Hot Maintenance How-Tos
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 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: 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: 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...
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 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: 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.
How To: Find your cars VIN (vehicle identification number)
Ever tried to sign up for auto-insurance, or some other thing that required your VIN number, and ran around trying to find it in frustration? Well frustrate no more good people! This video will show you all of the various places that you can locate your VIN number! Trust me, there's a lot....
How To: Successfully check and maintain your brake fluid
Brake fluid is important, we all should know this. If you're in the city, then you know that once that stop and go traffic hits, you're going to want some good response out of your brakes. An in-depth look at checking the brake fluid and how to add more.
How To: Change an RV electric plug
Many of us often faces the electric problem and one of them is power plug problem. When it goes down you need to change it.
How To: Wash And Detail Your Car Or Truck In 4 Steps
If you ever wondered how to keep your car looking great and protect the paint for years to come, read on.
How To: Remove brake drums easily
If you're having a hard time with removing the brake drums on your car, this next video tutorial might help solve your problem. In this quick tip tutorial from Eric the Car Guy, you'll find out some easy ways to help remove brake drums from your car easily. Some methods may seem easy and quick, but can lead to some pretty heavy damage on your vehicle. So if you need help, check out the tutorial and good luck!
How To: Fix an overcharging battery problem on your RV
If you have a problem with an overcharging battery on your RV, you may want to tune in for this video. In this tutorial, the RV Doctor explains what may be the problem behin a battery that is continually overcharging. There are many possible reasons, but in this video is focuses on one in particular. So if you need help, check out the video above and good luck!
How To: Tell if a pulsing sound from a propane regulator is normal
Owning an RV can be considered a bigger responsibility than owning a normal car. Unlike a car, RVs can be used as a portable home on the road and features many things that a car doesn't have. Bathrooms, water faucets, electricity, etc. So if you begin to hear a pulsing sound coming from your propane regulator, then you may have a problem.
How To: Replace the serpentine belt tensioner on a Saturn S-series
If you have a problem with your vehicle's serpentine belt tensioner, you may want to replace it soon. This is designed to hold a certain amount of tension and needs to be replaced. This video uses a Saturn S-series to display how to replace the part, so it can apply to other cars, but it won't be exactly the same. So check it out, be careful, and enjoy!
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: Repack a Motorcycle Muffler
Periodically, motorcycle and ATV exhaust system can be rebuilt to maintain the proper performance and sound level expected from the exhaust system. My experience was with a dirt bike that had an aftermarket high performance exhaust installed.I bought my 99 XR400 second hand and was happy that it already had some nice mods. Namely the High Rev kit, performance header pipes with an E-Series muffler, and the suspension had been redone with higher spring rates. It has great response and the suspe...
How To: Bleed rear brakes
In order to bleed your breaks, you will need the following: break fluid, a 10 mm socket wrench, and a wrench.
How To: Install piston rings on a Porsche 914 rebuild vehicle
If you are rebuilding a Porsche 914, then you may wanna check out this next tutorial. In the video, you'll find out how to perform an important task that needs to be completed before the engine is put together. In this video you'll find out how you can install piston rings on a Porsche 914. It's not too difficult to do, but doing it wrong can result in a broken or damaged ring and that can cause them to become useless. So pay attention, good luck, and enjoy!
How To: Change the front wheel bearings on a Porsche 944 Turbo S
If you want to save a little dough so that you can use it to buy something more useful, performing your own maintenance on a car is a smart idea. Not only do you save money, but you get a bit closer to understanding your vehicle and how it works.
How To: Change the water pump, timing and balance shaft belts on a Porsche 944 Turbo
If you own a Porsche 944 Turbo and hate having to pay hundreds of dollars to fix or keep your care in tip-top shape, check out this next video. In the tutorial, you'll find out how to change the water pump and balance shaft belts on a Porsche 944 Turbo.