Hot Driving & Safety How-Tos


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.

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 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: 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: 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: 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 auxiliary audio port on a 2010 Toyota 4Runner
Each Toyota 2010 4Runner has a mini plug auxiliary audio input port in the center console. When you want to play your personal playback devices, e.g. iPods or other MP3 players, on your car's sound system, simply plug it in the mini plug socket and press the aux button of the sound system. Depending on the model you drive there may also be a USB port in the glove box for selected models. Connecting your iPod to it will play the device as well as charge it when you drive. Playing sounds in you...

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: 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: Use a wheel winch to rescue your 4WD drive from the mud
If you and your 4WD Jeep or other offroading vehicle venture far enough afield, you will probably find yourself stuck in mud, sand, ruts, or some other sticky situation. This video will teach you how to use a wheel winch to self-rescue your vehicle from all sorts of situations and get your truck driving again.

How To: Adjust the mirrors in a 2010 Toyota Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to adjust the mirrors in a 2010 Prius. The interior rear view mirror will dim automatically if it sense a glare coming into it. You can turn this function on and off by pressing the buttons on the mirror. There are also outside mirrors that have controls to the left of the steering wheel. Press the buttons to adjust the area the lens is at. There is also a defroster that will activate when you turn on the front or rear defroster. This will loosen any ice from th...

How To: Teach Yourself to Drive Stick Shift Using a Video Game
With the dawn of the digital age it possible to learn how to drive stick using video game as practice. This can be good for the beginner weary of the cautions of real street-driving in addition to preventing wear and tear on the car itself.

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: 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: Make a u-turn on a motorcycle
In this video, we learn how to make a u-turn on a motorcycle. You must be able to complete a u-turn without putting your foot down. Depending on the size of your motorcycle, you will need 20-24 feet to do this properly. The most common mistake is oversteering and putting your foot down. Keep the clutch in the friction zone, drag the rear bike the stabilize the bike, add throttle if needed, and shift your weight. Keep your head up and make sure you are looking all the way through the u-turn. D...

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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...

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: 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: Use a SportRack bike rack locking kit
The SportRack bike rack lock kit can be easily added to many of the SportRack model racks. It includes two locks, one that secures the bikes to the rack and another that locks the rack to your trailer hitch. It only takes a minute to install and is dead simple to use, as this video demonstrates.

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...

How To: Adjust the front seat and heater in the 2010 Toyota Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to adjust the front seat and heater in the 2010 Prius. First, you will need to adjust your seats by lifting the lever in the front of the seat. Move up and down until it's comfortable. On the side of the seat is a lever which will move the seat up and down. The other lever behind that will move the seat back up and down until it's in the right place. There is also a button on the side that will change the lumbar support for your back. There is also an option ava...

How To: Choose which driving mode to use in the 2010 Prius
In this tutorial, we learn how to choose which driving mode to use in the 2010 Prius. The Prius offers four drive modes: normal, eco, power, and ev mode. To activate the mode, press the appropriate button the center console and the light will appear in the center console. Now, you can press it again to deactivate it if you no longer want it on. The Prius has a driving range of 1/2 mile and can operate at 25 mph using light throttle. If the battery needs charging or the speed exceeds 25 mph th...

How To: Start your 2010 Lincoln MKT with the ignition button
No more do you need to fumble with keys. The 2010 Lincoln MKT has a button ignition instead of the standard key ignition. And it might be confusing at first, but this video will show you how to start and turn off your vehicle by using the push button (available on select models). No more digging in your purse or pockets… simply have the key fab within a certain distance and press the ON button. It's that easy!

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: Convince your parents to buy you a car
Tired of walking everywhere? Does your only ride have two wheels and a bell? Check out this video and learn tips and tricks for convincing your parental units to buy you a car. Pretty soon you will be cruising through town and the envy of all your friends.

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: Use rear parking assist on a 2010 Toyota 4Runner
One of the many features that comes with the 2010 Toyota 4Runner is Rear Parking Assist. To use this feature, press the button to the left of the steering wheel that is marked P. The system will beep and the green LED will be lit, confirming that the feature is turned on. When the car is put into reverse, the parking assist will start beeping. As the car gets closer to an object, the beeping will gradually get faster and faster. When the car becomes very close to an object, the beeping will b...

How To: Use cruise control on the 2010 Toyota 4Runner
ToyotaUSA shows us a quick video detailing cruise control on the 2010 Toyota 4Runner. Cruise control is standard on all 4Runner models. Behind the lower right side of the steering wheel there are switches for the cruise control. To activate it, press the on/off button at the end of the stock. A green icon will be illuminated on the instrument panel. Accelerate or decelerate to desired speed and push the stock down to set it to that speed. To increase the cruise control speed, move the stock u...

How To: Drive a stick shift safely
In this video, Brandon will show you how to drive a stick shift safely and effectively. In a stick shift, there are three pedals, the gas, the clutch, and the brake, all of which will be used in order to drive the car. You should use your right foot for the gas and the brake and your left for the clutch. This video will show you the basics of how to drive a stick shift and how to shift gears without making the car stall.

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: Use turn-by-turn navigation with Ford SYNC
Turn-by-turn navigation is easy with Ford's new SYNC system. Cities, businesses, your favorite places - name your destination and SYNC returns with your turn-by-turn directions. To add your favorite locations, you simply need to visit your owner account online, then you're ready to find your favorite directions, or any other directions needed.

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.