Hot Maintenance How-Tos

How To: Change the brake pads on your car

In this video, we learn how to change the brake pads on your car. First, raise your car up on a jack, then remove your caliper. Set all the bolts aside, and make sure not to lose them and remember where each bolt goes. Now, pop the caliper lose with a screwdriver to pop it open. Now, remove the pads and replace new ones with the old ones. When you are finished, replace everything that you just removed. Replace the bolts where they originally went, making sure everything is in the right place....

How To: Clean aluminum car wheels

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to clean aluminum car wheels. The materials required for this task are: all purpose cleaner, water nose with nozzle and steel brush. Begin by wetting the tire. Then spray some all purpose cleaner onto the dirty parts. Now scrub those parts with the steel brush. Users may also use their finger nail to remove the rust. Don't spray too much of the all purpose cleaner on parts that don't need to be cleaned because it can damage the wheels. This video will...

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: Bleed brakes on a 2008 Ninja 250R motorcycle

In this video, we learn how to bleed brakes on a 2008 Ninja 250R motorcycle. To do this, you will need: brake fluid and a Phillips screwdriver. To start, remove the bracket around your brake system, then spin the top of your brake reservoir open. When bleeding the brakes, you will need a plastic pump to remove the fluid. You can purchase this at any auto parts store. Next, open the valve to the fluid and insert your pipe into it and allow it to leak into the bottle. If the fluid has air bubbl...

How To: Change the engine oil in a Chevy truck

In this tutorial, we learn how to change the engine oil in a Chevy truck. To start, you will want to place your car up on a secure jack so you can get underneath it with ease. Next, find the oil can and drain plug underneath the truck and use a wrench to remove the bolts around them. Now, place an oil pan underneath the drain plug and let the oil leak out into this until there is no more left. Next, clean off the bolt that is used for the drain plug and remove the filter from the underneath o...

How To: Check the oil in your car properly

One of the most important things about a car is the constant need to check the oil. This is an essential part of the car that will make sure it keeps going for years and years. Not checking the oil on a regular basis can lead to damage to your engine.

How To: Change the front brake pads on a 1986 Harley Sportster

In this tutorial, we learn how to change the front brake pads on a 1986 Harley Sportster. To begin, remove the parts that are surrounding the brake pads with screwdrivers and ratchets. After this, take the brake pad out of the motorcycle. One you've done this, replace the new brake pad in it's place. Make sure you are using the right tools to remove the machinery so you don't damage anything. next, replace everything back into where you found it. After this, tighten all the bolts and screw, t...

How To: Remove stains from your car seats and carpet

In this tutorial, we learn how to remove stains from your car seats and carpet. To start, you will need cheap orange cleaner that you can find from your local Dollar Store, as well as cheap carpet cleaner. When you find the stain that is on your carpet, you will first spray it with the orange spray, then go over it once more with the carpet spray. After this, use a scrubbing brush and wash cloth to scrub out the stain in the affected area. When finished, let dry or use a vacuum to soak up any...

How To: Check the brake system for motorcycle safety

In this tutorial, we learn how to check the brake system for motorcycle safety. First identify the fittings around the master cylinder and the hose that runs down around the bottom fittings. When you squeeze the levers on the bike, check to see if anything is leaking out of this, if nothing comes out you're good. Now, check the back of the back by finding the fittings, then looking to see if anything leaks when you are touching the levers. Make sure you have enough brake fluid and your brake ...

How To: Check the brake pads on a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250

In this tutorial, we learn how to check the brake pads on a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250. First, check the thickness of the brake pads on the car to see if they are thick enough. The rear pad is surrounded by a gold piece called the "shoe" and the rotor. The front pad has to be inspected by laying on your back and looking for the pad to see how thick it is. If the thickness is not enough, you need to replace it as soon as possible. Make sure the brake pads are up to the standards of the owner's ma...

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: Correct Tire Pressure on a Classic VW Beetle Bug

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to correct the tire pressure on a classic Volkswagen Beetle Bug. This car should use radial tires. It is recommended to use the 165R15 tires on this car. The pressure for the front tires is about 18 pounds, and the rear tires are about 23–25 pounds. If you over-pressure the tires, the car will end up swaying and bouncing. Don't put more pressure than the amount of weight that is specified in the car manual. This video will benefit viewers with a Volks...

How To: Check the fuses in a Cadillac

In this tutorial, we learn how to check the fuses in a Cadillac. First, open the hood of the car and look for the fuse box that is left to the engine. Now, open the clips on the fuse box and take the top off. You will now see a diagram of what all the different fuses of the car are and what they do. The big gray boxes are relays, which you most likely won't need to touch. The fuses are small little boxes that you can take out with a pair of pliers. If a fuse needs replaced, you will be able t...

How To: Easily remove pressed-on bearings

If you're having a hard time removing pressed-on bearings on a certain part of your car, have you tried using a saw? It may sound a bit unorthodox, but in this next tutorial, you'll find out how you can easily remove pressed-on bearings using nothing more than a saw. It's easy to follow, but can be dangerous for those who are unexperienced. So check out the video to find out more and good luck!

How To: Find oil leaks using florescent dye & ultraviolet

In this tutorial, we learn how to find an oil leak using florescent dye. First, you want to pour the dye into the oil canister and let the car run for about 10 minutes. After this, turn the lights off in the garage and grab a florescent light, and bring it into your engine. You should now be able to see where the oil is leaking from inside the engine, so you can fix the problem quickly. The accuracy of this method is 100%, and you won't have to second guess yourself that you have the wrong so...

How To: Load a testing battery in your car

The battery is one of the most important pieces when it comes to your car. Not only does it help provide energy to certain areas of your car, but it's also a life force for it as well. No battery, no starting your car. So it's important to make sure that you always check your battery to see if it's charged and working. In this tutorial, you'll find out how to load a testing battery in your car. It's easy to follow and you'll be glad you did. Good luck!

How To: Set the ignition timing in an Acura Integra

If you recently have replaced the distributor in your car or plan on doing so, prepare to set the ignition timing in your car. This is a process that can take some time and requires the right tools for the job. Trying to start and use your car before you set the ignition timing can be a bad idea since it can mess up your car in the long haul. This tutorial will tell you what tools you'll need and how to find the area in which to test.

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: Replace the timing belt to a 1990-2002 Honda Accord

A timing belt or cam belt, is part of the engine and it helps control the timing of an engine's valve. So having a busted or broken one is a pretty big issue. Replacing it is also tricky because the pistons in the engine and valve, must be synchronized correctly. So check out the tutorial and see if you have what it takes replace the timing belt. Enjoy!

How To: Replace a car's rear disk brakes

If you're looking for a tutorial where mistakes are made but are used to help add experience, this is it. In this three part video tutorial, you'll find out how to replace a car's rear disk crakes using the right tools and know-how. This can be tricky, so pay attention, and try not to repeat the mistake that was made in this video. So good luck and enjoy!

How To: Replace the front struts to a Honda

There are so many important pieces that make up an entire car, struts can be seen as one of them. What struts do is that they help soften movement when a car s driven on an uneven road or rough surface.It's important to replace struts when they may be leaking oil or they don't help soften movement.

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: Find and replace a bad wheel bearing

Wheel bearings are a very important piece of a car that helps minimize friction when the car rotates. So obviouslly having a bad or non-working one can be bad for your car and cause unnecessary damage. So in this next maintenance tutorial, you'll find out how to find and replace a bad wheel bearing that is on your car. So good luck, pay attention, and enjoy!