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: Test a vehicle alternator with a standard multimeter
Richpin demonstrates how to test an alternator with a standard multimeter. First make sure that the vehicle's battery is fully charged. Take the negative lead of the multimeter and put it on the negative post of the battery. Place the positive lead of the meter on the positive lead of the battery. Set the meter to DC voltage using the 20 scale and read the display to ensure the battery is fully charged. Next start up the vehicle and see what the alternator is producing. The display should now...
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: Replace a Honda Accord wheel bearings
If you own a Honda Accord and find out that there's a problem with your wheel bearings, then you need to pay attention to this tutorial. In the video above, you'll find out how you can easily replace the bearings with the right tools and know-how. It can be a difficult job for some, but others with more experience might have an easier time. So good luck, be safe, and enjoy!
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: 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: 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: Replace a timing belt & crankshaft seal on a Tercel
Owning a motor vehicle is a big responsibility. Aside from the obvious things that need to be changed or replaced, there are other parts of the car that also need to be taken care of in order for it to work. A timing belt and crankshaft are essential for a working car to have. Without these, you pretty much have a car that can't run. So check out how to replace one on a 1992 Toyota Tercel today. Enjoy!
How To: Bleed your car's cooling system (and get the air out)
The temperature control onto hot and the fan is turned off. A bleeder is loosened with a 12mm screwing object. A funnel attachment is placed onto the cooling system and the actual funnel placed ontop. A pre-mixed liquid is poured into the funnel. The bleeder valve is then tightened. Another set of liquid is poured into the funnel and some is poured into a reservoir at about 3/4. The vehicle is started and druiven a few steps back and left on, to run at about 2500 rpm until the cooling fan com...
How To: Prevent & Remove Condensation Inside Headlights
If you have aftermarket headlights (or any headlight with condensation inside), there are a few things you can do to remove condensation (and prevent it from happening again or at all) from inside them. Click through to the site below for detailed written instructions. Prevent and Remove Condensation Inside Headlights | AutoHow.TV.
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: Clean out the sunroof drains on a Chevy Equinox
If you have a sunroof on your car, it's important that you regularly clean out the sunroof drains. Not doing so will result in a wet, stinky interior that can lead to a hefty repair bill.
How To: Install a Saturn S-Series radiator deflector & air dam
Richpin gives detailed instructions for attaching the air dam to the radiator deflector for a Saturn S-Series. He also explains how remove the air dam from the car prior to attaching the deflector. Having a properly functioning air dam / deflector assembly is crucial during the summer to keep the engine from overheating.
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: 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: 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: 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 oil on a Vespa scooter
Saving money during this tough economic period is more important than ever, especially when it comes to servicing your vehicle. So in this 2 part video tutorial, you'll find out one way you can keep your wallet fat, by learning how to change the oil to your Vespa scooter.
How To: Replace a worn or broken timing belt on a Dodge Neon
Up to the task of replacing the timing belt on your Dodge Neon? This automative repair guide presents a complete, step-by-step walkthrough of the replacement process and will help you along your way. For all of the details, and to get started replacing the timing belt on your own Neon, take a look.
How To: Replace the radiator and fan motor on a Saturn S-series
If you own a Saturn S-series and have found out that you need to replace the radiator and/or fan motor, this next tutorial is right up your alley. In this video you'll find out how to replace both parts to your vehicle. They're pretty important for helping a car run, so replacing them as soon as possible is a pretty big deal.
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: 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: Open the hood to a 2000 Ford Explorer
If you're having a problem with popping the hood to your vehicle, this tutorial may be what you need. In this video, you'll find out how to open the hood to a 2000 Ford Explorer using a screwdriver. This can be applied to other vehicles as well, but not all. It's important to know how to pop the hood since it gives you access to the heart of every vehicle. So check it out and enjoy!
How To: Flush the coolant in a Kawasaki KLR650
This motorcycle maintenance video shows you how to flush the coolant in a Kawasaki KLR650 bike. The coolant drain is a vertical bolt (8 mm) on the front right side of the engine (the water pump). There is a horizontal bolt near it which helps hold the water pump to the engine. That one won't drain it the way you want it drained... unless you want a mess. Now that you know where to look, check out the video and see how to flush the coolant in a KLR 650.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Replace the power steering pressure line on a 1997 Chevy Lumina
This video shows you how to replace the power steering pressure line on a Chevrolet Lumina Impala. He goes into great deal, with amazing camera angles, to show you how to remove the right parts to get to the line, and then goes through the rest of the repair with stunning clarity.
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: Change the front main seal on a Porsche 944 or 951
If you own a Porsche, chances are you know how difficult it may be to work on it yourself without the proper help. Taking it to the mechanic is a safe way of making sure your car will be fine, but it's very expensive. Doing it yourself can be difficult, but if you have a good how to video or article it should be fine.
How To: Prevent your bumper from hitting a ramp
Ramps are great for allowing car owners to get underneath their vehicle to perform regular maintenance. But for some, their car bumpers tend to get damaged and cause scratches.
How To: Prevent a car from start to test the starter
In this tutorial, we learn how to prevent the car from starting to test out the starter. The most simple way to do this is to open the hood of the car up and find the fuse locations from the owner's manual. Pull the fuses out and when you try to start the car, it will crank but it will not be able to start. You can use this to test out the battery and test the starter. When finished, remember to replace the fuses back into the car just how you removed them, then restart your car to make sure ...
How To: Replace a distributor in an Acura Integra
There are so many pieces that make up a car nowadays and it's important to know how it works and how to replace it. In this tutorial, you'll find out how to replace a distributor in an Acura Integra. If you don't know, a distributor is a device in the ignition system that routes voltage from the ignition to the spark plugs that help start the vehicle.
How To: Change the cabin airfilter on a 2004 Honda Civic
You may not realize it, but is more than one air filter attached to your car. Not only do you have the filter near your engine, but there is also one located within the vehicle itself. This is used to collect any dust or other particles that are in the vehicle. Many people don't realize it, but these need to be replaced every year or two. So in this tutorial, you'll find out how to locate and replace the cabin airfilter on a 2004 Honda Civic. good luck and enjoy!
How To: Locate VIN ID Numbers in a Classic VW Beetle Bug
Knowing all the information about your car is important for many reasons. Some being for the fact that the government needs it and another being it can help with trying to find parts for the car. So in this very helpful tutorial, you'll find out how to locate the VIN ID numbers on a classic VW Beetle Bug. It's easy to follow and will make life easier for you. So good luck and enjoy!
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.