Hot Maintenance How-Tos


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: Jumpstart a dead battery
If your car has a dead battery, jumper cables can be used to connect to a car with a good battery to start your engine. Begin by positioning the two cars side-by-side, turn off the engines, and lift the hoods to access the batteries. First, attach the red cables to the positive terminals of each battery beginning with the dead battery. These terminals are usually marked with a plus sign or in red. Next, attach the black cable to the negative terminal of the good battery. The negative terminal...

How To: Jump start your car correctly with jumper cables
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to jump start a car correctly with jumper cables. Begin by applying the jumper cables to the dead battery. Make sure that the ends of the cable do not touch in any way. Put the negative clip onto the body ground of the car and connect the positive clip to the positive terminal. Now apply the jumper cables to the charged batteries of another car. Always connect the negative clip before the positive. Then start the charged car for 3 minutes and then sta...

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: Flush and fill the cooling system of your car
Your car's radiator needs to be cleaned to be cool. As time goes on, a car's radiator builds solid deposits that can clog the cooling system. A quick, inexpensive radiator flush can keep the system in shape. This automotive tutorial video will give you tips on how you can flush and fill the radiator and cooling system of your car.

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 an A/C cabin air filter on a BMW E60 5-series
Just like with any A/C it's important that the filter be replaced every year to help make sure that it works properly. Not doing so can result in a lackluster A/C and bad air quality for you and others. The same holds true for car A/Cs as well. Not changing the air filter can be bad for the vehicle and lead to avoidable damage. So in this tutorial, you'll find out how to replace an A/C cabin air filter on a BMW E60 5-series. Good luck and enjoy!

How To: Replace an engine coolant temp sensor on a Saturn S
If you own a vehicle in the Saturn S-series, chances are you may have run into some problems with your car. Just like with any car, there are things that need to be checked or replaced in order for them to work properly. One of those things may be the engine's coolant tempature sensor. This is an issue, especially when you're trying to make sure your car doesn't get overheated. So check out this tutorial on how to replace one today. Enjoy!

How To: Properly flush your radiator
If your car radiator is not functioning as well as it could, or it is time for some routine maintenance, have a look at this tutorial. Before you go to a pricey mechanic, watch this clip and consider flushing your radiator on your own.

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: Remove the throttle cable from a Saturn S-Series car
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: Change your automobile spark plugs
A worn spark plug on your vehicle can cost you big time. Avoid these expensive repairs by replacing them every 30,000 miles.

How To: Raise a car onto jack stands
Many repairs and modifications require you to work under your car. If you are fortunate enough to have a lift skip this video! For the rest of us, we need to make sure we raise our cars safely—this video gives an overview of steps applicable to most cars.

How To: Change the oil in a Pontiac Grand Prix
In this online video series, learn from mechanic Dean Donnel, as he teaches you how to change the oil of a Pontiac Grand Prix. Learn what supplies and equipment you need to change the engine oil in your car, how to lift your car with a floor jack, how to remove the drain plug of your oil pan and drain the oil out of your engine, how to remove and replace your oil filter, what type of oil to use in your engine, how to replace the oil in your engine, how to circulate new oil in your engine, and...

How To: Easily check your vehicle's alternator
This next tutorial is going to show you just how easy it can be to check your vehicle's alternator. There isn't really much that you need, just a tester or DVOM and some time.

How To: Check your brake fluid
In this Autos, Motorcycles & Planes video tutorial you will learn how to check your brake fluid. There are two things that you need to check; the quantity and the quality of the brake fluid. Locate the reservoir for the brake fluid and check the level of the brake fluid inside the reservoir. The level should not be low. If it is low, fill in more fluid to bring it up to the max level. It also has a sensor that will tell you when the fluid level is getting low. To check the quality of the flui...

How To: Clean jaundiced plastic headlights
In this how to video, you will learn how to clean your plastic headlights. This is important if you cannot afford to replace the headlights of your classic or semi-classic car. Toothpaste works great as a rubbing compound to fix this. First, take a rag and rub the toothpaste into the headlights. Next, take the paste off with another rag. Use some water to aid you in this. Now, your once clouded lens will be fairly clear. You can then move on to the other side to finish the whole car. This vid...

How To: Use a clay bar on the exterior of your automobile
In this how-to video, you will learn how to use a clay bar for paint decontamination on your car. To clay, make sure you use a brand new bar. Break the bar into about three pieces and save the other pieces for later. The clay will remove the contaminants from the paint. Flatten the piece before using. Spray the area on the car with clay lube. Now, lay the clay on the surface and use light pressure as you wipe it across the surface. Once you finish the section, remold the clay. Use your nail t...

How To: Check the valve gap on a Honda Ruckus scooter
This moped maintenance tutorial shows you how to check the valve gap on a Honda Ruckus scooter. If you need to do a gap check on a Ruckus watch this video and then go check your scooter valves.

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: Change spark plugs in a Cobalt
This video shows you how to replace the spark plugs in your vehicle. This video is using a Chevy Cobalt but the procedure is similar on most cars -just make SURE you check your manual and buy the right kind of spark plugs and get them gapped.

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: 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 the brake pads on a 2003 Honda Pilot
In this tutorial, we learn how to change the brake pads on a 2003 Honda Pilot. First, take off the bolts around the caliper on the rotor. Next, take your caliper straight off and rest it somewhere. Now remove your brake pads from the bracket using a screwdriver. Replace the old one with the new ones, then replace your rotor back into the car. Use your wrench to push all the bolts back onto the car properly. Also put the caliper back on, then double check that everything is bolted back in your...

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: 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: Wash your car's engine bay
This video tutorial in Autos, Motorcycles & Planes category will show you how to wash your car's engine bay. Open the hood and check the temperature by touching with your hand and a thermometer. If it is cool enough you can proceed. Look over the engine bay to see if there is any area that needs more attention. Then spray the cleaning solution and use brushes for cleaning the areas that you can reach. Softer brush for areas that are painted and hard one for powder coated surfaces. Then use wa...

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: Lube the clutch cable on a Honda motorcycle
This motorcycle maintenance tutorial shows you how to lube the clutch cable on a Honda motorcycle. If the clutch cable on your bike needs some lubrication, this two part tutorial will show you how to do it on a Honda 919 motorcycle.

How To: Change a flat tire on your automobile the smart way
If there's one thing every driver should know, it's how to change a flat tire.

How To: Use a grease gun to help lube a chassis
When it comes to maintaining your car, it's always important to check certain areas to make sure they are properly lubed and not causing any damage at all. One area to check is the chassis on your car. Making sure that it's properly lubed is important.

How To: Change a tubeless motorcycle tire
See the easy way to change your tubeless motorcycle tire. Motorcycle tire changing is easy. Balance your motorcycle tire using Dynabeads.

How To: Change the air filter in a Honda Ruckus scooter
If you own a Honda Ruckus scooter, there are some things you can easily do yourself. This moped maintenance video shows you how to change the air filter in a Honda Ruckus. All you need is a new filter and a drill.

How To: Adjust the chain on a Honda 919 motorcycle
In this motorcycle maintenance tutorial you will learn how to adjust the chain on a Honda 919/Hornet 900 bike. If your chain needs adjusting, watch this video and see how to do it yourself.

How To: Replace the headlights on a 99-04 Mustang
This video shows you how to replace headlight bulbs and assemblies on a 99 - 04 Ford Mustang.

How To: Change the front brake pads on a Ford Taurus
Learn how to replace your front brake pads on your Ford Taurus with this instructional video. Change the front brake pads on a Ford Taurus.

How To: Polish a valkyrie wheel
Clean your valkyrie wheel the correct way, using your own tools.

How To: Change an alternator
In this online video series learn how to change the alternator on your car from certified mechanic Nathan McCullough. Watch these videos and learn alternator diagnosis as well as how to disconnect the battery on your car; and how to locate the alternator; how to remove the alternator by disassembling the intake, removing the throttle linkage and radiator hose; learn how to unplug the vehicle electrical connectors from the alternator; how to remove the serpentine belt; and how to install the n...

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: 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...