If your brakes are squeaking you need new pads. You already knew that of course. But what if your steering wheel shakes during braking? You need new pads and rotors. Your wheel is shaking because your rotors are warped or otherwise worn. That’s what’s happening in this ’99 Prelude so I’m installing new PowerStop drilled/slotted rotors and PowerStop carbon-fiber ceramic pads. To do this job you mostly need basic tools but I recommend a brake pad spreader as well.

So the check engine light came on in your car? Don’t ignore it! This calls for an OBD scanner. You can read the codes yourself with this tool or you can stop by an auto parts store and use theirs (for free in most cases). This car is a 1999 Honda Prelude so the on-board diagnostics port is by the passenger’s feet. In your car it may be near the driver’s feet instead.

I’m going to show you how to restore the lower plastic trim on this ‘99 Honda Prelude but the process will be the same on most cars. Everyone knows that the Honda Prelude is one of humanity’s finest achievements. In terms of engineering, style and heritage it has few rivals — But sadly the last one rolled off the assembly line in 2001. Those of us who own one today have a moral obligation to maintain it.