If you need to strap something to the top of your car’s roof or roof rack, like luggage or a kayak, there are a few different ways you can attach them securely without having to worry about them falling off down the road. Our mechanic Andy in this video and article reviews how to secure luggage and a kayak to the roof of a car with or without roof racks using ratchet straps, cam straps, and a few other methods.
How to Buy a Used Car from a Private Seller
If you want to buy a car from a private seller there are a few things you will need to do, from inspecting the car and knowing what to look for to acquiring the right documents and asking the right questions. Our expert Sue gives some tips in this video from a number of her own experiences. Also giving some of his advice in an Engine Noise podcast episode is another one of our experts, Jeremy. Read both of their tips and advice in this article and learn how to buy a used car from a private seller with confidence.
Broken Down Car? What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down
This guide has some general road side safety tips to follow and some common reasons why you might end up with a broken down car and what to do.
Here’s What You Should Do If Your Car Breaks Down
How to Paint a Plastic Bumper with Spray Cans
If you ordered a new bumper or have one that needs to be painted, you can save a lot of money by painting it yourself. With the right location and materials, you can complete this job in 2 days. Find out how to paint a plastic bumper with spray cans yourself following the steps in this article and video. You’ll mainly need primer, spray cans of paint to match the color of the car, clear coat, painter’s tape, cloth and soapy water, and a warm and well-ventilated location.
Scraping Noise When Driving? How to Fix the Splash Shield Under Your Car
If your car is making a scraping noise when driving, it could be the engine splash shield dragging on the road and it’s going to need fixing. You might have to replace whole the part or you might be able to fix it with a few DIY repairs. This guide and video covers how to inspect and tell if the the plastic splash shield under your car is repairable, and how to fix it yourself with a drill and wire ties.
Loose Gear Shifter? Maybe It’s Time for a Shifter Cable Replacement
A gear shifter that moves freely, doesn’t change the gears, and has little to no tension when moved means it’s loose and needs to be inspected. If you have a loose gear shifter, you might need a shifter cable replacement. This guide and video goes over what to inspect if your gear shifter is loose and how to replace a shifter cable yourself.
Squealing Serpentine Belt? Try This Quick Fix
If you hear a squeaking noise when the engine is running, you might not have to replace the serpentine belt or a pulley. This guide and video shows a few tips you can try to fix a squealing serpentine belt before replacing it.