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Hot Maintenance How-Tos

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: 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: 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: Troubleshoot a heater blower motor

Basic instructions on how to troubleshoot the heater blower motor of a Saturn S-series. The heater blower motor is located behind the glove compartment of your vehicle. Disconnect the negative and positive power supply. (The black wire is usually the negative.) Using a multimeter set on the Ohm scale, use the positive lead and test the black wire. To check the purple wire for current, use your ignition key and turn it to the run setting, turn the heater power to full power and set the multime...

How To: Remove scratches from your car with wet sanding

Final Touch TV shows viewers how to remove scratches from the car with wet sanding. This is for fine scratches that may be on your vehicle. First, you need to use 3,000 grit sand paper with a block and scuff up the clear coat first with this. You should dip your block in some soap and water in and up and down motion. You need to make sure you do not go all the way through the paint. Most scratches are on the clear unless it appears deep. Now, take a 3 compound, spray it on and rub it in. Next...

How To: Fix a stickly RV slideout

If you own an RV and are having a hard time with putting your slideout back, then this next video tutorial may help. In the video, The RV Doctor talks about possible reasons why a slideout may be so hard to put back in after it was easy to take out. There are a couple of reasons for it, and the video describes what kind of problems you may be facing and what you may need to do. So good luck, be safe, and enjoy!

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: 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: Flush the RV hot water tank

Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing, shows you how to do essential RV maintenance by cleaning out the hot water tank. It is recommended that the hot water tank is cleaned at least once a year, or more if it is more heavily used. This procedure will remove dirt and scale that can shorten the life of your tank. Follow the simple instructions outlined in this instructional RV maintenance video to learn how to flush the RV hot water tank.

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 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 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: 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: Check the brakes and brake pads on your car

The mechanic highlights about, when and how to check your car brakes. The usual indications that denote the time to check your brakes are when there is a: sound emitted in your brake, feel in the brake, vibration effect while applying brakes, or may even hear squealer tab which is on the brake itself. The ideal way to check your brake is by removing or rotating your tires. A brake check in every 6000miles is also advisable.The difference between a real used brake pad and a brand new one is th...

How To: Restore a headlight

Wipe headlights clean. Double tape around the headlights. Use two layers of tape around the headlight lens to protect the paint. Insert the backing plate into the drill. Attach the foam interface pad. Use a spray bottle of water to lubricate and keep headlights clean while sanding. Completely remove the old UV coating. You'll see heavy sanding marks in the headlight lens. With the 500 grit sandpaper, remove oxidation and pitting. Use uniform movements of up and down and side to side with mode...

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 scratches in your auto finish with primer paint

Scratches are unsightly and can alter the value and look of your car. Watch this automotive video tutorial to see how to fix scratches in your auto finish. You need to purchase primer paint made for use on an automobile. Pick a primer that is lighter in color than your car so it is easily covered by the touch-up paint in one coat. Use some mild laundry detergent to wash the scratch to remove any wax or coatings, which could effect your vehicle's paint job. The rest involves some sandpaper and...

How To: Use the patio awning on your RV

Check out this instructional RV video that demonstrates how to use the patio awning on your recreational vehicle. Check on these routinely: the lift handle (make sure that the spring is working correctly), and a knob on the back that loosens up the inner arm, and the locking mechanism (which is located on both the front and back arm). Go ahead and open up the awning by taking your awning rod and reach up to the top and unlock it which is always located on the front and none in the back. Then ...

How To: Check and replace hoses in your automobile

Probably the most important hoses under your automobile's hood are the ones that transfer coolant. Since coolant is very hot, about 200 degrees and under pressure, these engine hoses are prone to failure. A failure in one of these hoses will definitely ruin your day, and maybe your car or other vehicle.

How To: Identify control arm bushing failure in a BMW E46

If you own a BMW E46, you may have run into a problem with the control arm bushing. This is a frequent problem when dealing with this car, but it can easily be identified. What happens when a control arm bushing fails, is that the actual wheel moves two inches back. This can be dangerous and can easily damage the car. So check out the tutorial above to identify control arm bushing failure in a BMW E46. Enjoy!

How To: Find the VIN number on a car

This Is a how to video describing "How to locate a vehicles VIN number." The gentleman explains that to locate your vehicles VIN number, you simply have to look on your windshield. There you should see a tiny plate with the VIN number on it. If not on your windshield then it could be on your dashboard. All vehicles made after 1985 will have there VIN numbers in this location. If you absolutely cannot find the VIN number in this location then another alternative would be to look on the engine ...

How To: Fold down the windshield of a Jeep Wrangler JK

This is a step-by-step video tutorial on how to fold the windshield of a Jeep Wrangler JK. You will notice there are three tools needed; a Phillips head screwdriver, a 13mm deep well socket w/ ratchet and extender, and a t40 torx. First you should remove the plastic covers on the A-pillars of the Jeeps windshield. Make sure you put all bolts back into the holes they came out of for safe storage. That will also keep dirt out of the threads as you drive your vehicle with the windshield down. Ma...

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: 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...