Hot Driving & Safety How-Tos « Driving & Safety

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: 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.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

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: Use the AC power outlets in the 2010 Toyota 4Runner

Select Toyota 4Runner models are available with two 120-volt AC power outlets. To use this feature, the engine must be turned on and running. Press the AC switch to the left of the vehicle's steering wheel. The LED will be illuminated when active. One outlet is located in the center console. The other outlet is at the rear of the vehicle in the cargo area of the Toyota 4Runner. Use the outlets as needed.

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...

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Operate the headlamps on a 2010 Prius

Toyota USA shows you how to operate the headlights of the 2010 Prius. Follow this guide to operate the headlights on the 2010 Prius: To turn on the headlights, use the switch on the end of the left hand stalk. Rotate it once to turn on the parking lights, twice to turn on the headlights. The fog lights are switched on my rotating the inner control ring. If your model comes with LED headlamps, you can turn on the headlamp washers by pushing the button located to the left of the steering wheel.

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: 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: 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: Open & utilize the trunk area of a 2010 Prius

In this tutorial, we learn how to open & utilize the trunk area of a 2010 Prius. To access the cargo area, open the rear hatch by pressing on the release above the license plate. To keep items out of sight, there is a sliding cover that you can pull back and hook into slots. To open, pull towards you slightly, then reel it in. There is additional space under the floor which can be accessed by twisting the locks and removing from the vehicle. Underneath this, there is a cargo bin, and undernea...

How To: Use the keyless remote entry fob on 2010 Lincoln cars

Most cars have them… keyless remote entry systems, and the newer Lincoln model cars have them, too. The Remote Keyless Entry System lets you unlock the doors and liftgate by simply pushing a button on the key fob. There is also a panic alarm on the key fob that flashes the parking lamps and sounds the horn. No more fumbling with car keys! Watch this video to see how to use the key fob on your 2010 Lincoln vehicle.

How To: Set a waypoint destination in a 2010 Ford Lincoln MKX

It's easy to get around in the 2010 Ford Lincoln MKX, because it has a built-in navigation system. But how do you use it? How do you find your way around? This video will show you the steps necessary to set a waypoint on the touch screen inside the 2010 Lincoln MKX. Getting directions is so easy!

How To: Avoid rear-end collisions

Accidents are the worst. They're costly, time consuming and an all around pain in the butt. Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of accidents on the road. Take these simple precautions to avoid a rear-end collision.

How To: Add night vision to your car to see at night

Systm is the Do It Yourself show designed for the common geek who wants to quickly and easily learn how to dive into the latest and hottest tech projects. We will help you avoid pitfalls and get your project up and running fast. Search Systm on WonderHowTo for more DIY episodes from this Revision3 show.

How To: Practice motorcycle safety

Motorcycle fatalities are on the rise. Make sure you're doing all you can to protect yourself. Practice good motorcycle safety.

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: 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: 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 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: Pair phones to a 2010 Toyota 4Runner navigation system

In a 2010 Toyota 4Runner, you can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth. To do this, make sure the car is stopped. Then click the info button next to the navigation screen. Press "Phone" and confirm that you want to connect a new phone. Press "Add New". The car's system will begin searching for Bluetooth devices. Make sure that your device's Bluetooth feature is on. When prompted, enter the code on the car's navigation screen into your phone. A message that says "Bluetooth connection su...