CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

How Many Car Crashes Happen In a Day?

Summary The NSC estimate indicates 35,068 car crashes each day, while the NHTSA estimate is 16,249 car accidents daily. Afternoon…

1 year ago

What Does LS Stand for on a Chevy? Plus 6.2L Chevy Engine Facts

Summary The 6.2L LS engine is renowned for its performance and versatility. Like most LS engines, it’s known for its…

1 year ago

Car Smoke Tests: What You Need to Know and Why They Are Necessary

Summary A smoke test is a diagnostic procedure to identify leaks in a vehicle’s intake system. A smoke machine is…

1 year ago

What Exactly Is a Fix-It Ticket?

Summary Fix-it tickets are the more casual term for correctable violations, which are citations for vehicle repair, insurance, or registration…

1 year ago

Clutch Assembly Parts and Their Functions

Summary Your vehicle’s clutch assembly is a link that connects the engine and the transmission. It allows you to interrupt…

1 year ago

How Long Should Tires Last on a Brand-New Car?

Summary Unfortunately, tires on brand-new cars tend to wear out faster than tires from an exclusive tire manufacturer. Original equipment…

1 year ago

Tread Depth Gauge 101

Summary A tire tread depth gauge is obviously a tool used to measure a tire’s tread depth.  To use a…

1 year ago

What is Rod Knock and How Do You Fix It?

Summary Rod knocks refer to unusual rhythmic thumping sounds an engine makes while running. It’s a common indicator that there’s…

1 year ago

Tire Measurements Explained

Summary You’ll come across a group of letters and numbers etched on the sidewall of your tires. These figures represent…

1 year ago

What’s the Fastest Electric Car In Terms of Charging?

Summary As of writing, it takes the Lucid Air Pure approximately 17 minutes to charge to 200 miles, which is…

1 year ago

What is E15 Gas?

Summary E15 gas is a type of gasoline that contains 15% ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline. Unlike regular unleaded gasoline…

1 year ago

What is a TPMS Relearn and Why Is It Important?

Summary A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) relearn is a process that lets your vehicle recognize and connect to its…

1 year ago

Car Roof Rack: Pros, Cons, and Installation Guide

Summary Roof racks are accessories that you can install on your vehicle’s roof for extra storage. They provide more storage…

1 year ago

Honda Two Motor Hybrid System: A Quick Guide

Summary The Honda two-motor hybrid system has an electric generator motor and a propulsion motor. Not only can it switch…

1 year ago

What Problems Can Bad Lifters Cause In Your Car?

Summary Bad lifters can lead to knocking, rattling, a rougher driving experience, and severe engine damage. A bad lifter causes…

1 year ago

How Long Does It Take To Charge a Car Battery?

Summary It should take 30 minutes to sufficiently charge your vehicle’s battery, but the battery can, when the vehicle is…

1 year ago

Tips for How To Get a Salvage Title Cleared

Summary A totaled vehicle will legally be registered under a salvage title when an insurance company declares that its repair…

1 year ago

What Does a Car Registration Look Like? And Other FAQ

Summary How a car registration looks like can vary depending on where you live. Some states use paper documents, while…

1 year ago

How Much Does A Car Weigh?

Summary The average car weight was 4,094 lbs in 2022. The common vehicle weight measurements are curb weight, gross vehicle…

1 year ago

What Is the Curb Weight of Tesla Models?

Summary The Tesla Model 3 is the lightest, while the Tesla Model X is the heaviest. Individual trims for Tesla…

1 year ago

FAQs About Key Fob Battery Replacement: Straight Answers

Summary Key fobs use RFID technology to communicate with the vehicle. These signals can unlock the doors and start the…

1 year ago

Which Pedal Is the Brake? Frequently Asked Brake Pedal Questions

Summary In automatic transmission vehicles, the brake pedal is the left pedal. In manual transmissions, it’s the middle pedal. Pressing…

1 year ago

What Is a Scat Pack? FAQs and More

Summary Today, Scat Pack is a trim for modern Dodge Challengers and other models. In the past, cars that belonged…

1 year ago

At What Temperature Does Fuel Freeze? Exploring Cold-Weather Fuel Issues

Summary The freezing temperature of gasoline is between -40 and -200 degrees Fahrenheit. Most gasoline freezes at -100 degrees Fahrenheit.…

1 year ago

Average Car Fuel Efficiency Explained

Summary Engine fuel efficiency is determined by measuring how much of the energy in the fuel gets converted into power…

1 year ago

What Does the Blinking Red Light on My Dashboard Mean?

Summary The security indicator light is a red blinking light on the dashboard that turns on after you lock your…

1 year ago

The Best Gadgets to Break a Car Window and Other Survival Tips

Summary Knowing your car window’s glass type, keeping an escape tool in your vehicle, and planning an exit strategy can…

1 year ago

How Many Miles Till Oil Change Is Needed?

Summary Depending on various factors, the recommended interval between oil changes varies between 5,000 and 15,000 miles. While engine oil…

1 year ago

What Is a Wheel Chock? Types, Uses, and Mistakes to Avoid When Using One

Summary Wheel chocks are small wedges that you can place against your vehicle’s wheels to keep them from moving. There…

1 year ago

The Ultimate Gearhead Gift Guide

Want to make the car enthusiast in your life feel like a kid on Christmas morning? To curate the ultimate…

1 year ago

What is a Rat Rod and What Makes Them So Appealing?

Summary Rat rods are custom cars that are specifically designed to have worn-down, “ratty” looks. These vehicles are appealing because…

1 year ago

A Closer Look at the History of the Jeep Comanche

Summary The Jeep Comanche was a product of the pickup truck boom in the 70s. The Comanche truck was based…

1 year ago

What Is a Power Inverter?

Summary Power inverters are electronic devices that convert a car battery's DC power to AC power. The two power inverter…

1 year ago

What Is Traffic Jam Assist? Plus FAQs

Summary In some cases, extremely hot temperatures can become too unbearable even for a cooling system that’s been running well…

1 year ago

Your Guide to Picking Out Decals for Cars

Summary Car decals are basically stickers with enhanced durability because of their layers. Most decals have two layers of paper…

1 year ago

Recommended Windshield Wiper Blades

Summary Always make sure that the windshield wiper blades are compatible with the windshield wipers in length and type. Framed…

1 year ago

Have a Ticking Noise in Your Engine When Starting Then Stops? Here Are the Possible Causes

Summary Some ticking in an engine is normal due to an engine’s direct injection system. A cold engine can also…

1 year ago

The Perfect Last-Minute Gift Guide for the Home Mechanic or Gear Head

Summary Looking for accessories to give to your car enthusiast friend? You should consider a set of high-quality floor mats…

1 year ago

Installing a New Car Alarm In Your Vehicle: A Brief Guide

Summary You need parts like electric tape and tools like the drill and multimeter to install a car alarm system.…

1 year ago

Keep Your Car Safe With a Kill Switch

Summary A kill switch is a switch that stops the engine from starting. The available types are the starter disable…

1 year ago

What Products Stop Oil from Leaking?

Summary There are oil additives that can stop leaks. These additives are more convenient for vehicle owners since you don’t…

1 year ago

How Long Does It Take to Install a Transmission?

Summary Transmission replacement takes one to two days for most vehicles. More complex transmissions or those requiring component replacement can…

1 year ago

Tips and Tricks for Hitch Installation

Summary Choosing the right tow hitch is important. Choose a tow hitch that matches your vehicle’s towing capacity and trailer…

1 year ago

Picking the Best Headlights For Your Car

Summary The main headlight types are halogen, LED, xenon/HID, and incandescent. Bi-xenon headlights use the same ballast for both high…

1 year ago

Troubleshooting a Brake Light That’s Not Working

Summary There are a variety of electrical system issues that can lead to brake light problems. If one or more…

1 year ago

How To Get Spoiled Milk Smell Out of Your Car

Summary To get rid of the smell of spoiled milk from your car, blot the spill first. Then, take out…

1 year ago

Guide to Troubleshooting the Rattling Noise From the Engine When Accelerating

Summary A rattle noise in the engine refers to any unusual sounds from the engine whenever you accelerate. It can…

1 year ago

A Quick Guide on the Engine Temperature Warning Light

Summary The engine temperature warning light indicates that the engine is running dangerously hot. The warning light turns on because…

1 year ago

Why Does My Car Idle Rough?

Summary Bad spark plugs, dirty fuel injectors, a faulty carburetor, and low engine compression can cause rough idling. Dirty air…

1 year ago

How To Reset the Check Engine Light Without Disconnecting the Battery

Summary If you want to turn off an illuminated check engine light (CEL), you can use a scan tool. Alternatively,…

1 year ago

Bad Engine Air Filter Symptoms and Replacement Tips

Summary Your vehicle’s engine air filter is part of its induction system. It cleans the air entering your engine before…

1 year ago

How Do You Get Grease Out of Car Seats?

Summary You’ll need dish soap, degreaser, baking soda, or commercial cleaner to remove grease stains from your car upholstery. A…

1 year ago

Truck vs. SUV: Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Lifestyle

Summary The choice between a truck and an SUV depends on your preferences and needs. Some things you need to…

1 year ago

What Are Car Swamp Coolers?

Summary Car swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are used to cool the air inside a vehicle by evaporating…

1 year ago

Daily Driving a Classic Car: Best Safety Upgrades and More

Summary Classic cars aren’t as safe as modern cars because they lack advancements in automotive safety technology. Some ways to…

1 year ago

Adaptive Suspension Systems: Types, Operation, and Benefits

Summary An adaptive suspension system is a type of setup that lets drivers fine-tune their suspensions, depending on certain road…

1 year ago

What Is a Collision Mitigation Braking System?

Summary Typically installed in new Honda vehicles, a Collision Mitigation Braking System is a safety feature that automatically applies the…

1 year ago

HID Bulb Ballast Replacement Made Simple

Summary The HID ballast is the component responsible for mediating the voltage and current of an HID bulb. Replacing it…

1 year ago

Parts to Replace to Maximize Your Vehicle’s Resale Price

Summary The average depreciation rate for vehicles is 20% for the first year and 15% yearly until the four or…

1 year ago

What Are Exhaust Cutouts? How to Install, Maintain, and More

Summary Exhaust cutouts are aftermarket modifications installed in the exhaust system that lets you control the flow of exhaust gases.…

1 year ago

Are EVs Heavier Than Gas Cars?

Summary Electric vehicles tend to be about 30% heavier than gas-powered vehicles because of their large battery packs. Heavy EVs…

1 year ago

New Spark Plug Turns Black: Causes and Solutions

Summary Spark plugs are responsible for delivering the high voltage spark that will ignite the air-fuel mixture. When a new…

1 year ago

Security Upgrades and Accessories for Your Vehicle

Summary Every 32 seconds, a motor vehicle is stolen in the US. Installing an upgraded alarm siren, repairing faulty door…

1 year ago

What to Do if Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in the Desert

Summary If your vehicle gets stuck in the desert, don’t leave your vehicle. Do your best to stay calm and…

1 year ago

Top Picks from Team CarParts.com: Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Because almost everything is going on sale at CarParts.com! That’s right. From…

1 year ago

Best Car, Cab, and Convertible Interior Covers

Summary The indoor car cover is intended to be used inside enclosed parking areas. Meanwhile, the outdoor car cover provides…

1 year ago

Engine Air Filter vs. Cabin Air Filter: Key Differences Explained

Summary Most modern vehicles have two air filters: the engine air filter and the cabin air filter. They essentially serve…

1 year ago

Tips For Choosing the Best Cute Car Names

Summary Some cute car names, such as Astro and Toto, are great if you consider your vehicle a friend. If…

1 year ago

Best Turbochargers for Your Vehicle

Summary Check the turbocharger product to see if its emission levels are 46-state or 50-state legal. Turbochargers are either brand-new…

1 year ago

A Quick Guide to the Clay Bar Kit

Summary A clay bar is a synthetic clay that can abrade contaminants embedded into your car's paint. Most clay bar…

1 year ago

Ball Joint Replacement Cost: What You Need To Know

Summary Ball joint replacement can cost approximately $250 to $500 per ball joint for most vehicles. But on vehicles with…

1 year ago

Acceleration Rattle: Possible Causes

Summary Acceleration rattle can sound like buzzing, humming, or grinding. A soft/failed motor mount is one possible cause. Others include…

1 year ago

How To Stop the Coolant Leaking From the Bottom of Your Car

Summary The common places where coolant leaks from include cracked or loose hoses, worn or broken plastic hose connectors, cooling…

1 year ago

If Your Car Gets Stolen, Does Insurance Cover It?

Summary While most states require liability insurance for vehicle owners, it doesn’t cover a stolen car. Liability insurance covers the…

1 year ago

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Bad Valve Cover Gasket?

Summary The price of a replacement valve cover gasket ranges from $12 to $124, while labor cost can be from…

1 year ago

Heating System Parts

Summary The heart of your vehicle’s system is its heater core, and the blower motor is like the lungs. Heater…

1 year ago

How Long Do Starters Last In a Car?

Summary Car starters usually last between 80,000 and 100,000 starts or between 100,000 and 300,000 miles. Some of the most…

1 year ago

How to Break the Bead on a Tire

Summary Breaking the tire bead involves pushing the bead down into the center part of the rim. Breaking a tire…

1 year ago

Tips for Inspecting a Used Car

Summary A seller can hide a lot of flaws behind an online listing. One of the most important reasons you…

1 year ago

When Do Car Accidents Happen The Most?

Summary Fatal car crashes happen more frequently during the weekend; nonfatal crashes often happen during weekends. The highest number of…

1 year ago

Why Does My New Windshield Have an Oily Film on It?

Summary An oily film forms on windshields when it gets hot enough to burn any oily contaminants on their surface.…

1 year ago

Reasons Why Your New Power Steering Pump Is Whining

Summary Cavitation is one of the most common reasons why your new power steering pump could be whining. Topping up…

1 year ago

What Is an LS Swap?

Summary An LS engine swap is the process of replacing a vehicle’s stock engine with any LS engine from General…

1 year ago

How to Compress a Brake Caliper

Summary Corrosion is the main reason why a brake caliper could get stuck. There are different ways to compress a…

1 year ago

Get the Right Drop Hitch Receiver for Your Truck

Summary When getting a hitch ball mount, take note of your vehicle’s drop measurement, receiver tube size, and maximum gross…

1 year ago

A Look at the Best Classic Trucks: Impact, Design, and Performance

Summary The first truck was built in 1896 and was based on horse-drawn wagons. Classic trucks paved the way for…

1 year ago

Vehicles With Sliding Doors: Common Problems, Replacement, and More

Summary Vehicles with sliding doors include the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the Ford Tourneo Custom, and the Kia Carnival. Common car…

1 year ago

What is a Rotisserie Restoration?

Summary Rotisserie restorations are a method of car restoration that has technicians mounting the vehicle on a rotisserie capable of…

1 year ago

A Step-by-Step Guide on Headlight Sealing

Summary Headlight sealants are designed to reseal leaking headlight assemblies to keep moisture out of headlights. The most common headlight…

1 year ago

How to Fix and Clean a Carpet: Different Methods and Options

Summary Minor damage on your vehicle carpet can be fixed with the help of carpet cleaning kits while fixing large…

1 year ago

How to Repair Auto Body Rust Holes Plus Tips for Prevention

Summary Repairing rust holes without welding requires tools, safety gear, and step-by-step preparation, patching, sanding, and painting. Moisture, salt, and…

1 year ago

Hood Struts: What They Are, How To Replace Them, and More

Summary Hood struts, also known as hood lift supports or hood shocks, help keep the car hood open and support…

1 year ago

Beater Cars: What They Are, Tips for Buying One, and Maintenance

Summary A beater car is an old vehicle used solely for transportation. Before buying a beater, you should consider bringing…

1 year ago

How to Exit an EV When the Battery Dies

Summary You can exit an EV when the battery dies by using the manual door release lever. Some Teslas are…

1 year ago

How To Make Brakes Look New and Increase Their Stopping Power

Summary You can paint the calipers, use caliper covers, and replace your brake pads to improve looks and performance. Cleaning…

1 year ago

How Much Horsepower Does a Twin Turbo Add?

Summary A twin turbo is essentially a dual turbocharger setup that aims to improve engine performance and power. Turbo lag…

1 year ago

What Exactly Does a Hood Scoop Do?

Summary A hood scoop is an elevated section or an opening cut into a vehicle’s hood supported by a shroud…

1 year ago

Common Car Problems You Shouldn’t Delay Fixing

Summary The most common car problems that need to be addressed immediately are bad alternators, dead car batteries, and flat…

1 year ago

Common Hyundai Engine Problems to Watch Out for

Summary Some of the most common engine problems that affect Hyundai vehicles include carbon deposits, oil sludge buildup, and engine…

1 year ago

Auto Body Replacement Panels: When and How to Do It, What to Consider, and FAQs

Summary Some reasons to replace auto body panels include extensive damage and rust. It’s also a good idea if you’ve…

1 year ago