Car Maintenance and Repair
Make sure your car is always well looked after and make sure you know how to solve any problems with our repair tutorials. No matter if you have a problem with your brakes, engine or air conditioning, the answer to your doubts is here.
69 articles
If your car sounds like an airplane taking off, you need to be careful. Unless your car has a jet engine under its bonnet, you could have a serious mechanical problem that needs attention as soon as possible. If you notice it gets worse when you go change gear or accelerate, this is something that you...
When you go over bumps on the road, you may sometimes hear a squeaking noise coming from either side of your car. Equally, you might hear a squeak from underneath in the chassis. This noise is not only embarrassing, as everyone around you turns their head to see your car, but can be a sign that there...
Cars are an incredibly important part of our daily lives, whether for commuting to work, embarking on a trip, or simply moving around within our city. Regardless of whether your car is old or new, it is crucial that it undergoes regular maintenance checks to prevent breakdowns and ensure safety while...
medium difficulty
The timing belt is one of the basic parts that keeps all the components of the car engine moving in a synchronized way, ensuring that the valves and pistons are properly coordinated. If this part is damaged, you may find yourself facing a serious problem - replacing it is very complicated and requires many...
high difficulty
The catalytic converter is one of the most crucial components of your car’s emission control system. It works by converting harmful emissions from your car’s engine into safe gases and water. Running a car with a faulty or poorly maintained catalytic converter can result in excessive consumption of fuel,...
While driving, you want your tires to run in the direction you move your steering wheel. It may seem obvious, but even slight changes can lead to dangerous handling problems. Several components in your car are responsible for maintaining this steering system. Whether you drive an SUV, truck or car, all...
low difficulty
The roof lining in a car is actually quite delicate, unlike the exterior which you can easily just clean by going through a car wash. At oneHOWTO, we'll show you how to clean this important part of the vehicle quickly and easily. You've no doubt wondered on occasion how to clean the car roof lining, so we're...
While newer car models now come with an electronic accelerator control system, many cars still have accelerator cables that you have to deal with. Basically, an accelerator cable is braided with metal and works as a mechanical link between the throttle plate of your car’s engine and the gas pedal. When...
Most cars are intended to drive in different areas of the world, by men and women of different ages, and levels of driving skills. Different car models can operate at different temperature, terrains and altitudes, and they use varying fuels with different purity and octane ratings. That being said, the...
Sometimes, you may leave the headlights on overnight and come back in the morning to find the battery of your car totally flat. We have already told you how to move an automatic car with a dead battery. If you have a manual transmission car, you can easily jump start it by asking someone to push your car...
medium difficulty
medium difficulty
The cooling system of your car is crucial for the proper functioning of your overall engine, along with its performance and efficiency. The system circulates a mixture of water and coolant through your car’s engine and radiator under pressure, and its major function is to cool down the engine. The coolant’s...
Ball joints are critical parts of a car’s steering and suspension. These joints attach your car’s wheel hub with the rest of its suspension system. They allow your vehicle to move up and down to absorb shock, and right and left for maneuvering. But ball joints are located under the car, and it is quite...
Your fuel gauge plays an important role in indicating that your fuel tank is running out of fuel, and it needs a refill. When you go for a refill, you check your fuel gauge to see whether it is full or not, and how much it has filled. Sometimes, the fuel gauge gets stuck on empty, and you have no idea how...
You pull over by the roadside because you saw the overheating light coming on and the temperature gauge pegged up. Then you start the car a few minutes later and everything seems to be fine. Again, as soon as you start driving, the temperature goes from cool to hot within a minute. The thermostat keeps...
You may check car bearings of your vehicle to make sure that they are in good condition, and do not need repair or replacement. Wheel bearings consist of outer and inner bearings which allow your car’s wheels to turn left and right. With lots of grease, these bearings create a cushion between your wheel...
medium difficulty
Drive belts are simply belts which help to drive the accessories such as water pump, air conditioner compressor and others which are attached to the engine of an automobile. Drive belts used in automobiles are of two types: V-type (used in old automobiles) and Serpentine (used in new automobiles). Like...
Ball joint is simply a ball and socket joint consisting of the ball, housing, cover cap and in some a washer or spring is included. Even though being quite simple, they have an important function in the car: allowing the suspension to move up and down. Ball joints also allow the wheels to turn left and...
low difficulty
On rainy and cold days, it is very common for your car windshield to fog. Due to this, you lose visibility of the road ahead, and put everyone’s life in the car at risk. The difference between humidity and temperature inside and outside the car is the major factor that contributes to fogging. In addition...
Suspensions not only provide comfort when driving but also guarantee safety as they help to control the vehicle, especially at high speeds and in risky manoeuvres. In fact, they are considered one of the three essential components of the 'triangle of security', together with tires and brakes. This article...
It is no surprise a steering wheel can become very dirty. Many of us use our cars every day and dirt can quickly collect on something which we touch with our hands. Especially if we have to eat in the car or we carry out manual work, some steering wheels can be a magnet for grime. Different types of...
Are you tired of breathing in stale, dusty air every time you get in your car? Do you worry about the health risks of breathing in mold and bacteria that can build up in your car's air conditioning system? If so, you're not alone.
Many people don't realize that their car's air conditioning system needs...
Have you noticed that your car won’t go forward but will reverse or your car won’t reverse but will go forward? The main reason for this happening is due to transmission malfunctions. When it comes to car problems, however, we always recommend consulting a mechanic in order to make sure that your car is safe...
Throttle position sensor, or TPS, is responsible for transmitting information about the throttle’s position to the ECM or Electronic Control Module. It contains a number of mechanical parts that can become damaged and worn out with time and usage. In these cases, it will require an immediate repair or...
medium difficulty
medium difficulty
Most of the time, problems with starting your car are blamed on the battery. While this may be the likeliest culprit, the problem may also lie in your vehicle’s starter. How would you tell if the problem is related to the starter or any other electrical component of your vehicle? Firstly, you need to know...
medium difficulty
Shock absorbers are integral parts of your car. They are pivotal in maintaining your car’s balance, so that you can always have an even and smooth ride. But like any other auto part, they wear out with time and even the smallest of potholes can cause damage. Driving on a busted shock absorber is unsafe...
When your steering wheel is not being straight, it is probably out of alignment, and its steering and suspension systems are not functioning at proper angles. This often results in uneven, rapid tread-wear, and you may need to replace your tires much earlier. Misaligned wheels cause uneven wear on the...
As an engine starts to wear out and age, it begins to change as well. It may still work fine, but it isn’t as powerful and efficient as it was when it was new. Many old engines become hot and seep out excess emissions from their exhaust pipe. Initially, you may not notice these emissions, but as time passes...
Vapor lock occurs when liquid fuel in your engine changes into gas while it is still in the delivery system. Due to this, the fuel pump operation gets disrupted, resulting in complete stalling or loss of power in the carburetor. When that happens, restarting the engine becomes extremely difficult. This problem...
medium difficulty
An oxygen sensor is a significant component of an automobile’s exhaust system. But over time, coolants and oils accumulate inside it, and negatively affect its performance in the form of deteriorated performance and inept combustion. If you neglect it, it can eventually need replacement. You can effectively...
Your car’s frame may get bent if you have recently been involved in an accident. If you are in the market to buy a used car, then you will also want to ensure that the frame of the car you are interested in is not bent or damaged. Here, at oneHOWTO, are a few signs that you can check to find out how to...
Automatic cars have been a boon to the motor world. They have made driving easier for everyone out there. They are easy to run and operate, but because they are quite new in the market, not much information is available for their issues. You must be aware of some reasons why a manual transmission car...
A catalytic converter is an integral part of your car’s emissions control system that is responsible for managing pollution and minimizing your carbon footprint on the globe. It works by converting harmful gas emissions into safe compounds, thus causing minimal damage to the environment. It is situated...
Does your car make a funny pulling motion while you are diving? If you're finding it hard to control your vehicle while on the road, then it may actually be telling you there is an underlying problem. Though you may confuse it with a jerking motion, pulling defines the gradual movement of the car towards...
medium difficulty
medium difficulty
Do you know what happens if you run out of oil in your car? You should keep your vehicle properly maintained as the consequences for the engine are very serious and costly. If, due to a fault in the reservoir or you've neglected replacing the oil and your car runs out, vital car operating parts will be...
Water coming out of the exhaust pipe is a common problem most car owners will notice in their vehicle at some point during its life. If you own a car, you must have asked this question one time or the other that why is water coming out of my exhaust pipe. There are several reasons why this might be...
A vehicle engine system requires continuous fuel supply that is produced through the car’s fuel tank. A fuel pump is required to draw fuel from the fuel tank and propel it into the car’s internal combustion engine. Sometimes, when you turn the key of your car’s ignition system, you notice that the fuel...
You may commonly see white smoke coming from the exhaust on cooler days upon starting. This is likely due to steam created due to the engine burning off the condensation. For this reason, it's important to tell the difference between normal car fumes and problematic smoke. But if this continues even...
low difficulty
Automatic cars carry no clutch or shifter, making them easier to drive and attracting more and more buyers. However, many people think that manual cars at least won’t leave you stranded if your battery suddenly dies in the middle of the road. Contrary to popular belief it is possible to jump-start an...
If you have had a vehicle for a long time, then certain squeaks and sounds are to be expected. This doesn't mean they should be ignored. On the contrary, ignoring noises like this can be detrimental to your car. It can lead to expensive repairs or even having to write off the vehicle. There are various...
The fuel filter in your car is responsible from keeping your engine clear from dirt and debris. This is because they can enter when you open the cap for the fuel tank to pump gas. It is unlikely large pieces of dirt will enter the tank, but even small amounts of sediment which build up from the fuel...
low difficulty
Cars are increasingly electronic things, something that a few years ago was reserved for cars from high-end brands. So, if your vehicle is flooded there are many complications that may arise. If this was the case, we must be very cautious not to do something that could aggravate the damage that already been...
With all of the different parts in a modern car, there are lots of different symptoms that something might be broken or worn out. One of the main ways people detect a problem with their car is by listening to the car as you drive it.
If your car is making strange noises when you make turns, there can...
Turbo Diesel engines are easier to maintain and if they are maintained properly at regular intervals then they are the most reliable engine. In this article we will know about some tips on How to maintain a Turbo Diesel Engine, so you can enjoy your engine for longer and avoid spending money on more...
low difficulty
Diesel engines are a bigger initial investment than a petrol engine and parts are more expensive to replace, but they are much more resistant to wear and tear and if well maintained can last for a very long time.
By ensuring your diesel engine is well maintained you can minimize maintenance costs and...
medium difficulty
The cleanliness of the engine of your car is a maintenance task that should be carried out every two years if you use your vehicle primarily in the city, or, every year if you drive your vehicle in mountainous areas.
Excess dust in the engine may cause the radiator to become blocked, which might lead...
Imagine you are driving on a hot summer day but suddenly your car starts overheating and you can’t use the AC. Not only would this be inconvenient as you swelter in a hot car, it could be causing some serious damage to the vehicle. Air-conditioning (AC) is one of the many features of a car to make commuting...
So you have installed a subwoofer in your car to give you that amazing sound. Subwoofers are like any other loudspeakers, just that this one is solely for the purpose of amplifying the bass or low pitched audio frequencies. It adds that depth to the music and can really improve the sound of your existing...
A fuel injection pump is an important component of engines that operate on diesel fuel. A fuel injection pump is the part responsible for pumping fuel to the cylinders, that in turn determine the power that can be generated by the engine. They are used in tractors, marine engineering and road vehicles.
So...
medium difficulty
A smell of oil in your car may be indicative of a fault. You should never ignore this smell because your car could break down at any point and you'd be putting your life in danger. Possible components that might be faulty include the fuel tank, the carburetor and fuel filter. The smell might, on the other...
medium difficulty
To recharge the air conditioning in the car yourself (much cheaper than taking it to a garage) we need several devices that we can rent or buy. It is a relatively complicated operation, but you can do it yourself if you don't want to leave your car in the shop and pay a lot of money that could be better...