BROWSE HOW TOs

Check Out All Categories

Car Maintenance

Become a car maintenance expert after browsing the extensive collection of auto How Tos penned by eHow’s virtual mechanics. Tired of paying someone else to handle your oil changes and tune ups? Do-it-yourself car maintenance tips are available at eHow. Beyond general maintenance pointers and advice, clean freaks can find great How Tos on washing a car and auto detailing. Somebody spill coffee in the backseat? eHow’s even got car upholstery information.

Categories in Car Maintenance

Articles in Car Maintenance

How to Remove Vomit Odor From a Car

By eHow Cars Editor

1 comments

Phew, there is nothing that stinks more than the smell of vomit in the car. It probably seems like you have tried everything. Getting rid of that odor seems virtually impossible, but it can be done. Just follow these instructions and you can get ... more »

How to Remove Water Spots From a Car

By eHow Cars Editor

0 comments

Water spots develop on a car's surface from impurities in the air and the water that you use to wash your vehicle. They often appear after you leave your car out to air dry. You can remove them easily and take steps to keep them from appearing in ... more »

How to Repair Car Paint Damage

By eHow Cars Editor

0 comments

Age, dirt and wear can damage a car's paint job, which can damage the body as well as hurt its appearance. You need to repair any fading, peeling or scratching of your car's paint in order to preserve its look and durability. Read on to learn how ... more »

How to Repair Sagging Car Ceiling

By eHow Cars Editor

1 comments

After a few years it is quite normal for a car ceiling to start to sag. The extreme temperatures the car goes through break down the glue and the material comes loose from the ceiling. Repairing your sagging car ceiling is easier than you may think... more »

How to Replace a Car Engine

By eHow Cars Editor

0 comments

You will need to replace your car engine when: it has over 150,000 miles on it and is slowing down, it stops working or if it starts smoking excessively. Replacing a car engine is a complex procedure. It will require extensive knowledge of the ... more »

How to Replace a Car Starter

By eHow Cars Editor

0 comments

A car starter is an electrical part and must be replaced after a certain amount of time and usage. Replacing the starter can be difficult on certain models, but it is possible to do in your own driveway. Learn how to replace a car starter by ... more »

How to Replace a Car Timing Belt

By eHow Cars Editor

0 comments

Replacing the timing belt on your car, though not easy, can be done in your driveway. Replacing the timing belt is more complicated than replacing a fan belt and involves much more work. When changing the timing belt, it is a good idea to replace ... more »

How to Replace a Tail, Brake or Reverse Light

By eHow Cars Editor

3 comments

Replacing a dead bulb on your car is almost as easy as replacing a light bulb at home. Perform this simple maintenance and avoid the hassle of receiving a citation for a missing brake light... more »

How to Replace an Ignition Switch

By eHow Cars Editor

0 comments

If you're having trouble starting your car and you've been through troubleshooting the starter and alternator, it may be time to replace the ignition switch. Though this is a job best suited for a professional mechanic, if you're willing to take ... more »

How to replace the 3rd door handle on 1996-2003 Chevy S-10 and GMC Sonoma (cargo door)

By Jeffrey2003

0 comments

I believe this cargo door handle has broken on many S-10 and Sonoma owners.. more »

How to Replace the Main Relay in a Honda CR-V

By eHow Cars Editor

0 comments

The Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) main relay in Honda CR-Vs manufactured between1997 and 2000 is located on the passenger's side behind the dashboard and glove box. This relay actually contains two relays within it--one that controls the ... more »

How to Replace Your Front Brakes

By xdragoox

0 comments

Driving a car without good brakes is like skydiving without a parachute. Not a good idea! Luckily, performing regular maintenance on your car's brakes can be done at home if you have the proper tools and help. Follow these directions to change ... more »

How to replace your headliner

By bitterjake

1 comments

Is the automotive fabric in your vehicle's headliner begining to sag? Don't spend hunderes of dollars at a repair shop. You can do this your self... more »

How to Rotate Tires

By eHow Cars Editor

10 comments

Rotating your spare tire into active use gives another one a well-deserved break. Use this technique to provide slightly longer life and more even wear to all of your tires... more »

How to Scuff Old Clear Coat to Apply New Clear Coat

By eHow Cars Editor

0 comments

Reapplying new clear coat to a car or boat results in a shiny new finish that protects the paint beneath. Before you can apply the new coating, you must remove the shiny finish from the old surface so the new coating will adhere. When scuffing ... more »

How to Troubleshoot a Car Air Conditioner

By eHow Cars Editor

2 comments

If your car's air conditioner isn't properly working, you don't have to drive off to a mechanic. Follow these steps first to see if you can troubleshoot the problem and fix it... more »

How to Use Environmentally Friendly Antifreeze

By Ron Cogan

0 comments

Every motor vehicle needs an effective coolant to keep an engine from overheating and cooling system fluids from freezing in extreme weather. This is why we use antifreeze, which has a lower freezing point and higher boiling point than pure ... more »

How to Change a License Plate

By eHow Cars Editor

0 comments

You need to change vehicle license plates when you get new customized license plates, buy a new car or move to a different state. Changing a license plate is a fairly simple procedure if you know what you are doing... more »

How to Check a Car's Transmission Fluid

By eHow Cars Editor

0 comments

An automatic transmission shifts gears while you drive. It uses automatic transmission fluid. A standard transmission must be shifted by the operator and may use several different fluids. Selecting the correct fluid for your transmission is ... more »

How to Check Your Dash Lights

By eHow Cars Editor

4 comments

If any of your dashboard lights aren't working, you may be driving around with a problem and not know it - until you get stranded or do expensive damage to your car... more »

How to Choose a Car Battery

By eHow Cars Editor

0 comments

Choosing a car battery does not have to be a difficult task. You can ask for help, or find out the information for yourself. You can also replace the dead battery yourself as it is a pretty simple process. Batteries come in all sizes and are ... more »

How to Clean a Convertible Top

By joshcrank

0 comments

If you just bought your very first convertible, get used to the idea of performing specialized maintenance on your roof. It’s not overly complicated, but it’s necessary to keep your convertible top looking and performing great. Read on to learn ... more »

How to Clean Battery Terminals

By eHow Cars Editor

0 comments

A car battery stores electricity to power up your vehicle. If your battery doesn't have adequate "juice," however, it can't perform its job. Corroded terminals are one reason your battery can't hold a charge. Cleaning battery terminals regularly ... more »

How to Cure Lead Acid Battery Cancer

By ripsaw

4 comments

Every Vehicle lead acid battery gets cancer ( sulfication ). There is no known cure - unfortunately - the reason is that the cure for lead acid battery cancer was discovered by a former Korean War Vet, School Teacher - self-taught sales person ... more »

How to Determine How Much Horsepower Your Car Has

By eHow Cars Editor

3 comments

Horsepower is not easily calculated, but online calculators can get you close... more »