Hot Maintenance How-Tos
How To: What Side of Your Car Is the Gas Tank on? This Easy Trick Will Tell You Every Time
Ever drive a friend's car? Maybe a rental? Then you've probably found yourself in a very frustrating situation when you realize you need some gas. Heck, it probably even happens to you in your own car sometimes.
How To: Remove the window glass from a Saturn S-series door
If, for any reason, the window on your car door becomes damaged, you're going to need to replace it. Instead of heading to a mechanic or professional, you can easily do it yourself and save some money.
How To: Remove an alternator from a Dodge Neon
If you don't know, an alternator is a pretty big part when it comes to a car. If you don't know what it does, an alternator basically converts mechanical energy into electrical energy for your car to use. If you need to know how to fix it or repair it, this tutorial should help. In this video, you'll find out how to remove an alternator from a Dodge Neon. So good luck, be careful, and enjoy!
How To: Measure the EGR passageway length in a Saturn engine
One day, your car may break down and you won't be able to afford to hire a mechanic, so what do you do... you look on the web for some how-to vehicle repair videos and become your own car mechanic, that's what. You don't need any advanced training to perform repairs and simple maintenance on your automobile, but you may need a few tools. Invest in the basic tools and you'll be prepared for just about any car malfunction you can think of. These tutorials will help get you on your way, as long ...
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 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: Bleed and adjust trailer brakes
In this video, we learn how to bleed and adjust trailer brakes. First, level the trailer and use a jack stand to support it. Now, hand bleed the brakes using the master cylinder. From here, let any air out of the break line, doing this on all the different brake lines. Next, fill up the master cylinder with oil to make sure it doesn't run dry. Open the pressure valve and then close it as your run through the process. When finished, you will need to adjust the brakes by lifting the trailer. Af...
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: 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: Flush your auto transmission fluid in less than 10 min
Instead of paying to have someone else do it, learn how to flush your auto transmission fluid in less than 10 minutes by following this tutorial. Unknown to most people, is the fact that draining your transmission from the bottom, only removes about half of the fluid, while the rest remains. This tutorial shows how to do a complete flush. First, find out how much transmission fluid your vehicle needs by reading the owner's manual. You will also find out what type of product you need to use. R...
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: 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: Remove Spray Paint After Your Car Gets Tagged
There are some really talented graffiti artists out there. Some of them are good enough that businesses hire them to paint advertisements, rather than hiring someone to scrub their work off the side of the building.
How To: Build a DIY automotive cylinder leak down tester to test engine seals
The seals in your car had best all be functioning properly if you expect your car to work right. To test the ones in your engine cylinders you'll need an automotive cylinder lead down tester, and if you don't want to buy one, you're in luck because this video contains easy-to-follow instructions on how to make one in your garage.
How To: Replace the rear brake pads and rotors on a Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai is finally getting the respect it has long deserved as automaker, and their Sonata mainstream sedan is more popular than ever before. In this video you'll learn how to replace the rear brake pads and rotors on a Hyundai Sonata quickly and easily.
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: 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: 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: 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: Check the coolant level on a Vespa GTS and GT200
If you own a Vespa or are thinking about buying one, then you'll need to know how to check the coolant level. This is important because coolant helps make sure that your vehicle runs smoothly and doesn't overheat.
How To: Adjust the headlights to a Saturn S-series
If it starts to get dark and you notice your headlights are facing different directions, you may need to adjust them. It's important that you have your lights facing the same direction to avoid any damage or injury to anyone else that may be driving.
How To: Fix a fuel pump on a Saturn S-series
If you're running into problems with your fuel pump, there are many possible causes with various solutions.
How To: Remove a blower motor on a Saturn S-series
If you're cooling and heating system isn't working like it should, you should probably check the blower motor. If you're not getting a good amount of air from your car, you may have to replace it. But what if you don't know how to remove it, in the first place? That's where this tutorial comes in handy. In this video, you'll see how to remove the blower motor for a Saturn S-series vehicle. It's easy to do and will make sure that you have a working A/C or heater when it's time for it. So good ...
How To: Check your car's antifreeze coolant using a multimeter
Doing proper maintenance on your car is important for making sure that your car will last for years. There's a bunch of different areas of where you can work, but in this tutorial, you'll find out how to check the antifreeze coolant using a multimeter. So check it out, good luck, and remember to always be safe. Enjoy!
How To: Wash and detail your car without ruining the paint job
Detailing your car keeps it in top shape and looking like new. By washing and detailing regularly your vehicle will impress passerbys every day. In this two part series, The Smoking Tire shows you how to properly detail your car at home without accidentally ruining your paint in the process. This can be easily done from home, and doesn't take much advanced skill. Check out this step by step and keep your car shiny, no matter how old it is!
How To: Jump start a car quickly and easily
This video shows how easy it is to jump start a car properly. Locating the car manual is the first thing to do. It will help for that particular car. Inspect the dead battery. If the battery is cracked or if the liquid inside of it is frozen, don't jump the cars. The battery could explode. Position the cars so that the batteries are as close as possible. Connect the positive cable (red) to the positive terminal (+) of the dead battery. Connect the other positive cable to the positive terminal...
How To: Clean the mass air flow sensor in a Toyota FJ Cruiser
Watch this automotive video tutorial to see how to clean the mass air flow sensor in a Toyota FJ Cruiser. These detailed instructions will show you exactly how to remove and clean the MAF (mass air flow) sensor in the FJ Crusier, to ensure that your engine runs at peak performance.
How To: Wash, clay bar, wax and polish your automobile
Have you ever wondered if you were cleaning the exterior of your car the right way? Well, get the answer to that question with this video... see how to wash, clay bar, wax and polish your automobile, the proper way. These techniques will have the exterior of your vehicle looking beautiful.
How To: Change the oil in your Kawasaki Ninja 250
This motorcycle maintenance tutorial shows you how to change the oil in a Kawasaki Ninja 250 bike. NOTE: the video shows you how to change the oil, but not the oil filter which you should also change when you change the oil in your Ninja 250.
How To: Change the fuel filter in a Honda Ruckus scooter
This moped maintenance tutorial shows you how to replace or change the fuel filter on a Honda Ruckus scooter. Watch and see how to change the fuel filter on a Ruckus.
How To: Change the spark plug in a Honda Ruckus scooter
This scooter maintenance tutorial shows you how to change the spark plug on a Honda Ruckus. Unlike a car, there is only one spark plug on the Ruckus so it is very simple to change. Watch and learn how to gap the new spark plug and install it in a Honda Ruckus scooter.
How To: Adjust the balancer chain on a Kawasaki KLR650
This motorcycle maintenance tutorial shows you how to adjust the balancer chain on a Kawasaki KLR650.
How To: Jack up a car safely
Everyone should know how to use the jack that comes with his or her car. Try this at home so if you ever get a flat, you'll know where the jack is and how to use it to fix that tire. Just watch this video tutorial to see how to jack up a car safely.
How To: Test the instrument cluster on your BMW E38
This automotive video tutorial will show you how to test an instrument cluster on a BMW E38 car. IT will show you how to activate an instrument cluster test on a 1995-2001 BMW 7 Series (E38).
How To: Change the rear brake shoes on a Ford Taurus
Learn how to replace your Ford Taurus rear brake pads with this instructional video.
How To: 9 Tricks to Keep Your Car Functioning in Freezing Temperatures
Nothing about living in a snowy climate is easy, but life with a snowy, frozen car doesn't have to be the worst part of your day. With a few clever hacks and some anti-weather tactics, you can fight off frozen windshields, icy locks, and even stubborn car doors, while keeping your car running smooth all winter. 1. Deice Your Car Locks in Seconds
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: Clean Your Vehicle's Air Filter for Only 3 Dollars
The guys at Poor Man Mods show you how to clean an air filter with a can of brake parts cleaner. Instead of buying cleaning kits that cost $15 and can damage your mass airflow sensor with the oil they contain, a can of brake parts cleaner does the job awesome and brakes down all the grease, grime and oil, leaving the filter media squeaky clean!
How To: Replace Your Windshield Wiper Blades to Improve Vision During a Storm
Why Changing Your Wiper Blades Is Important The last thing you want is to get caught in a storm and discover that your windshield wiper blades do not properly keep the water, snow, or ice off your windshield. Not only will this be annoying, but could also lead to an auto accident.
How To: Use a Clay Bar When Detailing a Car
Using a clay bar will help produce a show-car paint finish. Watch the video for a complete demonstration, and check out the steps below. Wash Car