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.

How Long Do Alarms Go Off For? How Do They Work? Straight Answers

Summary The average car alarm can blare for as long as 30 seconds.Car alarms are triggered by shock sensors and…

3 years ago

Leaded vs. Unleaded Gas: What’s the Difference?

Summary Leaded gasoline is regular gas with a lead additive that raises its octane level and improves its performance. Unleaded…

3 years ago

Here’s Why You’re Paying a Bit Over The Odds For Diesel Fuel

Summary Supply & demand, refining costs, and international trade are some of the reasons why diesel is more expensive than…

3 years ago

States With the Most Interstate Highways and Other Facts About Interstates

Summary The Interstate Highway System, or simply interstates, refers to the highways connecting different states and cities across the United…

3 years ago

What Can Be Considered Low Mileage?

Summary A vehicle can be considered low mileage if it has traveled less than 15,000 miles. Low mileage can also…

3 years ago

How the Throttle and Brake Pedals Work (Straight Answers)

Summary The throttle pedal accelerates the vehicle when you press on it, while the brake pedal activates the brakes and…

3 years ago

The Best Names for Green Cars

Summary Green cars are pretty rare. Given how uncommon your car can be, you can truly make it your own…

3 years ago

The Best Names for Silver Cars

Summary To come up with appropriate names for a silver car, you might want to consider fictional characters or human…

3 years ago

How Far Can You Drive on an Empty Tank of Gas? Plus Tips

Summary The low-fuel warning light typically illuminates when a vehicle’s fuel tank is around 10% to 15% of its maximum…

3 years ago

Fleet Vehicles and Their Value for Money: Are They Worth It?

Summary A car, van, or truck that has been purchased for fleet use is part of a bulk of vehicles…

3 years ago

Cheapest Cars in the World: The Ultimate List

Buying and maintaining a car is costly, but it is necessary for many people who do not have access to…

3 years ago

When Do Roads Get the Most Slippery? (+How to Drive Safely)

Summary Driving on slippery roads is dangerous, with most weather-related crashes occurring on wet pavement and during rainfall.When it rains…

3 years ago

When Were Vehicles First Equipped with Computers?

Summary In 1968, Volkswagen released the first car with an engine computer as part of the Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel…

3 years ago

How Do They Get Cars in the Mall?

Malls are a great place for manufacturers to show off their new car models to shoppers. But have you ever…

3 years ago

The Best Red Car Names

Summary It’s important to choose a meaningful name for your red car because your vehicle is an extension of who…

3 years ago

How Much Does Gasoline Weigh? Plus Answers to Other Questions

Summary Driving with less fuel only produces significant fuel savings if it reduces a considerable fraction of your vehicle's total…

3 years ago

What Are the Best Honda Accord Years?

Summary Honda’s been making the Accord for nearly 50 years with 10 generations. Honda Accords have been the midsize category…

3 years ago

What Is a Donut In a Car? +Things To Remember

Doing donuts in a car is something of a party trick. It’s a maneuver that shows off a driver’s skill…

3 years ago

The Best White Car Names

Summary You give your white car a  name based on animals, fictional characters, or even human names, as long as…

3 years ago

Beware: 10 Little-Known Reasons NOT to Lease a Car

Summary Leasing a car might be a good option for you, but be aware of its hidden drawbacks. Reasons for…

3 years ago

Driving Basics: Learning How to Drive In No Time (+Safety Tips)

Summary Driving takes time to master with some states requiring 20 to 30 hours of formal classroom driver’s education before…

3 years ago

Nifty Ways to Get Rid of the Gasoline Smell On Your Hands

Summary Benzene is a compound that increases the octane level of the gasoline mixture to improve engine performance. It is…

3 years ago

All About Traffic Lights: Traffic Light Size, Weight, and More

Summary The average traffic light has a height of about 30 inches, with each lens having the same size of…

3 years ago

Best Brake Calipers

Summary Some of the most recommended brake calipers include products from A1 Cardone, Powerstop, AC Delco, Centric, Crown, and Motorcraft.It’s…

3 years ago

Toyota FJ Cruiser Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Toyota FJ Cruiser retains 91.5% of its value after three years.The Toyota FJ Cruiser is slightly less reliable…

3 years ago

Land Rover LR3 Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Land Rover LR3 scored 2.5 out of 5.0 on RepairPal’s reliability rating. It can last over 200,000 miles…

3 years ago

Toyota Highlander Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Toyota Highlander is an above-average SUV, as scored by RepairPal. With a score of 4.0 out of 5.0,…

3 years ago

Honda Fit Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Honda Fit has above average reliability scores from RepairPal, making it one of the most reliable cars in…

3 years ago

Ford Edge Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Ford Edge received a reliability score of 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal, ranking it 11th out of…

3 years ago

Dodge Avenger Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Dodge Avenger is a reliable midsize car with a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.Some…

3 years ago

Scion tC Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Scion tC is a reliable sedan, thanks to its power, roomy hatchback area, and improved suspension and handling,…

3 years ago

Nissan Sentra Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Nissan Sentra scored 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal, which places it 14th out of the 36 compact…

3 years ago

Kia Forte Reliability and Common Problems

Summary RepairPal ranked the Kia Forte 6th out of 36 compact cars in its segment, making it one of the…

3 years ago

Scion xB Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Scion xB is a reliable compact car with a reliability score of 3.0 out of 5.0 from J.D.…

3 years ago

Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability and Common Problems

Summary RepairPal gave the Mitsubishi Mirage a 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating, making it one of the most reliable…

3 years ago

Hyundai Veloster Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Hyundai Veloster is a well-received hatchback with a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 from RepairPal.The Veloster…

3 years ago

Ford Mustang Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Ford Mustang is generally reliable, getting a 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal and 85/100 from J.D. Power.…

3 years ago

Ford Bronco Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Ford Bronco has good resale value and only depreciates by 35% in five years. The Bronco enjoys above-average…

3 years ago

Lincoln MKZ Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Lincoln MKZ has an average reliability score of 3.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal because it frequently requires…

3 years ago

Volvo S60 Reliability and Common Problems

Summary Many drivers consider the Volvo S60 as a comfortable vehicle with good performance. RepairPal gave the model a reliability…

3 years ago

Mini Cooper Countryman Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Mini Cooper Countryman is a reliable SUV with a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability score from RepairPal. With…

3 years ago

Volkswagen Beetle Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Volkswagen Beetle is a well-received vehicle with a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 from RepairPal. The…

3 years ago

Chevrolet Aveo Reliability and Common Problems

Summary RepairPal gave the Aveo an above-average 4.0 out of 5.0 rating, ranking it 13th out of 21 subcompact cars.According…

3 years ago

Dodge Dart Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Dodge Dart received a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal.The most common Dodge Dart problems include…

4 years ago

Dodge Charger Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Dodge Charger is a beloved sedan that got a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 from RepairPal.…

4 years ago

Lincoln MKX Reliability and Common Problems

Summary RepairPal gave the Lincoln MKX a rating of 3.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 9th out of 14 luxury…

4 years ago

Volvo XC70 Reliability and Common Problems

Summary RepairPal.com gave the Volvo XC70 a reliability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 6th out of 14…

4 years ago

Subaru Impreza Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Subaru Impreza has an average reliability rating from RepairPal of 3.5 out of 5.0. Common problems with the…

4 years ago

Chrysler Pacifica Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Chrysler Pacifica minivan has above-average reliability scores on RepairPal with a 3.5 out of 5, but its annual…

4 years ago

How to Avoid the Glare from Oncoming Headlights

Summary The glare from oncoming headlights can be dangerous because it can temporarily blind a driver, leading to a road…

4 years ago

Toyota Corolla Reliability and Common Problems

Summary With a 4 out of 5 reliability rating on RepairPal, the Corolla is considered above average. Its performance holds…

4 years ago

Jeep Cherokee Reliability and Common Problems

Summary Consumer reports gave the 2019 Jeep Cherokee a low reliability rating of 2 out of 5, ranking it 26th…

4 years ago

How to Remove Blind Spot Mirrors

Summary A blind spot mirror is an accessory that attaches to your car's side mirror to improve your view of…

4 years ago

A Guide to Car Window Accessories

Summary Side window deflectors reduce wind noise, prevent dirt buildup on your windows, and provide good ventilation.Car window shades lower…

4 years ago

Is it Illegal to Drive Without a Side Mirror?

Summary While you can tentatively drive without a side mirror, it’s definitely a safety hazard. Depending on state laws, it…

4 years ago

Lexus RX350 Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Lexus RX350 is one of the most reliable cars in the industry. It enjoys a 4/5 rating from…

4 years ago

Can You Put Seat Covers on Heated Seats and Is it Safe?

Summary The mechanism of a heated seat is built to keep your back, thighs, and legs warm while inside the…

4 years ago

Bumper Cover vs. Bumper: What’s the Difference?

Summary The bumper and bumper cover differ in function, protective features, and materials. The bumper absorbs impact whenever there’s a…

4 years ago

What are the Parts of a Car Door?

Summary The parts of the car door exterior include the exterior door handle, window, and window molding. The car door…

4 years ago

Pontiac G6 Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Pontiac G6 received average reliability scores from J.D. Power.With proper maintenance, this mid-size car can last for about…

4 years ago

How to Pass an Emissions Test: 7 Tips That May Help

Summary Emissions testing is required in many parts of the country. Local and state laws can vary so it’s best…

4 years ago

How to Close Car Hood Properly

Summary To properly close your car hood, make sure all lids and covers underneath are closed, and that you don’t…

4 years ago

Fog Lights: What They Do and When to Use Them

Summary Fog lights are supplementary lights that can be used along with your headlights in low-visibility conditions. You can also…

4 years ago

Toyota Tacoma Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Toyota Tacoma is ranked relatively low for reliability compared to its competitors according to RepairPal. However, its issues…

4 years ago

Hyundai Accent Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The 2021 Hyundai Accent has been critically acclaimed by U.S. News as a great budget-friendly commuter. It has a…

4 years ago

Cadillac SRX Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Cadillac SRX is a generally well-received vehicle with a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.Drivers…

4 years ago

Infiniti QX56 Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Infiniti QX56 is average in terms of reliability, as RepairPal gave it a reliability score of 2.5 out…

4 years ago

Hyundai Elantra Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Hyundai Elantra is an efficient and reliable compact sedan. RepairPal gave it an outstanding score of 4.5 out…

4 years ago

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a reliable luxury midsize car. It got a score of 3.5 out of 5.0…

4 years ago

Legal Window Tint Percentages and How They Work

Summary Some car owners prefer windows with tint because it enhances their ride’s look and offers them more privacy.It also…

4 years ago

GMC Envoy Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The annual maintenance cost of the GMC Envoy is $497. This is considered to be lower than the $573…

4 years ago

Lexus RX330 Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The RX330 has gotten good scores from Edmunds.com with reliability scores of 4.7 to 4.8 across three year models.…

4 years ago

Ford Transit Connect Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Ford Transit Connect is a reliable cargo van with a 3.0 out of 5.0 reliability score from RepairPal.According…

4 years ago

Toyota Prius Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The resale value of the Toyota Prius only depreciates by 17% in five years.With proper handling and regular maintenance,…

4 years ago

The Top 6 Best Running Boards for Your Ram 1500

Summary Running boards help people get in and out of trucks or SUVs, and they’re especially convenient for Ram 1500…

4 years ago

Audi A3 Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Audi A3 is a stylish-looking, powerful, and reliable luxury sedan that holds value well, depreciating only 42% after…

4 years ago

Ram 2500 Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Ram 2500 received an average of 2.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal in terms of reliability. It can…

4 years ago

Sticky Dashboard: What Causes It and How to Clean

Summary Dashboards get sticky because of the vinyl material used, which can melt, degrade, or age. Melted dashboards ruin your…

4 years ago

Toyota 4Runner Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Toyota 4Runner is a well-received car with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 from RepairPal.Drivers often…

4 years ago

Subaru Outback Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Subaru Outback is a dependable SUV. RepairPal scored it 3.5 out of 5.0 in terms of reliability, ranking…

4 years ago

GMC Canyon Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The GMC Canyon is a reliable pickup, achieving a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal. It…

4 years ago

Dodge Caliber Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Dodge Caliber has a high reliability rating of 4 out of 5 from RepairPal despite the vehicle’s many…

4 years ago

Suzuki SX4 Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Suzuki SX4 got mixed reviews in terms of reliability.US News & World Report gave the 2013 model a…

4 years ago

Best Brake Drums: Top Aftermarket Brands to Consider

Summary Brake drums are frequently exposed to harsh elements and driving conditions, which can quickly wear them down.Some of the…

4 years ago

Best Steering Knuckles: Top 6 Brands for Replacements

Summary The best steering knuckle brands to consider are Replacement, Dorman, Crown, Moog, Motorcraft, and GenuineXL.We recommend Replacement steering knuckles,…

4 years ago

Best Wheel Bearing Brands

Summary TrueDrive, Timken, Centric, Motorcraft, Crown, and ACDelco are some of the best wheel bearing brands.Some signs of a bad…

4 years ago

The 6 Best Spark Plug Brands for Improved Engine Performance

Summary Spark plugs produce the spark needed to efficiently combust the fuel-air mixture while also acting as heat exchangers that…

4 years ago

The Best Control Arm Bushing Brands to Consider if You Need Replacements

Summary Control arm bushings make it possible for the control arms to pivot smoothly in the right direction. The best…

4 years ago

Best Leaf Springs

Summary Some of the best leaf springs are the Crown 52003449, Skyjacker S97TCR515S, Dorman RB929502, Belltech B265982, Dorman RB929129, Belltech…

4 years ago

Buick Encore Reliability and Common Problems

Summary Buick Encores are generally reliable and well-received, with a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 from RepairPal.The Encore…

4 years ago

Mazda 5 Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Mazda 5 is a generally well-received vehicle, with a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 according to…

4 years ago

Volkswagen Jetta Reliability and Common Problems

Summary Volkswagen Jettas received above-average reliability scores on RepairPal, ranking it 21st out of 36 compact cars. The compact car…

4 years ago

Hummer H3 Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Hummer H3 enjoys fair reliability ratings. The latest model (2010) scored a reliability score of 3 out of…

4 years ago

Cadillac CTS Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Cadillac CTS is a luxury car known for its low ownership costs and great gas mileage. RepairPal gave…

4 years ago

Best Brake Pad Sets: Improve Your Stopping Power Instantly

Summary SureStop, Powerstop Z16 Evolution Ceramic Series, and Centric Premium Series are some of the best brands for brake pad…

4 years ago

Jeep Liberty Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Jeep Liberty is a well-received vehicle that achieved a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 from RepairPal.Drivers…

4 years ago

Ford Focus Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Ford Focus is a popular hatchback, but several problems appear often, and some of its model years have…

4 years ago

Kia Optima Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Kia Optima scored well in terms of reliability, receiving a 4 out of 5 rating on RepairPal. It…

4 years ago

Dodge Nitro Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Dodge Nitro received a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating from Repairpal.The most common Dodge Nitro issues include…

4 years ago

The Best Headlight Brands for Your Ford F-150

Summary Always consider your vehicle’s year, make, and model when getting replacement headlights. Some of the best headlight brands for…

4 years ago