Hot Autos, Motorcycles & Planes Posts
News: The 130 MPH Dining Room Table
Just the other day, we featured Perry Watkins' "Wind Up" mini car, plus his extreme lowrider, the "Flatmobile". Both impressive.
How To: Remove and replace motorcycle handlebars
Is your old motorcycle's handlebar looking sadder than Mischa Barton's acting career? Then perhaps it is time to get them replaced. But don't waste your time and money on getting them fixed at a car shop.
How To: Fix a power car window using a fuse and panel removal tool
These days you can get a car tailored with special gangster rims, headlights, and sound systems, but one of the features of a standard car we all take for granted is power windows. Before those, all we had were frustrating crank-up windows that always got stuck if we didn't add enough elbow grease.
News: 41 Inches Tall and Completely Street Legal
Perry Watkins' clownish mini car, "The Wind Up", is officially the world's smallest street legal vehicle, standing at 41 inches high, 51 inches long and 26 inches wide. The wind up mechanism is purely cosmetic; the car operates as a regular-sized car does, with a tiny engine that can go up to 60kph (37mph).
How To: Keep your car seat cool with a reflective emergency blanket
If you've ever parked your car outside in direct sunlight and it's about 90 degrees out, you know what ends up happening 2 hours later when you get back into the car.
How To: Use the 3M Dynamic Mixing System body filler gun for auto body repair
If you're into auto body repair, the 3M Dynamic Mixing System is an interesting one to try out. In this video, you'll learn how to use the body filler gun. You just might want to NOT use the zig-zag pattern used in the video to apply the filler. It's best to apply the body filler on top of each other, which will eliminate the possibility of pinholes.
How To: Replace drum brake shoes on a 2001 Honda Odyssey
Some of you out there actually own a Honda Odyssey, and if you do, you may be in desperate need of some new drum brake shoes. In this video, Eric shows you how easy it is to remove and replace drum brake shoes on a 2001 Odyssey. There's some good info on drum brake servicing, plus more!
How To: Solve idling problems on a Honda Integra
A lot of people seem to have idle problems in their Honda vehicles, especially the Integra models. And idling problems are really hard to pinpoint. But you're in luck, because Eric has some great tips for hunting down those engine idling problems and eradicating them for good! Some of these tips include bleeding a cooling system, checking for vacuum leaks, reading the check engine light codes and diagnosing overheating.
How To: Beware of gunk underneath the oil cap when shopping for used cars
If you're looking to buy a new used car, then Eric has a great tip for you to avoid getting scammed— look into the horse's mouth. Yes, that sounds cryptic, but it's a very similar process where you look underneath the oil cap. If it looks smooth like it should, go ahead, think about purchasing that vehicle. But if there's a lot of built-up black gunk on the bottom, do yourself a favor and RUN. That engine is destined for failure.
How To: Increase your vehicle's performance by tightening the throttle cables
In this video, learn a great performance upgrade for your vehicle that costs nothing! Eric talks about his old Honda Integra and his irritation at its throttle response. But cars like this have cables that run to the throttle and sometimes they get loose. All you need to do is tighten the cables!
News: Jetman Does Acrobatics in the Sky
Looks like Yves Rossy is getting better at flying (his previous stunt sent him plummeting into the Atlantic). Other than some slight initial engine trouble, last week's record breaking aerial loops went off without a hitch. Watch below. Rossy's site states:
How To: Decide To Replace Or Repair A Dent With Metal Straightening
First Things First Before you can begin to work on a damaged panel, you must determine what type of material that you are working on. For instance, the panel may be mild steel, high strength steel, aluminum, plastic, sheet molded compound, or a number of other types of material.
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: 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: Fix sticking power steering with Sea Foam Trans Tune
Is your power steering binding when you're trying to turn? Or maybe it turns real easy to the right, but extremely hard to turn to the left? Well, that's a classic sign of a power steering rack that has problems. But before you go out and buy an expensive rack and pinion, and take the whole front end of the car apart to replace it, you might want to try a little trick first— Sea Foam Trans Tune, which is also for hydraulic and power steering systems.
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.
News: Just Press Print! The World's First 3D Printed Car
With the advent of 3D printers, advancements in the technology allow some truly amazing possibilities. Just a handful of examples include printable architecture, Anish Kapoor's sculptures; even Boeing uses some printed parts in the manufacturing of their airplanes.
How To: Ride a motorcycle in a group
In this tutorial we learn how to ride a motorcycle in a group. You will have each person separated by enough length so you can each safely stop. There should be a trail of one in front of the other, not everyone next to each other. Follow the hand signals that each person gives so you call know where to go. You should have one leader and then other people following with one person in the back. If you are riding into the sun, make sure each person is wearing sunglasses because it will be brigh...
How To: Change and balance a car tire
In this tutorial we learn how to change and balance a car tire. First, take the tire and remove the air out of it from all the sides. After this, remove the tire from the wheel. You will need to use a pry bar to help you remove it from the tire completely. It will help out a lot if you have a machine that will do this for you. Then, apply grease around the wheel and put the new tire on. From here, inflate the new tire while on the wheel and it will be ready to install on your vehicle.
How To: Make a u-turn on a motorcycle
In this video, we learn how to make a u-turn on a motorcycle. You must be able to complete a u-turn without putting your foot down. Depending on the size of your motorcycle, you will need 20-24 feet to do this properly. The most common mistake is oversteering and putting your foot down. Keep the clutch in the friction zone, drag the rear bike the stabilize the bike, add throttle if needed, and shift your weight. Keep your head up and make sure you are looking all the way through the u-turn. D...
How To: Change a 20 inch tire
In this tutorial, we learn how to change a 20 inch tire. First, you will need to remove the valve core with a removal tool. Then, rotate the rim until the beat is separated. From here, secure the rim on a machine so it can be unmounted from the tire. After the tire has come off from the wheel, repeat this on all of the different tires. When finished, use the same tool to put the new tire back on. Then, you will need to inflate the new tire that you just placed on. Finish this off by putting b...
How To: Start out on a motorcycle
In this tutorial, we learn how to start out on a motorcycle. Before you ride a motorcycle, you will want to learn where all the controls are. After this, you need to make sure all the springs are in place and the clutch works well. Then, check the engine oil to make sure it's full, and then make sure the throttle is working correctly. The steering bar should also be checked and the ignition switch should be checked. Once you know that your bike is ready, then you can pull the kickstand up wit...
How To: Install Recon LED Strobes and HIDs on a truck
In this tutorial, we learn how to install Recon LED Strobes and HIDs on a truck. You must first learn where each of the tires need to install and make sure they are placed in the right direction for what you want the lights to look like. After this, you will connect one side to the white wire on the positive. Then, you will leave the white disconnected on the other side for the flash to alternate between each of the lights. These will look great on a big truck! Just make sure to follow the di...
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: Countersteer and turn on a motorcycle
In this video, we learn how to countersteer and turn on a motorcycle. First, you will push left and lean left while you are on the motorcycle. Push on the hand grip while you are leaning your body. Turn at a normal speed, not while you are going really fast, or you can fall off. You will turn the handlebars just like a steering wheel on a car going at a slow speed. This should be between 8 and 15 miles per hour, so you will have to countersteer. Practice this on a closed course and then you c...
How To: Make a quick stop on a motorcycle
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a quick stop on a motorcycle. You must reach a speed of 15 mph first. A quick stop means you stop right when you are in the middle of driving, without slowing down first. Close the throttle first, then pull in the clutch. From here, apply both brakes evenly and firmly without locking them up and keep the handlebars straight. Make sure you ride safe and you do this with a helmet on after you have learned the basics of riding a motorcycle. Once you learn t...
How To: Master the obstacle swerve on a motorcycle
In this video, we learn how to master the obstacle swerve on a motorcycle. First, you must reach a speed of 15 miles per hour and then swerve around a 7 foot obstacle 13 feet ahead. Learn how to swerve to the left first and then start to swerve to the right on a closed course. Do not brake while you are swerving and learn how to use counter steering. Keep your head up and look where you want to go while you are riding. Enjoy riding your bike and make sure to be extremely cautious when you are...
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: Remove a fuel fliter
In this video, we learn how to remove a fuel filter. Start out by removing the secondary retainer cup. After this, you will install quick disconnect tool and rotate until the primary cup has been released. Repeat the previous steps until all the lines are disconnected from the vehicle. After this, you should be able to simply remove the fuel filter from the vehicle. Make sure you are using the right tools to remove the retainer cup so you don't damage anything underneath the vehicle. Once fin...
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: Prepare a new OEM car body part for paint
In this automotive guide, we learn how to prepare an OEM car-body part for painting. For all of the gritty details, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started prepping your own parts for painting, watch this video tutorial.
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: 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: Replace the valve seals if your engine is smoking
Does your car engine blow white or blue smoke when your first start it up and then stop? That usually means that your engine valve seals aren't working correctly. Watch this video to learn how to find and fix the problem.