside of the car on both sides. Once yo...
How To: Remove the dashboard and wheel to replace bulbs
In this video, we learn how to remove the dashboard and wheel to replace bulbs. First, remove the negative battery cable, then remove the steering wheel. Next, remove the cluster bezel, with Phillips head screwdrivers for the screws. Pull back on the bezel and remove the clips from the bottom by prying it apart. Remove the cluster next, followed by the top piece of the steering wheel joint. Once this is removed, you will be able to slide the cluster out and squeeze the cables to remove it. Fr...
How To: Replace the exhaust manifold in a Jeep Cherokee
In this video, we learn how to replace the exhaust manifold in a Jeep Cherokee. First, take the bolts out from the collective and set aside. Next, loosen up the collector and take out the bolts that are holding the manifold on. Then, remove the manifold from the vehicle. After this, install your new manifold in the same spot your other manifold was just in. Your next step will be to place the other parts back on that surround the exhaust manifold. Make sure all bolts are on tightly, then go i...
How To: Perform RV air conditioning maintenance
Jim Twamley teaches us how to perform RV air conditioning maintenance in this tutorial. It can be expensive to replace an air conditioner, cleaning it will help give it a longer life. First, remove the top of the unit by removing the screws from the front and back. After this, blow out the inside to make sure everything is nice and clean with air pressure. Next, clean the inside of the top of the unit with household cleaner and a clean rag. After this, replace the top to the unit and insert t...
How To: Measure clutch fork pedal travel in a Saturn S series
In this video, Rick Pin teaches us how to measure the clutch fork pedal travel in a Saturn S series. First, remove the air box and the resonator box from the vehicle. Also remove the duct work from the vehicle and set aside. Once these are removed, you will be able to see the plate cylinder underneath where the air box was. To measure the fork travel, us a piece of wire with tape on it that has measurements listed. Push down on the clutch travel as you do this, then remove the wire and you wi...
How To: Replace the hubcaps on a 1931 Model A Ford
This great video will show you how you can replace the hubcaps on your old 1931 Model A Ford car. These classic cars can be difficult to take care of, but with these steps you'll be able to successfully change the hubcap without any hassle.
How To: Check for a vacuum leak in your vehicle to improve performance
In this video you'll look at different methods of discovering a vacuum leak in your vehicle wherever it may be. Word of caution: FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS VERY CLOSELY, there is a chance that you CAN catch your engine on fire if you do it wrong.