Hot Driving & Safety How-Tos « Driving & Safety

Quick Tip: Pointing Your Car Remote at Your Head Increases Its Range

Keyless entry remotes are great, but they don't always work how you want them to. One of the most common complaints is that they just don't reach far enough, and there's nothing more annoying when you can't remember where you parked. After all, what's the point of having "remote" entry if you have to be right next to the car for it to work?

How To: Choose the safest possible parking space

Cars are expensive to buy, replace or repair. Check out this video and learn how to avoid the most statistically dangerous parking areas. There is no guarantee that no one will touch your vehicle, but by take precautions you are much less likely to be targeted.

How To: Operate cruise control in a 2010 Prius

Operating the Toyota Prius 2010 cruise control is very simple if you watch this video. The switches of the cruise control is located on the stock which is behind the right side of the steering wheel. The on/off button is at the end of the stock. Once you turn it on, accelerate to your desired speed and push the stock down to set it on the current speed. If desired to change speed, hold the stock up to increase the speed and release it when speed desired is reached, and to decrease the speed h...

How To: Unlock a Car When the Keys Are Locked Inside

In these auto lockout emergency videos, learn what to do when you've locked your keys in the car—aside from calling a locksmith. See how to use special tools, usually readily available to the public, to unlock your car free of charge.

How To: Pair a phone through Bluetooth with a 2010 Prius

Learn how to pair a phone through Bluetooth with a 2010 Prius in simple steps. 1. You can connect your phone to the vehicle through Bluetooth without using any wires. 2. Press the 'Info Phone' button on the right side of the display screen, press 'Phone' now and press 'Yes' when prompted. 3. Now enter the pass code when prompted on your phone to pair it successfully. 4. You can pair more than a single phone by using the same process but you can use only one at a time. 5. You can also transfer...

How To: Unlock a Car Door with a Clothes Hanger

This video shows you how to unlock a car door with a hanger but warns it isn't easy and may take some practice. First you will need a hanger as long as your arm, then insert the hanger in the hole on the left side of the window. Try to feel around and find the pin inside the hole. After you find the pin pull up on it. Try not to lock your keys in your car so you don't have to do this anymore.

How To: Are You Being Followed? How to Check Your Car for GPS Tracking Devices

There's been a lot in the news lately about tracking devices, and it's been pretty much all bad. They can be useful if your car gets stolen, but if you weren't the person who installed it, chances are you don't want it there. Just type "GPS tracking device" into Google and on any given day you'll find an article about someone who got busted by one of these things. Even if you don't have to worry about getting into trouble, you still don't want people following you. Here's how to make sure you...

How To: Set the onboard clock in a 2010 Toyota Prius

In this tutorial, we learn how to set the onboard clock in a 2010 Prius. To the left of the audio system are the clock buttons. To set this, press repeatedly or press and hold the "h" or "m" button to change the hours or minutes. Then, you will be able to set the correct time. Above the clock buttons is a switch that will change your reading from miles per hour to kilometers per hour. The controls on the Prius are completely customizable so you can control what you see on your car and when. M...

Skip the Long DMV Line: Renew Your Driver's License at a AAA Office Instead (No Membership Required)

If there's one way to get a visceral response from someone, it's bringing up the DMV. Regardless of the reason, whether it's the long lines, disgruntled employees, or just general inefficiency, I have yet to meet a single person who doesn't mind the trip. Just look at all those happy faces.

How To: Start a car without needing the key

Please only use the information in this video if you have lost your own car key or you are helping out a friend who has lost theirs! If you need to start a car without the key, this tutorial shows you how to find the wires in the steering column to find the eight cables underneath. Here's what to look for and then what to do so you can get your car running and go to where you need to be.

How To: Change temperature settings in a 2010 Toyota Prius

In this video, we learn how to change the temperature settings in a 2010 Prius. All the climate controls are on the center console. The steering wheel can also help you change the temperature control. Press the green switch first then you will be able to set the temperature that you want the car to be. The system will then maintain that temperature. If you want to use the fan, select the fan and then select the speed you want it to be at. There is also a front and rear defroster you can press...

How To: Use the auxiliary audio port in a 2010 Prius

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use the auxiliary audio port in a 2010 Toyota Prius. This car is equipped with a mini plug auxiliary input port in the lower rear section of the center console, below the armrest. This will allow users to use personal playback devices such as an iPod. Simply plug the device into the mini plug socket and press the AUX button to listen through the car's audio system. This video will benefit those viewers who have a Toyota Prius car, and would like to...

How To: Operate the windshield wipers in a 2010 Prius

Toyota USA provides this quick video guide to show you how to use the windshield wipers in the 2010 Prius. If you want to control the wipers and washers, take the following steps: To operate the wipers, move the right hand stalk up for a single wipe, or move it down to activate the intermittent setting. Move the stalk down one more position to select a slow and constant wiper mode. One more down pull selects the fast wiper mode. Pulling the entire stalk towards you will activate the windshiel...

How To: Want to Find Your Stolen Car Fast? Forget the Police and Call a Taxi

A car is stolen every 33 seconds in the United States, and from that, the percentage of vehicles recovered in the first day is a whopping 52 percent. Over the next week, that number rises to around 79 percent, but after those initial seven days are up, it's unlikely the vehicle will be found.

How To: Make a quick stop on a motorcycle

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a quick stop on a motorcycle. You must reach a speed of 15 mph first. A quick stop means you stop right when you are in the middle of driving, without slowing down first. Close the throttle first, then pull in the clutch. From here, apply both brakes evenly and firmly without locking them up and keep the handlebars straight. Make sure you ride safe and you do this with a helmet on after you have learned the basics of riding a motorcycle. Once you learn t...

How To: Program the HomeLink setup in a 2010 Toyota Prius

In this tutorial, we learn how to program the HomeLink setup in a 2010 Prius. This can be programmed to operate any HomeLink compatible device. Up to three devices can be operated from the vehicle. To program a garage door opener, simply press both the remote and home link button until the indicator light flash rapidly. To program anything else, simply follow the instructions that are given to you when you purchase your car. This is a great feature that can save you time and add more simplici...

How To: Operate dynamic radar cruise control in the 2010 Toyota Prius

In this tutorial, we learn how to operate dynamic radar cruise control in the 2010 Prius. This supplements the conventional cruise control with a vehicle to vehicle cruise control. The radar system sees the car ahead and is less effected by bad weather conditions. The driver can select short, medium, or long driving distances. When cruising at a set speed that is faster than the car ahead, the vehicle will slow down to the speed of that car. A warning will be sounded to tell the driver to tak...

How To: Read the information displays inside a 2010 Toyota Prius

In this tutorial, we learn how to read the information displays inside a 2010 Prius. There are a lot of features on the Prius that can improve your fuel economy. The energy monitor and hybrid system indicator can help you save gas and tell you how your car is running, along with what kind of power it's using. On the next screen, you can monitor the consumption of your gas so you can see what mpg you are getting in the last hour or five minutes you were driving! You can do this for a trip or f...

How To: Get turn by turn directions with Ford SYNC

If you have just purchased a new Ford Taurus, you may have noticed the new SYNC feature. SYNC is a GPS built right into your dashboard. If this is your first time using a global positioning system, you may need a few pointers. Check out this video and learn how to access step by step directions and get where you need to go.

How To: Strap down large items to the bed of a truck

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to strap down large items to the bed of a truck. Users will just need a long rope. The rope should be long enough to wrap around the back of the truck. Take the rope and make a loop. Then wrap around it and pull. It should look similar to a rope noose. Make sure it is tight. Then take the other side of the rope and put it through the loop. Pull on it to tighten. Then wrap around it and pull. Do this several times to secure it. This video will benefit ...

How To: Use the fog lights on a 2010 Toyota 4Runner

This video shows a quick demonstration of how to turn the fog lights on in Toyota 4Runner. If using fog lights, they're turned on by rotating by rotating the inner control ring on the handle with the light controls on it, to the left of the steering wheel. Fog lights will only come on when the headlights are on low beam. The fog lights are the circular lights on the front of the vehicle, next to the rectangular headlights. If you have a new Toyota 4Runner, this video will show you where the f...

How To: Use the navigation system in a 2010 Prius

Learn how to use the navigation system in a new 2010 Toyota Prius in simple steps. It has DVD based navigation system with easy to use touch screen display. All the navigation routes of USA, Hawaii and parts of Canada are available in it supporting English, French and Spanish languages. When you start the car it opens the map and you can input the destination using voice command or entering text. You can also input your home address and five other special location address.

How To: Open the gas door & cap in a 2010 Prius

Learn how to open the gas door and cap in a 2010 Toyota Prius in simple steps. Locate the remote fuel filler door which can be found on the floor next to the driver seat. Pull the lever up to open the fuel filler door. Remove the cap by turning it slowly counter clockwise and hang it on the filler door. After filling the recommended fuel place the cap and turn clockwise till you hear a click sound. Finally lock the fuel filler door to finish.

How To: Use the backup camera on a 2010 Toyota 4Runner

This video shows you how to use the backup camera on a 2010 Toyota 4Runner to assist in backing up. The 4Runners that are equipped with the available navigational system also have the backup camera. When you shift into reverse, the navigation screen display changes and shows you what the camera sees behind the vehicle. There are also select models that are not equipped with the navigational system that are equipped with a backup camera. This select 4Runner has the rear view displayed in the r...

How To: Pair your bluetooth phone to Ford SYNC

Sometimes pairing your mobile phone with your car is a difficult and unwritten chore to accomplish. But now with Ford's new SYNC system, you can easily pair your cell phone. It's as easy as pressing the Phone button. Let it search for already stored bluetooth devices, and if none are stored, simply press the Arrow buttons until you see the Add Bluetooth Device option. It's that easy!

How To: Turn a car key with a prosthetic arm for amputees

A below elbow arm amputee demonstrates how to turn a car key with his body powered prosthetic hook. This adapted equipment video is helpful for handicapped, disabled or individuals whom have lost limbs due to amputation. He's using a prosthetic arm outfitted with a hook to start the ignition of his car.

How To: Program a Valentine 1 (V1) radar detector

If you just bought a Valentine 1 radar detector for your car or truck, this tutorial will show you how to install it and program it and use it. Learn what all the modes do and what the different beeps and blinks mean. Keep yourself speeding along and keep the cops from catching you by watching this tutorial and learning how to program a Valentine 1 (V1) radar detector.

How To: Use advanced driving techniques

This video shows drivers how to apply more advanced driving techniques often done in racing, on the street. The hard launch technique should only be used when driving low horsepower, low torque vehicles. You'll also learn about rev matching and more.

How To: Do a five point turn

You may have to do a turn in the road where the road is narrow or your vehicle is difficult to steer. This video shows you how to safely do a five point turn Do a five point turn.

How To: Enter Address in Hyundai Tucson Navigation System

How to enter an address in the navigation (infotainment) system in a Hyundai Tucson (2015–2016 model, formerly known as ix35) as well as other Hyundai models with similar systems.

How To: Get a Free Tow Home This New Year's Instead of Leaving Your Car at the Bar (Or Driving, You Drunk Fool)

Assuming that you're not going to knit a sweater and celebrate New Year's Eve with Ryan Seacrest and Jenny McCarthy on ABC's “New Year's Rockin' Eve," it's a pretty safe bet to say that you're probably going to consume alcohol—a considerable amount of alcohol.

How To: How Anonymous Texting Can One Day Help You Avoid Tow Trucks, Parking Tickets, & Vandalized Cars

Parking. Ugh. Parking is about as fun as running through a swarm of bees while being chased by a pack of wolves from The Grey.

How To: Find a Sweet Parking Spot at Peak Times (Then Locate Your Car Afterwards)

Living in Los Angeles has taught me one thing—parking is a luxury. If you are lucky enough to find street parking anywhere near your desired location, do not pass it up thinking you will get an even closer one. It does not exist. Looking for free parking? Get real. You can't even park at a busted meter in Los Angeles, despite state law saying otherwise. Now, finding a good parking spot is not just relevant for Los Angeles, but for other large cities and any other crowded areas, be it a shoppi...

How To: Perform the Right Hand Reverse for Advanced Driving Tests in England

Here is a manoeuvre that you won't see every day. It is intended for drivers in commercial vehicles who cannot see to the rear. By reversing with the flow of traffic it is possible to see approaching vehicles through the front windscreen and the right hand kerb by looking down over your shoulder. This manoeuvre sometimes occurs on the ADI, Part 2 Test of driving ability.

How To: Park in a Bay to Driving Test Standards in England

Here is a video demonstration of the Bay Park. You will only be asked to do this if your local driving test centre has its own car park. Be careful when practising this as most car parks are privately owned and don't want learner drivers disturbing their customers. Make sure to look all around for pedestrians when you are doing this manoeuvre.

How To: Demonstrate the Reverse Park Manoeuvre on a Driving Test in England

Here we see how to do the reverse park manoeuvre to driving test standards. There is an explanation of the manoeuvre followed by an in-car demonstration. You will need to be diplomatic about where you practise this, and try not to annoy local residents by using their cars to park round too often. Keep the car slow and make sure you look all around for other vehicles and pedestrians.

How To: Perform the Turn in the Road Driving Test Manoeuvre in England

This video will show you how to perform the turn in the road driving test manoeuvre. Commonly know as the three point turn, it is used to turn the car around in the road to face the other way. You will need to keep the car slow and move the steering wheel quickly when you do this.

How To: Do the Left Hand Reverse for Driving Tests in England

Here is a video to help you with the left-hand reverse manoeuvre, which occurs on the driving test. There is a full explanation of the manoeuvre followed by an in-car demonstration. Make sure you keep your speed low and do plenty of observations when you perform this. It should help you along with your driving lessons.

How To: Deal with Pedestrian Crossings When Driving a Car in England

Here's a video on how to deal with pedestrian crossings in England. It's to help all of you taking driving lessons in Nottingham and the surrounding area, and can be used before or in-between your training.