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 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

How Do Engine Oil Life Monitoring Systems Work?

Summary First introduced by General Motors in the late ‘80s, the oil life monitoring system alerts drivers whenever their vehicles…

1 year ago

Best Cold Air Intakes To Improve Your Engine’s Performance

Summary Cold air intakes are a great upgrade for your vehicle’s intake manifold because they can improve engine performance and…

1 year ago

What Are the Best Aftermarket Gauges To Install in Your Vehicle?

Summary Adding additional gauges on your vehicle’s dashboard can make information like speed, engine RPM, and oil pressure more legible.…

1 year ago

Best Oil Filters for Your Vehicle

Summary The Bosch Premium series oil filter is the best-value oil filter because of its good performance when it comes…

1 year ago

Performance Sway Bars Kits To Improve Your Vehicle’s Handling

Summary Sway bars, lever arms, or anti-roll bars help reduce body roll when cornering. Sway bars are a torsion spring,…

1 year ago

What Problems to Look for When Buying a Used Manual Transmission Vehicle

Summary Some issues to look for when buying a used manual vehicle include transmission leaks, transmission troubles, and gear shifting…

1 year ago

Multifunction Switch: What It Is, How It Works, When to Replace, and More

Summary A multifunction switch is a cluster of switches built into a single assembly. It typically includes the wiper/washer switch,…

1 year ago

Parts to Keep an Eye on to Extend Engine Lifespan

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

1 year ago

Have Sugar In Your Gas Tank? Here’s What to Do

Summary Sugar won’t dissolve in gasoline. If someone puts it in your vehicle’s fuel tank, it won’t lead to the…

1 year ago

Recommended Catalytic Converters

Summary Some types of catalytic converters are direct-fit, manifold converters, front and rear converter kits, and universal catalytic converters. Some…

1 year ago

Transform Your SUV With These Rims

Summary To find the best SUV wheels, you must consider factors like size, offset, color, and design. Given the number…

1 year ago

Best Tonneau Covers

Summary Tonneau covers are available in folding, roll-up, retractable, and hinge styles. Hard tonneau covers use rigid materials, such as…

1 year ago

10 Tire-Changing Tools That Make Tire Emergencies Easier

Summary Using a floor jack, wheel chocks, and kneeling mat can make it easier to change your tire. A torque…

1 year ago

10 Best Car Body Modifications for a Whole New Look

Summary Getting a new hood, grille assembly, and bumper can change your vehicle’s look. Installing a spoiler, exhaust tips, and…

1 year ago

Car Entertainment Accessories for Long Drives

Summary Stereos and head units are the brain of any car entertainment system. They instruct the rest of the sound…

1 year ago

Pet Parent Essentials: Car Accessories for Pets

Summary Purchase a pet divider or a pet safety harness to keep your pet from distracting you on the road.…

1 year ago

Gothic or Girly: Black and Pink Car Accessories You’ll Love

Summary Some cool, black, gothic car accessories you can consider purchasing are a black car hood, black wheels, and a…

1 year ago

Automotive Upgrades To Impress Your Date

Summary Installing a brand-new convertible top, spoiler, and decals is a great way to upgrade your car exterior and impress…

1 year ago

Car Wires, Connectors, and Harnesses: Which Do You Need?

Summary Car electrical wires and cables transfer power or information between the different components in a vehicle’s electrical system. Car…

1 year ago

10 Winter Car Accessories Every Driver Needs To Survive the Cold

The winter season is a busy time for many. There are several Christmas presents to buy and holiday parties to…

1 year ago

Safety Equipment for Vehicle Repairs

Summary Safety glasses are a must have to protect your eyes from any stray flying debris during an auto repair…

1 year ago

The Best Car Cameras and Accessories for Your Daily Driver

Summary Some vehicle owners leave their vehicle’s windshield wipers up during winter to prevent the blades from freezing onto the…

1 year ago

What Are Boots for Spark Plugs?

Summary Spark plug boots insulate the connection where the ignition cable connects to the spark plug. Coil-on-plug boots are the…

1 year ago

What To Do if Engine Coolant Over-Temperature Light Is On

Summary An illuminated engine temperature warning light, sweet odor, and steam from the engine bay are common signs of an…

1 year ago

What Causes That Burning Smell From Your Car?

Summary A burning rubber smell might indicate a dragging drive belt or clutch slipping. The smell of burning plastic usually…

1 year ago

Tips for Changing a Blower Motor

Summary The blower motor forces air through your vehicle’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. When you adjust your…

1 year ago

How To Replace a Camshaft Cap and Other FAQ

Summary When replacing a camshaft cap, be sure to prepare the necessary tools, carefully remove the camshaft bearing cap bolts,…

1 year ago

Why Your Automatic Car Jerks When Speeding Up At Low Speeds

Summary Some Hyundai vehicles with a gasoline direct injection engine and automatic transmission can jerk when accelerating at lower speeds.…

1 year ago

Can My Windshield Be Repaired: Automotive Glass Chip Repair Tips

Summary The size, location, and amount of windshield damage must be considered before a windshield is repaired. The more damage,…

1 year ago

What Is a Beater Car?

Summary A beater car is a cheap car that isn’t the best looking of the bunch. Ideal beater cars have…

1 year ago

What if My Car Registration Was Stolen?

Summary Thieves will often steal someone’s car registration to obtain the vehicle identification number (VIN), owner’s home address, and other…

1 year ago

Are Summer Tires Good in Rain?

Summary Summer tires work less effectively in the rain, but they aren’t dangerous unless they get cold. Summer tires have…

1 year ago

How To Get Stains out of Seats in a Car

Summary Gather your tools for removing car seat stains. Pretreat and choose the right seat cleaners for your seats. For…

1 year ago

10 Thanksgiving Travel Tips for a Safe and Stress-Free Holiday

Summary Before leaving for your Thanksgiving road trip, be sure to prepare your vehicle first, pack an emergency roadside kit,…

1 year ago

How to Build Your Own Roadside Emergency Kit

Summary Must-haves for your DIY roadside emergency kit include a lug wrench, tire patch kit, tire pressure gauge, and spare…

1 year ago

Lighter Than Air: Air Suspension Parts for an Effortless Drive

Summary Your air suspension system does a lot of things for you一it enhances your ride comfort, prolongs the lifespan of…

1 year ago

Kia Stinger Reliability and Common Problems

Summary The Kia Stinger is a reliable sports sedan known for its superb suspension and agile steering. It scored 81…

1 year ago

Watch Out for These Things That Can Ruin Your Car’s Body Paint

Summary Car paint can be ruined by prolonged exposure to sunlight, gasoline stains, and leaking brake fluid. Stains from bug…

1 year ago

The Best Holiday Presents for the Dedicated DIYer

Gift-giving season is almost here一which also means there’s tons of shopping to do! Delight the car enthusiasts in your life…

1 year ago

Simple Ways to Keep Your Classic Car on the Road for Longer

Summary Classic cars can remain roadworthy for decades if properly maintained. Some ways to maintain classic cars include using ethanol-free…

1 year ago

How to Fix Rattling in Your Tesla Model 3

Summary Rattling in the Tesla Model 3 is often caused by footwell problems, improperly fitted trim pieces, and loose seat…

1 year ago

5 Rugged Car Accessories to Gift on Veterans Day

Summary Veterans Day is the perfect occasion to show appreciation to former servicemen of the United States Armed Forces. Step…

1 year ago

Ford Diesel Fuel Pump Problems and How to Avoid Them

Summary The fuel pump is an integral part of the fuel system. The pump draws fuel out of the tank,…

1 year ago

Brake Shoes: Function, How to Measure, and FAQs

Summary Brake shoes are a pair of crescent-shaped steel components mounted to a heavy backing plate so that their friction…

1 year ago

Why Your A/C Turns off Due to High Engine Temp

Summary If your car’s A/C shuts off due to high engine temperature, then it might be because of low coolant…

1 year ago

What Happens If You Shift Into Reverse While Driving Your Car?

Summary Shifting into reverse while driving forward won’t stop your car, so don’t use it as a makeshift brake. The…

1 year ago

Tips on How to Test the Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensors

Summary If your vehicle has engine-related issues, testing the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors might be necessary to rule them…

1 year ago

How Much Does It Really Cost To Paint a Car?

Summary In general, you can expect to pay between $300 and $20,000 for a full-body car painting service. Some factors…

1 year ago

8 Accessories That Will Improve the Aerodynamics of Your Car

Summary Installing a tonneau cover, roof rack wind fairing, and mud flaps can greatly improve your vehicle’s aerodynamics and increase…

1 year ago

Recommended Fog Lights For Your Vehicle

Summary Fog lights can use halogen, HID/xenon, or LED light bulbs, and each type has its advantages. There are fog…

1 year ago

What Is Vertical Acceleration in Cars?

Summary Vertical acceleration is acceleration in a vertical, rather than horizontal, direction. To minimize the effects of vertical acceleration on…

1 year ago

How Does a Car Heater Work?

Summary Car heating systems consist of a heater core, blower motor, heater hoses, heater control valve, and HVAC control panel.…

1 year ago

Portable Car Jump Starter: A Brief Guide

Summary The portable car jump starter can start the engine of a vehicle with a dead battery. Always read the…

1 year ago

Tips on How to Grease Trailer Wheel Bearings

Summary Trailer bearings are small metal rollers located in a trailer’s wheel hub. Over time, the grease inside a trailer…

1 year ago

Garage Tools 101: Hex Key vs. Allen Wrench

Summary The only difference between an Allen wrench and a hex key is their names. Both names are used to…

1 year ago

What Size Winch Do I Need?

Summary Typically mounted to the bumper of a car, a winch is a mechanical device that can pull vehicles, trailers,…

1 year ago

Break-In Period For New Cars: A Quick Guide

Summary Your new car needs a break-in period to let engine components and other parts settle properly. The engine break-in…

1 year ago

Coolant in Oil: Causes, Symptoms, and What To Do

Summary Engine coolant can only mix with oil if your engine or oil cooler has an issue. If you find…

1 year ago

Why Is My Car Losing Power? Troubleshooting Engine Issues

Summary Many issues can cause your vehicle to lose power. Most of the time, these problems will show other symptoms…

1 year ago

Must-Haves For Your Next Off-Road Adventure

Summary Important upgrades and accessories for off-roading include body lift kits, bumper absorbers, and differential covers. Other must-haves you should…

1 year ago

Mazda CX-30 Turbo Problems

Summary Reliability ratings for the Mazda CX-30 continue to soar over the years, with the 2024 CX-30 earning a 9.1…

1 year ago

Sink or Swim: How to Escape a Sinking Car

Summary When it comes to escaping a sinking car, the first two minutes will decide your fate, so keep calm…

1 year ago

What’s the Best Way to Park? Plus Tips to Find the Best Parking Spots

Summary Studies recommend different methods to find the best parking spot. You can be prudent. Don’t settle for the first…

1 year ago

How to Change Number Plate Lights on Your Vehicle

Summary The number plate light bulb illuminates a vehicle’s rear license plate. To change it, you'll need to remove the…

1 year ago

How Does the Honda Passport’s Fuel Door Latch? Plus Other FAQs

Summary Closing a Honda Passport’s fuel door is a pretty straightforward process and generally entails the same procedure as most…

1 year ago

What Are the Pros and Cons of Upgrading to Smart Rearview Mirrors?

Summary Smart rearview mirrors are an advanced form of safety technology that uses cameras and LCDs as opposed to traditional…

1 year ago

Parts to Replace After Reaching the 100,000-Mile Mark

Summary A properly maintained vehicle should have no issues working past the 100,000-mile mark. Some things you need to check…

1 year ago

Safeguard Your Ride From the Elements: Products for Weatherproofing Your Vehicle

Summary Some of the best items for weatherproofing your vehicle include car covers and wiper blades. Other accessories for driving…

1 year ago

Why Is the BMW Gas Only Showing Half Tank? Causes and Fixes

Summary Common causes for your BMW showing only half a tank of fuel include bad fuel gauges, inoperative sending units,…

1 year ago

What Happens if You Punch Through a Car Window?

Summary Automotive window glass is designed to withstand collision accidents, making it extremely tough and durable. Car windows are made…

1 year ago

What Do I Do with Old Car Parts? Options, Proper Disposal, and More

Summary You can do a lot with old car parts that could contribute to the environment and even make you…

1 year ago

Brake Pads Cracking? These Could Be Why

Summary While brake pads do have a predicted lifespan, there might be times when they tend to wear out faster…

1 year ago

Tips on How To Remove an Intake Manifold

Summary Because it's part of the engine, your vehicle’s intake manifold isn't easy to replace for beginners. We recommend taking…

1 year ago

How To Use a Dial Bore Gauge

Summary A dial bore gauge is a type of bore gauge that measures an engine’s cylinder bore, or the diameter…

1 year ago

How Are Interior Panels Installed on a Car?

Summary Interior panels cover your vehicle’s bare metal surfaces and decorate the cabin. They also play a role in concealing…

1 year ago

Electronic Limited Slip Differential: A Brief Guide

Summary eLSD refers to a limited slip differential with electronic controls. The electronic limited slip differential automatically restricts the difference…

1 year ago

How To Stop Your Car Data From Leaking Online

Summary Your vehicle’s onboard computer systems offer a ton of different features that can also collect personal information that car…

1 year ago

How Much Is It To Lease a Car?

Summary The average monthly payment for leasing a car is around $520, but this can vary depending on several other…

1 year ago

Illegal and Legal U-Turns: A Brief Guide

Summary Legal U-turns can be made in the absence of warning signs as well as during an illuminated green light…

1 year ago

Is Turning Right on Red Legal?

Summary Turning right at red lights is usually legal in most of the US. That said, you can only turn…

1 year ago

How To Adjust Air Brakes

Summary The exact procedure of air brake adjustment can vary depending on the type and size of the brake chamber,…

1 year ago

Car Hail Damage Repair: Auto Shop or DIY?

Summary There are a range of different options you can take if your car’s been beaten up by hail. These…

1 year ago

Most Commonly Damaged Car Body Panels

Summary The front and rear car bumpers and grille are some of the most commonly damaged car body panels. Other…

1 year ago