Lisa Conant, Automotive Content Specialist

Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts and isn't afraid to get some grime under her own fingernails. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, writing numerous product round-ups and reviews, how-to-guides, and research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. When she's not writing about lift kits and paint chip solutions, you can find her hanging out in New Hampshire with her family and her car-hating cats.

Lisa has written automotive reviews and features for Car Bibles and The Drive.

What Is a Touch-Free Car Wash?

Summary Touch-free car washes don’t use brushes or cloths to clean the vehicle’s surface. It relies on a high-alkaline soap…

2 years ago

What Does WRX Stand For? A Look Into Subaru’s Iconic Sports Car

Summary WRX stands for World Rally eXperimental. It’s essentially a turbocharged version of Subaru’s Impreza.The WRX is fast and versatile.…

2 years ago

What Is a Soft-Touch Car Wash?

Summary Soft-touch automatic car washes scrub your car with mild friction using felt brushes. They also use mild soap and…

2 years ago

What Is the RSCA Off Button?

Summary Roll Sensing Curtain Airbags (RSCA) are side-curtain airbags installed in the ceilings of certain Toyota vehicles.The button to turn…

2 years ago

What Are Upfitter Switches?

Summary Upfitter switches are also called auxiliary switches, and they’re essentially switches that allow drivers to turn on various features…

2 years ago

Six-Wheel Drive: What’s 6×6 or 6WD in Vehicles and Why Is It Important?

Summary Six-wheel drive (6WD or 6x6) refers to a vehicle configuration with three axles and six wheels. Vehicles with 6WD…

2 years ago

What is a Hemi eTorque Engine and What Makes It Special?

Summary The Hemi eTorque is a hybrid engine in RAM vehicles that combines efficient hemispherically shaped combustion chambers and hybrid…

2 years ago

What Does CUV Stand For? Pros, Cons, and How It Differs From SUVs

Summary The crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is slightly bigger than a sedan but smaller than a sports utility vehicle (SUV).CUVs…

2 years ago

What Is Considered a Compact Car?

Summary Compact cars are North American vehicles between the mid-size and subcompact categories. The typical compact car carries four passengers,…

2 years ago

The Top 5 Ford F-150s in History

Summary Few vehicle models are as popular as the Ford F-150, which has been the best-selling truck in the US…

2 years ago

What Is a Tow Package, and Do You Need One?

Summary A towing package is a set of parts that you install on a truck or SUV to enhance the…

2 years ago

Tips and Tricks for Using a Self-Service Car Wash

Summary Using a self-service car wash can be cheaper than an automatic car wash and gives you a lot of…

2 years ago

What Is the Best Household Soap to Wash Your Car With?

Summary There are plenty of household items you can use to wash your car. For the car exterior, you can…

2 years ago

What’s a Hellcat? Plus Other Facts About Dodge’s Last Hemi

Summary Dodge SRT Hellcat models are upgraded versions of the automaker’s flagship muscle cars, the Challenger and Charger. The Hellcat…

2 years ago

What Is Accessory Mode?

Summary Accessory mode operates some accessories on battery power while the engine is turned off.The benefits of accessory mode include…

2 years ago

What Is Hill Start Assist and How Does It Work?

Summary Hill start assist stops your vehicle from rolling backward when you start it while parked on a hill or…

2 years ago

What Does a Valet Key Do? Is Having One Inside Your Vehicle Dangerous?

Summary Valet keys are shortened versions of the master key that can start your car but can't open the glove…

2 years ago

What Is a BSD System?: Blind Spot Detection Explained

Summary A car’s blind spot detection (BSD) system alerts the driver whenever another vehicle gets close to the sides of…

2 years ago

What Does Snow Mode Do In a Car?

Summary Snow mode alters the vehicle's driving dynamics to get better control and grip.You should use snow mode when you're…

3 years ago

What Is the Safest Car Brand?

Summary Genesis offers some of the safest vehicle models on the market today.The IIHS and the NHTSA both awarded numerous…

3 years ago

Knowledge Bank for Drivers: What Voids a Recall?

Summary Vehicle manufacturers issue a recall on certain models if they have safety-related issues. An existing salvage or flood title and…

3 years ago

What Does Launch Control Do?

Summary Launch control is a common feature in many performance-oriented vehicles. It helps the driver achieve maximum acceleration from a…

3 years ago

What Is Axle Ratio in Trucks?

Summary Axle ratio refers to the number of revolutions the driveshaft needs to spin the drive wheels once. Manufacturers typically…

3 years ago

What Exactly Is Auto Hold?

Summary Auto vehicle hold is a feature that automatically helps your vehicle maintain the braking force when you step on…

3 years ago

Racing Stripes: History, Meaning, and Iconic Cars

Summary Racing stripes are the two vertical lines running up the racecar’s hood down to its rear. They were first…

3 years ago

Thunderstorm Driving: Tips to Drive Safely During Heavy Rain

Summary The best thing to do when driving during heavy rain is to find a safe spot and wait it…

3 years ago

Driving Tips: How to Maintain Control When Your Car Is Skidding

Summary Skidding occurs when the tires lose their traction on the road.Driving on low-friction surfaces and failure to replace worn-out…

3 years ago

The Ins and Outs of License Plate Transfers

Summary The rules for transferring a license plate from one car to another vary per state. You can usually transfer…

3 years ago

Buying a Used Car from a Private Seller? Here’s What You Need to Know

Summary Dishonest sellers, overpricing, and hidden damages are things you should be wary of when buying a used car from…

3 years ago

How To Get Gas at a Station

Summary When pulling up at a gas station, always make sure that the fuel tank is facing the pump. You…

3 years ago

Choosing the Tires For Highway Driving

Summary Precipitation, extreme temperatures, and state road conditions can greatly affect your highway driving experience.If you frequently drive on highways,…

3 years ago

What Is Speed-Compensated Volume and How Does It Work?

Summary Also known as speed volume compensation, speed-compensated volume (SCV) automatically adjusts your audio system’s volume based on your driving…

3 years ago

What Is Skyactiv in Mazda Cars?

Summary Skyactiv is Mazda’s engine tech that helps the engine produce more power without sacrificing fuel economy.  Skyactiv engines are…

3 years ago

What Does the S Mean On Gear Shift?

Summary The S on the gear shift stands for “Sport Mode.”Sport mode is ideal for highway driving when there aren’t…

3 years ago

What Is a Passive Disabling Device?

Summary Passive disabling devices or passive anti-theft devices are security features that automatically turn on by themselves and help prevent…

3 years ago

What Is D3 in a Car? How to Use It, Advantages, and More

Summary The D3 you see on the gear stick on an automatic transmission car stands for Drive 3. Using the…

3 years ago

What Is EV Mode? (Plus Other Unique Hybrid EV Features)

Summary EV mode (or motoring mode) is a feature typically found in hybrid EVs. Once activated, it restricts fuel usage…

3 years ago

What Does Range Mean and How to Make the Most Out of It

Summary Range means miles to empty or the maximum distance your vehicle can travel before it runs out of fuel…

3 years ago

Floor Mat Maintenance: Car Floor Mat Cleaners and Upkeep Tips

Summary Use heavy-duty cleaners or DIY solutions to clean your car's floor mats.Different types of car floor mats require appropriate…

3 years ago

Repainting Your Vehicle: Picking the Best Car Paint Color and Finish for You

Summary Painting a vehicle is a process that involves sanding, cleaning, sanding again, applying primer, painting, finishing, cutting, and buffing.You…

3 years ago

What Do Curb Colors Mean In California?

Summary Curb colors identify the curb zones in California and who can use those zones. White curbs are solely for…

3 years ago

Removing Lingering Dog Odors from Your Car: Effective Tips and Tricks

Summary Most dog odors are usually caused by molecules created by yeast and bacteria from your dog’s fur. These microorganisms…

3 years ago

How To Perform a Vehicle History Check

Summary The vehicle history report is a treasure trove of information about the used car. It shows the accident record…

3 years ago

How To Adjust the Car’s Mirrors for Maximum Visibility

Summary Side mirrors can only extend a driver’s field of view if they’re adjusted properly. Before you start adjusting your…

3 years ago

What Are the Fees When Buying a New Car?

Summary Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) fees include vehicle title and registration fees, sales tax, and inspection and emissions fees.…

3 years ago

Is It Illegal To Drive With a Mattress on Your Car Roof?

Summary Driving with a mattress tied to your car roof isn’t illegal, but you can still get pulled over if…

3 years ago

Is Your Chevy’s Radio Locked? Here are Some Tips and Tricks To Unlock It

Summary Radios in Chevy vehicles typically display “locked” if they need to be reset. To get the radio working again,…

3 years ago

Euro-Metric and P-Metric Tire Sizes Explained

Summary The “P” in P-metric stands for passenger, because this type of tire was originally designed for passenger-type vehicles. P-metric…

3 years ago

What Is a Low-Profile Tire and Are They the Right Choice for You?

Summary Also known as “low-pro tires”, low-profile tires have an aspect ratio of 50 or less, which means they have…

3 years ago

What’s So Great About Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicles? A Guide to PZEVs

Summary PZEV stands for partial zero-emission vehicle, which has fuel systems that produce no evaporative emissions, meets the strict tailpipe…

3 years ago

How To Get Spilled Milk Out of Your Car’s Carpet

Summary Milk is one of the worst fluids that can spill in your car because it can spoil and leave…

3 years ago

How To Make Your Own Bumper Stickers

Summary Making a professional-grade bumper sticker is easy, and there are two popular methods: printing at home and making bumper…

3 years ago

How to Clean Egg Splatter Off Your Car

Summary There are several ways you can clean egg splatter off your car. You can use wiper fluid, waterless wax,…

3 years ago

Tips for How To Remove Car Emblems

Summary Removing car emblems, or debadging, is something that vehicle owners do to give their rides a sleeker, cleaner look.Before…

3 years ago

Tips On How To Get Used to Driving On the Right Side

Summary If you come from a country with left-hand driving, you must acclimate to driving and traffic on the right…

3 years ago

Tips On How To Get Paint off Leather

Summary Paint can ruin the look of your vehicle's leather details and seats, but you can clean the material safely.Check…

3 years ago

Can You Safely Use a Magic Eraser on Your Car?

Summary Avoid using a Magic Eraser on car paint, but take extreme care if you use it on a car…

3 years ago

Georgia Speed Limits, Laws, and Fines?

Summary The speed limits in George vary according to the road type and range from 30 miles per hour (mph)…

3 years ago

How to Make Your Own Car Freshener: 5 Simple Ways

Summary Felt-based air fresheners, clothespin air fresheners, and wax air fresheners are examples of DIY-friendly car air fresheners you can…

3 years ago

What Are Body Kits on a Car? How to Pick One, Types, and More

Summary Body kits on a car are aftermarket upgrades that alter a vehicle’s exterior appearance, including bumpers, side skirts, fenders,…

3 years ago

How to Choose a High-Quality Bumper

Summary When choosing a new bumper for your car, consider the material, price, and whether you’re going for an aftermarket…

3 years ago

What Color Cars Are More Expensive To Insure?

Summary Color does affect car insurance, but not as directly as you might expect. For instance, because certain vehicle colors…

3 years ago

Tips on How To Get a Mildew Smell Out of Your Car

Summary To get rid of the mildew smell in your car, try airing out your vehicle by rolling down your…

3 years ago

How to Check for a Lien on a Car

Summary A car with a lien is essentially a car that comes with extra loans to pay. In other words,…

3 years ago

Blast From the Past: The Headlight Wiper Fad and Other Obsolete Auto Features

Summary The headlight wiper is a small windshield wiper that cleans the headlights. They were popular sometime between the 1980s…

3 years ago

How to Drive on the Freeway Safely: Tips and Tricks

Summary Freeways seem intimidating, but you can stay safe by following highway driving tips and tricks.Highways are the long public…

3 years ago

How Do You Calculate the Total Cost to Own and Drive a Vehicle?

Buying a vehicle is an exciting yet daunting purchase for most. The car itself is already expensive enough, and the…

3 years ago

Do Car Washes Recycle Water? And Other FAQs

Summary Most car washes use recycled water for the initial cleaning process. The car wash recycling system obtains the used…

3 years ago

Parallel Parking Made Easy

Summary Parallel parking involves finding a space that’s one and a half times the length of your vehicle. According to…

3 years ago

Drive Comfort: What Is It, What Affects It, and Other FAQ

Summary Drive comfort refers to your overall setup that makes long drives enjoyable and hassle-free.Seat quality, driving position, and leg…

3 years ago

Why Is Good Car Handling Important?

When experts rate cars as good or bad, they often bring up the model's handling. They like to discuss how…

3 years ago

Your Guide to Stow-and-Go Minivan Seats

Stow-and-go seats are a convenience for minivan owners. You have the option of either extra seats or extra space depending…

3 years ago

Is It Illegal To Leave Your Kids in the Car?

You must not leave your child without adult supervision in any situation. That bit of common sense applies doubly to…

3 years ago

Best Way To Clean Windshield Wipers

Your vehicle’s windshield wipers are designed to sweep water droplets away from the middle of your windshield so you can…

3 years ago

In What States Are Radar Detectors Illegal?

Summary A radar detector lets drivers know when a police speedometer is monitoring them.The laws regarding radar detectors vary per…

3 years ago

What Is a Runaway Truck Ramp?

Summary Escape ramps are the emergency areas alongside downhill roads that let vehicles safely stop if their brakes fail.Runaway truck…

3 years ago

What You Need To Know About State Emissions Testing

Vehicle emissions have a lot of negative effects on the environment. Modern emissions laws try to ensure vehicles today have…

3 years ago

The Headlight Indicator and High Beam Light Indicator Explained

Car headlights have come a long way since the 1880s. They went from fuel-burning lamps to glowing light bulbs, to…

3 years ago

Your Guide to the Types of Car Jacks and Stands

Summary A car jack can lift your vehicle off the ground for short periods, while a jack stand can support…

3 years ago

Vehicle Weigh Stations: What You Need To Know

Summary Weigh stations are points where the highway patrol checks the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to ensure a car…

3 years ago

How To Clean Your Car’s Interior Roof

Summary The three methods of cleaning your car's interior roof are spot cleaning, steam cleaning, and deep cleaning.Headliners are the…

3 years ago

A Beginner’s Guide to Dealership Warranties

Summary A dealership warranty is a buyer’s guarantee that the purchased vehicle will function as specified. Vehicle warranties must be…

3 years ago

What’s the Best Way to Clean Tires?

Summary When cleaning your tires, make sure to know the basics, like making sure they’re cool before touching them, rinsing…

3 years ago

Can You Drive Safely With a Concussion?

Summary It is impossible to drive safely with a concussion because such a condition severely impairs the brain and motor…

3 years ago

How To Park on a Hill

On the whole, parking is a pretty easy part of driving a vehicle. All you need to do is slide…

3 years ago

Simple Guide to High-Beams: When You Must Dim Your High Beam Lights When Driving

Summary High-beams are intended to be used for highway driving at night. Avoid using high-beams when driving near other vehicles.…

3 years ago

How to Get Gum Off Your Car: 8 Simple Ways

Summary One of the best ways to get gum off your car is to use a bug and tar remover. Another…

3 years ago

How To Reverse Park Like A Pro: A Simple Guide

Summary Choose a parking spot with empty spaces on both sides. Activate your turn signal in the direction of the…

3 years ago

Car Wax vs. Polish: Do You Need To Do Both?

Summary You can make your car look good and keep it clean for months with wax, polish, or both.Waxing is…

3 years ago

Backup Lights Are Essential, Here’s Why

Summary Backup lights illuminate when you set the gear lever to reverse.These lights are usually white and bright enough to…

3 years ago

Can You Drive With Your Trunk Open?

Summary The legality of driving your car with a trunk open will depend on factors like vehicle type, cargo size,…

3 years ago

How To Dispose of Car Batteries

Exposure to used car batteries can be very dangerous to people and the environment. Because of this, it’s important to…

3 years ago

Desert Driving: What You Should Know

Summary Dessert driving is certainly a fun activity, but keep in mind that the terrain can be unforgiving sometimes一especially when…

3 years ago

Quick and Comprehensive Guide to Curb Color Meanings

Summary The curbs along the road’s edges have colors for the driver’s convenience, and each color represents what you are…

3 years ago

Tow/Haul Mode: When You Should Use It

Summary Tow/Haul mode is a feature available in most automatic transmission vehicles. It helps drivers tow heavy cargo by adjusting…

3 years ago

The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Tinted Windows

Summary Cleaning tinted windows the same way you’d clean a normal car window could damage their tint. You’ll have to…

3 years ago

Different Hitches on a Car, Explained Plus Hitch Selection Tips

Summary Car hitches give your vehicle more points to mount or attach specific objects, namely bicycles or towing platforms.There are…

3 years ago

How Does Traffic Start? The 7 Root Causes

Summary The main causes of traffic jams include traffic incidents, road construction and maintenance, high traffic volume, and adverse weather…

3 years ago

How To Get Sap Off Your Car

Summary Some ways to remove sap from your vehicle include hand washing, applying commercial cleaners, and using home remedies.Sap is…

3 years ago

Do Halogen Bulbs Get Hot and Other FAQ About Vehicle Lights

Summary Halogen lights are still the most common lights you’ll find on most vehicles today, and they can get as…

3 years ago