Sometimes vehicle repairs and modification get serious, so serious that you have to yank the engine out. Seasoned pros do it all the time, but for the average DIY mechanic, yanking an engine is a pretty big task. The process of engine removal varies greatly by the vehicle, so we…
Opening a car door should be like opening your refrigerator. A light should come on and stay on until you close the door. This doesn’t always happen, though, as you can attest if your interior lights are on the fritz. Here’s the fix for three common car interior light problems.…
Every mechanic, professional or DIY, from Schwinn to Maserati, needs a socket set. True, a wrench set can take you places, but there are some places where only a ratchet and socket will work. Professional mechanics might have multiple socket sets, and you’d be surprised how useful it is to…
Car alignment might feel like a set-it-and-forget-it maintenance item. The reality, though, is that rough roads, potholes and worn-out suspension components can all conspire to pull your vehicle’s alignment out of spec. Fortunately, there are a number of signs that your vehicle may have an alignment issue. When you discover…
Thermostats are very simple mechanical control devices that work until they don’t. There is usually not much in-between partial function. While they are not expensive to replace, testing one that you suspect isn’t working is a good way to narrow down a problem. If you don’t know for sure, then…
You’re probably familiar with hybrid cars, and have likely seen plenty of Prius models prowling the pavement. But have you heard of a mild hybrid? While other automakers have responded to Toyota’s market-dominating Prius with standard and plug-in hybrid models, a little-known term — mild hybrid — is about to…
Whether you’re dealing with dust, bird droppings, pollen or everyday road grime, the right car cleaning products will make you a master of the car wash — right at home in your own driveway. After detailing the interior, don’t just use anything to clean the body and glass. Household glass…
As complicated as modern vehicles may be, there are still a number of basic things that you can do to make sure that your ride is running properly, including checking and adjusting fluids. In addition to knowing how to check your brakes in the garage, you should also be able…
Every car owner has at least one thing in common with every other car owner: every few years, it may be time for a new car battery. Not all car batteries are created equal and different cars have different battery requirements, so its important to have your battery’s health checked…
As the summer heat picks up, it’s important to protect your dashboard and interior from getting damaged by the harsh rays of the sun. UV light is no joke when it comes to the materials that make up your automobile’s cabin. This is especially true if you live in a…