Car Maintenance and Repair
117 articles
medium difficulty
At one time another in your life, and especially for those who have cars which have been purchased in the last decade, you may find yourself faced with the unpleasant situation of being unable to start you car because the battery is dead, in which case you will probably have to jump-start it. There are...
low difficulty
Do you want to change the fragrance of your car? Then you have two options: the first is to go to the supermarket to buy a chemical freshener and the second is to choose your favorite perfumes and create yourself an air freshener for you car. This second option is much more natural and personalized as...
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...
When there is a problem with your car, we normally notice this due to obvious symptoms of a mechanical problem, such as loss of power, jerking or strange noises. Sometimes however, the only sign that anything is wrong is a warning light on our dashboard. If your car engine light has come on, it is very...
There are various different types of filters present in your car, and each one does a different job. As the name suggests, a car filter is there to filter the physical elements that are present in the gases or fluids entering the vehicle or passing through the internal parts, such as oil and fuel filters.
Car...
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
Knowing how often to change engine oil is essential for keeping the engine of a vehicle in good condition. A dirty lubricant will not perform its job properly and the engine will wear out more quickly. Newer cars do not need their oil changing as often as the older ones but this job is still an essential...
medium difficulty
Is it time to change your car battery? Does your vehicle lack power when climbing up steep hills? Is it failing to hold it's charge? If you know that the battery in your car has come to the end of it's life, then you will need to change the battery. Needless to say, there is always the possibility of...
In modern vehicles there are more and more complex components which help you control the vehicle and keep the engine running efficiently. You have probably heard of a differential but you probably don't know what it does or how it works.
If you want to understand more about how this important component...
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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...
high difficulty
You will know that you need to change the car spark plugs when you see that your vehicle has a lack of engine power, which disproportionately increases fuel consumption or, also, when the engine spouts more exhaust fumes. When this happens and you know that the plugs are damaged or in need of a replacement,...
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...
Your car is perhaps one of your biggest assets, and even a single issue may trouble you over nights. If you see leakage underneath your car, it might be a matter of concern most of the times, but if its plain water, you may not need to worry. Here, at OneHowTo.com, you will come to know why is my car...
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...
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The loss of oil in a car is a commonly encountered problem. It may be more or less severe depending on the amount of oil lost and where the leak is coming from, but in any case you should always take action to avoid further problems. If you detect that your vehicle has an oil leak, you must measure...
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...
A smooth car ride is what all owners expect of their car, right? So whenever it is not so, it’s time to have It checked. It is a machine after all that tends to wear and tear with time. One of the common problems is shaking of the car on using brakes. The car vibrates, shakes or sometimes even shudders...
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...
low difficulty
Engine oil plays a very important role in the running of a car so it's essential that you check your oil levels regularly and top up when necessary. If you are near or below minimum levels you should put oil in your car so it doesn't run out.
Remember that oil loses its properties over time and slowly becomes...
medium difficulty
The air filter is one of the areas of a car that can accumulate most dirt due to the engine. If you don't keep it in good condition, you run the risk of preventing the car from working properly. At OneHowTo we've already taught you how to clean your fuel filter, but today we will explain step by step...
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A stain on your car seat can spoil the interior of an otherwise clean car. The most effective method is always prevention - preventing stains from occurring - as there are many kinds that are difficult to remove completely. To avoid this, do not eat or drink inside the car and do not let other occupants...
Our cars are confined spaces with absorbent seating where we often cram whole families into. It is unsurprising that this can lead to bad smells and foul odors seeping into your car interior and staying there. If it's winter time, we often can't even open the windows to get some fresh air in. Smoking, drink...
low difficulty
We often wonder if our vehicle is in good working order, and if it will be able to withstand a long journey and everything we use it for on a daily basis. Beyond getting a basic car service and opting to have the recommended servicing according to its mileage, there is an easy way to check the state...
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...
low difficulty
The brake discs or rotors work in conjunction with the brake pads to slow the rotation of the wheels when we hit the brake pedal and make our vehicle brake.
It is important to keep the braking system in good shape and make the necessary adjustments. It is therefore important to know how you can tell...
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...
Have you ever tried - and failed - to remove tar stains from the bodywork of your car? With the right know how, that annoying liquid substance - thick, dark and oily - is easier to remove than you think. At OneHowTo, we know a few useful hints and tips that we'd like to share with you. So follow our advice...
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For an internal combustion engine to operate properly it needs three main ingredients which are air, fuel and spark. The internal combustion engine carburetor mixes the air and fuel to create a highly combustible mixture and the spark plug provides the spark which ignites the mixture of air and fuel...
medium difficulty
The Carburetor is a component used in an internal combustion engine which blends the air and fuel to create a highly combustible mixture. It also controls the speed of the engine and regulates the ratio of air and fuel. The passages, orifices and jets of the carburetor can often get clogged due to poor...
medium difficulty
As it gets used, your car's air conditioning begins to emit a bad smell when you turn it on. This is due to micro-organisms that have accumulated over time in the system vents.
This smell needs to be removed, not only because it causes discomfort for other passengers, but also because the micro-organisms...
If you spend a long time in your car every day, or you go for long car trips often, then you need to make sure that the seats of your car are comfortable and luxurious, so that you don’t end up feeling tired during and after the drive. Comfortable car seats increase your safety level while driving too,...
If your car pulls to one side, it may become very uncomfortable for you to drive, and it may prove to be very unsafe too. Other than wheel misalignment, there may be several other reasons for which your car must be pulling to a side. If you are confused about why does my car pull to one side, we will tell you some...
medium difficulty
Like all car parts, fuel injectors gather dirt and can eventually become clogged; they have to be cleaned regularly. You will know they are due for a thorough clean if your car runs less for more gas, or if your engine does not respond as well as it used to. While a mechanic will clean them perfectly,...
medium difficulty
Leaking oil is a common issue that car owners frequently encounter. It can be caused due to several reasons, including worn rings and pistons, worn or bad gaskets, damaged, worn or unsecured oil plug, missing gasket, incorrectly attached oil filter, high oil pressure or corrosion in the oil coolant line....
Your car’s fuel filter is responsible for preventing impurities in the fuel (gasoline or diesel) from entering the engine. Impurities from the fuel line can clog your carburetor or fuel injector, so it is important to learn how to clean your fuel filter so that your car keeps working at its best. A dirty...
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...
low difficulty
An old car can give off a bad smell for a number of reasons, from not being properly maintained in terms of cleaning, to interior fittings that have taken in a lot of moisture, and transporting products that give off a very strong smell. That old car smell is among the most difficult smells to get rid of,...
The brake fluid is a fundamental part of a vehicle's braking system. It is essential that it stays in perfect condition and at the optimum level for the car to brake properly in any given situation on the road. For safety reasons and to drive responsibly, it is important to know about how often it should...
medium difficulty
The engine of a car is comparable to its heart and, if you care for it properly, you can count on your vehicle for the long run. In addition to the regular maintenance work, you can take a number of additional measures to ensure the system functions optimally. To do so, you must pay attention to the...
One thing that may disturb a driver is strange noises, such as squealing or squeaking, coming from the vehicle when the engine turns on. The clutch pedal is an integral part of a manual car as it controls the shift between gears. If a noise comes from this part of the car control system, you may be in...
There are some advantages to living in a cold climate, but keeping your car in top condition often isn't one of them. Glass can crack, liquids can freeze and the conditions of the road can be very dangerous. One less hazardous, but very annoying winter car problem, is that the windshield can fog up just...
medium difficulty
There are many sounds and rattles a car can make. Some are the normal vibrations of a vehicle at speed. Unfortunately, some might mean there is a particular problem with the car. As your hands are on the wheel at all times (they at least should be), you might be more sensitive to these vibrations more...
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...
The battery is the central element that provides electrical power to a vehicle so that it starts up, as well as to operate the car's other electronic components. That is why it is essential to keep it in good condition, as much as possible, through simple practices that will help you to extend its working life....
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...
medium difficulty
If your car will not start this may be due to mechanical problems with the car ignition system or because you have run out of battery by misuse or malfunction. A mishap with the fuel may also be the reason that the car does not start. In any case, a good vehicle maintenance will reduce the chance of you...
low difficulty
Clean fabric seats in your car will help you maintain the general cleanliness of your vehicle and to avoid bad smells due to the accumulated dirt or stains that were not removed in time. You yourself can do this with products that you already have at home, but specific cleaners can also be purchased....
Is your car losing power? In most cases, a loss of engine power is related to a mechanical failure in your vehicle. However, a loss of power may also be due to an external factor such as high temperatures or other climate issues. Working out why your car is not always easy, so we should consider all...
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The sun, the hard weather,the passage of time... there are many factors that lead to damage of our car's headlights and cause them to lose their normal appearance, turning them opaque and matte. This is not only unsightly but causes less shine and therefore it also becomes a matter of security. To overcome...