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 Flywheel Resurfacing Works, Cost, and Other FAQ

Summary A flywheel with hot spots on it can cause the clutch to chatter, vibrate, and fail prematurely. It can…

2 years ago

Why Do You Run the Engine When You Check Automatic Transmission Fluid?

Summary The engine drives the torque converter and automatic transmission pump that affect the transmission fluid level. Park your car…

2 years ago

Proper Torque Converter Spacing: Space or No Space?

Summary When the torque converter is bolted to the flex plate, there is no space between the converter and the…

2 years ago

Back-to-School Essentials: Must-Have Accessories and Maintenance Tips

Summary Some must-have accessories to make going back to school hassle-free include roadside emergency kits, cargo organizers, first aid kits,…

2 years ago

Rebuilt vs. Used Transmission: Which Is Better?

Summary Every vehicle needs a transmission because it prevents the engine from destroying itself. Without a transmission, most engines would…

2 years ago

What Happens if You Get an Out-of-State Ticket?

Summary Getting a ticket in DLC states will affect your driving record in your home state, while NVC states will…

2 years ago

The Best Places to Hide Your Spare Keys

Summary Some of the best places to hide your spare key include the tire well, behind the license plate, and…

2 years ago

Seongyu Choe Easily Installs CV Axles From CarParts.com

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CHOE ✌🏻😆🇰🇷🇺🇸🔴⚪️🔵 (@choe_fdm) While working on his pink 240 drift car,…

2 years ago

Natasha Adams Easily Installs F-350 Leaf Springs From CarParts.com

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natasha Adams (@natashaddams) Today, Natasha Adams is taking off her Ford…

2 years ago

Must-Have Products for Your Wheels and Tires

Summary Maintaining your wheels is important because they keep your car moving and help minimize the impact of bumps and…

2 years ago

Engine Oil Coming Out of Exhaust: Causes and Prevention

Summary If oil comes out of your vehicle’s exhaust, you’re likely dealing with bad valve seals, a damaged PCV system,…

2 years ago

Must-Have Accessories for a Pet-Friendly Drive

For many pet owners, no animal should be left behind wherever they go. If that means lugging around a ton…

2 years ago

Car Care Tips: How to Remove and Prevent Paint Scuffs

Summary To remove scuffs, you can either use WD-40 on the area or buff it out. Scuffs are more superficial…

2 years ago

LED Light Bar: Function, Things to Consider, and More

Summary Some things to consider when choosing a light bar are its lumen output, size, and shape, among others. Light…

2 years ago

Devon Bigelow Quickly Installs Serpentine Belts and Wipers From CarParts.com

View this post on Instagram A post shared by DRIFTER (@devon__ab) Devon Bigelow wanted to install a new set of…

2 years ago

Tips for Buying a Used Beetle and Issues to Watch Out for

Summary When buying a used Volkswagen Beetle, always check for maintenance records, avoid older models, and be ready to spend…

2 years ago

A Guide to the Best Deals on Toyota Tacoma Collision Parts Online

When vehicles crash, many components tend to get damaged. If the damage is severe enough, this can render them inoperative,…

2 years ago

Get Your Ride Back in Tip-top Shape With Ford Mustang Collision Parts

Dealing with collision repairs for your Ford Mustang can be a real challenge. Your vehicle may appear banged-up until you…

2 years ago

Get Back on the Road in No Time With Toyota Camry Collision Parts

Dealing with the aftermath of a collision can be a headache. You’ll be left with an unsightly vehicle until you…

2 years ago

What is an Exhaust Cam and Why Is It Important?

Summary Exhaust cams are responsible for controlling when the exhaust valves in the engine open and close. Their operation affects…

2 years ago

Your Guide to Trailer Wiring: How It Works, How to Wire, and More

Summary Trailer wiring is what’s used to power lights and other electrical accessories in trailers. Passenger cars have seven pins,…

2 years ago

Electronic Throttle Control: Functions, How to Restart, and FAQs

Summary The electronic throttle control (ETC) sends electrical signals to the ECU to open the throttle. The benefits of using…

2 years ago

An Introduction to Fuel System Repairs: How to Install a Fuel Injector

Summary An illuminated check engine light, rough idling, and poor fuel economy are signs that may suggest fuel injector problems.…

2 years ago

How Safe Is Your Ride? Car Safety Ratings and What They Mean

Summary After putting a vehicle through a series of crash and safety tests, two non-profit organizations will determine whether or…

2 years ago

Are Traffic Lights Timed?

Summary Traffic lights in various areas operate differently. Traffic lights in suburbs and along country roads rely on sensors, while…

2 years ago

Top 5 Tips to Deal With Rust On Your Car

Summary Wash your car every week and bring it to a professional car cleaner every few months to help prevent…

2 years ago

Clip Removal Tools: Unlatch Clips and Push Pins With Ease

Summary Trim removal tools are essentially wedges that are meant to slot under vehicle body panels, interior trim pieces, and…

2 years ago

How To Remove Rubber Grommet Plugs and Other FAQ

Summary Also known as an edging or a bushing, a rubber grommet is a small tube covering a panel hole's…

2 years ago

What Is Clutch Chatter and Should You Watch Out For It?

Summary Clutch chatter is a vibration or shudder that affects the whole vehicle, and it originates from the driveline or…

2 years ago

Amazing Advantages of Cars Painted White You Didn’t Know About

Summary White cars absorb less heat. A white vehicle can reflect up to 60% of the sun’s rays. On the…

2 years ago

Dodge Common Causes of Car Accidents This Summer

Summary Check your vehicle for parts that might fail because of intense heat, and drive more carefully when the weather…

2 years ago

Here’s What Your Car’s Color Says About You

Summary Your car’s color represents a psychological shortcut. To some degree, it indicates how you want other drivers to see…

2 years ago

Everyday Items that Can Go “Pop!” in Your Car During the Summer

Summary During the summer, the inside of a car can reach up to 123 ℉, causing harmless everyday items to…

2 years ago

Are High RPM Bad For Diesel Engines?

Summary Generally, you shouldn’t drive at high RPM in diesel vehicles unless you need high speed, such as during overtaking.…

2 years ago

SUV vs Minivan: Finding the Perfect Vehicle for You

Summary SUVs are large vehicles with monocoque bodies that are high off the ground, making them ideal for off-road driving.…

2 years ago

Air Bag Replacement: Cost, Process, and Other FAQs

Summary Replacing air bags could cost you anywhere between $1,500 and $6,000. The impact sensor, the control module, and the…

2 years ago

Bottle Jack vs Floor Jack: What’s the Difference?

Summary Bottle jacks are compact, bottle-shaped, heavy-duty jacks with a vertical hydraulic piston. Floor jacks are flat and use a…

2 years ago

Top Accessories for a More Organized Car Interior

Summary Cup holders provide a safe and convenient place to store your drinks while driving. A dash organizer lets you…

2 years ago

Top Truck Accessories to Secure Your Cargo for Summer Road Trips

Summary Cargo mats and cargo straps are useful accessories for drivers who want to keep their cargo safe and secure,…

2 years ago

Cooling System Must-Haves for Better Engine Performance

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

2 years ago

How to Clean and Organize Your Garage Tools

Summary How to clean a garage tool typically depends on its size, use, and material. Cleaning tools usually require rust…

2 years ago

Where to Find the Best Deals on Honda Accord Collision Parts

Mirrors, body parts, and other components in and around the front and rear-end of a vehicle tend to get damaged…

2 years ago

Does Driving Slower Save Gas?

Summary Driving slower than 60 mph can help you save gas, but driving slower than 30 mph can burn more…

2 years ago

Vortec Engine vs. LS Engine: A Brief Guide

Summary The differences between Vortec and LS engines include their materials, performance, and cylinder head design. You can usually swap…

2 years ago

What Is Clutch Control?

Summary Clutch control is a driver’s ability to smoothly and efficiently operate the clutch using the clutch pedal in conjunction…

2 years ago

Why Your Brake Pad Is Separating From the Brake Plate

Summary Brake pad delamination is when the friction lining on a disc brake pad separates from the steel backing plate.…

2 years ago

Why Does a Gasoline Engine “Diesels” When You Shut It Off?

Summary Dieseling happens in carbureted spark plug-fired gasoline engines because of a combination of high compression ratio and a heat…

2 years ago

Tips for A/C Compressor Replacement

Summary The A/C compressor circulates and pressurizes the A/C system’s refrigerant. If the compressor is inoperative, your vehicle’s A/C will…

2 years ago

How To Fix Your Car Horn

Summary To fix a faulty car horn, you’ll need to prepare the necessary tools and diagnose the issue first. Check…

2 years ago

Car Oil Pan Gasket Replacement Tips

Summary It's a good idea to replace the oil pan gasket during an oil change. Choose a replacement oil pan…

2 years ago

Tips on How to Recalibrate a Torque Wrench

Summary Torque wrenches are used to tighten fasteners such as bolts, screws, and nuts to a specific torque. You’ll need…

2 years ago

Top Brands to Get the Best Prices on Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Collision Parts

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 is an Exhaust Hanger? Replacement and FAQs

Summary Exhaust hangers are used to secure and fasten a vehicle’s exhaust pipe to its undercarriage, preventing it from hanging…

2 years ago

Most Common CVT Transmission Problems

Automakers have always been in pursuit of creating the best vehicles possible, whether it be in the field of engine…

2 years ago

Your Guide to Buying Ford F-150 Collision Parts: Tips for Finding the Best Deals

Nobody wants to get caught in a vehicle collision. Aside from the risk of physical injury, drivers will also be…

2 years ago

Your Guide to Powder Coating Wheels: Types, Process, Pros, Cons, and More

Summary Powder coating is a dry finishing process that uses powder to give surfaces a decorative and functional finish. Common…

2 years ago

Brake Pads Wearing Down Too Fast: Causes, Effects, and More

Summary New brake pads can wear out early because of bad calipers and pins. Some causes of uneven brake pad…

2 years ago

5 Things Movies Always Get Wrong About Cars

Summary Vehicles don’t explode as soon as they catch fire; instead, they burn until there’s no fuel left to sustain…

2 years ago

The Most Dangerous Songs to Play While Driving

Summary Loud music can make driving dangerous because it can slow down reaction time. Some dangerous songs to play when…

2 years ago

Car Stunts from These Movies Are So Good You Need to Rewatch Them

Summary Aside from martial arts and high dives, car stunts have always been popular among movie-goers who like thrilling and…

2 years ago

First-Time Van Driver? Safety Tips for Driving a Van

Summary To confidently and safely drive your van, get to know its driving features and determine the best route for…

2 years ago

Drifter Preps His Car for Winter With Parts From CarParts.com

Drifting is all about the thrill of high-speed slides and perfecting those smooth, controlled turns. Of course, that can take…

2 years ago

Jake Mcdonald Deals With Rally Truck Tune-Up Troubles With Parts From CarParts.com

Nothing beats the feeling of driving a finely tuned truck. Unfortunately, hidden problems can complicate the simple maintenance tasks.  That’s…

2 years ago

Winter Truck Camper Essentials According to Full-Time Adventurers, Grayson and Ashleigh

Grayson and Ashleigh have a unique approach to winter travel in their truck camper. While others head south for warmth,…

2 years ago

Antonio Alvendia Restores His GX 470’s Smooth Ride With Parts From CarParts.com

Antonio Alvendia has been thoroughly enjoying driving his GX 470 since he first got it, but the fun came with…

2 years ago

Vehicle Upholstery 101: Tips for Cleaning Cloth Seats

Summary Before cleaning your cloth car seats, always vacuum the material to get rid of any dirt, crumbs, and other…

2 years ago

Natasha Adams Easily Installs F-350 Tail Lights From CarParts.com

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natasha Adams (@natashaddams) Natasha Adam’s old tail lights have faded, diminishing…

2 years ago

Annika Carter Easily Installs Autolite Spark Plugs From CarParts.com

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CarParts.com (@carpartscom) Annika Carter realized that it was time to replace…

2 years ago

Must-Have Upgrades and Accessories for Your Next Offroad Adventure

Summary Drivers planning off-road adventures need to pack a portable air compressor, first aid kits, tire repair kits, recovery kits,…

2 years ago

Your Guide to Understanding the Basics of the Crankshaft and Camshaft

Summary The crankshaft and camshaft work together to allow the engine to “breathe.” The engine delivers torque  through the transmission…

2 years ago

Windshield Stains: Tips for Removing, Prevention, and More

Summary As a car owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your vehicle looks good on the outside as…

2 years ago

Can You Jump a Hybrid Car?

Summary Yes, you can jump-start hybrid cars. Make sure to consult your vehicle owner’s manual because some models have special…

2 years ago

How to Keep Your Vehicle From Being a Target

Summary A total of 1,020,729  vehicles were stolen in 2023, resulting in a staggering 25% increase in vehicle theft rates…

2 years ago

What Your Favorite Car Says About You

Summary Driving a Mini Cooper makes you more likely to be fun-loving while being reasonably practical. If the Subaru Outback…

2 years ago

The Best Car Accessories to Beat the Summer Heat

Summary The summer heat can cause significant damage to your vehicle’s interior while making drives unbearable for you and your…

2 years ago

Glazed Brake Pads: Symptoms, Causes, and Fix

Summary Brake pad glazing happens when the brake friction material hardens and crystallizes due to excessive heat. Some symptoms include…

2 years ago

How to Make Your Car’s A/C Colder

Summary Air conditioning systems in vehicles are closed and sealed units wherein a belt-driven compressor circulates refrigerant throughout the system.…

2 years ago

How Long Does a Brake Job Take? Plus FAQs

Summary A complete brake job has an estimated labor time of anywhere between four and six hours, depending on several…

2 years ago

Car Waxing Mistakes to Avoid

Summary Any day above 81F isn’t a good day to wax your car. Extremely hot temperatures will cause the wax…

2 years ago

Why Is There a 14-Volt Reading For Your Car Battery?

Summary Factors like battery charge, alternator voltage, surface charge, and high temperature contribute to high car battery voltage readings. Conversely,…

2 years ago

Car Interior Accessories You Need for Everyday Drives

Summary Keeping your car organized is important for a pleasant drive. You can buy a seat organizer to hold more…

2 years ago

10 Must-Have Auto Upgrades for Elderly Drivers

Summary Elderly drivers who struggle with parking or switching lanes can get a back up camera or a blind spot…

2 years ago

What Do You Need to Put Your Car in Long Storage?

Summary A battery tender prevents the car battery from getting discharged. Car covers, jack stands, and wheel chocks help prevent…

2 years ago

Best Shock Absorber Upgrades for Trucks

Summary Fox Racing 2.0 Performance Series shocks have the best mix of handling, stability, and comfort. However, they’re also the…

2 years ago

Should You Use Anti-Seize on Lug Nuts?

Summary Anti-seize compounds are lubricants that mechanics and DIYers place on bolts, fasteners, flanges, and other metals to prevent corrosion,…

2 years ago

What Is a Tone Ring and Can You Fix It in Place?

Summary Also known as the reluctor ring, the tone ring is the part of the wheel speed sensor that sends…

2 years ago

Tips To Remove a Stuck Leaf Spring Bolt

Summary An air chisel or impact hammer is the perfect tool to push the bolt stuck in the leaf spring…

2 years ago

Steering Wheel Locked Up: Causes and How to Fix It

Summary There is a difference between “difficult to steer” and locked up. If your steering wheel locks up when driving,…

2 years ago

Celebrity Car Matches: Which Stars Have the Same Car as You?

Summary F1 legend Lewis Hamilton owns a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Leonardo DiCaprio uses a Toyota Prius to help reduce fuel consumption…

2 years ago

Were These Iconic Cartoon Cars Part of Your Childhood?

Summary Iconic cartoon cars from the ’60s include the Cavemobile from “The Flintstones,” the flying car from “The Jetsons,” and…

2 years ago

Impress Your Date by Recreating These Romantic Car Scenes

Summary There are plenty of romantic car scenes from movies that you can recreate to impress your date. You don’t…

2 years ago

You Won’t Believe How Many Car Crashes are Tire-Related

Summary The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that tire failure causes 11,000 vehicle accidents every year. In 2022,…

2 years ago

Car Consultant Shows How to Use These Basic Car Tools From CarParts.com

Automotive consultant 2jz_rotary is back to share more practical tips for car owners. This time, she focuses on three key…

2 years ago

Wayne Banga Completes His Car Repairs Safely with Jack Stands from CarParts.com

Wayne Banga, an avid car enthusiast, recently tackled a brake job on his BRZ and knew he needed to improve…

2 years ago

Patty Gill Uses OBD-II Scanner From CarParts.com to Diagnose Check Engine Light Issues

Patty Gill and her husband, Shane, love exploring the open road in their trusty truck camper. For the past five…

2 years ago

These Car, Tire, and Steering Wheel Covers Keep the Dust and Dirt Off

Summary A car cover conveniently protects your car as it sits parked in a parking space, your garage, or by…

2 years ago

Does Running the Air Conditioner Use More Gas?

Summary The fuel-efficient choice between driving with the A/C on and driving with the windows down will depend on several…

2 years ago

Common Types of Mufflers

Summary The common types of mufflers are chambered, straight-through, glasspack, and turbo mufflers. Consider noise reduction, sound adjustment, and space…

2 years ago

Tips for How To Test Brake Lights

Summary Testing your brake lights can be as simple as having a friend or family member stand behind the vehicle…

2 years ago

When Should You Check Your Engine’s Oil Levels?

Summary It’s generally a good idea to check your engine’s oil levels every month or before a long drive. Checking…

2 years ago