Hot Maintenance How-Tos
How To: De-ice the windshield on your car
If you live in a snowy area then you probably know all too well the annoyance of having ice and snow build up on your windshield that you have to clean up in the morning before you leave home. There are easier ways to do it than what you're probably doing, and this video will give you great tips on preventing ice from forming and getting rid of it once it's there.
How To: Control travel trailer sway and tongue weight
In this clip, we learn how to reduce sway and control tongue weight when using a travel trailer. Specifically, you'll learn about loading to the tongue — tongue weight should be 10-15% of your overall trailer weight. For more information, watch the clip.
How To: Lubricate the slideout mechanism on an RV
In this automotive maintenance guide, we learn how to lubricate the slide-out mechanism on a slide-out recreational vehicle. For all of the details, including full, step-by-step instructions, and for more advice on how to maintain your slide-out RV, take a look.
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: 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: Bleed air out of your car's brake system
In this video, we learn how to bleed air out of your car's brake system. To do this, you will first need to hike your car up on a jack. After this, remove the wheel from the car and then find the bleeder screw on the car. This is down at the bottom but the air will want to go up. To help this, you will use a magnet on the wheel that has a canister attached to it. Then, connect this to the brake and pump the fluid into the system. Now the air will come up into the air and out of your car! Do t...
How To: Powerbleed your brakes
In this tutorial, we learn how to powerbleed your brakes. First, test for any leaks and then release the pressure so you can fill the bleeder tank with fluid. After this, you will screw the pump on and then start to pump pressure to approximately 15 psi or check your service manual for recommended pressure. As the pressure builds, you will see fluid traveling through the tube to the brake reservoir. Use a bottle to catch the fluid that is bleeding through the system. When you bleed your brake...
How To: Bleed the front breaks of a scooter
In this tutorial, we learn how to bleed the front breaks of a scooter. First, operate the vac and bleed the nipple from the brake. Then, unscrew the bleed nipple to let out any air trapped in the circuit. Brake fluid level should never drop below the minimum level during the procedure. Close the bleed nipple and then re-fit the cap to the vac. This procedure will only take you a few minutes and it will ensure that your scooter keeps running smoothly. Just make sure you take your time and watc...
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 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 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 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: Clean the polycarbonate headlights on your car after they turn yellow
Polycarbonate headlights are still the most common type of auto headlight. One of their many problems is that after years of use they often fade and turn yellow, sending less light onto the road. Watch this video to learn how to clean your headlights and get them working like new again.
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: 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...