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+ FollowCharley Helvy
Automotive Expert
Education
- Bachelors of Science, DeVry University, Technical Management
- Associate's Degree, Community College of the Air Force, Applied Science in Vehicle Maintenance
- Graduate, Air Force Vehicle Maintenance Training School
- Certificate of Completion, Diesel Mechanics, Oklahoma Central Technology Center
Certifications & Organizations
- Certified Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Heavy Truck Technician
- Certified Automotive Service Excellence Auto Technician
- Certified Automotive Service Excellence Truck Mounted Equipment Technician
Favorite Piece of Advice
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Co-authored Articles (24)
How to Turn Traction Control Off: Instructions for Any Vehicle
Stuck in the mud? Here’s how switching off your traction control system might helpTraction control (TC) is an important safety feature of your vehicle, especially when you’re driving through ice, rain, or any other c...
How to
Replace a Power Window Motor
If one of the power windows in your vehicle fails to function, it may be the result of a broken power window motor. If you have identified the motor as the culprit, replacing it is fairly straight forward, though it can...
How to Fix a Parking Brake Light That Won’t Turn Off
Troubleshoot your stubborn parking brake light with these 5 tips You’re leisurely driving down the road when you see your parking brake light illuminating your dashboard. You swear you put your parking brake down, so h...
What Causes White Smoke from Your Muffler (or Engine Bay)?
''Diagnose and fix issues causing white smoke''Seeing a thin cloud of white smoke appear in the rearview mirror on a cold or humid day is normal—in most cases, the smoke is just water vapor. However, if a thick, persis...
What Does the Check Gauges Light Mean?
Learn how to troubleshoot and shut off your check gauge indicator While it’s not as serious or ominous as the dreaded check engine light, the “check gauges” light is still a cause for concern. It indicates that the...
How to
Register a Homemade Trailer
The process of registering a homemade trailer varies based on local and state regulations, but basically involves submitting an application to transport authorities. Since you've already built the trailer, the hard part ...
How to
Test Glow Plugs
Glow plugs preheat the air in the combustion chamber in diesel engines so that they start faster when they are cold. If your engine is having trouble starting or you see smoke coming from your exhaust, then one or more o...
How to Fix an Oil Leak in Your Car
Learn how to identify and stop an engine oil leakIf your car has an oil leak, it’s essential to repair it right away—luckily, there are a few easy fixes you can do at home for cheap. The first step is to locate where...
How to
Drive an Excavator
An excavator is a large piece of machinery used to dig dirt and debris out of construction sites. Using one on a construction site requires operator training and a state operator license. To get started, become familiar ...
How to
Test Trailer Lights
It's important that your trailer lights are in proper working condition so that other drivers will see you signal and brake. If your trailer lights seem to be malfunctioning, you can test them in several ways to possibly...
How to
Change Glow Plugs
Diesel engines are designed different than gasoline-based engines. One of the most significant differences is diesel engines have glow plugs instead of spark plugs. Spark plugs create a spark that ignites the fuel to pow...
How to Fix & Reset the Check Fuel Cap Light on a Honda Accord
Solve why your car's warning light is on with our troubleshooting guide If your Honda Accord has a Check Fuel Cap light on the dashboard, it may mean there’s an issue with the EVAP emissions system. While the most com...
How to Tell If the Coil Pack on Your Car is Failing
''Identify and fix a faulty ignition coil with this DIY guide'' A vehicle’s coil pack, also known as the ignition coil, supplies the high-tension current needed to bring your car to life. Even though coil packs last as...
A Guide to High Oil Pressure: Symptoms & Service
Learn what’s making your “check oil light” turn on and how to protect your car when it happens So you’re cruising down the interstate and you see that pesky “check oil” light on your dash. You pull over wit...
How to
Start a Diesel Truck
Gas powered engines and diesel powered engines ignite differently. Gas powered engines start when the fuel is ignited by a spark from a spark plug. In contrast, diesel engines are ignited by the heat caused by compressio...
How to
Repair Electric Car Windows
A stuck car window could be as simple as a blown fuse or a loose connection. It is also possible that you have a faulty switch, especially if the window works on a hit and miss basis. Window motors go down sometimes as w...
Understanding and Treating Engine Sludge: A Complete Guide
Learn why engine sludge forms & how to protect your engine from it Engine sludge is created by oil. When oil is exposed to the open air, it oxidizes and begins to turn into sludge. Engine oil sludge isn’t just an aesth...
How to
Check Engine Vacuum Hoses
Knowing what faulty vacuum hoses look like is an important part of keeping your car in good condition. Many of these hoses control your car's idle, emissions components and environmental controls such as your heat. This...
How to
Operate a Mini Excavator
'''Mini excavators''' were considered ''toys'' by heavy equipment operators a few decades ago when they were first introduced, but they have earned the respect of construction utility contractors and site work profession...
How to
Clean an Intercooler
An intercooler is an air cooling device often used on turbocharged or supercharged engines. It is usually located at the front of the vehicle behind the grill so air can flow into it. Over time, your intercooler may get ...