Do It Yourself Car Maintenance

Car maintenance is something typically left to the professionals. However, there are a few simple things you can do on your own, such as removing windshield wipers and the blades. Like all other...

Most cars that are produced have some sort of emblem or car ornament installed on the hood of the car and even on the truck. This includes BMW. If you own a BMW, you may find that you want to...

Tinted windows on your vehicle may seem trendy and cool, but after a while you may grow tired of the tint, and you may not know how to remove it. Removing window tint professionally can cost you...

The thermostat in an Xterra controls the flow and temperature of your engine coolant. If your SUV takes a long time to warm up, or if it overheats frequently---monitor the temperature gauge in...

Removing the wheel bearings off a Buick Rendezvous is a very detailed task. You can determine a bad wheel bearing when driving. The wheel bearings will make a roaring noise when you accelerate....

Replacing drum brakes is often thought of as a project that is too difficult for the average car owner to do by themselves. This is not true. By taking your time and paying attention to the...

Jeeps are most recognized by their open cab, functionality and rugged look. The removable hardtop is constructed of metal and plastic and can weigh over 200 lbs., depending on the Jeep model....

The first step in replacing your fuel pump or replacing the fuel tank is removing the existing tank. You'll also need to remove the tank if you're attempting to repair the gas gauge. The fuel...

The fuel filter in an Isuzu cleans the fuel before it gets to the fuel injectors. This is necessary in order to remove most of the contaminates in the fuel. Contaminates are naturally found in the...

The fuel filter on a VW needs to be replaced after 30,000 miles. The filter helps to remove contaminates from the fuel that are picked up from the gas station, the gas tank or both. When the fuel...

Learn how to change your oil and even remove a broken or stuck oil filter with only a screwdriver and hammer.

Protecting your car from rust is very important, but most of us do not realize that our car--bright and shiny from all obvious angles--may be suffering from a serious attack of rust that is out of...

If you've got a broken door lock on your Volkswagen Jetta or Golf MK III, or you just wish to install a new exterior door handle, then you're in luck. Volkswagen made the MK III door handles a...

Modern cars have air filters within the engine bay that keep dirt and debris from entering your engine. Over time, these filters get clogged up and require replacement. Most manufacturers...

The air intake manifold is a crucial part on any car as it delivers the air into the combustion chamber, and allows the ignition of the fuel. Over time the inside of the air intake manifold may...

As painted aluminum wheels age, they can start to look dingy and chipped if they are not properly cared for, requiring that they be either repainted or refinished if they are to look their best....

Jeep Wranglers feature take-off doors unlike many other vehicles in its class. To effectively do so, you should maintain the lubrication to the door hinges and retaining nuts and bolts in order to...

For any number of reasons, you may arrive at the need to remove the door panels of your Subaru. The window operation, lock controls and even car stereo speakers are located between the door and...

Auto window film is often used by individuals who want a tinted look to their car windows without paying the hefty fee of having the actual glass tinted. Most auto window film is self-installed,...

Many cars and especially boats have bodies that include fiberglass. Because these vehicles are generally exposed to the elements, they are susceptible to vandalism, such as graffiti. Seeing spray...

The tail lights on a Volkswagen Cabrio may need to be replaced if the bulbs are blown. You may also need to replace the tail light assembly if it is scuffed or damaged. While there is no service...

You’re driving around in your GMC Jimmy and you notice a puddle of antifreeze on the floor in front of the passenger’s seat. You turn on your defroster and instead of the windows getting...

This eHow will teach you step by step how to remove and replace the struts on a Neon. Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler.

The cabin air filters in your Honda Acura are in the inlet side of the blower motor, which is inside the car, above the glove compartment. Their purpose is to remove all contaminants from the...

The cabin filter on Mercedes Benz C320 ensures that fresh air enters the car from outside. Over time the filter gets clogged up with dust and particulates. It can get damp and retain moisture,...

A 1965 Ford Mustang's dash pad is one of the most noticeable components in the car's interior. After years of sitting in the sun and improper care, the dash pads begin to crack and warp, which...

Cutting a Mustang's springs is a cheaper alternative to purchasing and installing lowering springs, which can cost several hundred dollars. Simply cutting them is free and will result in a lower...

Installing a new carpet kit in your Corvette is one of the easiest and most effective ways to refresh the interior and make it feel like new again. Old carpeting gets faded, torn, worn thin and...

The time has come to replace the timing belt on your 2002 Honda Accord. You know you can do the job yourself if you know the right procedure--and you are right. Installing a new belt on your Honda...

Repairing or replacing the heater core on a Jeep Cherokee is a complicated procedure, and might be best left to a professional. However, it can be done with basic hand tools, provided the...

Trailer decals are a challenge to remove from any surface. You don't want to just pull them off and leave part of the decal or adhesive residue. To properly remove the decal and adhesive...

Exhaust manifolds usually become the most unattractive parts in your engine bay, especially after years of use. It's very easy for an exhaust manifold to become covered with rust, soot and grease....

Generally speaking, unless one is doing a complete restoration, replacing a two piece rear main seal with a one-piece is the preferable option. Many companies make single-piece conversion kits,...

Replacing the springs and shocks on an older BMW 3 Series like the E30 is one of the best ways to make it feel like new again. Old, worn-out shocks ruin the ride and handling of a car. When...

While preventative maintenance can keep a vehicle's engine running smoothly for years, there's only so much you can do to maintain the vehicle's paint job, especially on the hood. When wear and...

3M is a manufacturer of adhesive products, including a line of acrylic tapes. These high-performance tapes allow secure bonding when applied to automobile parts and accessories. Instead of using...

The alternator in a Mercedes S420 is the generator that supplies power to the electrical components in the vehicle. Without the alternator, the car would have to rely entirely on the battery....

Changing your own clutch when it goes bad can save you some money and even some time if you have a very busy mechanic. Changing the clutch on your fan will also increase the cooling efficiency of...

The timing belt on a VW GTI 1.8T is a common maintenance area. However, replacing the belt is quite time-consuming and is therefore expensive to have the dealer perform this part of routine...

This article will guide you step by step in changing the brake pads and rotors on a 6th generation Honda Civic.

The disc brake assembly is one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle. Disc rotors, calipers and pads should be replaced when worn out or broken. Worn caliper pistons may leak. Disc...

The Audi Coupe Quattro was made in 1990 and 1991 as part of Audi's 90 Series. In addition to being an all-wheel-drive car, it is powered by an inline-five-cylinder motor. Replacing the timing belt...

The control arms of the car function as the arms that keep the car stable. Control arms may begin to fail as early as 60,000 miles, and it should be checked during regular maintenance. If you hear...

A camshaft position sensor on a BMW is a sensor that reads the position of the camshaft in relation to the engines timing and fuel delivery. There are two camshaft position sensors, one inlet and...

If you ever have to get behind your dashboard to replace your heater core or you want to upgrade your stereo, you will need to remove the stereo unit. Here are the steps to remove the radio from...

Whenever you work on your dashboard or in the front seat of your SUV, it is always a good idea to remove the rear view mirror so you don’t knock it off. It’s much more difficult to reinstall the...

Most cars--including the BMW 330i--will suffer from a failed alternator at some point, particularly as the mileage gets higher. If the alternator fails, the car is not going anywhere....

Before removing any steering column upper bearing you must remove the steering wheel. For most cars this involves removing the horn cover first. First, turn the wheel straight, then disconnect the...

Lowering the suspension on a car is an easy way to improve the handling. A lower suspension means a lower center of gravity, while stiffer springs reduce body roll and make the suspension more...

There are many reasons why you may need to remove the steering wheel on your BMW 328i, whether it's to install an aftermarket or later OEM steering wheel, or make a repair to the horn or the...