Automotive

Use a professional crimper and electrical moisture sealant to make quick, solid connections in auto wiring.

Invest in a computer-safe test light and retire the old incandescent test light. The old one can damage sensitive electronics in your car.

Pro mechanics reveal their top automotive tools, the ones that they keep close at hand and work best for them, including a battery-powered…

Diagnosing many car problems is easier with an automotive stethoscope, a tool that lets you hear inside the engine. Here's an introduction to…

A rethreading kit is an important part of any automotive toolbox. Use it to restore stripped threads on old, rusty nuts and bolts when you…

Diagnose car problems without going to a mechanic with an auto code reader. Simply plug it into the car's computer system, then interpret…

Padded undercar creepers are worth the investment, even for amateur mechanics. You’ll enjoy changing the oil and working on the engine more when…

A retractable LED work light is safer than incandescent drop lights and a pocket LED puts light right where you need it in tight quarters.

Are 12-point sockets as good as six-point sockets? Find out the answer—and why—before you buy that expensive set of socket wrenches…

Charging a laptop or other electronic device on a car cigarette lighter works differently than charging from an outlet. Here's what you need to…

Buy and use a torque wrench to prevent common over-tightening problems and avoid expensive fixes later.

Panel clips are used to hold door and splash panels in place, and it's important to use the right tool to remove and reinsert them or they can…

Road trips are more fun when the car doesn't break down. This quick maintenance checklist will alert you to potential problems before they turn…

Buying a new truck or SUV? We've got the scoop on all the new 2011 models, along with specs and pricing. Check out Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan…

Prevent license plate theft by using special screws that require a special security wrench to remove. They're inexpensive and take only…

Remove your car radio/CD unit and send it in for repairs rather than buying a new one. The trick is getting it out without wrecking anything.

Remove a rusted-on wheel with rust penetrant, a hand maul and a block of wood. Prevent rusting with anti-seize lubricant.

Be prepared for breakdowns and roadside car problems like flats, dead batteries and mechanical trouble with this handy glovebox guide to…

Winterize your inboard/outboard motorboat and save $150. Our instructions include an oil change, draining the engine block, lubing the lower…

Install a remote starter for your car yourself. It's a great upgrade, inexpensive and a project you can do yourself with simple tools and the…

If your car or truck won't hold a charge, you probably need a new alternator. Learn how to test it, how to replace it, and where to find the…

Vacuum leaks can cause a variety of engine problems, and pros charge money to find them. Here’s how to track them down yourself with a spray…

Motorcycles are enjoyable and efficient. Ridden properly, they're safe, too. Follow these simple safety tips, and you and your bike will have…

Reattach rubber or vinyl side molding on your car before it comes loose. Auto trim on late model cars is notorious for peeling…

Automatic belt tensioners, standard in most cars now, make changing a serpentine belt a simple DIY repair. Follow the clear photos and…

Replace dashboard lights by removing the trim panel and instrument cluster. It sounds intimidating, but it's simpler than you might think…

Save money on your next heater hose repair by replacing just the leaky hose instead of the whole assembly. All you need is a rotary tool and a…

Buy a precut mirror and fix the broken one on your car. The fix costs less than $20 for parts and supplies and takes only 10 minutes to complete.

Replace a leaky gasket cover on a 4-cylinder engine easily and in less than an hour for less than $25. We show you how to do it, step-by-step.

Replace a broken taillight assembly by ordering a new one online and installing it using two ordinary hand tools.

Replace the old dirty carpeting in your car with new pre-formed carpeting. It'll only cost about $200 and take 3 to 4 hours to do a first-rate…

Own a truck or SUV? Learn how to change the differential oil, replace a transfer case shift motor, get a jammed tailgate working again, and make…

To get the highest price when selling your car yourself, catch up on maintenance, detail the car, advertise, organize your records, avoid cheesy…

Restore multiple speeds to your auto heater/air conditioner blower by replacing a resistor module. It’s a simple, quick change-out.

Fix a stuck power antenna by replacing a burned out motor or bad cable/mast. You can do both in about 2 hours, and you'll avoid the $50 - $100…

Before buying a used car, follow this 4-step inspection program to determine the vehicle's reliability, condition and value. It'll help you…

Don't test an alternator by disconnecting the negative battery cable. Use a voltmeter instead to conduct a simple, safe test.

Nitrile gloves protect you from harmful chemicals. Wear them when working with automotive fluids and other caustic liquids.

Use a simple fused jumper to pinpoint the problem with a bad horn. Often the fix is simple and cheap.

Correctly identify the model year and engine type in your VIN (vehicle identification number) when you buy new auto parts.

The click, click sound of a dead battery doesn't always mean the situation is hopeless. Try a few simple tests first—you may be able to…

Repack trailer wheel bearings to prevent the most common breakdown. It's an easy and cheap maintenance chore.

Frozen, rusted bolts are a given in almost every auto or truck repair job. Instead of using anger and brute force, try one of these four proven…

Air tools speed up auto work and can loosen just about any nut or bolt. We help you identify quality tools.

Ground cables tend to corrode and cause various electrical malfunctions. A simple cleaning will clear up many problems.

Solve most sunroof leak problems by clearing a clogged drain tube with your shop vacuum.

Upgrade the original factory sound system in your car by installing an MP3 player. With the removal instructions you can usually swap out the…

Standard roof racks are not meant to carry heavy, wide loads, and can actually tear off at high speeds. Here's what you can do to prevent this…

Replacing a car's thermostat (or T-stat) is an easy and inexpensive repair, and in most cases will cure an overheating or no-heat problem,…

Frustrated by a Phillips screw that's starting to strip out? Salvage the situation with one of these tips before you go through the misery of…

Generate power for corded tools anywhere you go without the cost and hassle of a gas-powered generator by wiring a power inverter to your truck…

For some types of cars, gas octane really does matter, and putting low octane into a car that requires high octane can cause problems. Here's…

Learn the art of hauling lumber and other building materials safely, even in a short-bed pickup truck. With proper loading, you can eliminate…

A repair pro shows you how to make invisible fixes for scuffs, dents and scratches in fiberglass boats and other fiberglass items. You'll save a…

Gas lifts that hold up car hoods, trunks and rear hatches can wear out and become a problem, especially in cold weather. Here's how to fix the…

Repair broken power locks by replacing the actuator, which is a common problem on late-model Fords. You'll save on the shop fee plus some of the…

Replace your vehicle backup bulbs with alarm bulbs to alert folks nearby for safer backing. It's quick and easy. Or add a louder freestanding…

Follow these simple steps for replacing a punctured bicycle tube. You can even fix the flat on the go if you have a spare tube, tire levers and…

Repair most types of bent auto antennas for less than $20 in parts. You can easily fix both “pillar-mount” and…

Simply clean the ground connection to restore the brightness of dim headlights. And apply a little dielectric grease. Or replace the bulb if you…

Fixing a clunk when your car hits a bump is a trial and error process. Start with the stabilizer bushings and then the bar end links, using a…

Go ahead and change the serpentine belt, tensioner and idler roller when replacing an alternator on your car or truck.

Don't get stuck with a lemon. Our used motorcycle-buying guide shows you the most common problems in older bikes, and what it costs to fix them.

Improve the cooling of your car's air conditioner with an easy-to-use A/C recharge kit. You can do it in four simple steps. We also tell you…

If you turn the car key and your car won’t start, don’t give up. Before you call for a tow, try these seven simple tricks to get…

Get that stuck screw out using one of these techniques for removing screws in metal. Begin with the easiest and move on the more complex if…

What do you do if a dashboard warning light comes on? Our experts tell you how to respond to these and other common roadside …

Replacing a broken side view mirror is easier and cheaper than you might think. Once you have the right tools, the hardest part is just finding…

Headlight out?Use these four simple steps to determine if your bad headlight or taillight is caused by a burnt-out bulb, a corroded socket or a…

A leaking heater hose will stop your car dead in it's tracks, but with a basic repair kit you can fix the hose yourself, even out in the…

Having a shop winterize your bike can cost over $200. But if you can change the oil in your car, you can easily winterize your own bike and save…

Turn signals and intermittent wiper controls are the most common failures on the multifunction switch in late-model cars. Save money by doing…

Rough idle? A good dousing with throttle body cleaner may be enough to restore your EGR valve to near-mint condition, transforming a harsh idle…

Power inverters allow you to run low power AC electrical devices like computers, video cams and even TVs in your car. We tell you your options…

Want to save money on a bed liner? Instead of a plastic liner or a professionally sprayed-on liner, try a DIY roll-on bed liner. You'll get…

Organize your auto lubricants, fluids and other items in this simple shelf/work table cabinet. Build it in a few hours and keep all your auto…

Even if you're not a car-geek, doing some simple, basic maintenance on your vehicle will keep it out of the shop and extend its life.…

If you have starting problems and the "check engine" light doesn't come on, you may have a bad engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT). They're…

Avoid economy auto parts. They typically wear out much faster than professional grade parts and will cost you time, money and aggravation in the…