Active Auto Maintenance & Repairs Posts
How To: Stop Running Over Plastic Bags! And More Small Tips for Keeping Your Car Running Smoothly
Approximately 380 billion plastic bags are used in the United States every year. That’s more than 1,200 bags per U.S. resident and more than 54 times the number of people who live on the planet. That's why here in Santa Monica, thanks to a city-wide plastic bag ban, you won't find a plastic bag at any of the major retail stores.
How To: Unlock a Car Door Using a Cell Phone and a Faraway Keyless Remote (Faux-To?)
What if you forgot your car keys and that keyless entry remote banded to them, how are you going to get in your car? Well, if you haven't forgotten your cell phone, too, you can call up someone who has access to that keyless remote, so you can unlock your car or truck via the wireless mobile phone! What?!?
How To: Fix a Huge Dent in Your Car at Home Without Ruining the Paint Job
There are two options when it comes to a dent in your car — live with it, cringing each time it enters your view, or get rid of it. While the latter is obviously the best option, most of us will probably just live with dents and dings since spare money is better spent on the actual functionality of the vehicle. However, there is a way to knock out automobile dents yourself with relatively little cash in the bank.
How To: Replace the Front Inside Door Handle on a 04-10 Toyota Sienna
In this video we will show you how to replace the inside door handle on your 04-10 Toyota Sienna.
How to Fix Car Dents: 8 Easy Ways to Remove Dents Yourself Without Ruining the Paint
Only three things in life are certain: death, taxes, and getting a dent in your car or truck. Even if you're as careful as possible, you can't always account for runaway shopping carts, wrongly thrown footballs, out-of-nowhere light posts, and other real-life annoyances.
How To: Fix error code P0300 for random misfires on your car
Error code P0300 is one of the most infamous in auto maintenance, indicating random misfires in the engine. This can mean several different things, and in this video mechanic Scotty Kilmer will teach you how to figure out where the problem is and fix it.
How To: Replace a front wheel bearing on a Chevrolet Impala
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: Get Out Car Dents & Dings Without Damaging Your Paint Job
According to George Gjoka, a professional Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) technician, when you attempt to take a dent out of your car, you're probably doing it wrong.
How To: Operate a Car Jack
If you don't know how to raise a car off the ground by now, you don't know jack. You Will Need
How To: Replace a Door Lock Actuator on a Ford Explorer
Fixing power door locks requires replacing the door lock actuator. Learn how to replace the power door lock actuator in these free auto repair video instructions featuring a certified mechanic.
How To: Replace Steel Brake Lines
This video is all about removing and replacing steel brake lines and includes tips and techniques for doing so. Learn what tools you need, how to remove brake lines, how to mount brake hoses, the differences in brake line fittings, retaining clips, replacing brake lines, and different types of brake fluids.
How To: Open Your Car Door Without a Key: 6 Easy Ways to Get in When Locked Out
Locking your keys inside of your car is frustrating, to say the least, especially if you're in a hurry to get somewhere. You can always call AAA roadside assistance or a locksmith, but you'll probably have to fork over some money, as well as wait for them to get to you. You might even get towed.
How To: Fix a plugged up air conditioner drain hose on a Jeep Liberty
A common problem on Jeep Liberty SUVs involves the passenger side carpet getting wet because of the air conditioner drain hose being plugged, where the condensation water is supposed to drain from. The drain hose sticks out about an inch inside the engine compartment, and is relatively easy to access. All you need to do is use a wire, at least six inches, to probe into it and release and buildup. You can also blow air into the hose. Watch and learn this simple A/C repair trick.
Boiled Water: The Easiest Way to Remove Dents from a Car Bumper
Even if you're lucky enough to not be injured in a car accident, it's rare to escape without some sort of damage to your vehicle. It goes without saying that there are some things you shouldn't try to fix yourself, but if it's just a scratch or dent, DIY can be a cheaper way to go.
How To: Fix transmission and oil seal leaks fast with AT-205 Re-Seal
If you've got an oil seal leak in a very inconvenient place, then this video by Scotty Kilmer will show you how a little bottle of re-sealer may be able to fix that leak. The vehicle in this video has a leak in the front main seal of the automatic transmission. The seal is pretty cheap, but you have to pull the transmission off to replace it, which can take a serious amount of time. The re-sealer is a better solution, a polymer oil that can mix with all kinds of oils. If you mix AT-205 Re-Sea...
How To: Fix the A/C drain problem on an '02 Jeep Liberty
Jeeps, for all their rugged charm, are not very well-made cars. They are rife with mechanical issues, and the '02 Jeep Liberty is no different. In this video you'll learn how to fix the A/C draining issues in these cars that leads to the passenger side carpet getting wet.
How To: Fix a Broken Door Latch Cable in a 1980-97 Ford F150, F250, F350, or Bronco
Can't get your door open? Could be the door latch cable. This video will help you install a new door latch cable in your Ford F150, F250, F350, or Bronco pickup truck (1980-1997).
How To: Replace the one-piece parking brake shoe on a Chevy Tahoe or Silverado
Chevy Silverados and Tahoes from the year 2000 onwards have used a one-piece design for the parking brake pad shoe, and it is not a very good piece. It breaks all the time, but this video will show you how to replace it without removing the axle.
How To: Troubleshoot and fix broken windshield wipers
If your windshield wipers don't come on when you turn the switch, then try out the solutions in this video! First, check to see if there's a blown fuse. If that's okay, next check the power going to the wiper motor. You have to take the wiper arms off to get to the motor. Watch Scotty Kilmer in this video for all the remaining troubleshooting tips for broken windshield wipers.
How To: Diagnose and fix a "no heat" problem on a Nissan Altima
In this automotive repair guide, we learn how to troubleshoot and repair a "no heat" problem on a Nissan Altima car. For all of the gritty details, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started resolving your own Altima's no-heat trouble, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Clean your AC drain if water is spilling into your car
This next tutorial is going to be showing you how to take care of a problem that is very common amongst drivers. If water has ever spilled on you from inside your car, it's probably from your HVAC. When you use your A/C, condensation builds up as well, and this usually goes down a drain. But if it gets clogged then you might have a problem.
How To: Keyless Entry Remote Not Working? Try This Quick Fix Before Buying a New One
Most cars made in the last ten or fifteen years can be unlocked with a keyless remote, and once you get used to them, unlocking your car with a traditional key feels like a pain. The most common reason they stop working is just because the battery needs replacing, but when they're broken for real, a new one can cost a small fortune. So before you go out and buy one, try this quick fix that worked for Redditor diggalator, and cost absolutely nothing. Basically, he pried the remote apart and to...
How To: Seal a leaky RV roof with EternaBond tape
In this how-to video, you will learn how to seal a leaky RB roof with EternaBond tape. First, you must have EternaClean to remove any old dirt or grime around the roof. Spray it and remove with a piece of cloth. Cut the tape into the sizes you may require. Lay them out and prepare the surface using EternaPrime. Place the EternaBond tape where you want it, as it will not come off once placed. Rub bubbles or creases out. Wider tape may be considered for bigger jobs. By viewing this video, you w...
How To: Replace the front power window regulator on 2002-2008 Dodge Ram
If the windows on your truck are stuck, you may need to replace the window regulator on your 2002-08 Dodge Ram. This video will show you how to remove and install a window regulator for the front power windows on any 02-08 Dodge Ram truck.
How To: Remove and replace a front wheel bearing on a 1991 Ford Explorer
A wheel bearing doesn't have to be a costly fix for the mechanic. It could be a relatively cheap repair job for all you do-it-yourselfer types. There are different types of wheel bearings, but the type explained in this video, on a 1991 Ford Explorer, is a self-contained all-in-one assembly. If you have a '91 Ford Explorer, or a different vehicle with this kind of wheel bearing, then you're in luck… watch and learn.
How To: Troubleshoot a fuel pump on a Saturn S-Series automobile
If you suspect that there may be something wrong with the fuel pump on your Saturn car, you should make sure you have proper voltage in the connector in your trunk. If you do, the next step is to check the ground.
How To: Reset a Busted Speedometer After Jump-Starting or Replacing a Vehicle's Battery
In the past, most mechanics ended up having to replace the speedometer head when a vehicle came in with a broken speedometer. Nowadays, there's a possible reset procedure that can be used, and it can be done by most car owners right at home.
How To: Replace an oil pressure sending unit to fix a low engine oil pressure gauge
Your "check gauges" light comes on inside your vehicle, which prompts you to notice your oil pressure gauge, which is reading pretty low. What do you do to resolve this car problem? In this video, Scotty Kilmer shows you what you can do to shut that low engine oil light off for good!
How To: Unlock Your Car Door with a Shoelace in 10 Seconds
Have you locked yourself out of your car? Well, as long as you have a shoelace, you may be able to get back in.
How To: Replace an EGR valve
EGR valve replacement and car repair tips. Learn how to remove and reconnect exhaust gas recirculation valves in this free car maintenance video.
How To: Replace OIL PAN on Pontiac Grand Prix
Step 1: Here is a video on how to replace the oil pan on a Pontiac Grand Prix with the 3.8l engine. This process is the same for any wbody vehicle like the Chevy Impala, Monte Carlo, Buick Regal with the GM 3800 Series II or Series III engine supercharged or naturally aspirated.
How To: Fix Your Car Dent with a Hair Dryer
If you've ever dinged your car—or worse, a friend's or parent's car—and caused a dent, you know how expensive it can be to fix. A two-second mistake can end up costing hundreds of dollars, but you can save yourself repairs costs and a headache with just a couple of household items.
How To: Decipher multiple error codes from a car
When you use a scanner to look for error codes on a car, many can show up at once and confuse you as to the nature of the problem. Often, all of the codes are responses to the same problem. Watch this video for tips on interpreting multiple error codes.
How To: Replace a serpentine belt on a Chevrolet Aveo 1.6L
In this video, we learn how to replace a serpentine belt on a Chevrolet Aveo. Start off by turning the passengers side wheel to the right and raising your car so you can get underneath it. Now, remove the nuts and bolts that are underneath the belt so you can get to it. When you see the belt, remove it with tools and slide the belt off. Now replace the old belt with the new one and tighten the tension on the belt again. Make sure it's in all the grooves correctly, then reinstall all the parts...
How To: Repair or replace a power window motor for a Chevy Venture or Pontiac Montana
This video focuses specifically on the Chevy Venture or Pontiac Montana models of vans. If your power window motor is going out, or isn't working anymore, this video shows you how to fix it (if possible) or replace it (if it isn't).
How To: Troubleshoot the air conditioner in a Saturn S-Series
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: Find evidence of low oil pressure in your car
If the oil pressure gauge on your car is acting erratic, you might think that the fuel pump or filter on your car is bad. Assuming is not the way to fix your car, and in this video you'll learn how to figure out what is causing your low oil pressure, possibly saving you having to replace your filter and pump.
How To: Replace Headlight Bulb on Pontiac G6
Cars are quite different than they used to be. Sure, modern cars have some cool things, but repairing them are becoming difficult. Even simple things like changing a headlight bulb.
How To: Use Lysol to Clean Bacteria Out of Your Car's Air Conditioning System
Air conditioning systems are cold and wet and make great breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, and adding a nasty odor to the air coming out of the vents.