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 …
For millions of drivers in cold-weather states, the long-awaited sights and sounds of spring have finally arrived, like colorful flowers, chirping birds and warmer temperatures. On the other hand, springtime also ushers in several damaging forces that target your car’s once-pristine paint job. Protecting your car’s finish from these sinister forces starts with knowing what …
Nothing will happen to your car, truck or SUV should the coronavirus get onboard. But if not properly cleaned, your vehicle could be a hotbed of coronavirus and other infections and germs. It is for this reason that we suggest using hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes to wipe down the interior of your car and …
Taking care of your car is, in many ways, like taking care of your children. While it is important to take your car to the shop for regular maintenance, it’s also important to teach your children basic life skills during spring and summer break. 1. Keep an Eye on the Fluids Keeping the motor oil, …
During the time of the COVID-19 Pandemic, some essential businesses are closed. Among those are auto shops. If your usual repair shop is closed, here are some below ways to manage your maintenance until we are back to our new normal. Check Your Engine Oil Do it regularly, monthly for a vehicle in good condition; …
Sure, it’s impressive when a car can accelerate quickly, but stopping is just as, if not more important. Inspecting your brakes is a regular part of vehicle maintenance. But all the checkups in the world won’t matter if you’re not using those brakes correctly in the first place. The most effective braking strategy In a recent …
Taking your car in for minor repairs can be costly and time-consuming, which makes learning how to complete some of your own car maintenance projects even more valuable. While working on your own car can be intimidating, there are plenty of projects you can complete on your own time based on your car’s specific needs. …
Half a century ago, if a person purchased a car, they could expect it to last two to three years. As technology has progressed, manufacturers have learned how to make their products more precise in fit, with better quality, and have thereby elongated system life spans. That is true from the suspension and engine systems in a car, all …
Maintaining your vehicle is easier than ever today, with fluids and parts that provide optimum performance. Though fluids have come a long way in recent decades, many owners get caught up in the hype and lure of “lifetime fluids.” But this name is often more misleading than it appears, and we’re here with the truth …
Stop us if you’ve heard this one—if you pour sugar into someone’s gas tank, then it’ll cause all sorts of mechanical maladies and ultimately render the vehicle kaput. Allegedly, the sugar is supposed to chemically react with the gasoline and transform into a gooey, semi-solid sludge that completely clogs up the gas tank, fuel lines, …
Today, Mazda’s mostly known for stylish SUVs and the beloved MX-5 Miata. But the Japanese automaker has another claim to fame: its use of rotary cars. Up until 2019, Mazda was the only Japanese automaker to ever win Le Mans, and it did it with a rotary-powered car. A rotary engine powered one of the …
Let’s face it—a breakdown by the side of a busy highway or sketchy neighborhood is enough to cause a nervous breakdown. If you haven’t already, it’s statistically inevitable that you’ll eventually be the unwilling recipient of mechanical misfortune. To help alleviate some of the stress that comes along with car troubles, you should have a …
Previously we covered a portion of a list of things every driver should know about cars. That installment is found here. In this next installment, a few other basic things every driver should know are discussed such as, filters, tire pressures, what to do if you can’t start your car, and what are good things …
Car curious? Don’t know much about cars but want to learn a few things to avoid feeling ignorant about the subject? It doesn’t matter if a vehicle is owned, leased, or borrowed, there are a few things everyone, especially new drivers, should know about them. Follow along in this two-part series as we go over …
It’s no secret that most people that buy a car want their car to last as long as possible. There are actually a few things you can do to try and ensure that your vehicle runs up to 200,000 miles and beyond. With just a few simple steps and a little extra TLC your car …
If you’ve ever looked at your dashboard and wondered about the purpose of the air recirculation button among your A/C controls, you’re not alone. This feature is something that continues to confuse many drivers, but using it properly actually has a huge number of benefits. Here’s what you should know about the difference between inside …
Nowadays, it’s not unusual nowadays to see cars, trucks, and SUVs travel 200,000 miles or more. But, generally speaking, most used buyers look for low-mileage cars, which have seen less wear-and-tear on their components. This is especially true when looking at classic cars. That 1971 Datsun 240Z that recently sold for over $300,000 only had …
The smell of gas could strike fear in the hearts of many drivers. Gas is a highly-flammable substance and is often the cause of vehicle fires. If your car smells like gas, you should take it to a mechanic as quickly as possible. If you smell raw gasoline around your car, it could indicate a very …
Whether you drive a Lamborghini or a Honda, maintaining your car’s paint can be a struggle. Dull, scratched or swirly paint can take the luster out of any car, and with so many things out to ruin your paint, it’s hard to make sure your car looks brand new year-round. Car detailers and automotive enthusiasts …
While not everybody enjoys a practical joke or prank, there are a number that make car maintenance novices the butt of the joke. A newbie that doesn’t have their whits about them could very well find themselves off hunting for an imaginary product all for a laugh. Blinker fluid is one of those prank products. …
The Honda Insight has a few nagging problems that frustrate owners. Many model years suffer from oil consumption problems that get worse with time.
The Infiniti Q50 is a beloved luxury sports sedan. However, some owners of this car are getting fed up with repair bills piling up.
Doing your own oil changes both rewarding and cost effective. However, there are some home owners associations that don’t allow it.
The Kia Sportage is a great affordable SUV. Kia’s reliability ratings have improved over the years, but the Sportage does have a few problem areas.
The Volkswagen Jetta is one of the most popular cars the company offers. It’s been around for years so its problem areas are well-documented.
The Cadillac Escalade is synonymous with luxury, but that doesn’t mean the it’s is immune to problems and issues. What are the most common problems?
Of all the regular maintenance items your car or truck requires, brakes are perhaps the most vital non-engine component. Especially now that so many cars come with automatic emergency braking. Many owners know to regularly inspect and change their brake pads. However, it’s also important to pay attention to your brake rotors. After all, the …
When you think of Hawaii, you might picture beautiful beaches, warm weather, and great food. But if you’re planning to drive there, you might want to think again. According to a new study by WalletHub, Hawaii ranks as the worst state for car owners. The study The WalletHub study took data from 31 key indicators …
Ram 1500s have had some nagging problems over the years that span different model years. Here are the ones that annoyed owners the most.
Trying to diagnose the reason your car is shaking can be frustrating. What are the best ways to narrow down the culprits?
Vehicle recalls are a headache for everyone involved from the manufacturers to the car owners. A particularly headache-inducing recall that is making waves again is the one concerning airbag inflators made by Takata. The company, which has since gone bankrupt and has been bought out by Joyson Safety Systems, first went under investigation for their …
Toyota Highlander owners are often worried about their check engine light. If the light in your Highlander is on, what are the usual culprits?
The Nissan Sentra is a great option if you need a solid little car for a reasonable price. However, there are a few common problems to be wary of.
The F-150 was by far the best-selling car or truck in America in 2019, and Americans clearly love their F-150s. That said, the Ford F-150 isn’t a problem-free truck, and it has its own fair share of issues. Here’s everything that you need to know about why your heater is not working in your truck. …
The EPA is getting more serious about emissions, especially from heavy-duty trucks. While it’s good news for those who have to suffer smog and coal-rollers, some aftermarket companies and automakers are worried it may affect their business. But there’s a new problem on the horizon. It’s not from the EPA, but emissions and air pollution …
The Nissan Frontier has stood the test of time with few updates and new features. It hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for Frontier owners though.
When you buy a vehicle, whether it’s new or used, you have the responsibility of keeping it running strong for as long as you own the car. If you don’t perform regular maintenance, you risk causing damage to some of your vehicle’s parts. You can replace them, but some will cost you more than you …
The last thing you want is for your car to have transmission problems. That’s why it’s best to avoid buying these Jeep Cherokee models.
When you go off-roading, chances are high that you’ll get stuck. Don’t leave home without one crucial piece of equipment: a truck winch.
A powertrain warranty isn’t the same thing as a bumper-to-bumper warranty. What are the key differences between the two that you need to know?
Diesel engines offer many advantages over traditional gas engines. But will these extra benefits mean repairs are more expensive?
Diesel trucks are quite different from gasoline ones. That means home mechanics have to keep a few things in mind before wrenching on them. That’s in addition to the other considerations required for pickup truck maintenance. But diesel truck maintenance isn’t terrifyingly-complicated, as long as you keep a few things in mind. Glow plugs, not …
For many pickup truck owners, doing their own maintenance isn’t just about saving money: it’s something they enjoy doing. Car owners are much the same. And overall, working on a truck is similar to working on a passenger car. There’s oil to change, tires to rotate, brakes to inspect, and so on. Still, an F-150 …
Over the years Ram trucks have developed a reputation for rusting faster than other trucks. Is there any truth behind these claims?
Regardless of the kind of sound your truck makes, your first move should be getting your truck assessed by a technician right away.
HEMI engines are know for being incredibly powerful and incredibly reliable. What’s the story behind this cherished American icon?
Finding a place to take your truck to get serviced isn’t easy. You need to be able to trust the mechanics. Avoid this common shop at all costs.
Some people mistakenly assume truck tires should be aggressive and rugged-looking. Let’s look at the available options and dispel this myth.
Getting your first pickup truck is exciting, but new owners can make common mistakes that lead to lower performance and expensive repairs.
Supposedly, there are many benefits to filling your tires with nitrogen instead of air. Consumer Reports found the truth behind your tires.
