Cars

Exhaust Gas Recirculating valves (EGR) were first introduced in the 1970s as a way to reduce exhaust emissions that were not being cleaned by smog control devices. When the temperature in the...

You should flush out your cooling system on a regular basis; but not everyone does this. Ignoring this maintenance could lead to problems with leaky gaskets, overheating and rust in your radiator....

Proper wheel alignment is critical to your vehicle. Poor alignment can cause premature tire wear, sloppy handling and even problems controlling the vehicle. By learning how to adjust the tie rod...

Ford F-150 pickup trucks have a well-deserved reputation of rugged dependability, especially with its towing capacity exceeding 10,500 lbs. But with that reputation comes the desire of F-150...

The Cordia uses a rear drum braking system that requires routine maintenance to operate properly. The adjustment screw on the bottom of the brake assembly often needs attention and is only...

A key fob is a wireless device that is used to remotely lock and unlock a car, as well as perform other functions such as setting off an alarm.

The water pump is an essential piece of equipment used to circulate water and coolant throughout the engine to keep it from overheating during operation. Replacing or repairing the water pump on...

Customizing an old truck can be an enjoyable hobby and a ideal way to bond with your children, especially if you let them participate in the decision making process for customization. You will...

Since 2006 Japanese automaker Toyota has offered a hybrid version of its Highlander mid-size crossover SUV. The Highlander Hybrid offers better fuel economy than its gas-powered counterpart while...

Hydraulic floor jacks are constructed from a horizontally placed pump jack assembly that lays between two metal support pieces. Below the metal supports are four metal wheels. The wheels allow the...

Torque is the applied tightness of the retaining bolt without over-tightening (which can mash threads to the mating surfaces) or under-tightening (which can lead to the bolt not holding the...

Because exhaust manifolds and headers are made of iron, they are particularly susceptible to rust. Rust by itself usually doesn't present a problem for exhaust components. However, removing rusted...

All Saturn vehicles use a window regulator to move the window up and down, and some models have optional power motors instead of hand cranks. These electric motors can wear out and require...

The Ford F-150 is manufactured with optional electric power windows, which use a motorized window regulator to raise and lower the glass. This motor can wear out and require replacement. The...

The Nissan X-Trail is an SUV sold in several parts of the world, although it is not sold in the U.S.. The X-Trail does share many components with U.S. Nissan vehicles, so tail light replacement...

The Jeep Cherokee was manufactured with optional power windows, which use a motor-driven window regulator to raise and lower the glass. Damage to this motor, or any break in the electricity...

Removing the interior door panels on a Subaru is widely standardized, no matter what the model. If you must replace a side-view mirror, replace the power window module or motor, or upgrade the...

Trouble codes on a Honda are denoted by an illuminated (check engine) light on the instrument panel. The illumination of this light means that the engine computer recognizes a problem in its...

The water pump is an essential mechanical part of your Jeep Cherokee. A water pump circulates a mixture of coolant and water through the engine block and back through the radiator to maintain a...

Duramax diesel engines have been installed in Chevrolet and GMC heavy duty trucks since 2001 and are still in production today. Vehicles that are powered by the Duramax diesel engine have been...

Changing the fuel filter on your vehicle is part of a good maintenance schedule, but most don't do it. On the Ford 6.0l Superduty Diesel engine found in the F-250, it's important to regularly...

Polishing an intake manifold is a technique that is used to get more horsepower from a car. The insides of most intake manifolds have a rough surface that spoils the flow of air as it enters the...

Installing a new set of shocks on your car can improve your ride quality and make your car feel like new. If you're willing to pay for a higher quality shock, then installing a set of Tokico...

Fuel filters serve much the same purpose as oil and air filters, but they are specifically designed to protect your vehicle's gas tank, fuel lines and fuel injector or carburetor.

Porting and polishing an engine's intake manifold is an essential step in optimizing its performance, particularly if it is a modified engine. Porting is the process in which material on the...

Most automobiles with electric power windows use a motorized window regulator to move the pane of glass inside the vehicle's door. This motor can wear out from damage or age, and will require...

Tire cutting is used in several different venues. Manufacturers use tire cutting tools to perfect their tires before they are sold to the public. Racing enthusiasts use tire cutting tools to...

Replacing the alternator belt can be tricky. It is important to remember that you can remove certain parts to make more room to get to the belt. The Dodge Neon is a compact car, so space is tight;...

To replace the ignition switch on your Jeep Wrangler you do not have to remove any covers or panels, which simplifies the task. Still, you must set the switch in a particular position to install...

The transmission gasket on your Isuzu Rodeo seals the junction between the transmission fluid pan and the transmission housing. This keeps fluid from leaking out of the pan and also prevents dirt...

Porting the exhaust manifold on a car is a great way to optimize the performance of the engine. When most manifolds are manufactured, they are not optimized for performance, since the amount of...

Nothing can ruin your car's look more easily than a bit of misplaced paint. Whether it's a vandal's spray can, dollops of house paint or some other kind of stain, paint on your car can be an...

Your car has a thin, clear protective coat over the paint to help prevent rust and other damage. However, after you wash your car or even during a rain storm, water may find a way to work...

Keeping your car in top aesthetic shape may not be essential in keeping it operable, but it's still a worthwhile endeavor. One of the easiest ways to tarnish a car's appearance is with a scratch...

U-bolts are a critical part to a truck or car with a leaf spring rear suspension, but sometimes the aftermarket doesn't offer the size or length u-bolt that you want for your application. Maybe...

Car dealer licensing is regulated by the state where you live. Obtaining an auto dealer license could potentially provide you with an opportunity to make a sizable profit from the purchase and...

Science has known about the existence of hydrogen for about 250 years. People have been using hydrogen fuel as transportation since a few years after its discovery. America's hydrogen market...

Replacing starter wires becomes necessary when wires become corroded over time and do not carry enough electricity to turn the starter over and start the car. The wire harness is relatively...

The cost to replace car shock absorbers (dampers) varies on factors that include age of the vehicle, whether it is a passenger or performance car and where it comes from. For the purposes of this...

Donating your RV to Hurricane Katrina victims is a good way to both help disaster relief and earn possible tax deductions while avoiding the hassle, stress, and money required to sell your RV.

A boost gauge is a pressure gauge that reads the amount of air a turbo is forcing into the motor. A boost gauge is useful on an Audi that has been modified to allow the turbocharger to produce...

Removing paint from a car's exterior is one of the first steps to a quality paint job. Getting the paint off, though, is time-consuming and can be frustrating at times. With the right tools, this...

Cleaning a car is an important step in keeping the paint in good condition. Cleaning a new car is even more important because you're washing a new surface, and you can do your best to keep the...

Americans have been hearing for years that Chinese automakers are about to invade the U.S. market, but as of late 2009 you couldn't find a Chinese car in your dealer showroom just yet. The global...

Painting a car is one of the easiest ways to add instant value and pizzazz. However, whether you are getting it professionally painted or trying to do it yourself, keep a few tips in mind to...

The ignition switch is the first device you activate when cranking up your Pontiac Grand Am. It's responsible for sending current to the starter to start the car, so a faulty switch will keep your...

You would not expect a fuel injector on your 1997 Jeep Wrangler to cause so much trouble. But a bad injector can upset fuel distribution, idle, fuel economy, emissions and even engine performance....

Depending on his level of experience, a motorcycle mechanic will be called upon to do everything from cleaning motorcycle sparkplugs to overhauling engines. For anyone with a mechanical bent and a...

Installing a set of muffler tips on a Dodge is a popular way to upgrade the exterior appearance, whether it's a new truck or a classic Charger. Not only is this a simple upgrade, it's also pretty...

Removing ink from a car door usually requires only elbow grease and the right type of cleaner. Most types of marker ink are soluble in alcohol and will rub off without damaging the car finish....