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Maintenance
1997 Ducati 916S odometer detail

What Does a Million Mile Engine Look Like? Donut Media Finds Out

A car’s mileage is a big deal. Low-mileage cars typically have a higher value than higher-mileage cars, and depending on the type and year of the car, the difference between the two values can be pretty dramatic. We also view mileage as a car’s lifespan, and even consumers with minimal car knowledge understand that a …
The contact breakers for a Honda CB750 ignition system

Classic Motorcycle Ignition Systems Are Simpler Yet More Complicated

For those looking to start riding a classic motorcycle, know that it comes with some unique, and more frequent, maintenance needs. These bikes have manually-adjusting carburetors, for example, and shorter overall service intervals. Plus, those used to modern computerized ignition systems might be overwhelmed when it comes time to fixing a classic motorcycle’s system. But …
RV camper drives on road with winter landscape

How to Winterize Your Diesel Engine

Winter is upon us. Depending on where you live and what you drive, you may have varying levels of experience with “winterizing” your home, RV, Motorcycle, or even car. Winterizing, for those who may not know, is the process of preparing your gear for sustained low temperatures. Diesel-powered vehicles are particularly vulnerable to low temperatures. …
A custom gold colored Rolls-Royce Shadow golf cart

Extending a Golf Carts Life Is a Matter of Regular Maintenance

If one has used a golf cart to get around the campground or golf course, then they know how handy such a vehicle can be. Unfortunately, not everybody knows how to take care of them. So, some of the poor creatures won’t last very long. Regular maintenance, however, will elongate the service lives of electric …
Two high school students change a car's engine oil

Should You Get Your Engine Oil Analyzed?

Regularly changing your oil is a classic and constant part of vehicle maintenance. One that, with modern engineering capabilities and the rise of synthetic engine oil, has dropped in frequency somewhat. However, some people go beyond simply replacing their engine oil and send it off for analysis. But why do they do it? And should …
A race official inspects a NASCAR carburetor

How Do You Adjust a Carburetor?

If you’ve been eyeing a classic car or motorcycle, know that their maintenance schedules are typically shorter than their modern counterparts. Oil changes are more frequent, for example. Plus, even the best-kept vintage vehicles are, well, vintage—and time decays all eventually. And one of the biggest changes is learning to live with and adjust a …
A car battery being charged

The Right Way to Jump-Start a Car if It Has a Dead Battery

Let’s set the scene. You’ve just put on your jacket, grabbed your keys, and are ready to head out the door. You get to your car, get comfortable in the driver’s seat, and place your key into your car’s ignition. The good news is that you didn’t forget your keys. The bad news is that …
A cutaway ZF dual-mass engine flywheel

Is a Lightweight Engine Flywheel a Worthwhile Upgrade?

Adding more power via something like a turbocharger is a common-enough idea. But some modifications, rather than increasing raw performance, are about tweaking a car’s character in subtler ways. You can install a short shifter, for example, or swap your transmission’s gear ratios. Or you can give your car a lighter engine flywheel, or a …
2018 Lamborghini Urus carbon-ceramic brakes

Is Giving Your Car Carbon-Ceramic Brakes Worth It?

Your brake pads, like your rotors, aren’t just maintenance items. As with your tires, wheels, intake, and exhaust, you can swap them out for upgraded versions. And when it comes to high-performance cars, carbon-ceramic brakes are a common feature. But are these ceramic brakes a modification worth pursuing? What’s different about carbon-ceramic brakes? Although a …

Do ‘Odometer Fraud’ Scams Still Happen Today?

Finding the perfect used car can come with a lot of headaches and crossed fingers depending on what kind of shape it’s in. And while we always advise getting a pre-purchase inspection done when you purchase a used car, there could be hidden issues that you might find out about later on. One such issue …
Checking the oil level in a vehicle engine using a dipstick

The Dangers of Putting Too Much Oil in Your Car

Your gas-powered vehicle uses an engine with tons of moving parts. To keep this expensive unit running, you need to change the oil every few thousand miles, whether you do it yourself or have someone else perform the maintenance. If you don’t, you run the risk of ruining the motor. And replacing it isn’t cheap.  …
BMW S 1000 RR with the M Endurance motorcycle chain

Shaft, Chain, Belt: What’s the Difference With Motorcycle Drive?

Whether you’re working on a car or motorcycle, some things stay the same. There are fluids to change, tires to replace, and brakes to bleed. But one of the biggest differences is that motorcycles have chains, and cars don’t. Except, not every bike has a chain. Many BMW models, for example, are shaft-driven. And cruisers …