Hot Autos, Motorcycles & Planes Posts
How To: Figure out what's wrong with your car if it won't start and fix it
If your car won't start you have problems, finding the cause is the most important and immediate task. In this video you'll learn about three things that can make your car not start and how to fix them: a dead battery, a faulty starter motor, and a low gas tank with a potentially damaged fuel pump.
How To: Replace the suspension struts on your car
Suspension struts are vital parts of ensuring your car's ride quality and handling. If yours are old and worn-out, you probably know it. Watch this video for easy step-by-step instructions that will help you replace your suspensions struts yourself at home on nearly any type of suspension.
How To: Inspect and replace the fan belts on a car
The days of the fan belt in cars are no more. Most modern cars have a very similar drive belt, but changing them is a bit of a different process. In this video you will learn how to inspect a drive / fan belt and replace it if it's worn or broken.
How To: Maintain and inspect your car's battery to keep it starting
The battery in your car is more important now than ever before. If yours is dead, not much of your car will work. Watch this video to learn some easy way to inspect and maintain your battery to make sure it works great for as long as possible.
How To: Change the camshaft position sensor in your car
The camshaft position sensor in your car is a finicky machine that can cause a lot of unwarranted check engine lights. In this video veteran TV mechanic Scotty Kilmer will teach you how to replace a defective camshaft position sensor on nearly any car.
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: Fill a car's air conditioning system with refrigerant
Refrigerant is the stuff that makes your A/C in your car so good at turning hot air to cold. Like almost any substance you fill part of your car with, it needs to be replaced and refilled every so often. Watch this video to learn how to bleed your air conditioning system before filling, then how to fill it with new refrigerant.
How To: Check the alternator on your car if you're having electrical problems
The alternator on your car is arguably the most important part of the electrical system, and if they break even a little weird things can start happening all over your car. Watch this video to learn how to check an alternator and make sure it's working properly.
How To: Install new axle bearings on a front wheel drive car
Front wheel drive has become the standard of the automotive industry for most segments, so you better know how to work on them if you're gonna fix a lot of cars. In this video you'll learn how to replace the axle bearings on a front-wheel drive car.
How To: Inspect a used car and make sure it's not a lemon with simple tests
Buying a used car is a task humbling in it's complexity, but certain parts of it are still simple. In this video you will learn several easy, effective ways of inspecting a used car you want to buy to make sure it hasn't been in a flood or accident and has a properly working engine.
How To: Check a catalytic converter for problems in a car
If you don't mind drilling holes into parts of your own car, read on. In this video TV car talk personality Scotty Kilmer will teach you how you can check a catalytic converter to see if it's clogged using a drill, a pressure gauge, and some small metal plugs.
How To: Replace the rear wheel bearings on a Toyota car
Replacing the rear wheel bearings on a car is a great place to start for at-home mechanics, as you don't need to fully lift the car or work with any really complicated parts. This video will teach you everything you need to know to change out the rear wheel bearings on any Toyota car.
How To: Find electrical shorts in a car with a test light and fix a broken 12v plug
Your car's electrical system is massive and complicated. Trying to find a short in the system might sound like a job for a professional, but in this video you will learn how you can use an $8 test light to locate a shorts in your car's electrical system. It will also teach you how to fix it if the problem is the cigarette lighter, now more commonly known as the 12 volt plug.
How To: Change the fog lights on a Chrysler 300C
In this video we learn how to change the fog lights on a Chrysler 300C. First, take ff the front bumper of the car and set it down on somewhere safe. Remove the bracket that is around the light and use the plastic of the bumper as a bracket. Once you remove the light, replace it with a new one inside. After this, you will need to re-wire the car as you had it before and make sure the bumper is placed back in the car correctly. Once you're finished with this, test out the lights and then use w...
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: Replace a primer bulb on a Stihl FS110 trimmer
In this tutorial, we learn how to replace a primer bulb on a Stihl FS110 trimmer. First, remove the screws around the top cover. After this, remove the bolts around the bulb on the trimmer as well. Once you take this out, replace the bulb with a new one. You may need to blast the dirt away from the bolts to be able to get inside and remove them easily. Once you replace the bulb, make sure to screw the bolts in tightly around the bulb and around the cover. When finished, you will have a new pr...
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: Bypass a broken air conditioning computer system in a car with a bypass switch
More and more car parts are controlled by computers, and the results are not always what we hope they will be. They often break for what seems like no reason and are expensive to fix. In this video you'll learn how you can fix a broken air conditioning control system on your car with a $30 bypass switch that will be much more reliable than your computer was.
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: Replace trailer wheel bearings
In this video we learn how to replace trailer wheel bearings. First, place the trailer up on a jack and take the wheel off until you're left with the hub. To remove the dust cap, take a chisel and put it on the hub. Hammer it until it becomes loose and you can remove it. After this, remove the metal retainer from the axle and then you can remove the entire hub. From here, replace the hub with a brand new one and clean off the entire area around it. Once finished, replace the metal retainer as...
How To: Block-sand a primer coat to prepare for auto body paint
Before painting your vehicle, you'll want to sand down the primer coat. This automotive video will show you how to block-sand the primer to prepare you for the actual paint job. It's actually a pretty simple step in auto painting.
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...
How To: Use 3M Finishing Glaze over auto body filler on your vehicle
After you've applied your auto body filler on your vehicle, you'll need to apply a glaze. In this video, you'll learn how to apply a 3M Finishing Glaze. Their new Dynamic Mixing System is a good one, and the product mixes instantly when it exits the tip of the gun.
How To: Change the oil on a Kawasaki Ninja 650R motorcycle
In this tutorial, we learn how to change the oil on a Kawasaki Ninja 650R motorcycle. First, find the oil can on the car and use a socket wrench to remove the drain plug. Let the oil drain into an oil pan until there is no more left inside of it. When finished, replace the plug back on the can tightly. Now, open the cap up on the oil can and pour in your new oil. After this, start your engine and then check your oil level on the motorcycle. Then, you will have changed oil in your motorcycle, ...
How To: Clean an automotive paint gun using a gun washer
If you've just finished your paint job on your vehicle, then you're not done yet— you still have to clean up, and making sure the paint gun you used is properly cleaned is the key to successful future spray painting. This video shows you how use clean the spray gun with a paint gun washer.
How To: Change the engine and oil filter on a Mercedes car
In this tutorial, we learn how to change the engine and oil filter on a Mercedes car. First, find the oil drain plug underneath the car. Remove this, then let it drain into a pan until it's finished leaking out. From here, you will place the drain plug back on, then fill up the vehicle with the correct type of oil from the hood of the car. Then, find where the oil filter is and remove it from the car. Place in the new filter, then tighten all bolts you removed. Check the level in the car to m...
News: Space Tourism, Here We Come!
A family vacation to Mars might be in the not-too-distant horizon, with the first successful manned solo flight of Virgin Atlantic's VSS Enterprise this past Sunday morning. Taking off from the Mojave Air and Spaceport in California, the commercial spaceship separated from its mothership at an altitude of 45,000 feet, piloted by Pete Siebold and Mike Alsbury for a period of eleven minutes before safe landing.
How To: Change your engine oil and filter
In this video we learn how to change your engine oil and filter. First, make sure you can go underneath your vehicle. If not place it up on jacks so you can go underneath. After this, find the oil can and then remove the drain plug from it. Let the oil drain into an oil pan until it no longer drains from the car. Next, replace the plug on the bottom of the oil tank and then pop the hood on your vehicle. Remove the cap for the oil tank and then pour your new oil into it. After this, you will r...
How To: Change worn brake pads
In this tutorial, we learn how to change worn brake pads. First, you will need to jack your vehicle up so you are able to fit underneath it. From here, you will remove the lug nuts off of the tires, along with any bolts. Once you remove the tire and the wheel, find the brake pads. Remove these from the inside of the vehicle, then grab the new pads. Replace the old ones with the new ones, then replace the wheel and tire back to the vehicle. Make sure all bolts and nuts are replaced tightly, th...
How To: Change your engine oil for maximum auto performance
In this tutorial, we learn how to change your engine oil for maximum auto performance. First, you will need to find your drain plug underneath your car and let the oil drain out of the tank until it doesn't run any longer. You may need to jack your vehicle up to do this. Once it's done draining, replace the drain plug to the oil tank. Use a new washer and bolt if you need to. Now, pop the hood on your vehicle and find the oil tank. Remove the cap and place a funnel inside of it. Pour your new...
How To: Remove and replace the brake pads on your car
In this tutorial, we learn how to remove and replace the brake pads on your car. First, wash the brake caliper with cleaner, then use a wrench to remove the caliper bolts. After this, remove the assembly and the outer brake pads. Remove the inner brake pads and apply anti-squeal to the backing plates of the pads. Install the pads and then the caliper along with the bolts. From here, you will place the wheel and bolts back onto the car and you will be finished! Make sure everything is tight an...
How To: Change the oil in your Smart car
In this video, we learn how to change the oil in your Smart car. First, you need to go out and buy the appropriate oil for your car. After this, look underneath the car and find the oil filter/plug. After this, you will remove the plug and let the oil drip into a pan underneath the car. Once it's finished draining, you will replace the plug back on the car. When finished, you will pour the new oil back into the car until it's filled up. Then, you will look at the oil to see how much is in the...
How To: Change the oil in your motorcycle
In this tutorial, we learn how to change the oil in your motorcycle. You will need: a drain pan, funnel, oil, screwdriver, filter, and paper towels. First, grab your oil pan and find your drain plug. Then, remove the plug and let the oil drain. After this has drained out, replace the plug to the motorcycle. Then, find the filter and let it drain out. Add in oil to the filter, then replace back into the motorcycle. From here, fill the motorcycle with oil, then measure it to make sure you have ...
How To: Replace a slipping clutch in your car or truck
If you're driving down the road in your vehicle (manual transmission), and you step on the gas, but aren't accelerating as fast as you should, even though the RPMs are solidly rising, you may have a slipping clutch. If you think that you clutch may be the problem in your standard car or truck, then Scotty Kilmer will show you how to replace it— the proper way— just like an auto mechanic.
How To: Repair a stripped-out aluminum oil pan on your vehicle
It happens more times than it should— negligent oil changes. This happens most often with aluminum oil pans on cars and trucks, because aluminum is fragile and should be treated with care and a gentle hand, not a torque power wrench. Using an air-impact gun will only cause damage when installing the bolts, causing the oil to leak from the pan.
How To: Perform a power balance test on your vehicle's engine
The engine has a number of cylinders, whether it's 3, 4, 5, 6… 8…. whatever, and each one of those cylinders is designed to produce the same amount of power. If one is not able to produce the same power as the rest, then that cylinder is down and the engine might miss a bit or have a check engine light. If you think this may be the case with your automobile, this video from Eric the Car Guy will show you how to perform a power balance test on your car's engine. It's very helpful in nailing do...
How To: Check and replace a dead starter in your automobile
If your vehicle does nothing (doesn't crank over) when you turn the key in the ignition, then you might need a new starter. In this video, Scotty shows you how to check your starter and how to replace it if it's bad. Your first reaction for a non-starting car may be to jump start it, due to a dead battery, but if your battery is brand new, or if jump starting doesn't work, you'll need to get a starter tester to check out the starter. If it's bad— replace it with a new one! See how!