Hot Driving & Safety How-Tos

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: 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!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Wear a seat belt properly

Seat belts save lives… but are you wearing yours the right way? Size up yours for a safe ride. You Will Need:

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: Pop the trunk automatically on a Lincoln MKX

This quick video tutorial shows you how to open and close the trunk of a Lincoln MKX with just a push of two buttons. It's prefect for anybody was has to carry tons of books or groceries from their home to the trunk. It prevents you from needing to put the stuff down in order to open the trunk manually. So if you own, or plan on owning, this car check this video out!

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: Make a u-turn on a motorcycle and pass alt-most test

This motorcycle driving tutorial is all about u-turns! Learn how to make a u-turn on a motorcycle. Making a u-turn is required to pass your alt-most skills test (Alternate M.O.S.T. test). Whether you need to pass this test or not, if you plan to drive a motorcycle, you should know how to make a u-turn.

How To: Break up a traffic jam

Sometimes a single driver can vastly improve traffic. Drive like a trucker: keep a large space ahead of your car. This can erase the patterns of stop-and-go driving (wipe out the Traffic Waves.) It can also break up the clogged merge-zones at certain highway exit ramps.

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 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: 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: 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: 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.

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...

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: 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: Access XM Satellite Radio in a 2010 Prius

In this tutorial, we learn how to access XM satellite radio in a 2010 Prius. To access this feature, press the "sat" button the dash or the "sat" button the steering wheel. You can also use the voice recognition button on the steering wheel by saying "satellite radio" out loud after pressing it. You can search for music by channel or use the type scan button while in audio mode to find the type of music you prefer. There are a variety of channels offered, look at your channel guide to find th...

How To: Use ratchet tie down straps

This video shows you how to properly use ratchet tie down straps. It would be a good idea to keep these in the back of your truck or your car to tie down stuff.

How To: Pop a wheelie on a sportbike

Superbike Magazine starts with the roll on power wheelie. They talk about weight balance, throttle control, slipping the clutch and coming down on a lunge when pulling wheelie stunts on a motorcycle.

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: 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 a trailer hitch ballmount and coupler lock

This part is for a 1 1/4 inch by 1 1/4 inch class I and II receivers and the trailer lock fits lever style couplers with a 1/2 inch span. This video will show you the operation of the trailer hitch ballmount and coupler locks.

How To: Use an Erickson retractable ratchet strap

This video shows you how to use a 1" x 10', 900 pound rated retractable ratchet strap from Erikson manufacturing.

How To: Use ratchet straps with twisted snap hooks

See how to use a 1-1/2 inch x 15 ft. long 4,000 pound ratchet strap assembly with the twisted snap hooks. This device is intended for anybody carrying a heavy cargo load on their trailer or flat bed pickup truck.

How To: Start and ride a motorcycle with the basics

Learn the basic concepts to starting and riding a motorcycle! The motorcycle in this video is a Kawasaki Ninja model.

How To: Drive AWD cars on ice and snow

This is a video by Road & Track magazine that shows Acura AWD cars and SUVs driving on an ice track. It highlights strategies Drive AWD cars on ice and snow.

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: Enter Address in Hyundai Tucson Navigation System

How to enter address in navigation system (infotainment) in Hyundai Tucson (2015 – 2016 model, formerly known as ix35) in depth »how to« video.

How To: Use different drive modes in the 2010 Toyota Prius

In this tutorial, we learn how to use different drive modes in the 2010 Prius. The Prius offers a smooth and gentle ride, and new technology lets you tailor the driving experience to your needs. All you have to do is press the button and let the car do the rest. The EV mode lets you drive for longer distances at low speeds using the electric motor only. This is an extremely quiet ride that doesn't produce any emissions. The ECO mode makes the most of fuel economy, even on stop and go city str...