How To

• Auto Care How-To: Helpful Hints
  Car Fluid Leaks: What to Do Learn ab...
• Buying Car Tires: When, Where, and How
  Tires are the most important, but lea...
• Car Fluid Leaks: What to Do
  If it has metal parts and moves, then...
• Check Engine Light: What It Means and What To Do
  Every vehicle manufactured to be sold...
• Fuel System Additives: Do They Really Work?
  As required by the EPA, all gasoline ...
• How to Prepare for Changing Seasons
  The shifts in temperature and moistur...
• Regular Gas: Is It Okay to Use in Your Car?
  It's happening to most of us. As gas ...
• Smog Check: Obtaining a California Smog Certificate
  Why Do We Need Smog Checks? The fede...
• The Repair Cost of Hybrids: Should You Be Worried?
  If you’ve used our RepairPrice ...
• Tune Up: What Exactly Is It?
  What is a Tune Up? The phrase "My c...
• What Does Drivability Mean?
  The formal concept of drivability is ...
• What Does the Term Misfire Mean?
  Here are some of the most common misf...
• What Is Engine Knocking?
    When an engine knocks, it rel...
• What Is Engine Pinging?
  Here are some common reasons for an e...

Brakes

• Auto Brake System Overview
  Related Services & Repairs ABS...
• ABS Control Module Replacement
  The ABS control module is located eit...
• ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement
  To replace the ABS wheel speed sensor...
• Bleed Brake System
  Air bubbles can enter the brake syste...
• Brake Caliper Replacement
  Brake calipers operate in much the sa...
• Brake Drum Remachine/Resurface
  To remachine, or resurface, brak...
• Brake Drum Replacement
  A technician must remove the wheel to...
• Brake Flexible Hose Replacement
  A flexible portion of the otherwise r...
• Brake Fluid Replacement
  The brake bleeder screws (located at ...
• Brake Master Cylinder Replacement
  To replace the brake master cyli...
• Brake Pads Replacement
  As the brakes are applied, brake pads...
• Brake Rotor Re-Machine
  Vibration felt in the brake pedal or ...
• Brake Rotor/Disc Replacement
  Brake pad material wears out over tim...
• Brake Shoes Replacement
  To replace the brake shoes, the wheel...
• Brake Wheel Cylinder Replacement
  Drum brake systems are generally used...
• Front Brake Caliper Replacement
  Brake pads are located in the brake c...
• Parking Brake Shoes Replacement
  The parking brake is applied by ...
• Rear Brake Caliper Replacement
  When the driver depresses the brake p...
• Wheel Bearing Replacement
  Failing wheel bearings develop e...
• Wheel Bearing Service
  Failing wheel bearings become lo...

Drive Train

• Auto Drive Train Overview
  If you’ve read the engine ...
• Clutch Assemby, Manual Transmission Replacement
  When the clutch assembly is not opera...
• Clutch Cable Replacement
  A failing clutch cable may make the c...
• Clutch Fluid Replacement
  To replace the clutch fluid, it is fi...
• Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement
  The clutch pedal is directly attached...
• Clutch Slave Cylinder Replacement
  The clutch master cylinder generates ...
• Differential Drain and Refill
  The differential contains gears and b...
• Drive Shaft Repair
  The drive shaft must be able to rotat...
• Drive Shaft Universal Joint Replacement
  If you hear squeaking or clunking whe...

Suspension and Steering

• Auto Suspension and Steering Overview
  Related Services & Repair Bal...
• CV Boot Cover Replacement
  The rubber CV boot keeps grease in th...
• CV Half Shaft Replacement
  Each half shaft has two constant-velo...
• CV Joint Replacement
  If the CV boot becomes damaged, greas...
• Front Coil Spring Replacement
  To replace the suspension coil spring...
• Front Control Arm Replacement
  To replace the front control arm, the...
• Front Shock Absorber Replacement
  The integrity of shock absorbers is e...
• Front Suspension Strut Replacement
  To replace the suspension strut, the ...
• Front Sway Bar Replacement
  To replace the old sway bar, mounting...
• Front Wheel Bearing Replacement
  Failing wheel bearings develop excess...
• Inner Tie Rod End Replacement
  To replace the inner tie rod end, the...
• Leaf Spring Replacement
  A suspension leaf spring may be ...
• Lower Ball Joint Replacement
  Without the pivoting motion afforded ...
• Power Steering Add Fluid
  To check the fluid, there is either a...
• Power Steering Hose Replacement
  To replace power steering hoses, flui...
• Power Steering Pump Replacement
  To replace the power steering pump, t...
• Rear Coil Spring Replacement
  To replace the suspension coil spring...
• Rear Shock Absorber Replacement
  The integrity of shock absorbers is e...
• Rear Suspension Strut Replacement
  To replace the suspension strut, the ...
• Rear Sway Bar Replacement
  To replace the old sway bar, mounting...
• Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement
  Failing wheel bearings develop excess...
• Steering Gearbox Replacement
  It may become necessary to replace th...
• Steering Rack Boot Replacement
  To replace the steering rack boot, th...
• Steering Rack Replacement
  To replace the steering rack, the ste...
• Strut Bearing Replacement
  When the steering wheel is turned, th...
• Thrust Rod Bushings Replacement
  Wear in the thrust rod bushings may c...
• Tie Rod End Replacement
  To replace the tie rod end, the wheel...
• Upper Ball Joint Replacement
  Without the pivoting motion afforded ...
• Wheel Alignment
  Manufacturers have wheel alignment sp...

Heating and Air Conditioning

• Auto Heating and Air Conditioning Overview
  Related Services & Repairs AC...
• Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement
  To replace the air conditioning compr...
• Air Conditioning Condenser Replacement
  To replace the air conditioning conde...
• Air Conditioning Evaporator Replacement
  It is difficult to detect leaks in th...
• Air Conditioning Recharge
  To recharge the AC system, gauges are...
• Heater Blower Motor Replacement
  Heater motors on many vehicles may op...
• Heater Control Valve Replacement
  If it is no longer possible to turn t...
• Heater Core Replacement
  To replace the heater core, the cooli...

Engine

• Auto Cooling System Overview
  Your car’s engine runs most eff...
• Auto Engine Overview
  Related Services & Repairs Dri...
• Auto Primary Ignition System Overview
  The voltage can vary from 5,000 to 8,...
• Auto Secondary Ignition System Overview
  The ignition coil secondary windings ...
• Coolant Expansion Tank Replacement
  The expansion tank should be checked ...
• Cooling Fan Motor Replacement
  Some vehicles may use multiple electr...
• Distributor Cap and Rotor Replacement
  The distributor is a main component o...
• Engine Cooling Fan Assembly Replacement
  When a vehicle is traveling fast, rus...
• Engine Oil and Filter Change
  Manufacturers differ in their recomme...
• Engine Oil Change
  Manufacturers differ in their recomme...
• Engine Oil Pressure Switch Replacement
  An engine generally produce...
• Fan Belt/Drive Belt Replacement
  Fan belts are made of rubber and wear...
• Fuel Filter Replacement
  Many manufacturers don't specify...
• Fuel Injector Replacement
  For an engine to operate, it needs ga...
• Fuel Pump Replacement
  Good gas atomization ensures maximum ...
• Head Gasket Replacement
  If the engine is allowed to overheat,...
• Ignition Coil Replacement
  To replace the ignition coil, the ele...
• Ignition Switch Electrical Portion Replacement
  A problem with the ignition swit...
• Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder Replacement
  The ignition lock is an anti-theft de...
• Ignition Wire Set Replacement
  As the engine rotates, it operates th...
• Lower Radiator Hose Replacement
  Radiator hoses are made from rubber s...
• Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement
  Problems with mass air flow sens...
• Oil Pump Replacement
  The oil pump may be located in the oi...
• PCV Valve Replacement
  The PCV valve circulates en...
• Radiator Replacement
  When a vehicle is traveling fast, rus...
• Spark Plugs Replacement
  Spark plugs generally come one p...
• Thermostat Replacement
  To replace the thermostat, the c...
• Timing Belt Replacement
  In order to maintain the mechanical i...
• Timing Chain Replacement
  In order to maintain the mechanical i...
• Upper Radiator Hose Replacement
  Radiator hoses are made from rubber s...
• Valve Clearance Check and Adjust
  Engines are made of many differe...
• Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
  Gaskets deteriorate over time, allowi...
• Water Pump Replacement
  A failing water pump may start t...

Electrical and Lights

• Auto Electrical and Lights Overview
  Related Services & Repairs Al...
• Alternator Replacement
  The alternator produces an alternatin...
• Battery Cable End Replacement
  The battery cables must be secure and...
• Battery Cable Replacement
  The battery cables must be secure and...
• Battery Replacement
  Periodically check battery cables to ...
• Brake Light Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• Door Window Motor Replacement
  Intermittent electric window operatio...
• Door Window Regulator Replacement
  Vehicles equipped with electric windo...
• Fog Light/Driving Light Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• Headlamp Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• License Plate Light Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• Side/Marker Light Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• Starter Replacement
  When the starter motor causes th...
• Tail Light Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• Third Brake Light Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...
• Turn Signal Bulb Replacement
  You may need to remove the lamp assem...

Exhaust and Emissions

• Auto Evaporative Control (EVAP) System Overview
  The evaporative control (EVAP) system...
• Auto Exhaust and Emissions Overview
  Related Services & Repairs ...
• Auto Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Overview
  The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) s...
• Auto Fuel Management System Overview
  The fuel management system is a compu...
• Auto Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System Overview
  When the engine is operating (usually...
• Auto Secondary Air System Overview
  Secondary air is used most commonly d...
• Auto Spark Control System Overview
  The spark control system is a set of ...
• Auto Variable Valve Timing System Overview
  The variable valve timing system shar...
• Catalytic Converter Replacement
  The catalytic converter looks similar...
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement
  If the EGR valve does not open and cl...
• Exhaust Manifold Replacement
  Exhaust manifolds are subject to extr...
• Exhaust Pipe Replacement
  The exhaust pipe routes harmful exhau...
• Exhaust Tail Pipe Replacement
  The vehicle exhaust system should be ...
• Front Oxygen Sensor Replacement
  Over time, oxygen sensors become "laz...
• Muffler Replacement
  Exhaust gases are forced out of the e...
• Oxygen Sensor Replacement
  Over time, oxygen sensors become "laz...
• Rear Oxygen Sensor Replacement
  Over time, oxygen sensors become "laz...

Scheduled Maintenance

• Auto Scheduled Maintenance Overview
  Are You a “Normal” or &ld...
• Air Filter Replacement
  The air filter should be inspected, c...
• Automatic Transmission Fluid Change
  Transmission fluid should be changed ...
• Cabin Air Filter Replacement
  Manufacturers generally recommend ins...
• Cooling System Coolant Change
  The engine’s cooling system sho...
• Manual Transmission Fluid Replacement
  A manual transmission, also known as ...
• Transmission Filter Replacement
  To replace the automatic transmission...
• Windshield Wiper Entire Blade Replacement
  Wiper blades are replaceable and shou...
• Windshield Wiper Inserts Replacement
  In many cases, the rubber insert can ...