We don’t typically think about the importance of our car battery until it’s dead — boy isn’t that typical. Depending on where you live, you probably have to replace your car’s battery every 2 – 5 years. On top of temperatures changes from seasons and general use, leaving your car in your garage without turning it …
Next to checking your oil and tires, one of the most vital maintenance tasks is looking after your brakes. If brake pads wear too much, not only does stopping safely become more difficult, you risk damaging the rotors themselves. But even with modern brake technology, sometimes the pads just don’t wear evenly. However, sometimes that’s …
Car maintenance can seem overly simplified sometimes. We take our cars in for an oil change at regular intervals and get new brakes and tires whenever they are needed. Chances are the average car owner does significantly less maintenance to their car than they should keep it running at its best. For an average car …
I am an “automotive nut.” I have appreciated the artistry and engineering wonders that automobiles are for most of my life. I have also learned how to tinker with them. However, I still make mistakes for which there are expensive consequences. For example, I know that when charging a battery, you are to keep your …
On our day-to-day drive, we don’t always plan for all of the possible emergencies. It’s hard to know what you should keep packed in your car, or it seems like keep your car stocked with emergency tools is too expensive. Being prepared for an emergency can help you, and it can also make you more …
A tire pressure gauge is one of the simplest tools a car owner can keep handy. They are easy to find and inexpensive, but it’s important that you keep a tire pressure gauge in each one of your cars. Most of us understand the general use of a tire pressure gauge, but there are some …
Even outside of oil, a significant part of vehicle maintenance involves taking care of fluids. And while EVs don’t have motor oil, they do still need coolant. However, just like it’s easy to be overwhelmed by oil grades, it can be challenging to know what coolant to pick. Especially when it’s available in such a …
Whether you own a car or a motorcycle, one of the most important maintenance items is changing your oil. Compared to replacing a clutch or a timing belt, changing your engine oil is relatively straight-forward. However, not only does modern motor oil come in many different varieties, there are a lot of oil grades available. …
Sometimes it’s tough to know when it’s time to replace your car because letting go is tough After all, we end up spending a lot of time and money on our vehicles, and we create some of our most fun memories in them too. Here are five signs that it’s time to replace your car. …
If you’re like me then you probably procrastinate on getting new tires as much as possible. Like oil changes and other forms of standard car maintenance, getting new tires can be stressful and expensive, and there are so many options it’s hard to know what the best deal is. If you cheap out on bad …
Mention Ferrari or Lamborghini, and many people think of posters of exotic cars that once hung in their rooms. That is because exotic cars are always fascinating for their beautiful lines, or their quirkiness. One of the most iconic exotic cars of the 1980s is the Ferrari Testarossa. That Ferrari model’s design was, and is …
Synthetic oil is growing in popularity even among regular car owners. But is the extra cost of synthetic oil worth it or are you wasting money?
Whether its COVID-19 or flu season, we aren’t always great about keeping the inside of our cars clean and sanitized. When we are on the go, we don’t typically stop to wash our hands just to get into our car, but that isn’t the only way we collect germs. From the seats to the dashboard …
Vintage and classic cars’ styling isn’t the only thing that can make them more appealing than modern vehicles. Their simpler designs typically make for more straightforward maintenance. Provided, of course, you can get classic car parts. Luckily, thanks to the Internet, new technology, loyal fanbases, and rising auction values, finding these parts has gotten significantly …
From punctures to improper wheel alignments, there’s a lot that can affect or damage your tires’ ability to maintain pressure. Luckily many modern cars come with sensors to let you know in real-time if there’s a problem. But these tire pressure monitoring systems aren’t infallible, which is why some OEMs are working on updating them. …
The Fourth of July will look a little different in small towns across the country this year as everything has been shut down due to the pandemic. For some families, this could mean staying home with the kids, but for others making the short drive to your local firework show is just as safe, especially …
Although cars and motorcycles differ on a few maintenance items, they both need to be washed regularly. Giving your motorcycle a wash isn’t just about aesthetics, though. It removes contaminants, like bugs, which can damage the paint, and potentially cause rust. Unfortunately—or, rather, given how they can damage paint, fortunately—you can’t just take a motorcycle …
The Subaru Outback is one of the most popular AWD crossover SUVs in America. The Toyota RAV4 is also a popular choice. But does the price to buy the Subaru wagon come with expensive maintenance costs that the dealer didn’t tell you about? How expensive is Outback maintenance? The investment in buying a car is …
Summer heat requires more from your car than just swapping on dry-weather performance tires. Although it isn’t a usual maintenance item, your car’s A/C can also degrade over time. And no one wants to be stuck in a hot car while you’re going on a road trip. One of the simplest ways to keep cool …
Skimping out money-wise isn’t really recommended for most car maintenance items. That’s not to say you always have to buy the most expensive racing-spec brake pads and rotors. But for the most part, spending a little more will generally improve quality and performance. However, does that really apply to something as seemingly simple as windshield …
Driving wears away at your car, and not just through paint chips and scratches. Your tires work through friction, and eventually, they’re worn to the point they need replacement. Normally, that takes tens of thousands of miles, especially with regular rotation. But if you’re replacing your tires after just a few months, you may need …
Manufacturers are very tight-lipped about trade secrets. Rightly so! They do not want the information to get out in the public that could be used to modify or eliminate different systems in their cars and thereby possibly endanger the occupants. Tesla is no different. But, what if somebody is not only smart enough to hack …
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a top choice for both the workhorse utility vans and vanlife camper builds. It’s a great choice, too. In fact, with a diesel engine, a Sprinter will easily see a lifespan of over 300,000 miles. As long as you stay on top of regular maintenance, the longevity of a Mercedes Sprinter …
Color isn’t the only thing your car paint is good for. It’s a key component in protecting the body from rust. And, just like any other component, it can be damaged, even from something like a car wash or bug splatter. But scratches and chips can be repaired. In fact, a lot of car paint …
If you are a frequent Harbor Freight tool-buyer like I am, you’ve probably snagged yourself a handy and inexpensive set of jack stands for your home DIY projects. If you buy tools at Harbor Freight often, you have realistic expectations as to what you are buying, but you may not realize your safety could be …
The Subaru Legacy has a reputation as a safe and reliable car. While this is mostly true, there are still a few common problems you should be aware of.
You’ve probably been told a single number of how much horsepower your car has. Whether you got it from a quick Google search, a dealership sales team, or even just your friend, there are different ways of reporting horsepower, and it isn’t something that always remains consistent over a car’s entire life. Power loss and …
It’s not entirely incorrect to say cars run on carefully-timed explosions. That’s why regular maintenance is so important. But your car’s engine doesn’t just rely on mechanical parts. Without vital fluids like engine oil and coolant, the motor wouldn’t run properly, if it ran at all. And as Carwow recently demonstrated, improper oil and coolant …
Land Rovers have a certain allure. They are a status SUV with an expensive price tag. But they are also pretty capable in terms of off-road excitement. Some, like the Land Rover Defender, have become iconic overland vehicles in their own right. But how are they when it comes to upkeep? As much of a …
Purchasing a brand new vehicle is an experience that a person generally feels good about. But, as a vehicle ages, there is a growing need for repairs and maintenance. Even a new vehicle with a warranty is going to need to be in the shop sooner or later. Well, Consumer Reports recently found complaints about …
When brand new, modern headlights can seem almost too bright. But, like almost everything in and on a car, they’re still maintenance items. And not just the bulbs. Over time, headlights can become foggy or cloudy. In some cases, they may start to yellow. However, unlike a burned-out or broken bulb, foggy headlights don’t always …
Deciding how long to keep your car is a difficult decision for most people. So what do car experts say is the sweet spot?
Cleaning your car properly is a surprisingly important part of regular maintenance. It doesn’t just keep your vehicle looking good, though. Improper washing techniques can lead to rust because they damage your paint. There are actually quite a few things that can damage your car’s paint over time. UV rays, chemicals, even rainwater. And, as …
It isn’t news to anyone that kids can be messy sometimes, and because they like to touch things while they explore and learn, the first thing they touch in your car can get dirty and gross. In a time where we are becoming more aware of germs and how easily they spread, it’s important to …
The recent quarantine has caused many people to lose their jobs or begin working from home. For whatever reason, fewer people are driving their cars than they normally are, and while that’s decreased traffic by a lot. While that may seem ideal for many people, this can also cause some minor problems with your vehicle …
Although leaking oil is a clear sign of trouble, not every vehicle maintenance item makes itself none quite so easily. For example, clutch wear is a gradual process. And timing belts last so long, some owners may forget about them entirely. Until they break, of course. However, maintenance doesn’t have to be just about maintaining …
We’ve all been there: you’re walking up to your car in the parking lot and you notice fresh drops of liquid under it. Your car has been running great, so you quickly dismiss the possibility of it being anything concerning. You notice an ever-growing collection of dark droplets on your driveway over the next several …
Owning a car means that you’ll end up spending a good amount of money every year on insurance, maintenance, and possible repairs, not to mention your monthly car payment, if applicable. And while it might be no brainer when it comes to finding cheaper rates for car insurance or maybe even a lower rate for …
Hearing your car or truck squeak is almost never a good thing. But what are the issues that could cause it to squeak while turning?
Changing your oil is one of the most important pieces of maintenance you can do on your car. But does your filter need to be replaced every time?
Cars have an interesting relationship with water. Standing water, combined with road salt, leads to rust. And depending on where you live, rainwater can even cause paint damage. But we also need water to keep cars clean and prevent other kinds of damage. And water mixed with antifreeze helps keep modern engines cool. But it …
Shelter-in-place orders through much of the country mean cars are collecting dust in driveways. Drivers encouraged to stay home right now may be wondering “What should I be doing with my car if I can’t drive it?” The longer a car sits unmoved there more issues there are to be discovered later. A few simple …
Regardless of how it happens, sometimes your vehicle can sit idle for an extended period of time. Usually, that’s to protect it from winter’s salt. However, if done improperly, just parking your car or bike can actually damage it. And one of the earliest casualties is your car’s or motorcycle’s battery. However, at its core, …
We might not think about them much, but tires are a central part of how our vehicles perform overall, and what most evidently connects us to the road. When it comes to considering a used vehicle to purchase, the tires for the model you choose should be considered just as important as the vehicle’s body …
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, most understand the basics. Change the oil, check the brakes, regular washes, etc. But not every vehicle on the road works the same way. A diesel engine doesn’t work like a gasoline engine, for instance. Also, some wear items, like the clutch are hidden from easy sight. Or, they …
You might not be driving much right now, and your car could be the last thing on your mind. Although, how you take care of your car while it’s idle will influence its overall performance. To maintain your car as it sits, you’ll still want to tend to your car’s battery, engine, and exterior. Here …
Regular car, truck, and motorcycle maintenance and inspection can often prevent or catch problems before they become catastrophic. However, it’s relatively easy to inspect your brakes or check your oil level. Not every vehicle component is so easily examined, especially the transmission. And apart from the transmission fluid—which isn’t actually a ‘lifetime fluid’—there’s one component …
Regardless of what motor vehicle you own, whether car or diesel truck, many maintenance tasks will be similar. Oil changes, air filter replacement, checking the brakes, inspecting the tires, and so on. And many of these tasks also apply to motorcycle maintenance. However, if you are considering moving on from DIY car maintenance to motorcycle …
During the COVID-19 crisis, we are advised to stay home, but there are still many of us who need to use our vehicles for various reasons. This may cause you some worry about being out and about in the world, and then getting inside your car. Or, perhaps you have been sick or have been …
It’s a technology that’s found in many performance cars, from Mazda Miatas to police-spec Crown Vics. It’s found a place in JDM icons and hot hatches. Some rally SUVs even had multiple ones. It’s the limited-slip differential. But what exactly does it do, and why is it so desirable? What does a differential do? The …
