HowToDoThings.com Recent Options & Accessories Articles

How To Be a Successful, Sexy Pit Chick

mcdesign — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:06:03 -0600

Motorcycle road racing is not exclusive to males, but they make up the highest percentage of racers, as this sport gains popularity. Race tracks from the east to the west coast are filling up Thursdays through Sundays with novices to intermediate riders to experts working their way around asphalt tracks with curves, elevation changes, and straight-aways where speeds can reach 170 mph. When the racer is not on the track, he will be all-consumed with getting back on the track.

This leaves the spouse, significant other, or girlfriend wondering just what to do all weekend. There is plenty to do to make yourself such an asset to the whole event that he will look at you through different eyes. The results will be a common interest, great appreciation for each other, and whole-lot-of-fun. The more you are at the track and actively involved, the more friends you will gain that soon become "family."

How To Cook Food on Your Car Engine

The2 — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:44:56 -0500

You might wonder why you would ever want to cook food on your car engine. I say, why wouldn't you?

It can be a practical solution on long road trips: Now you won't have to eat that crappy fast food. Or it can be something to try just for fun. It's really easy to do. All you need is aluminum foil, a car and some food.

Decide what you want to cook. You can cook almost anything on your car engine. It works like a slow-cooking microwave, so, depending on how long you'll be driving, you can make most meals work. I wouldn't suggest soup, but other than that, have at it!

I chose a chicken sausage since I knew it was pre-cooked (so I wouldn't kill myself if I messed it up), easy to wrap and wouldn't take long to be ready.

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How To Compare Car Stereo Reviews

Harry255 — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 10:24:00 -0600

So you have decided that the stereo that came with your vehicle just ain't cutting it anymore and it's time to explore your options. These days, there is a wide variety of stereos you can choose from, so you need to be informed when you go ahead and buy one. There are some good resources out there that will make this decision easier if you know where to find them. In this article we'll try to show you where to look and a few things to look for.

How To Find and Use a Car Power Adapter

Staff468 — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 16:34:00 -0600

Development of car power adapters has kept pace with the development of portable electronic devices, so the world of car power adapters has grown immensely in just the past decade. Whether you want to charge a printer, palm device, iPod, laptop, phone or game system, you can find a car power adapter to suit your needs. But they don't all put out the same amount of power and are not all intended for the same kind of device; you have to buy the power adapter either designed for your device or capable of accommodating it.

Car power adapters will convert the DC power of your car's cigarette lighter into AC for a number of electronic devices. When you buy power adapters, always read the details of how much power they can provide. Be careful not to stress out your car battery by relying too much on the power adapter.

How To Troubleshoot Car Stereo Speakers

Harry255 — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 04:51:00 -0500

For some of us, the car stereo is the most important electronic device we use all day. Maybe it is starting out the day with last night's scores or traffic updates, news or just some of your favorite music. Maybe it is listening to a book on tape on the long drive to Aunt Tilly's cabin in the woods. I wouldn't know really, I get up late and haven't been invited to the cabin since that unfortunate fire incident...digressing. Any way you look at it, if suddenly it made no noise at all or started to sound like a hissing, fuzzy pile of... fuzzy, hissy stuff, you'd lose it. If such a horrible fate should befall you and your stereo, it could be your speakers that are giving you trouble. Here are a few ways to test out your speakers and other parts of your system to determine your problem.

How To Troubleshoot Car Amplifiers

Harry255 — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 15:35:00 -0500

You are driving down the road listening to some sweet Yanni tunes when all of a sudden his awesomeness is disturbed by scratchy pops and hisses! Well this simply will not do. Now, the problem could be a couple of things but for the sake of this article, we need to find out if the amplifier is to blame. The amplifier in your car stereo system performs a basic function. It takes whatever signal your stereo unit is putting out, be it a radio signal or a CD or whatever you are playing and boosts the signal going out to your speakers. There are usually two major problems that effect power amps so I've split the troubleshooting up accordingly. The power problems might require the use of a voltmeter. You can find these at your local Radio Shack or electronics shop. Be careful working around you car's power, it can jolt you good.

How To Use a Radar Detector

Harry255 — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 06:26:00 -0500

So you got yourself a nice new radar detector and you are ready to drive fast. Problem is, you don't know how to use the thing. Radar detectors are actually simple devices, they detect radar and laser signals aimed at your vehicle. The hard part is making sure your device is in the proper position to pick up these signals and to alert you, or not alert you, after processing the signal and assessing the threat. Here is what to do to optimize your use of a radar detector.

How To Buy a Radar Detector

Harry255 — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 06:52:00 -0500

Everyone who has ever been pulled over and ticketed for speeding has probably had the same thought: I wish I had a radar detector. Even though there is a common misconception that these gadgets are illegal (they are in Washington D.C. and Virginia) radar detectors are very useful to those of us that have a lead foot. There are a couple different brands of radar detectors out there all with different features and prices. I hope to show you what to look for and where to find the best radar detector for you.

What does a radar detector detect? Most law enforcement agencies use an apparatus that measures the speed of vehicles, usually with a radar or laser. The radar is basically a microwave radio signal that bounces off your car and returns to the gun, the frequency of the return radio wave determines the speed of the vehicle.

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How To Get Car Stereo Installation Training

Harry255 — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 07:27:00 -0500

So you want to be a car stereo installer? You watch "Pimp my Ride" and get all jazzed up by the awesome systems they put in the cars and think to yourself, 'That looks like fun.' The problem is, you don't know jack about it. Most stereo installers began their careers as hobbyists -- messing around with their own systems, tinkering and tweaking. They went into the job with real world knowledge simply by doing it themselves. Well, there are places that will help you become a professional car stereo installer without you risking frying your own stereo or one belonging to some unfortunate friend.

How To Buy Car Audio Amplifier Equipment

Harry255 — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 06:43:00 -0500

Car stereo systems come in all shapes and sizes but have basically the same three components -- a radio, an amplifier and speakers. If you want to make your system sound better, then you need to start with the amplifier. Let's look at how it works, what to look for and where to get one.

How To Tell If Your Car Speakers Are Blown

Harry255 — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 18:04:00 -0500

Your car stereo is one of those things that you take for granted until something goes horribly awry. When you get in your vehicle you expect to be able to turn it on and your favorite station or CD will start like it always does and sound good. If it doesn't go on or if what you hear is different than usual (in a bad way), maybe you have a blown or partially blown speaker. Let's investigate!

How To Remove a Car Stereo

Joshua281 — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 13:18:00 -0500

Many people have found that it's easy and relatively inexpensive to upgrade sound components in their cars. Head units, or stereos, are the most common component to be replaced. It's a job that should take a full afternoon for a do-it-yourselfer. One of the first things you'll have to do when you want to replace your head unit, is to remove it from your car. How you remove it depends largely on the type of stereo and the type of car that you have.

There are really two main methods for removing a car stereo:

Spring Mounted Clips

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How To Install a Car Amp

Joshua281 — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 21:36:00 -0500

Installing a new amplifier is a great way to upgrade your car sound system. Amplifiers take a small electrical signal to make a big signal. The big signal makes for big sound coming out of your speakers. Once you have acquired all of the necessary parts, plan on taking a full afternoon to complete this job.
Here's how:

How To Buy Car Stereo Systems and Equipment

Joshua281 — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 10:43:00 -0500

Your car stereo system is made up of several components that work together to produce either crystal-clear highs and big thumps or muffled noises and barely audible lows. The quality of your car stereo system really depends on each component. Also, good sound systems have quality installation that prevents rattles of noises that don't belong. Before you go and buy your dream sound system, here are some important things to know.

It's important to choose quality stereo equipment when you decide to upgrade your factory-installed sound system. Every sound system is made up of a few equally critical components. If any of the components is weak, then the whole system will suffer.

How To Determine What Speakers Fit Your Car

Joshua281 — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 17:52:00 -0500

You have several options to learn what speakers fit your car. As you may know, cars usually come equipped with several different speaker sizes depending on their location. Small speakers may be located under grills in the dash or front doors. Large speakers are usually placed near the rear of the car, such as those above the trunk. Every car model has a unique speaker setup that conforms to the needs of that particular car.

How are speakers measured? Speakers are usually shaped in circles or ovals. A 6.5" speaker is a circular speaker that has an outside diameter of six and a half inches. A 6" x 9" speaker is an oval shaped speaker that is six inches in one direction and nine inches in the other direction. Other common speaker sizes are 5.25", 6", 6.25", 6.5", 6.75", 4" x 6", 5" x 7", and 4" x 10".

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How To Find a Car Speaker Replacement

Joshua281 — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 17:07:00 -0500

Maybe you've blown your speakers, or maybe you're just ready to upgrade your puny factory-installed sound system. Most experts agree that factory-installed speakers are the weakest part of most car audio systems. When it's time to decide what type of speakers you want, it's entirely up to your ears and your budget. Higher-priced speakers usually provide better quality sound through all frequencies, while low-priced speakers may produce a less crisp sound across all of the audible frequencies. Furthermore, you'll probably want to buy speakers that fit into the factory-made holes in your car. Identical-size speakers make installation much quicker and easier.

Here are a few places to search for the perfect replacement speakers for you:

How To Install a Car Stereo

Joshua281 — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 08:08:00 -0500

Replacing an old stereo is a great job for the do-it-yourselfer. You can save a few dollars on installation fees that many stereo shops charge. Stereo replacement is easier in some cars, especially larger cars like SUVs, because they have a little more working space behind the dash. If you haven't yet bought your stereo components, take a look the "Find What Fits My Car" tool at crutchfield.com.

How To Replace Windshield Wipers

Joshua281 — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 21:59:00 -0500

It's probably a good idea to check your wipers every six months. You probably won't want to wait until you can't see out of your windshield before changing your windshield wipers. In fact, most people end up waiting too long to do this basic car maintenance and have to change their wipers in the rain. If your wipers are beginning to show signs of wear, it's probably time to replace them. You can change them in just a few minutes.

Inspect your wipers: wipers should not be cracked, ragged, torn, or have any jagged edges. When they crack or tear, they become flimsy and cannot effectively remove water from your windshield.

How To Replace a Starter

Joshua281 — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 16:39:00 -0500

Changing a starter can be a difficult, time consuming job. Check several other parts before you decide it's time to change the starter.

How To Buy Brakes

Joshua281 — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 19:10:00 -0500

Brakes are the single most important safety system in cars. It may be annoying when an engine quits or won't start, but it's a huge deal if the brakes fail. Fortunately, brakes very rarely fail. They operate on a simple, tried and true mechanism that slows your car down quickly and dependably. When it's time to change your brakes, stop and consider what will work best for you.

Disc Brakes vs. Drum Brakes. Front disc brakes are standard on all cars made since the 1970s. Disc brakes work by squeezing two brake pads against a metal rotor that is attached to the wheel. Some high-performance cars have disc brakes on all four wheels.

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How To Evaluate Portable Car DVD Players

Joshua281 — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 13:52:00 -0500

Portable DVD players let you take your entertainment with you almost anywhere you go. The dreaded 6 hour family trip doesn't have to be miserable any more. Now you can turn it into an easy movie or two. Or you can take one camping with you for some nighttime entertainment. Portable DVD players can go just about anywhere you do.

Choosing the DVD player that best suits your needs isn't very difficult. What do you want to do with your player? Where do you want to take it? If you plan to use yours on road trips, be sure that it comes with a car kit or a plug that works with your car's 12 volt accessory outlet.

How To Choose Head Units

Joshua281 — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 12:17:00 -0500

A head unit is also often called a CD receiver. Some people may even just call it a radio. In any case, your head unit changes your music from radio waves and media into electrical signals that travel to the speakers which create vibrations to create what we hear as sound. Higher quality systems also include an amplifier to produce a clearer, cleaner sound.

Choosing a new head unit for your car can be difficult because of the dizzying array of models, features, and abbreviations. But here are a few suggestions to make finding your next head unit a little bit easier.

How does it sound?: The most important feature in any head unit is the way it sounds. Go to a couple of different stores and listen to several different head units. Narrow your search to units that sound good to you.

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How To Install Car Speakers

Joshua281 — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 11:02:00 -0500

Factory speakers are usually the weakest component of car stereo systems. Many car owners replace their head units, but they neglect to replace the speakers. This results in little improvement in the sound quality. In order to get the most bang for your buck, try installing higher quality speakers. Installing new speakers is a fairly straightforward task that can be accomplished by most people.

Disconnecting the Wiring: Before you install the new speakers, you'll need to remove the panels and grills covering the old speakers. You'll also want to remove the old speakers and disconnect their wiring.

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How To Replace or Remove Car Speakers

Joshua281 — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 10:52:00 -0500

Before you begin, you'll need to determine what size speakers you need. Try to replace the speakers in your car with speakers that are the same size. Speaker shapes are usually circles or ovals, and they are measured by the diameter in inches. Some car audio websites have guides to tell you what size speakers will fit the factory openings in your car. You may want to look at the guide at Crutchfield.

Taking off the panels covering the speaker can be a little tricky, but it gets much easier with a little practice. Here are some tips to help you through the process:

How To Replace a Fan Belt

Joshua281 — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 08:28:00 -0500

The name "fan belt" is a bit of a misnomer nowadays because the belt drives much more than just a fan. It is frequently called an accessory belt. The fan belt goes around a pulley attached to the flywheel and powers accessory pumps and motors such as the water pump, air conditioner compressor, alternator, power brakes, and the power steering pump. Some cars have one large serpentine belt that drives all of the accessory motors. Other cars divide the work more evenly by employing the use of two belts.

Regardless of whether your car uses one or two belts, you can change your fan belt with some time and a few simple tools that you already have around the house. Here's how:

How To Install a Car Battery

Joshua281 — Fri, 19 May 2006 11:25:00 -0500

Installing a car battery is a simple task that can be performed by anyone who is strong enough to lift the battery into place. Car batteries generally weigh around 40 pounds, depending on battery size. Installing your own battery can save you both time and money. Though many places offer free battery installation when you buy from their in-stock selection, the process is not always quicker than simply doing it yourself.

How To Make an Emergency Road Kit

Joshua281 — Thu, 18 May 2006 09:49:00 -0500

An emergency road kit should provide you with the tools necessary to remain safe should you get stuck on the side of the road. Your emergency road kit should be small enough that you don't mind keeping it in your trunk all of the time. It won't do you much good if it's at home because you needed more trunk space for your trip. However, your kit needs to be large enough to provide basic supplies should you get stuck beside the road. This kit assumes that you have already have a spare tire and jack stored in the car.

Booster cables: Also called jumper cables. 8-gauge cables are best, but 10-gauge will also do. Make sure they are long enough to reach easily from one car to another.

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How To Charge Your Car Battery

Joshua281 — Thu, 18 May 2006 08:53:00 -0500

Generally, there are four ways to charge a car battery.

How To Perform Basic Maintenance on Your Car

Victoria116 — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 17:21:00 -0500

If you are a car owner, it is important that you know how to perform basic maintenance on your car. By performing the maintenance yourself, you will save a bundle of money and also enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that your vehicle is in peak operating condition. Here's a listing of what you need to do and when to do it.

Every time you fill up your gas tank:
- Check the engine oil level and add more if needed. Consult the owner's manual for the proper viscosity. If your car appears to be losing an abnormal amount of oil (or if you spot leaks on your garage or driveway floor), you may have an engine leak.
- Check the coolant level in the coolant surge tank and add the proper coolant if necessary. The coolant surge tank is typically located on the driver's side of the engine compartment. Replace the coolant if it is dirty or has a rusty appearance.
  
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How To Determine What Speakers Fit Your Car

Terry35 — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 12:17:00 -0600

The easiest way to determine what size speakers fit your car is by taking a look at the original speakers. Most vehicles have at least 4 speakers, 2 in the front and 2 in the back. If you locate these speakers, you can usually figure out what size speakers will fit.
Look in your vehicle's owner manual. All cars come with owner's manuals and all owner's manuals have information about speaker sizes.
Call or visit your nearest car dealership. Any service department employee at your car dealership can tell you what size speakers will fit your car.

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