Maintenance How-Tos
How To: 9 Tricks to Keep Your Car Functioning in Freezing Temperatures
Nothing about living in a snowy climate is easy, but life with a snowy, frozen car doesn't have to be the worst part of your day. With a few clever hacks and some anti-weather tactics, you can fight off frozen windshields, icy locks, and even stubborn car doors, while keeping your car running smooth all winter. 1. Deice Your Car Locks in Seconds
How To: This Hair Care Product Will Keep Water Spots Off Your Car for Good
Taking care of your car requires effort, whether you take it to the pros for washes, waxes, and detailing, or you spend time to make it shine yourself—and it often seems that, right after your car is sparkling again, rain or midnight moisture appears to cover its surface in water spots. With a small tweak to your typical car care routine, you may be able to keep your car's surface and windows shining longer and better: you just need to add a little hair conditioning liquid.
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: What Side of Your Car Is the Gas Tank on? This Easy Trick Will Tell You Every Time
Ever drive a friend's car? Maybe a rental? Then you've probably found yourself in a very frustrating situation when you realize you need some gas. Heck, it probably even happens to you in your own car sometimes.
How To: Clean Your Vehicle's Air Filter for Only 3 Dollars
The guys at Poor Man Mods show you how to clean an air filter with a can of brake parts cleaner. Instead of buying cleaning kits that cost $15 and can damage your mass airflow sensor with the oil they contain, a can of brake parts cleaner does the job awesome and brakes down all the grease, grime and oil, leaving the filter media squeaky clean!
How To: Replace Your Windshield Wiper Blades to Improve Vision During a Storm
Why Changing Your Wiper Blades Is Important The last thing you want is to get caught in a storm and discover that your windshield wiper blades do not properly keep the water, snow, or ice off your windshield. Not only will this be annoying, but could also lead to an auto accident.
How To: Use a Clay Bar When Detailing a Car
Using a clay bar will help produce a show-car paint finish. Watch the video for a complete demonstration, and check out the steps below. Wash Car
How To: Remove a Bumper Sticker with Olive Oil
Need to remove a bumper sticker and don't have any goo gone? No problem! Just break out the ol' olive oil and you're good to go!
How To: Remove Spray Paint After Your Car Gets Tagged
There are some really talented graffiti artists out there. Some of them are good enough that businesses hire them to paint advertisements, rather than hiring someone to scrub their work off the side of the building.
How To: Replace a thermostat on a Ford automobile with a 1.9L engine
Replacing a thermostat on a car or truck can be a taunting task. Let this guide be your repair manual as you are walked through the process of clearing the radiator hoses, adjusting clamps, sanding off grit, and more. Soon your Ford will have a brand new thermostat installed and you will have avoided expensive autoshop bills.
How To: Service a Porsche 944
This video gives a step by step tutorial how to service a Porsche 944. The service is demonstrated on an S2, but most steps are very similar for other versions.
How To: Service a Peugeot 206 Compact Car
This video gives a step by step tutorial how to service a Peugeot 206 with the 1.4 liter engine. Please note that the video is not in English, but you can follow along by watching the video and following the written instructions below. Work under the car.
How To: Fix trouble code P0141, the rear oxygen sensor, on a Dodge Neon
If you are the proud owner of a Dodge Neon with a check engine light on and it's showing error code P0141 on your scanner, you probably need to replace the rear oxygen sensor. This video will show you how to do that as easily as possible.
How To: Remove the blower motor on a Chevy Impala
The blower motor on older American cars were not always very well-made, and most of them are bad now. This video will show you how to check out your blower motor and remove it if need be, which is harder than it should be really.
How To: Install a charging station in your home for the new Nissan LEAF electric car
November 29th marks the day of Nissan's triumph, not only as an automaker, but as an eco-friendly automaker. The new Nissan LEAF has won the 2011 European Car of the Year award, the first all-electric vehicle to be chosen for the award.
How To: Find the crankshaft position sensor on a Nissan Altima
The crankshaft position sensor on a car can cause the check engine light to come on a lot if it's not working, and they do wear out and need to be replaced eventually. This video will show you where to find the sensor on a Nissan Altima 2.5.
How To: Build a DIY automotive cylinder leak down tester to test engine seals
The seals in your car had best all be functioning properly if you expect your car to work right. To test the ones in your engine cylinders you'll need an automotive cylinder lead down tester, and if you don't want to buy one, you're in luck because this video contains easy-to-follow instructions on how to make one in your garage.
How To: Clean your car battery terminal for optimum performance
Your car is a well-oiled machine...when you first get it. Once the new car smell wears off and the excitement of driving the latest and greatest model lessens, car maintenance becomes a chore and some of us even forget to do it regularly.
How To: Make sure your car passes a smog or emissions test
Smog and other emissions tests are an annoying part of life for most American motorists. It can be surprising and even more annoying when your car fails, and even new ones can. Watch this video for tips that will ensure that your car passes.
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: Replace the rear brake pads and rotors on a Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai is finally getting the respect it has long deserved as automaker, and their Sonata mainstream sedan is more popular than ever before. In this video you'll learn how to replace the rear brake pads and rotors on a Hyundai Sonata quickly and easily.
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 own oil on a 2006 Ford Explorer
In this tutorial, we learn how to change your own oil on a 2005 Ford Explorer. First, find the oil drain underneath the vehicle and remove it. Once you remove it, let the oil drain into an oil pan underneath the car. Let the oil drain completely out, then when it's finished replace the plug. Now, go to the hood of the car and remove the cap from the oil can. Place a funnel inside and then pour your new oil into the can. When finished, replace the cap and start the car. Now go back and check t...
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: Change your differential oil on a Jeep Grand Cherokee
In this tutorial, we learn how to change your differential oil on a Jeep Grand Cherokee. First, you will need to remove the drain plug from the underneath of the vehicle, then let it drain out onto an oil pan, use a pipe and pump to do this. Once it's finished draining, you will need to replace the plug. After this, grab a new pump and pour your new oil into the pump. Remove the plug again, then pump the oil back into the engine. Once the oil is full, you can replace the drain plug and check ...
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 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 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...