10736 218 Cars & Transportation Car Maintenance & Repair Car Maintenance true Thu, 29 May 2008 07:03:46 -0700 /system/videos/5/36/07/01/10736.flv DIY, Instructional, tutorial, Do It Yourself, Tips, Essential Skills, Learn to, cars, car, auto, automotive, transportation, vehicle, maintenance, maintain, repair, repairing, diagnose, diagnosis, problem, problems How To Diagnose Problems With Your Car http://www.howcast.com/videos/10736-How-To-Diagnose-Problems-With-Your-Car http://www.howcast.com/videos/10736-How-To-Diagnose-Problems-With-Your-Car/edit approved 217 640 360 <object width="425" height="273" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="howcastplayer"><param name="movie" value="http://www.howcast.com/flash/howcast_player.swf?file=10736"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.howcast.com/flash/howcast_player.swf?file=10736" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="273" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" ></embed></object> 39 carlo_scialla http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/10736/diagnose_car_problems_hd_2_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg 16170 false false false 38558 1 20 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/10736/20.jpg Get an OBD If your car was made after 1995, invest in an on-board diagnostics reader, which you can find online or at an auto parts store starting at about $50. (Actron is a popular brand.) When your car begins acting up, just plug the reader into a port located under your dashboard and it will identify the problem.

]]> 38559 2 39 Tip Expensive readers will spell out what’s wrong, while cheaper models will give you a code that you’ll have to translate.

]]> 38560 3 45 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/10736/45.jpg Read smoke signals Learn what smoke coming from your tailpipe means. Black smoke indicates your fuel calibration is off; blue means you’re burning too much oil; white means coolant is leaking. Smoke coming from the hood is likely from a crack in one of the radiator hoses; let the car cool down before you pop the hood.

]]> 38561 4 63 Tip If smoke is coming from your hood and you’ve recently had your oil checked, see if the service station attendant forgot to put the oil cap back on.

]]> 38562 5 71 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/10736/71.jpg Know your signs Know which signs mean big trouble, and which mean you just need to refill one of your fluids. An engine that moans when you steer likely needs power steering fluid; a brake that sinks to the floor when you stop needs brake fluid. But a clattering engine requires immediate attention—pull over, turn off the car, and call for roadside assistance.

]]> 38563 6 91 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/10736/91.jpg Know your screeches Know your screeches. A car that screeches when you accelerate may just need a new fan belt, one that screeches when you steer may simply need the power steering belt adjusted, and screeching when you slow down means it’s time for new brake pads.

]]> 38564 7 105 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/10736/105.jpg Name that noise Recognize the noises that indicate an easy fix. A clicking wheel may just have a loose hubcap, or a stone stuck in it; a clicking engine could mean you’ve got a bad valve; a loud, rapid rat-tat-tat sound of metal slapping metal could be a damaged or loose fan blade; a hiss usually means a leaking hose.

]]> 38565 8 125 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/10736/125.jpg Pinpoint that thump If you hear thumping noises coming from the back of your car, check to see if something in your trunk is rattling around before you panic. If the sound is more like a rumble, and it gets worse when you turn, your wheel bearings may be worn out.

]]> 38566 9 139 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/10736/139.jpg Decipher that squeal If your engine is squealing like a pig, it’s probably just a loose belt. And if you just drove through water, it could be that the belts are wet and the noise will go away as soon as they dry.

]]> 38567 10 151 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/10736/151.jpg Identify clear liquids If you notice that your car is dripping a clear fluid, see if it’s slippery. If it is, you might be leaking brake fluid, a situation that needs to be checked immediately. If not, it’s probably just water coming from the air conditioning unit, which is normal. Clear fluid can also be gasoline, but you’ll know that from the distinct smell.

]]> 38568 11 169 Tip Some brake fluids have a yellowish tint.

]]> 38569 12 173 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/10736/173.jpg Decipher colors Know the colors of your car fluids in case you ever see a puddle of them beneath your car. Coolant is usually green, but it can be red or brownish red as well, and the color is translucent. An opaque dark red color means you’re leaking either transmission or power steering fluid. Black, brown, or amber fluid is engine or gear oil.

]]> 38570 13 193 Step http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/10736/193.jpg Know the serious sounds Know the sounds that mean serious business. If your engine gives off a knocking sound that gets faster as you drive, roars when you speed up, or whines in general, see a technician as soon as possible.

]]> 38571 14 206 Fact One study of auto repair shops found that 52% of repair charges represented completely unnecessary work!

]]> 218 155348 How To Change Your Car's Oil: Part 1 HowcastGuide 9576 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:06:07 -0800 8 carlo_scialla ]]> 157 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/4/48/53/15/155348.flv car, maintenance, check, oil, automobile, change, auto, automotive, repair, home Cars & Transportation Car Maintenance & Repair Car Maintenance 0 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/155348/change_cars_oil_pt1_nobug_h264_640x360_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/155348-How-To-Change-Your-Cars-Oil-Part-1 218 155352 How To Change Your Car's Oil: Part 2 HowcastGuide 2586 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:06:07 -0800 8 carlo_scialla ]]> 158 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/1/52/53/15/155352.flv cars, transportation, maintenance, repairing, maintaining, changing, oil, yourself, home Cars & Transportation Car Maintenance & Repair Car Maintenance 0 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/155352/change_cars_oil_pt2_master_hd-640x360_nobug_h264_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/155352-How-To-Change-Your-Cars-Oil-Part-2 1771 9745 How To Improve Your Gas Mileage HowcastGuide 9055 Mon, 26 May 2008 06:46:00 -0700 29 carlo_scialla ]]> 107 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/1/45/97/9745.flv DIY, Instructional, tutorial, Do It Yourself, Tips, Essential Skills, Learn to, cars, car, auto, automotive, transportation, vehicle, automobile, improve, improving, good, gas, mileage, maintenance Cars & Transportation Car Maintenance & Repair Car Fuel 8 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/9745/Improve_Gas_Milage_hd_3_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/9745-How-To-Improve-Your-Gas-Mileage 1771 53095 How To Save Gas With Eight Secret Tips HowcastGuide 34480 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:01:46 -0800 57 ginalevy ]]> 113 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/0/95/30/05/53095.flv cars, automobile, vehicle, saving, maintenance, maintaining, spending, money, cheaper, Gasoline Cars & Transportation Car Maintenance & Repair Car Fuel 8 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/53095/save_gas_eight_tips_hd_3_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/53095-How-To-Save-Gas-With-Eight-Secret-Tips 203 233224 How To Rescue a Capsized Boater HowcastGuide 1067 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:32:33 -0700 6 mcanale ]]> 112 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/5/06/20/23/232006.flv rescuing,capsized,boater,boating,first,aid,vessel,shipwreck,boat,saving Cars & Transportation Boats & Boating Boating Safety 2 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/233224/boat_hd_1_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/233224-How-To-Rescue-a-Capsized-Boater 208 447 How To Buy a Used Car HowcastGuide 5965 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 08:14:16 -0800 19 carlo_scialla ]]> 182 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/6/47/04/447.flv DIY, Instructional, tutorial, Do It Yourself, Tips, Essential Skills, Learn to, cars, automotive, automobile, auto, car, buy, purchase, deal, used, second-hand, bargain Cars & Transportation Buying & Selling a Car Buying a Car 3 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/447/Car.How_to_Buy_a_Used_Car_SD_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/447-How-To-Buy-a-Used-Car 209 151451 How To Finance a Car HowcastGuide 996 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 04:06:41 -0800 7 Dynamic ]]> 115 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/6/51/14/15/151451.flv cars, automobile, auto, financing, paying, buying, purchasing, loan, transportation, payments Cars & Transportation Buying & Selling a Car Car Finance 1 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/151451/Dynamic_HT_Finance_a_Car_hdstill4_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/151451-How-To-Finance-a-Car 210 150885 How To Buy Car Insurance HowcastGuide 960 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 04:06:30 -0800 6 Dynamic ]]> 184 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/0/85/08/15/150885.flv cars, transportation, auto, automobile, buying, purchasing, getting, insuring, money, paying Cars & Transportation Buying & Selling a Car Car Insurance 0 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/150885/buy_car_insurance_hd_3_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/150885-How-To-Buy-Car-Insurance 220 31956 How To Protect Yourself From Carjacking HowcastGuide 8327 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:01:13 -0700 18 Jordana_Giorgio ]]> 92 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/1/56/19/03/31956.flv cars, automobile, vehicle, transportation, protecting, safety, carjacking, thief, thieves, stolen Cars & Transportation Car Safety General Car Safety 1 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/31956/carjacking_hd_2_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/31956-How-To-Protect-Yourself-From-Carjacking 221 9197 How To Jump-Start Your Car HowcastGuide 8781 Tue, 20 May 2008 07:17:08 -0700 34 carlo_scialla ]]> 148 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/6/97/91/9197.flv DIY, Instructional, tutorial, Do It Yourself, Tips, Essential Skills, Learn to, cars, car, auto, automotive, transportation, drive, driving, maintenance, maintain, maintaining, tires, safety, safe, emergency, drain, drained, battery, jump-start, jump, sta Cars & Transportation Car Safety Car Emergencies 8 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/9197/scialla_jump_start_car_sd_2_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/9197-How-To-JumpStart-Your-Car 221 114840 How To Change a Flat Tire HowcastGuide 10031 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:04:01 -0800 15 Seaworthy ]]> 201 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/5/40/48/11/114840.flv DIY, Instructional, tutorial, Do It Yourself, Tips, Essential Skills, Learn to, cars, car, auto Cars & Transportation Car Safety Car Emergencies 0 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/114840/change_flat_tire_hd_3_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/114840-How-To-Change-a-Flat-Tire 221 117114 How To Escape a Car Sinking in Deep Water HowcastGuide 10341 Thu, 22 Jan 2009 04:06:17 -0800 18 Jordana_Giorgio ]]> 125 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/4/14/71/11/117114.flv cars, automobile, vehicle, transportation, safety, emergencies, surviving, survival, submerged Cars & Transportation Car Safety Car Emergencies 11 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/117114/escape_sinking_car_hd3_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/117114-How-To-Escape-a-Car-Sinking-in-Deep-Water 223 450 How To Stay Awake While Driving HowcastGuide 11145 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 08:49:48 -0800 41 carlo_scialla ]]> 162 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/2/50/04/450.flv DIY, Instructional, tutorial, Do It Yourself, Tips, Essential Skills, Learn to, cars, automotive, automobile, auto, car, drive, driving, stay, awake, fall, asleep, keep, from, tired, sleepy, exhausted Cars & Transportation Car Safety Defensive Driving 8 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/450/Car.How_to_Stay_Awake_While_Driving_SD_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/450-How-To-Stay-Awake-While-Driving 223 6570 How To Drive a Stick Shift HowcastGuide 22013 Tue, 06 May 2008 09:30:53 -0700 32 carlo_scialla ]]> 177 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/4/70/65/6570.flv DIY, Instructional, tutorial, Do It Yourself, Tips, Essential Skills, Learn to, cars, car, auto, automotive, transportation, safety, safe, defensive, driving, drive, learn, learning, manual, stick, shift Cars & Transportation Car Safety Defensive Driving 7 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/6570/ppn_scialla_drive_stick_shift_sd_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/6570-How-To-Drive-a-Stick-Shift 226 23133 How To Get a Good Night's Sleep in Your Car HowcastGuide 18111 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:02:03 -0700 19 Seaworthy ]]> 138 http://media.howcast.com/system/videos/5/33/31/02/23133.flv cars, car, transportation, drive, driving, get, getting, good, night's, night Cars & Transportation Driving General Driving 3 http://img.howcast.com/system/thumbnails/23133/sleep_in_car_hd_4_xxlarge_maintained_aspect.jpg http://www.howcast.com/videos/23133-How-To-Get-a-Good-Nights-Sleep-in-Your-Car