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 replace the outer tie rod 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the outer tie rod 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the outer tie rod on your F-150 this…

1 year ago

How to replace the inner and outer tie rods 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the inner and outer tie rods 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the inner and outer tie rods…

1 year ago

Brake Lag: Definition, Causes, and Other Facts You Should Know

Summary Brake lag refers to the time it takes for the brakes to engage after you step on the brake…

2 years ago

How Many Brake Pads Per Wheel Are There? And Other FAQs

Summary In most cars, wheel calipers have two brake pads each. Vehicles with only front disc brakes have four brake…

2 years ago

Do Electric Car Batteries Drain When Not in Use? And Other Questions

Summary All batteries lose charge over time, including those in electric vehicles (EVs). EV batteries lose charge when not in…

2 years ago

Bad Fuel Filter Symptoms, Causes, and Other Important FAQ

Summary Sluggish acceleration, power loss, fuel pump noise, and an illuminated check engine light are some symptoms of a dirty…

2 years ago

What Defines Good Winter Tires for a Truck?

Summary Choosing good winter tires for a truck will improve the vehicle’s traction and grip on roads covered by snow…

2 years ago

FAQ: What Is a Transmission Fluid Exchange?

Summary A transmission fluid exchange replaces all the fluid in the transmission rather than just what’s in the transmission pan.…

2 years ago

Can You Put Smaller Tires On a Car? Pros and Cons

Summary Smaller tires are more affordable and can improve acceleration, but they come with many downsides such as inaccurate speedometer…

2 years ago

What Does a Bad Brake Rotor Look Like?

Summary Visually inspecting your brake rotors is a good way to check whether they’re bad. Deep grooves, cracks, or rust…

2 years ago

Nissan Frontier Runs After Jump Starting Then Dies

Summary A Nissan Frontier (or any vehicle) that immediately dies after jump starting most likely has a drained battery or…

2 years ago

How to change the oil and the oil Filter 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to change the oil and the oil Filter 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To How to change the oil and the…

2 years ago

What Is the Largest Engine Ever Mounted In a Vehicle?

Summary Engine size refers to the volume of air and fuel that can be pushed through the engine’s cylinders. America’s…

2 years ago

How to replace the spark plugs 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the spark plugs 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the spark plugs on your F-150 just follow the…

2 years ago

How to replace the tail light bulbs 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the tail light bulbs 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the rear light bulbs on your F-150 It's…

2 years ago

How to replace the headlight bulbs 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the headlight bulbs 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the headlight bulbs on your F-150 It's easy. You…

2 years ago

How to replace the catalytic converter 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the catalytic converter 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the catalytic converter on your F-150 we're here to…

2 years ago

How to replace the windshield wipers blades 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the windshield wipers blades 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the windshield wipers blades on your F-150 it…

2 years ago

How to Get Rust Off Your Garage Tools

Summary Rust forms as a result of oxidation, which is the chemical reaction that takes place when iron or steel…

2 years ago

The Most Common Types of Car Damage from Speed Bumps and How to Prevent Them

Summary Components commonly affected by speed bumps include shock absorbers, steering systems, exhaust, and tires. Many complications can arise from…

2 years ago

Car Tweeters: How They Affect the Speakers, Types, and More

Summary Tweeters are loudspeaker drivers designed to produce high-frequency sounds. They convert electrical signals to vibrations to create sound waves.…

2 years ago

Tips for Cleaning Your Car With a Foam Cleaner

Summary Snow foam is a type of pre-wash that creates thick, white foam that breaks down dirt to make cleaning…

2 years ago

What Is a Truck Retarder?

Summary A retarder is a type of supplemental braking system that aims to reduce wear on the disc and drum…

2 years ago

What Is Red Diesel Fuel? Legal Uses, FAQs, and More

Summary Red diesel is not the same as regular diesel/fuel. There is more of a difference than the color of…

2 years ago

Can Gasoline Freeze? Effects, Signs, and Frozen Fuel Line Solutions

Summary Gasoline freezes at around -100 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold weather can freeze fuel lines and decrease fuel efficiency. The engine…

2 years ago

Does Cruise Control Save Gas? And Other FAQs

Cruise control is a function most modern vehicles have. Best used on highways, it lets you drive at a constant,…

2 years ago

Settling the Fuel Consumption Debate: Manual vs. Automatic

Summary Fuel consumption is the amount of fuel an average vehicle consumes to reach a certain distance. It’s typically expressed…

2 years ago

Coil Spring Compressor Tool: What It Is, How to Use It, and More

Summary A coil spring compressor is a tool used to safely remove coil springs. You can use the compressor when…

2 years ago

What Should You Do If Your Car Key Is Bent?

Summary If the bend isn't severe, it may still be possible to use a bent car key. To fix a…

2 years ago

Who Is the Automatic Gearbox Inventor?

Summary Canadian steam engineer Alfred Horner Munro was the first man to successfully introduce a working automatic transmission in 1921.…

2 years ago

What Is Crab Walk? How to Activate it, Availability, Uses, and More

Summary Crab walking refers to a four-wheel steering setting that lets you move your vehicle laterally. Examples of cars that…

2 years ago

Turnabout: Different Types, How to Perform It, Requirements, and More

Summary A turnabout is a driving maneuver that turns your car within a confined space.  The different types of turnabouts…

2 years ago

What Is Average Reaction Time When Driving? Plus FAQs

Summary Reaction time is the speed at which people process information and make decisions. It’s a crucial part of driving…

2 years ago

Is the VVT System Part of the Camshaft? And Other Camshaft FAQs

Summary Variable Valve Timing (VVT) optimizes engine performance by adjusting valve timing. This is done using a part called a…

2 years ago

Mini Cooper S P1497 Fault Code Explained

Summary If diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1497 triggers on a Mini Cooper S, it means “Downstream Throttle Air Leak.” This…

2 years ago

Best Classic Cars To Drive Everyday

Summary Vehicles that were manufactured 20 or more years ago all fall into the classic car category as far as…

2 years ago

Weather Car Insurance and Other Safety Tips Against Bad Weather

Summary Insurance companies don’t offer special policies that are exclusively tailored to protect your vehicle against winter-related damage. However, you…

2 years ago

When To Use 4-Wheel Drive

Summary Use the high-range 4WD mode on dirt roads and paved roads covered by water, snow, or ice. Engage the…

2 years ago

Parallel Parking Tips for Your Upcoming Driver’s Test

Summary Remember to check your state laws on learner’s permits before you hit the road. Ask your local DMV for…

2 years ago

Torsion Bars vs. Coil Springs vs. Leaf Springs: Suspension Spring Types Explained

Summary When your vehicle hits a bump on the road, the suspension system absorbs that kinetic energy, keeping the tires…

2 years ago

Helpful Tips on How To Prevent Drunk Driving

Summary All 50 states enforce a legal limit on BAC and will penalize DUI offenders. You can prevent other people…

2 years ago

Is Driving AWD On Snow Without Winter Tires Safe?

Summary Even all-wheel drive vehicles require winter tires for safe driving on snow and ice. While AWD can supply power…

2 years ago

How to Install Rain Guards on Vehicles

Summary Rain guards are accessories that redirect rain and wind away from open windows. They also reduce wind noise and…

2 years ago

What Does the Maintenance Required Light Mean?

Summary The maintenance required light is a manufacturer-programmed indicator that alerts you when it’s time for your vehicle to go…

2 years ago

Tips on How To Bleed a Clutch

Summary If air gets into a hydraulic clutch system, it can lead to a spongy clutch pedal, a clutch that…

2 years ago

What Does Subaru Mean? Plus Its Logo’s Meaning and History

Summary In Japanese, the word " Subaru” means Pleiades, the Greek name for the star cluster in the constellation Taurus.…

2 years ago

What Does Jeep Stand For?

Summary The Jeep brand received exclusive rights to use its name on June 13, 1950, 7 years after Willys-Overland applied…

2 years ago

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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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.…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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.…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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,…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years ago