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.
Lane Departure Camera A Lane Departure Camera alerts the driver whenever the vehicle is switching lanes without an activated turn…
Key Battery Cover A Key Battery Cover is a plastic cover that keeps the key fob’s battery in place while…
Summary The Replacement brand headlights were neatly packaged with bulbs and sockets, making them easy to install as perfect replacements…
Jack Handle Holder A Jack Handle Holder is a type of mounting tool that secures the jack handle to your…
IAT Sensor An intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a negative coefficient thermistor that provides the powertrain control module with…
Haldex Coupling Filter The Haldex Coupling Filter is responsible for keeping dirt and other debris from contaminating the fluid and…
Garage Stool Garage stools are the perfect complement to your workspace. These chairs let you rest your feet while you…
Fabric Top Care Fabric Top Care refers to cleaning solutions that remove dirt from soft tops, fabric accessories, vinyl seats,…
Summary A windshield replacement can cost around $150 to $300. If you’re going to pay a professional, expect to pay…
Dash The dash or dash pad serves as a housing and protection for the car controls and instruments on the…
B-Pillar Seal A vehicle’s B-pillar sits between the front and rear side glass. It serves as a structural support for…
E.H.A. Valve Typically found in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, an electro-hydraulic actuator (E.H.A.) valve helps regulate the fuel distribution system. Fuel that…
C Clip Retainer A C-Clip Retainer is typically made of copper, spring steel, or stainless steel. It snaps into a…
A/C & Heater Control A typical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (A/C) unit has vents, ducts, and air doors that…
The Toyota 4Runner is one of the most iconic off-road SUVs of all time, rocking a rugged, boxy exterior with…
Summary It takes around 24 to 48 hours for clear coat to dry, but experts recommend not driving your vehicle…
Summary There are many explanations as to why you might feel vibrations in your gas pedal when you accelerate, each…
Summary Power supply issues, sudden power surges, and outdated software are common reasons why your EV charger isn’t working. Inspecting…
Summary The USB port in your car might not work because of a blown fuse, cable problems, unconfigured device settings,…
Summary You can try to jump-start your car while it has a bad starter, but there’s no guarantee that it…
Summary 55 mph is the safest speed when driving on a rural highway. Meanwhile, on residential roads, the recommended speed…
Summary The duration of the stop isn’t determined in many state laws, including California. It is, however, a common notion…
Summary Jump-starting the battery and cleaning the terminals with household items like Epsom salt and aspirin can help recondition a…
Summary Most vehicles need about 32 ounces or one quart of brake fluid.Experts recommend flushing the brake fluid every two…
Summary Aluminum rims naturally oxidize over time, making them prone to damage. Restoring aluminum wheels include cleaning them, removing brake…
Summary Possible reasons why your car door isn’t locking include problems with the key fob, such as a dead battery…
Summary A no passing zone sign is a pennant-shaped, yellow regulatory sign with black lettering that indicates that you’re entering…
Summary The length of the average car in the US is 14.7 feet, with individual vehicles measuring between 10 and…
Summary How long does emissions testing take? You should probably allot 20 to 30 minutes for a smog check. That…
Summary Battery maintainers charge your battery through a series of small charges over long periods of time. They act as…
Summary Rechroming is a long and complex process that includes cleaning and dipping a specific part into a vat of…
Summary You can replace the oil pump yourself, but don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle to a mechanic if you…
Summary When wheel well rust spreads, it also weakens the metal and makes it brittle. This can make the metal…
Summary Engine sludge is oxidized and contaminated engine oil. It forms a thick, viscous substance that sticks to engine parts…
Summary Also known as an LED load resistor, an LED load equalizer is an electrical component that can solve your…
Summary You can make differential fluid changes easier with tricks like warming up your car beforehand, parking your vehicle on…
Summary If your vehicle moves just a little bit after shifting to park, it could be because the parking pawl…
Summary The FJ40 series is perhaps the most well-known Toyota Land Cruiser line in the off-road community. The limited number…
In the late 1960s, Chevrolet wanted to create something that doubled as an off-road beast and a dependable daily driver…
Summary Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a colorless and non-flammable gas that can produce a short burst of power when injected…
The Pontiac Firebird certainly had a short life compared to other GM models, but it still managed to shake the…
Summary Red, blue, yellow, and black are some of the most common road sign colors you’ll see. Black and white…
Summary Limited production, world-renowned ownership, and one-of-a-kind features are things that make a car rare.The Ferrari Testarossa Spider and Bugatti…
Summary The shift lock release button is only found on automatic transmission vehicles, often near the gear shift. When enabled,…
Summary UV damage, harmful weather conditions, and chemical damage are some of the most common reasons why car paint peels…
The Volkswagen Jetta is one of the most well-known nameplates in the compact sedan segment, selling over 18 million units…
Summary In a rear-wheel drive (RWD) truck, adding weight to its truck bed can help the tires grip the road…
Summary A vehicle registration is an official document that certifies your vehicle can be driven on public roads. It also…
Summary If you find that you’ve been waiting awhile for the red light to change and it hasn’t, it’s possible…
Summary Automotive quality control refers to the process of ensuring that every part and system of a vehicle meets industry…
Summary The most commonly used materials in your car are steel, plastic, aluminum, rubber, and glass.Steel is one of the…
Summary Fit and finish is a term that’s used to describe the precision by which different car parts fit together,…
Summary When turning, you should always give the proper signal. Failing to do so can be more than just an…
Summary Stretched tires are those that have a smaller width than the wheels they’re mounted on.Drivers stretch their tires mainly…
Summary Cabin air filters play a vital role in our vehicles, purifying the air we breathe during our drives and…
Summary Find a safe area to park, keep your personal belongings at hand, and cover the windows for privacy while…
Summary Getting a sweaty back is fairly common when driving or riding a vehicle on a hot or humid day.…
Summary Hatchbacks have been traditionally defined as two- or four-door vehicles with an upwards-flipping tailgate. Sedans are four-door passenger cars…
Summary In-wheel electric motors are a type of electric vehicle (EV) drive system that are installed in each of the…
Summary A gasoline direct injection system (GDI) sprays fuel into the engine’s combustion chamber.GDI engines run on leaner air-to-fuel mixtures…
Summary The transmission synchronizer is responsible for letting the transmission shift seamlessly without excessive vibrations, noise, and wear.A transmission synchronizer…
Summary Pistons convert energy created during combustion by sliding up and down inside the engine’s cylinders and turning the crankshaft.Because…
Summary Turning while towing a trailer around is completely different from driving with just your vehicle. Practicing at a safe…
Summary Payload adds to the truck's total weight, forcing its brakes to work harder. Cargo weight distribution can alter the…
Summary Safety is one of the primary reasons why brake controllers are essential in towing. Using a trailer brake controller…
Summary A parasitic draw test involves disabling all electrical components, charging the car battery, setting up the multimeter, and isolating…
Summary Some consequences of unpaid parking tickets include fines, a booted/towed vehicle, and a withheld registration.The difference between parking and…
Summary It costs somewhere between $35 and $60 per square foot, or an average of $23,900, to build a garage.…
Summary Rolling coal refers to the practice of modifying a truck, allowing it to pump more diesel to the engine…
Summary Sleeper cars are basically wolves in sheeps’ clothing. Sleeper cars are often sedans, SUVs, or wagons that appear to…
Summary Kia’s Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) package is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) found in modern Kia vehicles.…
Summary Riding the clutch means putting unnecessary pressure on the clutch pedal without pressing it down all the way. In…
Summary Cold weather will reduce the capacity of just about any battery, including electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle batteries. Freezing…
Summary Your car’s battery may die while driving. If your vehicle’s alternator is functioning normally, then your vehicle won’t have…
Summary Body-on-frame vehicles are built by mounting and securing their main body onto a rolling chassis. Pickups, SUVs, and large…
Summary If your vehicle has remote start functionality, warm up the engine and melt the ice on the frozen car…
Summary Fog will obscure your line of sight to objects like road markings and other vehicles. Luckily, there are methods…
Summary If you need to replace your vehicle’s alternator, there might be a few more parts you’ll want to replace…
Summary The supercharger compresses air before forcing it into the engine to increase power and torque.Superchargers boost power immediately and…
Summary If parking on an incline, you should leave your vehicle in gear. When parking while facing uphill, keep your…
Summary The phrase “riding shotgun” originated from the American stagecoach era where an armed guard (holding a shotgun) sometimes sat…
Summary Fuel pressure tester kits consist of a fuel gauge and the fuel hose it is attached to.To test your…
Summary Clear coats could peel because of harsh weather conditions, road debris, exposure to strong chemicals, and improper cleaning procedures.You…
Summary Bull bars are steel or aluminum bars that are installed in front of vehicles for extra protection during collisions.…
Summary Having heated seats is great when you’re driving in the cold. With electric heating elements warming up the seat…
Summary Some good songs to test your car speakers include Royals, Take It Easy, and The Thunder Rolls.Playing songs with…
Summary Some common causes of poor fuel economy include dirty oxygen sensors, spark plug issues, and a dirty mass airflow…
German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its high-quality luxury sedans, and the S-Class series offers some of its finest…
We’re stepping into another exciting year, and the automotive industry looks set to offer consumers a more diverse array of…
Summary Symptoms that the steering wheel is off-center are a tilted steering wheel and the tires pulling to one side.Driving…
Summary Drowsy driving can be very dangerous. Sleepiness affects your reaction time, alertness, and decision-making.To stay awake while driving, try…
Summary The glaring sun, limited visibility, and an awkwardly positioned headrest are some common driving challenges for short people.Some useful…
Summary If your friend asks to borrow your car, consider the risks before deciding whether or not it’s safe to…
Summary Does charging your phone in the car drain the battery? Yes, but you can freely charge your phone and…
Summary Your vehicle’s exhaust pipe connects to the muffler and serves to release exhaust fumes into the air and away…
Summary If a manual vehicle runs out of transmission fluid, you can typically still drive for around 10 to 15…
Summary Your rear view mirror helps you navigate and remain aware of your surroundings, allowing you to see behind your…
Summary Unlike other cleaning methods that use abrasive particles like sand or glass, dry ice doesn’t leave a mess. Dry…
Summary A torque stick, also known as a torque extension, is a tool that attaches to your impact wrench for…
Summary Putting the engine in a specific configuration affects a car’s weight distribution, which can have significant effects on its…