- 0
Charging System Check Using Simple Tests
Diagnose and fix common vehicle charging system problems using a few tools and this guide.
- 0
Why Does My Car Vibrate or Make Noises?
Check these common sources of car vibration and noises and repair your car sooner.
- 0
Why Does My Vehicle Pull to One Side When Braking?
If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, check these common sources of trouble.
- 1
Why Does My Engine Knock?
Diagnose engine knock with the help of this simple guide before your engine suffers costly damage.
- 0
Why Is My Car Using So Much Gas?
If your car consumes more fuel than usual, find the culprit fast and stop throwing money at the gas pump.
- 0
Why Does My Engine Start But Then Stop?
When your engine starts but stops, concentrate your diagnostic efforts on those systems or components most likely to cause the failure.
- 0
Why Does My Engine Hesitate During Acceleration?
When your engine hesitates during acceleration, get to the source of the problem with this guide.
- 0
Why Won't My Engine Turn Over?
When your engine will not rotate, these simple checks and tests can help you diagnose and repair the fault.
- 0
Coolant Loss: Where Is My Car's Coolant Going?
Learn how coolant loss happens, where to look for the leak, and what tests you can do at home to find the leak source faster.
- 2
Why Does My Car's Engine Miss?
Engine misses can be hard to diagnose, but you can start with the most likely sources to speed up your repair.
- 0
Why Does My Engine "Lope"?
When your engine lopes, focus on those systems more likely to give you trouble.
- 2
Why Does My Engine Keep Running ("Dieseling") After I Turn it Off?
If your engine fires and coughs after it's been turned off, this guide helps you target the different systems and components you should pay attention to.
- 2
Why Is My Car Hard to Start?
Whether your car is hard to start when cold, hot, or both, this guide gives you tips and tests to help you fix your car sooner.
- 0
How to Diagnose Engine Backfires
Diagnose engine backfires with this guide and prevent potentially serious engine damage.
- 1
Troubleshooting Alternator and Charging System Problems
Diagnose alternator and charging system problems with this practical guide to get your car back on the road faster.
- 3
Turn Signal Problems and Diagnosis
This guide helps you diagnose turn signal problems, when one or more of the signal lights refuses to work.
- 0
Why Don't My Brake Lights Work?
When your brake lights don't work, apply these simple diagnostic tests.
- 3
Why Does My Car Battery Discharge Overnight or When Parked?
Find out why your car battery discharges, applying these simple tests at home.
- 2
Why Is My Car's Engine Using Too Much Oil?
Is your car using too much oil? How to do some tests to find the reason. Learn about common leak sources and prevention.
- 12
Diagnosing Symptoms of a Bad Manual Transmission
Match these common symptoms to your possible manual transmission issues for a faster diagnosis.
- 26
Symptoms of a Bad Clutch
The most likely reasons for bad clutch performance, a noisy clutch, or strange behavior by the clutch pedal. Look for your symptoms here.
- 2
How to Test a Bad Catalytic Converter
Test your vehicle catalytic converter in your own garage.
- 6
DIY Diagnosis: Causes of Low Engine Power
How to test your vehicle yourself to investigate common and not-so-common reasons for a sluggish engine.
- 6
My Engine Cranks But Won't Start
If your engine cranks but won't start, this guide tells you where to begin your diagnostic and what to do next.
- 0
Engine Rough Idle Problems
Sources of engine rough idle problems and related symptoms for a faster diagnosis and repair.
- 10
Electric Cooling Fan Problems
Check for cooling fan problems using this simple guide and tips.
- 0
Radiator Check - What to Look For
8 ways your car radiator can cause your engine to overheat, plus troubleshooting tips.
- 0
Why Does My Car Stall?
Find out why your car stalls and get tips to fix the problem yourself.
- 0
How to Replace a Brake Caliper
Replace a brake caliper at home using these steps and tips and a few simple tools.
- 0
Bleeding Your Own Brakes With a Hand-Held Vacuum Pump
How to bleed the brakes at home fast using a vacuum pump, plus tips and warnings.
- 0
Brake Booster Replacement
Install a brake booster replacement following these simple steps, even if you have to remove the brake master cylinder.
- 10
Checking for a Bad Brake Booster
Troubleshoot your potentially bad brake booster using the simple tests in this guide to save time and money.
- 2
How to Find and Fix a Vacuum Leak
Find and fix a vacuum leak in your car in a few simple steps using simple tools.
- 0
Automotive Voltage Drop Testing
How to use a voltage drop test to troubleshoot common automotive problem circuits to speed up repairs and save money.
- 4
My Engine Won't Turn Over
If your engine won't turn over, this guide helps you find the most common—and not so common—problem sources.
- 2
Diagnosing Engine Misfires: Tips and Strategies
Check common sources of engine misfires using this friendly tip-filled guide.
- 4
How to Replace a Coolant Temperature Sensor
Replace your coolant temperature sensor at home now using some common tools, a few minutes, and this practical guide.
- 0
How to Replace Struts and Shock Absorbers in Your Car
A guide to replacing the struts and shock absorbers in your car. What you need to be aware of and tips for a successful repair.
- 0
How to Install a Water Pump on a Car
How to replace your car water pump at home successfully with a step-by-step procedure and tips to make it last longer.
- 2
Diagnosing a Water Pump Failure
Diagnose a water pump failure faster with these three simple step-by-step methods.
- 18
How to Troubleshoot a Mass Airflow Sensor
How to troubleshoot a mass airflow sensor in a few simple steps, what to look for, and how to interpret your results.
- 0
How to Replace a Fuel Pump
Know how to replace a fuel pump safely, whether it's an in-tank or inline fuel pump.
- 0
Troubleshooting Symptoms That May Mean a Bad Fuel Pump
Diagnosing simple fuel pump problems is within the reach of the average car owner. Use this guide to get your car back on the road faster.
- 8
How Do You Know if a Throttle Position Sensor Is Bad?
Test the throttle position sensor in a few minutes using a digital multimeter.
- 0
How to Test a Fuel Pressure Regulator
Learn how to test a fuel pressure regulator to save money and time in car repairs.
- 0
How to Test Fuel Injectors — 3 Simple Methods
When testing fuel injectors for common problems, you don't need to be an expert or have expensive tools.
- 0
Ignition Switch Replacement
Use this ignition switch replacement guide to save on car repairs. On many models you can install a new switch in about an hour.
- 0
When to Change Brake Pads
How to know when to change brake pads: Learn the sounds, symptoms and signs that say your car may need a new set of brake pads.
- 0
How to Replace Battery Terminals
Replace bad battery terminals and restore proper operation of the starter motor and other electrical systems.
- 0
DIY Headlamp Adjustment Guide
Headlamp adjustment at home without special tools. It only takes a few minutes to get set for the road.
- 1
How to Check Brake Fluid
Know how to check brake fluid in minutes and prevent expensive repairs.
- 0
Oil Pan Gasket Replacement
Do an oil pan gasket replacement at home following the safety precautions, tips, and method outlined in this guide.
- 0
How to Replace a Fuel Pressure Regulator
See how to replace a fuel pressure regulator at home whether you have a TBI or Multiport Fuel Injection system.
- 1
How to Clean Fuel Injectors
Clean fuel injectors at home and learn about others components that produce similar symptoms to those of dirty injectors.
- 1
How to Fix the Exhaust Pipe or Muffler
This guide shows you how to fix the exhaust pipe or muffler on the cheap.
- 2
How to Find an Oil Leak in Your Car
How to find an oil leak in your car using a simple strategy to save you time and money.
- 0
How to Replace a Fuel Filter
Replace a fuel filter in minutes. This guide works for most vehicle models, even if you don't have much mechanical experience.
- 4
Bad Fuel Filter Symptoms
Recognize bad fuel filter symptoms, improve engine performance and avoid expensive repair bills.
- 0
Engine Won't Crank Over
Engine won't crank over: This guide tells you how to troubleshoot the usual suspects and more.
- 0
How to Do an Engine Compression Test
This engine compression test will reveal your gasoline or diesel engine's mechanical condition. It's fast, cheap and reliable.
- 0
Basic Car Maintenance and Repairs You Can Do Yourself
Basic car maintenance and repairs to reduce car breakdowns and repair expenses.
- 8
Coolant Temperature Sensor Test
This coolant temperature sensor test will tell you in just a few minutes whether you need to replace it.
- 1
How to Test an Ignition Coil
Learn how to test an ignition coil to troubleshoot engine misfires, no-start condition and other performance issues.
- 3
How to Check a Starter Solenoid or Remote Relay
Learn how to check a starter solenoid or remote relay in a few minutes using this simple step-by-step guide.
- 0
How to Change a Starter Motor
Learn how to change a starter motor using a step by step approach that highlights what you need to pay attention to.
- 0
How to Change Spark Plug Wires
Change spark plug wires in your own garage; it only takes a few minutes and you can save a lot of money using this guide.
- 0
How to Change a Car Radiator
You can change your car radiator yourself, whether you have an older or newer vehicle model.
- 0
How to Change Transmission Fluid in Your Own Garage
Change transmission fluid now using this simple guide and prevent serious damage to your transmission and family budget.
- 0
How to Change the Coolant Yourself Without Causing Engine Overheat
How to change coolant in your own garage to protect your engine from corrosion and extreme temperatures.
- 0
Troubleshooting Brake Fluid Leaks
Brake fluid leaks: learn how to find a leak in the brake system before it's too late.
- 0
How to Bleed Your Car's Cooling System
Bleed the air out of the cooling system of your vehicle and prevent serious engine damage.
- 0
Car Battery Leak Test
A car battery leak test will help you stop power loss and extend your battery service life in a few simple steps.
- 0
How Do I Check the Air Filter on a Car?
Learn to check and replace a car air filter to save in fuel and repairs.
- 0
How to Choose an Automotive DMM
Choose the right Automotive Digital Multimeter with this list of must-have (and nice-to-have) functions and features.
- 0
How to Replace an Oxygen Sensor
Know how to replace an oxygen sensor safely and stop wasting fuel.
- 8
How to Check an Oxygen Sensor
Learn how to check an oxygen sensor and eliminate hit-and-miss repairs using a digital multimeter.
- 2
Practical Car Maintenance Projects to Improve Fuel Economy
These car maintenance projects can better your gas mileage by up to 40% or more and decrease your breakdowns.
- 0
How to Jumpstart a Car
How to jumpstart a car without putting your car — and yourself — in danger, plus save time and money.
- 0
Use a Vacuum Gauge to Troubleshoot Your Car's Mechanical Problems
Use a vacuum gauge to find car mechanical problems faster at a low cost.
- 2
Coolant Leak Troubleshooting
A low coolant level can mean a coolant leak. These methods help you locate hard-to-find leaks.
- 0
How to Install an Alternator Belt
Replace the alternator drive belt or serpentine belt at home with this easy to follow guide.
- 36
What it Means When a Check Engine Light is On or Flashing
The "check engine" light is your warning system for engine and control-emission problems. Understanding what makes this light go on or flash can save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
- 0
How to Replace an Alternator
Replacing an alternator is more than making a simple switch. This guide tells you how to do a complete repair.
- 0
What Causes a Car to Overheat?
What causes a car to overheat? Learn what parts and conditions cause your engine to overheat and fix your engine now.
- 0
How to Adjust a Neutral Switch
A guide to adjust, test or replace the neutral safety switch on your manual or automatic transmission.
- 0
How to Replace an EGR Valve
Replace the EGR valve and remove carbon deposits to ensure proper operation of the emission control system and eliminate engine driveability issues.
- 8
How to Test an Alternator for Problems
Alternator problems? This guide shows you how to test an alternator in your car using a digital multimeter.
- 0
Use a Car Maintenance Schedule to Reduce Car Expenses in Half or More
Is keeping your car in working order getting too expensive? Use a car maintenance schedule to save money and increase your car's service life.
- 0
How to Change Your Engine Oil
Change the engine oil at home, get rid of harmful engine contaminants, and extend your engine's service life with this simple guide and tips.
- 0
How to Change Brake Pads
Knowing how to change brake pads may not seem difficult. Still, you may end up with brake issues. So before you install those new pads, check these reminders for a proper installation.
- 0
Serpentine Belt Noise Troubleshooting
That serpentine belt noise could be more serious than you think. Troubleshoot your belt with the help of this guide and fix it.
- 119
Symptoms of a Bad Camshaft Position Sensor
If you recognize one or more of these symptoms, have a look into your camshaft position sensor before it gets you in trouble.
- 2
How to Buy Car Parts
Need to buy auto parts? How you buy means the difference between getting affordable, quality parts and wasting your money and time.
- 0
How to Check Engine Coolant
Avoid common car problems on the road by checking coolant level and condition using a few simple steps.
- 1
How to Buy Tires or How to Decode a Tires Code
Learn the meaning of the most important tire codes to help you buy the best tires for your vehicle.
- 0
How to Check Your Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to check your automatic transmission fluid to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs.
- 2
How to Use a Torque Wrench to Save Time, Money, and Your Car
Learn how to use a torque wrench in minutes. No more broken, leaking or loose parts associated with improper bolt torque.
- 1
How to Clean an EGR Valve
Do a cleaning EGR valve job at home to improve engine performance and prevent serious engine mechanical problems.
- 166
Symptoms of a Bad EGR Valve
Recognizing symptoms of a bad EGR valve will help you troubleshoot potential problems sooner and restore engine performance faster.
- 10
How to Test an EGR Valve - A Simple Procedure
Learn how to test an EGR valve in a few minutes to confirm you actually need a new replacement.
- 0
How to Fix a Car Even If You Are Not a Car Mechanic
You too can learn how to fix a car using the right approach and the right advice. Even from home.
- 38
Car Starter Problems? Five Starting-System Inspection Tips
Car starter problems? Don't blame the starter motor yet. These 5 troubleshooting tips will help you find the culprit.
- 0
How to Retrieve OBD Trouble Codes
Knowing how to retrieve OBD trouble codes when the Check Engine light comes on will help you save time and money.
- 1
How to Jumpstart a Car and Charge a Car Battery
Learn how to jumpstart a car and how to charge a car battery to restore battery power and increase its service life.
- 1
How to Check Tire Pressure
A guide to check tire inflation pressure to stay safe on the road, increase tire service life, and save on fuel.
- 1
Squeaky Brakes and Other Symptoms of Brake Problems
Squeaky brakes, shakes, vibrations. Check this list of common brake problems and identify their potential source so you can fix your brakes.
- 8
Car Thermostat Replacement - 10 Important Tips
Car thermostat replacement is not difficult when you know what to pay attention to. Check these tips for a successful repair job.
- 14
Do I Need to Replace My Car Thermostat?
Car thermostat problems — Check your thermostat in a few minutes without removing it from your car.
- 0
How to Replace a Radiator in a 2002 Saturn L200
See how to replace a radiator in your 2002 Saturn L200 and avoid costly repairs. You may already own most of the tools you'll need.
- 0
How to Change an Oxygen Sensor on a 2000 Dodge Stratus
Change an oxygen sensor on your 2000 Dodge Stratus without leaving behind damaged threads and exhaust leaks.
- 0
Learn How to Change a Car Battery in a Few Simple Steps
Change a car battery without damaging electric components and prevent corrosion build up at the same time.
- 0
How to Change Spark Plugs
Changing spark plugs correctly is not difficult, if you know what to pay attention to.
- 0
How to Test a Fuel Pump Relay and Other Automotive Relays
Check your fuel pump relay — and other automotive relays — in minutes using three different simple methods.
- 0
Use a Car Battery Hydrometer to Spot an Undercharged or Failing Battery
Use a car battery hydrometer on a dead car battery or suspected bad car battery to learn its state of charge and health in minutes.
- 5
How to do a Parasitic Battery Drain Test
Find that parasitic battery drain that's causing your car battery problems whether you have a newer or older vehicle model.
- 1
What Are the Best Spark Plugs for My Car?
What are the best spark plugs for your car? Can platinum or iridium breed new life into your engine? Should you upgrade?
- 3
How to Test a Car Battery With a Multimeter or Hydrometer
This guide will show you how to use a digital multimeter, hydrometer, and other simple tools to troubleshoot, inspect, and clean your battery if necessary.
- 80
Bad Starter Symptoms: Why Won't My Car Start?
Diagnose the most common problems with your car's starting system without special equipment or knowledge, based on the symptoms described here.
- 35
Bad PCV Valve Symptoms and How to Test the PCV Valve Yourself
The important function of a working PCV valve, how it works, signs that it's failing, and how to test.
- 2
How to Test Spark Plug Wires
Testing spark plug wires to solve power loss, hard-to-start, increase in gas consumption and other performance issues.
97
For several years now, I've been writing articles on automotive related topics with the purpose of helping readers maintain, repair, and save monye working on their own vehicles. I've earned several certifications in the automation and control technology field from the Advanced Technology Center in El Paso, TX, and have worked in automotive maintenance and repair. My articles range from simple tasks like coolant system inspeciton to more specialized tasks like replacing a brake master cylinder.