Maintenance
Car maintenance tips, with advice on do-it-yourself auto repairs to help keep your car looking like it just rolled off the lot. Learn how to give your car an oil change, fix car paint, install new accessories and replace your car battery and windshield—without the aid of a mechanic.
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How to Use a Torque Wrench
Buy and use a torque wrench to prevent common over-tightening problems and avoid expensive fixes... -
What to Look for in LED Safety Lighting
A retractable LED work light is safer than incandescent drop lights, and a pocket LED... -
How to do a Brake Check
Even if you have no experience repairing cars, you can do a brake check-inspecting brake... -
How to Fix Your Windshield Washers
A windshield washer that doesn't pump enough fluid is annoying, and can be hazardous. Here's... -
Easy Car Maintenance: Loosen a Rusted Wheel
Follow our do-it-yourself car maintenance tips to remove a rusted-on wheel using rust penetrant, a... -
Easy Car Maintenance: Find a Vacuum Leak
Vacuum leaks can cause a variety of engine problems, and pros charge money to find... -
The Essential Car Maintenance Checklist
Road trips are more fun when the car doesn't break down! Run through this five-minute... -
Why You Shouldn’t Use Cheap Auto Parts
Take our auto expert's advice and avoid cheap economy auto parts. They typically wear out...
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How to Replace Spark Plug Wires
Worn spark plug wires and boots can start to leak voltage to nearby engine parts,... -
How to Repair a Car Heater Hose
It's a good idea to keep a heater hose repair kit in your car (and... -
How to Install New Car Carpet
Replace the old, dirty carpet in your car with new, pre-formed carpeting in an afternoon. -
How to Change Front Brake Pads
Changing front brake pads is simpler than replacing rear disc brakes, and if you have... -
How to Apply Paint Protection Film to Your Vehicle
Formerly a pros-only product, paint protection film is now available in easy-to-apply spray-on kits. An... -
How to Make Your Car Tires Last
One of the most critical car maintenance tasks is to check your car tires regularly.... -
How to Load a Grease Gun Cartridge
Loading a new grease cartridge seems easy enough, but if you don't do it right,... -
How to Improve Brake Performance and Extend Wear
Improve brake performance and extend wear by using new high temperature grease to lubricate the...
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How to Replace a Broken Wheel Stud
Tightening lug nuts without a torque wrench can be a recipe for disaster. Here are... -
How to Check Your Car’s Serpentine Belt for Wear
Although EPDM serpentine belts are superior to older models, it's not as easy to tell... -
Do-It-Yourself Headlight Replacement: Step-by-Step Instructions
Got a burned-out headlight? Here are our quick and easy step-by-step instructions for headlight replacement,... -
How to Replace Corroded Battery Terminals
Got badly corroded battery cables? Here's how to replace your car's battery cable terminals with... -
Cool Auto Shop Tools You Need
A do-it-yourself mechanic's wish list: all the tools you could ever need (and want) in... -
How to Repair Car Paint Scratches
Car paint scratches all too easily, but you can easily repair paint scratches yourself (provided... -
When to Replace a Coolant Temperature Sensor
If your car has starting problems and the "check engine" light doesn't come on, you... -
How to Change Your Car’s Serpentine Belt
Automatic belt tensioners, standard in most cars now, make changing a serpentine belt a simple...
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How to Save on Brake Repair Costs
Learn how to avoid brake job rip-offs, extra costs and save up to $1,000 over the... -
Testing Coolant with a Multimeter: Step-by-Step Instructions
A simple diagnostic test of the radiator coolant for conductivity will show if you've got... -
6 Ways to Get Your Car Winter-Ready
Snow, sleet and ice are far from ideal driving conditions, which is why it's essential... -
How to Fix Your Car Windshield Washer
Windshield washers are fairly reliable. But when they fail, it's usually the result of a... -
How to Change Your Own Brake Fluid
Do-it-yourself car maintenance: Save money at the mechanic by learning how to change your own... -
How to Check for a Bad PCV Valve
Perform the world's easiest diagnostic test: Shake your PCV valve to make sure it's working.... -
5 Inexpensive Car Security Tips
Protect your car from theft and vandalism with these smart security tips. -
How to Invest in Car Maintenance: The Bare Minimum
Want to make the most of the money you spend on car maintenance? These five...