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.

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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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.…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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.…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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.…

2 years 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…

2 years 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,…

2 years 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…

2 years 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,…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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.…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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,…

2 years 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.…

2 years 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,…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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,…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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,…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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…

2 years 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.…

2 years 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…

2 years ago