Automotive DIY

This automotive DIY section provides do it yourself resources, including VIN decoding tools, OEM window sticker lookup references, mechanical size charts, and practical repair guides. Ideal for technicians, DIY mechanics, and informed vehicle owners seeking precise self taught automotive information.

How to Read Tire Size Numbers (Sidewall Codes)

how to read tire size

How do you read tire size numbers? Every tire has a combination of letters and numbers molded into the sidewall, such as P215/65R15 95H DOT 3523. Each part of this code describes the tire's width, sidewall height, construction type, wheel diameter, load capacity, speed rating, and manufacturing date.

How to Get a Ram Window Sticker from VIN Lookup

RAM Window Sticker by VIN

Need to see how your Ram truck or van left the factory? My free Ram Window Sticker from VIN lookup tool provided below, gives you instant access to the official Ram window sticker (Monroney label), showing original MSRP, options, and features for most Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles built since 2012. Just enter your VIN to instantly download the factory sticker as a PDF.

In addition, you can use built in tools to decode your Ram VIN or access the official Ram build sheet for complete factory equipment details.

How to Get a Chevy Window Sticker by VIN for Free

Chevy Window Sticker by VIN

Here's a Chevy window sticker by VIN lookup tool that I personally created to give instant access to original factory Monroney labels for most General Motors Chevrolet and GMC vehicles from 2012 onward. Use this tool to retrieve your original Chevy or GMC window sticker, view the full build, or decode your VIN to see all factory installed options.

How to Get a Jeep Window Sticker by VIN Lookup

JEEP Window Sticker Lookup

How to easily Get a Jeep Window Sicker by VIN: Want to see how a Jeep left the factory; complete with pricing, options, and equipment details? Here's a free lookup tool I created that lets you instantly view and download a PDF of an original Jeep window sticker (Monroney label) using the vehicles 17-digit VIN. It works for most Jeep models built from 2007 onward, pulling official data directly from Jeep's servers entirely for free with no account or sign up needed.

How to Get a Ford Window Sticker by VIN for Free

Ford Window Sticker by VIN

Want to see your Ford exactly as it rolled off the assembly line: options, MSRP, fuel economy, and all? If you are trying to get a Ford window sticker by VIN, I personally created a free lookup tool that lets you do exactly that.

This free Ford Window Sticker Lookup tool, lets you instantly download your original Lincoln or Ford window sticker (Monroney label), or what we might call a Ford Birth Certificate :), using your 17 digit VIN. It pulls the official factory record in PDF format for most models built from 2007 onward, for free, with no login or account required.

You'll also find a built in VIN decoder tool, information on how to decode your VIN, and guidance on retrieving a Ford build sheet for deeper vehicle specifications.

Why a VIN Lookup Sometimes Fails - What to Do

Why a vin lookup fails

If your VIN lookup fails, you are not alone. Many car buyers, sellers, and owners encounter this frustrating issue when trying to access factory options, build sheets, or original window stickers. The good news is that a failed VIN lookup does not automatically mean something is wrong with the vehicle. Most often, it simply means you need a different approach or tool to get the information you need.

VIN lookups fail every day for perfectly legitimate vehicles. In many cases, the problem is not the VIN itself, but how and where that VIN is being searched. Understanding what is happening behind the scenes makes it much easier to get accurate vehicle data without guessing or wasting time.

Standard Wrench Sizes and Socket Sizes in Order

wrench size chart

Standard and Metric Wrench Sizes and Socket Sizes | SAE to Metric Conversion | Wrench and Socket Sizes in Order: I used to have all of the SAE standard wrench and socket sizes in order memorized and could tell you instantly what size was next in order from small to large and which metric socket or wrench was equivalent. That was decades ago, back in my days as a mechanic and industrial technician.

Lookup Oil Drain Plug Sizes by Make, Model, Engine

Oil Drain Plug Sizes

Car and truck oil drain plug sizes can be confusing, especially if you slide under your vehicle ready for an oil change and realize you have no idea which socket you need. Plug sizes vary between makes, models, and engines, and even different years of the same vehicle can use different drain bolts. The upside is that most manufacturers reuse common sizes, so once you know what your vehicle uses, the job becomes much easier.

Car Dealership Transparency: A Fair Look from the Customer's Side

Trustworthy Car Dealerships

Car Dealership Transparency: Let's be honest, buying a used car lives at the crossroads of excitement and anxiety. Customers are often walking onto the lot with a lot on the line: their savings, their trust, and their hopes that what they're told matches what they are buying, in pricing, vehicle history, and condition.

New 2025 RAM 1500 Make Noise After Shutdown?

2025 Ram 1500 3.0L Hurricane Engine Noise After Shutdown

Does Your 2025 RAM 1500 Make Noise After Shutdown? If you've recently purchased a 2025 RAM 1500 with the all-new 3.0L Hurricane Twin Turbo Inline-6 (SST) engine, you may notice a quiet humming, whirring, or buzzing noise coming from the engine bay after shutting the truck off. While it might sound unusual, don't worry, this noise is completely normal and is a sign your truck is protecting itself.

Stock Challenger RT Auto Dyno HP and Torque Numbers

2009 challenger rt dyno baseline

Stock Challenger RT Auto Dyno Results, HP and Torque Numbers. After breaking in my new Dodge Challenger RT 5.7 Hemi, I decided to test its stock horse power and torque on a Dynojet. For reference, a 2009 Dodge Challenger RT with an automatic transmission is rated at 372 HP and 400 FT LBs of Torque from the factory.

Uconnect 8.4 Clock Running Slow & How I Fixed it

Fixing  Inaccurate Uconnect 8.4 clock

Noticed your Uconnect 8.4 clock running slow? You're not alone. The other day, I realized that the clock in my Uconnect system was losing several minutes per hour. At first, I thought it was a one-time glitch, so I manually adjusted the time. But a few minutes later, it drifted again, off by several more minutes. Even after performing a full system reset, the issue persisted.

Recovering Bricked Uconnect 8.4 after failed update

Uconnect Update -Sierra Wireless bolo file install failed

Recovering a Bricked Uconnect 8.4 after Uconnect software update failed. While attempting to install SIRI UPDATE FOR UCONNECT® 8.4A_RA3_16.13.13_MY13_&_M14 via a USB flash drive, I encountered the error "Sierra Wireless: bolo file install failed.