Hot Auto Maintenance & Repairs How-Tos

How To: Troubleshoot a horn that's not working in a 1991 Ford Ranger pickup truck

This video will help you diagnose and troubleshoot a non-working horn in a 1991 Ford Ranger pickup truck. First off, the electrical diagram is a great place to start. Make sure the horn switch is getting power from the source. To test this, all you need is power and a ground to test it at the steering wheel. To see what else could be the problem, watch and learn from a professional mechanic.

How To: Change front brake pads on a Ford Escape

Don't waste money on pricey mechanics! Doing your own vehicle repairs can save you tons of dough, but just because you're avoiding the mechanics, doesn't mean you can't learn a thing or two from them. In this video, a professional shows you the quick steps to changing out the front brakes on a Ford Escape. After taking of the front wheel, you'll have to deal with the calipers and the brake pads, along with a few other things. But don't worry. Any do-it-yourselfer can change brakes. And the Fo...

How To: Remove window tint at home

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to remove old window tint. This task is very easy, simple and fast to do. Users will need a steam cleaner. Begin by peeling off the top part of the tint on the window. As you are peeling down the tint, spray the steam cleaner behind the tint. This will prevent any marks from being left behind. Continue doing this until you have completely removed the tint. This video provides a demonstration for viewers to understand and follow along. This video will ...

How To: Remove the rotors on a motorcycle

In this next video tutorial, you'll find out how to remove the rotors on a motorcycle. If you need to find out whether or not it's bad using your fingernail is a good way to test it. Switching the rotor is important for ensuring that your bike will last for a long time and that you'll be safe of any kind of injury. It's easy to follow and doesn't require a ton of work. So check out the video, pay attention, and enjoy!

How To: Replace the rotors and brake calipers on a motorcycle

If you need to do a little bit of maintenance work on a motorcycle, this next tutorial will cover rotors and brake calipers. Brake calipers will need to be seperated even before the brakes can be replaced on a bike. In this video, you'll find out how to replace the rotor and brake calipers on your bike. It's an easy thing to do and will do wonders for your motorcycle. So sit back, pay attention, and good luck!

How To: Install mirrors on a motorcycle

Having mirros on your motorcycle is a smart thing to do and can help prevent any serious injury or death. It may seem like an easy thing to do, but it can be tricky for some. In order to do so, you'll need to find a specific area to place them and get the right tools needed to do so. So if interested, sit back, pay attention, and enjoy!

How To: Heat shrink rear window tint

In this video, we learn to heat shrink a rear window tint. First, prep your window using soapy water. Next, rinse with car with a soapy cloth and spread on the lather. After this, let it dry and cut the film around the pattern. Next, create an anchor by dampening in an 'h' shape. Next, lay the window film down with the liner side up. Anchor the film onto the window along the 'h' shape. Make sure your fingers are vertical, then heat the film until the lines react. Then, smooth on with the hand...

How To: Change the rear brakes on a Porsche 996

One of the most important things about a car are the brakes. They are there to help prevent any kind of accidents by helping decrease the speed of your vehicle. Without them, driving would very dangerous. So knowing how to replace old brakes with new ones is a really smart idea. Not only are you able to understand how you're car is doing, but you can also save a ton of money.

How To: Check your engine health with a PICO scope

In this video, we learn how to check your engine health with a PICO scope. First, you will want to attach your computer to the PICO scope that is connected to your vehicle's "brain". After this, you will run through the different sections of the car to see how each of the different functions are running. Compare the results you are getting to a chart that shows what the healthy charts should look like. As you go through these, record the results you get, then print them out if you need to. Wh...

How To: Replace spark plugs in a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

In this tutorial, we learn how to replace spark plugs in a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. First, prop your hood up and leave it open. Next, remove the hoses around the spark plugs and use a wrench to remove the casing around the plugs. After this, squeeze the top of the connector and unplug the wires. Next, remove the spark plugs and replace the new ones back inside. When you are finished, you will need to replace all the items that you removed, making sure to replace everything where it was origi...

How To: Buy the right jumper cables and jump your car

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to jump start a car. When purchasing a jumper cable, don't purchase the cheapest set. It is also not necessary to purchase the most expensive. Begin by connecting the black cable on the negative terminal of the healthy car. Then connect the positive side of the red cable to the positive terminal of the healthy car. On the dead car, connect end of the cable to the positive side of the battery again, except this time you connect the negative end to a so...

How To: Install a hood strut kit on a Mustang

In this video, we learn how to install a hood strut kit on a Mustang. Start by opening up the hood and removing the sound tube locator. After this, cut 1/2" from the middle to make space on it for the bolt. Reapply this, then bolt it back into place. Next, install the body bracket with a socket and remove all bolts around the spot its in. After you install the bracket replace the bolts and do both of these steps again on the other side of the car. When you are done, make sure all parts are re...

How To: Perform a butt weld

In this tutorial, we learn how to perform a butt weld. First, read the settings for your welding machine and make sure you have everything set up in order. Now, place protective gear onto your body and start to perform your weld. Use caution and make several holes into the metal. You can do this on a small piece or try a larger one once you are comfortable enough. Make sure you are using the push and pull method while welding, pushing into the metal and then pulling back out. When you are fin...

How To: Do an auto damage appraisal

In this tutorial, we learn how to do an auto damage appraisal. First make sure you have all your paperwork ready and lined up before you go to inspect the vehicle. When you have this done, the clients will be happier that you have everything ready to go and the claim is getting taken care of quicker. After you inspect the vehicle, write down all the notes about the vehicle and then calculate what the amount of damage is. Then, give a copy of the appraisal to the owner. After this, submit your...

How To: Install anti-sway bars on a 2008 Ford Mustang GT

In this tutorial, we learn how to install anti-sway bars on a 2008 Ford Mustang GT. First, take off the bolt off the end link, then use a socket to remove the nuts off the sway bar. After this, remove the sway bar and set aside. Now, insert your new sway bar, making sure you line it up properly. Then, place the bushings in with it and apply all the bolts in place to keep it secure. After you are done with this, replace all the parts that you took out of the car in the first place. When you ar...

How To: Install a car alarm on a Viper 5900

In this tutorial, we learn how to install a car alarm on a Viper 5900. First, read your manual and figure out which wires go where, then label them so you don't confuse them. Next, grab all the tools you will need and have them prepared and ready. After this, find the electrical box on the car and remove all the wires that are inside of it. Now, you will take out the wires that go onto the current alarm system. Replace with the new alarm system and apply the wires where they belong. You may n...

How To: Replace a power lock on a Ford Excursion

This video tutorial belongs to the Autos, Motorcycles & Planes category which is going to show you how to replace a power lock on a Ford Excursion. This activity is neither easy nor cheap. But, you will save a lot of money if you do it yourself. Before starting you got to remove the side paneling, speakers, outside door handle and insulation. Then you remove the door lock system. Remove the cable connectors and replace the solenoid unit. Now you can check that the power lock is working and th...

How To: Weld an oil pan

In this video, we learn how to weld an oil pan. Make sure you are wearing protective gear on your face before you do this. Take your welder to your oil pan, then start to weld it while you are underneath it or you have the car pushed up all the way. Place a patch for welding over the part of the oil pan that is leaking. After this, use your welder to connect the patch together with the pan. This ill take several minutes to weld together, and when you are done you can let this cool and fill yo...

How To: Clear the check engine light on your dashboard

In this tutorial, we learn how to clear the check engine light on your dashboard. This could be caused from an over-boost from the turbo charger that the engine does not recognize. The solution is to grab a tuner device and plug it into the car. Wait for it to power up, then go to the main menu. After this, go to "read dtc's", then find the trouble codes. It will show you what unknown codes are coming up, then you can clear them by pressing the "s" key. Now your light should turn off and you ...

How To: Remove window tint with a steam cleaner

In this tutorial, we learn how to remove window tint using a steam cleaner. First, take your steam cleaner and plug it in so that it's hot. Now, put it into the crack of the window and spray the steam, while gently pulling the window tint down. If you do this slowly enough, you will not have any glue residue left onto your window. The glue is hard to get off, so it's recommended to go very slowly while you are doing this. Each window will take up to 40 minutes, but it will be worth it. When f...

How To: Replace the spark plugs on a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250

In this tutorial, we learn how to replace the spark plugs on a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250. First look underneath your bike to find out exactly where the spark plugs are at. Next, use wrenches and ratchets to loosen the parts around the spark plugs, then remove the spark plugs completely. After you have pulled them out, replace them with the new one and secure them into place. When finished, replace all the casing around the plugs and make sure you secure them tightly. Add on all bolts when you a...

How To: Recharge a car battery

In this tutorial, we learn how to recharge a car battery. To restart a car battery that is dead, you will need to have another vehicle parked in front of it with the hood facing towards it. Now, you will need to take jumper cables out and place them on the battery of each cars. Make sure both vehicles are turned off while you are placing these on. After this, start both cars and the battery of the other car should start after this! If the car doesn't start, make sure you have the cables clamp...

How To: Replace the kickstand safety switch on a Ninja 250R

In this tutorial, we learn how to replace the kickstand safety switch on a Ninja 250R. When this is broken, it will turn your engine off when you put it into gear and cause your motorcycle to not run properly. First, remove the screw from around the safety switch until you can remove the switch from the bike. After this, replace a new switch onto the bike. Next, replace the bolts and screws back on the switch where they originally where. Use clamps or a screwdriver to help replace the screws....

How To: Replace the gas tank on a Ninja 250R motorcycle

In this tutorial, we learn how to replace the gas tank on a Ninja 250R motorcycle. First, inspect all the parts to make sure they don't have any cracks in them and everything is complete. After this, remove the gas tank off your bike and transfer the gas cap from the old to the new. Now, turn the gas tank over on the other side so you see the bottom. There will be a circular cap that you need to remove, followed by four 8mm bolts. After you loosen these up, switch out this part onto the new g...

How To: Change your air filter on a 2008 Ninja motorcycle

In this tutorial, we learn how to change your air filter on a 2008 Ninja motorcycle. You will need: a number 5 Allen wrench, a screwdriver, and a new air filter. First, take the side cover off your bike with your screwdriver. After you remove this, set it down to the side as well as everything else that comes with it. Now, remove the air cover from the filter and set the screws to the side. Next, find your air filter and remove it from it's space. After this, replace the old filter with the b...

How To: Replace the top coolant radiator hose in a Ford F-150

In this tutorial, we learn how to replace the top coolant radiator hose in a Ford F-150. If you notice that your hose is leaking and fluid, this is a sign you need to replace the hose! First, remove the coolant from the car so you can remove your hose. After you are sure you have removed all the coolant, you will then want to perform a back flush on the vehicle and flush the radiator. When you are finished with this, you will need to replace the hose and then replace all the fluids back in yo...

How To: Replace the stock air filter on a Ninja motorcycle

In this tutorial, we learn how to replace the stock air filter on a Ninja motorcycle. Start off by opening up the air box using an Allen wrench. After this, take the bolts out of this and set the air box cover down. Now, remove the air filter to see how dirty it is. If the air filter is full of residue, then you need to change it! Now, clean the inside of the air filter area with a wash cloth . After this, replace your new air filter back into the right spot. Next, apply the filter cover back...