Hot Driving & Safety How-Tos

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: Pass a California DMV Driving Test

If all things go well, you'll only have to take your road test once. That's the goal: to ace your test on the first try and then start driving on your own. Granted, it's a nerve-racking experience, but keep in mind that the California Department of Motor Vehicles wants you to pass. So much so, they give you the examination answers ahead of time! All you have to do is study.

How To: Get a vehicle health report with Ford SYNC

To make sure your car is healthy and up to par with required maintenance, you can use Ford's new SYNC system to get vehicle health reports for you car. It gives you vehicle diagnostics, scheduled maintenance, recall information, and more. You just need to go online to your owner's account and set up your reports.

How To: Break into Your Car to Retrieve Your Keys

Have you ever locked your keys inside of your car before? I net you have, you've felt the frustration, you've felt the pain, but don't pull out that cell phone just yet... you don't need a locksmith.

How To: Unlock a Car Without a Key

How many times have you locked your key inside your car and had to pay those outrageous locksmith fees? Ever worked for an hour or sometimes longer trying to coax a coat hanger in through a window, all the while wishing there was an easier way to unlock your car door? Well, there is, and this video will show you how. You can pop that lock open in a matter of seconds with something as simple as a tennis ball. Check it out!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: View gas "empty" distance on a 2010 Ford Lincoln MKX

If you own a 2010 Ford Lincoln MKX, you probably never knew about this handy feature. Not only can you see how much gas you have left in your car's tank, but you can see an estimate of how many kilometers or miles your car has left until your gas tank is empty. This is extremely helpful if you're in unknown territory. Watch and see how to set your Information Center to see how much gas you have remaining until empty in your 2010 Lincoln MKX.

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: Shift gears on a 2008 Ninja 250 motorcycle

In this tutorial, we learn how to shift gears on a 2008 Ninja 250 motorcycle. First, pull in the clutch, take it down to first, then give it gas and release the clutch to get the bike started. To shift gears, pull in the clutch, pick up, then ease out the clutch, then give the bike gas. Keep doing this to change in between the different gears on the bike. Practice doing this in an empty parking lot and don't forget to keep on the gas while you are doing this. You may let go of the clutch to q...

How To: Use the paddle shifter in the 2010 Ford Flex

Not sure what a paddle shifter is? Well, if you own the 2010 Ford Flex, you are at least aware of its existence. You can switch your vehicle from automatic transmission to manual transmission in the 2010 Flex, and there's these things on the steering wheel called paddle shifters, which allow you to shift between gears without ever taking your hands off the wheel. Learn how to use them.

How To: Retrieve Keys Locked in a Car

In this 15-part video guide, you'll learn how to retrieve keys locked inside a car, use tools to unlock a car without a key, and prevent car theft, taught by an expert locksmith.

How To: Use Active Trac (A-TRAC) on the 2010 Toyota 4Runner

The 2010 Toyota 4Runner comes with a feature called Active Trac or A-TRAC. A-TRAC traction control has the traction benefit of locking front and rear differentials, but with less weight. The ABS (anti-lock braking system) will automatically brake a slipping wheel. This will provide extra torque so that wheels with more traction can continue to push the car along. This automatic feature works seamlessly and the driving experience is not hindered in any way. However, the driver can turn this on...

How To: Perform an off-set cone weave on a motorcycle

Learn how to ride a motorcycle by performing the off-set cone weave. The off-set cone weave is one of the skills you will need to perform on a bike to pass the Alternate M.O.S.T. test. The tutorial shows you the layout for the off-set cone weave test and how to perform it on a motorcycle.

How To: Operate a Semi-Auto Quad ATV

This video provides a tutorial on how you can operate a Semi-Auto Quad ATV. The quad used in this movie is a Kawasaki Bayou 250cc 2wd.

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: 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 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: Handle it when your car stalls

Have a small fear that your car might stall and you'll have a freak out? Stay calm. If you are driving down the road and your car suddenly dies, you need to know how to avoid a crash.

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: Pair your cell phone in a 2010 Toyota 4Runner

This instructional video demonstrates how to pair a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone with a 2010 Toyota 4Runner that does not have a navigational system. In a series of simple steps, the 2-minute video covers the precise process of pairing one's phone with the vehicle. Then, it finishes by showing how the voice-activated system in the 4Runner can be used to make a phone call. This short, step-by-step tutorial is perfect for anybody with a Toyota 4Runner who is having difficulty getting a cell pho...

How To: Remove the gas cap on a 2010 Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner has a manual fuel filler door. To gain access the gas cap open the door. When open the gas cap, turn it counter clockwise slowly. Then pause a few second before remove the cap. You can hang the cap on the back of filler door. The video also advises that Toyota suggests to use regular unleaded 87-octane gasoline. After filling gasoline return the cap and turn clockwise until you hear one click. The 4Runner's closed fuel system will dramatically reduce fuel evaporation. If th...

How To: Use the keyless remote on a 2010 Toyota 4Runner

This video tutorial shows you the ins and outs of the keyless remote system on the new 2010 Toyota 4Runner. One of the remote controls that the system offer is to lock and unlock your doors. The locking will be signaled by the lights flashing. The unlock button if hit once will unlock your front doors and show two flashes of the lights. If you hit the unlock button twice within three seconds the lights will flash four times and it will unlock all of your doors. Finally it is installed with a ...

How To: Lift a dropped motorcycle

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to lift a dropped motorcycle. Begin by turning off the motorcycle engine. Make sure that you don't have any health issues including a bad back or knee. Check the motorcycle to see if there are any leaking fluids. Make sure the bike is on an incline or decline. Pull down the shift lever to put it in gear and pull the side stand down. Now put your body against the motorcycle seat. Use your hands to grip the motorcycle ad legs to lift it up. This video w...

How To: Use downhill assist on the 2010 Toyota 4Runner

The 2010 Toyota 4Runner comes with several features – one of which is Downhill Assist Control or DAC. When the driver turns the DAC feature on by simply pressing a button, it will help the car as it descends along slippery and/or steep slopes. When DAC is activated, a green icon will be lit up. DAC works with the A-TRAC (or the Active Traction system) and the ABS (or anti-lock braking system) to help keep the 4Runner's speed below 15 mph, a safe speed for driving down steep grades.

How To: Acquire legal ownership of an abandoned car

Been keeping an eye on the car that's been sitting on the side of the freeway for the last month? This video shows you how to legally acquire the title for an abandoned vehicle. You'll need the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and license plate number to locate the owner. Then work out the transfer title, and the car's yours!

How To: Pass a California motorcycle skills test

Safe motorcycle riding requires knowledge and skill. Testing two-wheel vehicle operators is the best measurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic because people often overestimate their own abilities.

How To: Remotely access the a/c in a 2010 Prius

Prius models that are equipped with tilt-slide moon roof have a remote control button on their smart keys for the remote air-conditioning system. Before leaving the vehicle, make sure the headlights are switched off or set to auto. All windows are closed and check the temperature setting of the AC system. As you return to the Prius, press the remote AC button on the smart key remote to activate the air conditioning system. The cabin will cool to the pre-set temperature without turning on the ...

How To: Use basic car controls and start driving a manual car

If you're just starting out learning to drive, get the lowdown on some of the basic car controls with this video tutorial.

How To: Operate the backup camera on the 2010 Toyota Prius

In this tutorial, we learn how to operate the backup camera on the 2010 Prius. The Prius models can come equipped with a navigation and a backup camera. When you shift into reverse, the navigation screen will change to show what the camera sees behind the vehicle. You will also hear a repeating beep to indicate that you are going in reverse. This is a great tool to use while you are backing up your vehicle, which can help you avoid small things in the road. This is also a great tool to help a...

How To: Drift with go karts

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to drift with a go kart. When making a drift, do not press hard on the brake pedal and slow down at the turns. As you make a drift, press smoothly on the brake pedal and stick as close to the left side as possible. When you press the brake pedal to hard, the wheel will spin and will cause the kart to spin out. This video also provides a visual demonstration on how to properly drift with a go kart. This video will benefit those viewers who enjoy drivin...

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: Put on a motorcycle helmet

Justin shows you how to properly put on a motorcycle helmet.

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 ...