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 Bull Bars on Trucks? Pros, Cons, and More

Summary Bull bars are steel or aluminum bars that are installed in front of vehicles for extra protection during collisions.…

2 years ago

Are Your Heated Seats Not Working? This Could Be Why

Summary Having heated seats is great when you’re driving in the cold. With electric heating elements warming up the seat…

2 years ago

The Best Songs To Test Your Car Speakers

Summary Some good songs to test your car speakers include Royals, Take It Easy, and The Thunder Rolls.Playing songs with…

2 years ago

How to Get Paint Off Your Car: Easy and Effective Methods

Summary Some common causes of poor fuel economy include dirty oxygen sensors, spark plug issues, and a dirty mass airflow…

2 years ago

The Top 5 Mercedes S-Class Models in History

German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its high-quality luxury sedans, and the S-Class series offers some of its finest…

2 years ago

The Most Anticipated European Cars of 2024

We’re stepping into another exciting year, and the automotive industry looks set to offer consumers a more diverse array of…

2 years ago

Steering Wheel Off-Center: Symptoms, Causes, and Fixes

Summary Symptoms that the steering wheel is off-center are a tilted steering wheel and the tires pulling to one side.Driving…

2 years ago

How To Stay Awake When Driving: Tips and Tricks

Summary Drowsy driving can be very dangerous. Sleepiness affects your reaction time, alertness, and decision-making.To stay awake while driving, try…

2 years ago

Solving Awkward Seat Adjustments and Other Challenges for Short Drivers

Summary The glaring sun, limited visibility, and an awkwardly positioned headrest are some common driving challenges for short people.Some useful…

2 years ago

Can I Lend My Car to a Friend of Mine Without Worry?

Summary If your friend asks to borrow your car, consider the risks before deciding whether or not it’s safe to…

2 years ago

Will Charging Your Phone In Your Car Drain Its Battery?

Summary Does charging your phone in the car drain the battery? Yes, but you can freely charge your phone and…

2 years ago

Signs of a Broken Exhaust Pipe

Summary Your vehicle’s exhaust pipe connects to the muffler and serves to release exhaust fumes into the air and away…

2 years ago

The Dangers of Driving Without Transmission Fluid

Summary If a manual vehicle runs out of transmission fluid, you can typically still drive for around 10 to 15…

2 years ago

How To Safely Remove a Rear view Mirror

Summary Your rear view mirror helps you navigate and remain aware of your surroundings, allowing you to see behind your…

2 years ago

What Is Dry-Ice Cleaning?

Summary Unlike other cleaning methods that use abrasive particles like sand or glass, dry ice doesn’t leave a mess. Dry…

2 years ago

What Is a Torque Stick and What Is It For?

Summary A torque stick, also known as a torque extension, is a tool that attaches to your impact wrench for…

2 years ago

How Engine Placement Affects Handling

Summary Putting the engine in a specific configuration affects a car’s weight distribution, which can have significant effects on its…

2 years ago

Brushless Car Wash: Pros and Cons

Summary Brushless car washes use foam fingers and cloth strips to clean vehicles.These car washes are better for the environment…

2 years ago

The Top 5 Volkswagen Golfs In History

The Volkswagen Golf was one of Europe’s best-selling vehicles for over four decades. The model has a couple of prestigious…

2 years ago

Ugly Cars: Unveiling History’s Most Unattractive Vehicles

Summary Some of the most unattractive cars include the Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar, Reliant Robin, and Chevrolet HHR. The Fiat Multipla, Nissan…

2 years ago

The Evolution of Car Mats: Exploring Innovative Options with 3D

Summary Car mats have come a long way from their roots, and today they protect and add a touch of…

2 years ago

Why Are Electric Convertibles Hard to Find? Plus Exciting Models to Check Out

Summary Electric convertibles are hard to find because they’re difficult to manufacture. There are also weight and safety concerns that…

2 years ago

Which Types of Cloth Should You Use On Your Car?

Summary There are many different kinds of cloth that you can use to clean your car, namely terry cloth, microfiber…

2 years ago

Street Parking Tips Every Driver Should Know

Summary About 35% of Americans don’t have their own garage or carport, leaving them with no choice but to park…

2 years ago

The Rise and Revival of Hippie Vans

Summary Hippie van is the term used for the Volkswagen Type 2, a popular model in the 1970s. It symbolized…

2 years ago

What’s a Naturally Aspirated Engine?

Summary Naturally aspirated engines use atmospheric pressure for their intake charge.These engines can accelerate with minimal lag, and their designs…

2 years ago

On-Street vs Off-Street Parking: Which One’s Better?

Summary On-street parking refers to parking spaces that can be found on the sides of the road. On the other…

2 years ago

Are Underglow Lights Legal?

Summary The states of Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington have strict laws that prohibit underglow…

2 years ago

What Exactly Is a Donk Car?

Summary A donk car is a vehicle that’s been modified to look like a high-riser. Box Chevys from the late…

2 years ago

Removing Water in Car Door: How and When to Do It

Summary To remove water in the car door, unclog its drain hole or remove its rubber covers.It might be time…

2 years ago

Turnout Areas: What Are They and When Should You Use Them?

Summary Turnout areas or turnout lanes are special areas on the side of the road that drivers can enter to…

2 years ago

Roadshow Rewind Featuring the Chevy Cateye

Summary Chevy Cateyes are Silverado trucks that sport a pair of cat eye-like headlights, giving them a rather aggressive appearance.…

2 years ago

DIY Leather Car Seat Repair and Maintenance

Summary To properly repair and maintain your car’s leather sets, you must have the right tools. These include leather repair…

2 years ago

How to Fix a Scratch on a Rim Plus Causes and Prevention

Summary You can use clear coat pens and scratch removers to get rid of scratches on rims. Hitting curbs are…

2 years ago

Can You Use Cruise Control in Rain and Snow?

Summary It’s not safe to use cruise control in rain and snow because the road is too slippery.It’s far safer…

2 years ago

Hand-Over-Hand Steering and Other Steering Techniques to Master

Summary Hand-over-hand steering is a type of steering that makes you put one hand across the other when making a…

2 years ago

AWD, RWD, or FWD: What’s the Best Car for Driving in the Snow?

Summary Forward-wheel drive vehicles can adequately handle snowy conditions because of the weight distribution that helps the wheels gain traction.…

2 years ago

What Are Captain Seats? Advantages, Disadvantages, and More

Summary Captain seats are designed for only one person. They’re usually in the second row of SUVs. Some of their…

2 years ago

The Best Hybrid Minivans to Look Forward to in 2024 and Beyond

Summary The hybrid minivan options for the year 2023 include the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica.Some of the models to…

2 years ago

Watch Out for These Hybrid Trucks Come 2024

Summary A hybrid truck is your regular hybrid passenger car made bigger. Both vehicles share the same principles, using a…

2 years ago

The Top 5 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions in History

Mitsubishi had a long history of success in various motorsports before the very first Lancer Evolution hit the market. Its…

2 years ago

Charm on Wheels: The Cutest Cars Revealed

Summary Some of the cutest cars on our list include the Fiat 500 Abarth Convertible, Nissan Figaro, Porsche 356, Ferves…

2 years ago

A Brief Comparison of Diesel vs. Gasoline Emissions

Summary A 2017 study indicates that diesel cars produce less carbonaceous particulate matter pollution than gasoline cars. Diesel fuel produces…

2 years ago

3-Car Garage Dimensions: What You Need To Know

Summary The size of a 3-car garage is typically between 30 by 20 feet and 60 by 30 feet. The…

2 years ago

How To Transport a Christmas Tree on Top of Your Car

Summary Before leaving your house, consider measuring your home and vehicle to make sure you have enough room for your…

2 years ago

Do You Need Pneumatic Tools In Your Garage?

Summary Pneumatic tools provide a wide range of advantages over their electric-powered counterparts. Air-powered tools are lighter, safer in wet…

2 years ago

Why Are My Brakes Clicking When I Change Direction?

Summary Causes behind your brakes clicking while turning include loose hub caps, damaged constant velocity (CV) joints, and loose brake…

2 years ago

The Different Types of Exhaust Bends and Their Pros and Cons

Summary Bent exhaust pipes fit against other components beneath the vehicle. They also promote better heat dissipation and improve engine…

2 years ago

Choosing Between Windshield Repair vs. Replacement

Summary Certain factors can help determine the better option between windshield repair vs. replacement.The different types of windshield damage are…

2 years ago

When Should You Do ADAS Calibration?

Summary Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are a set of innovative technologies that are designed to enhance vehicle safety, improve…

2 years ago

Car Paint Protection: Best Options, Alternatives, and Benefits

Summary Detailing spray, paint sealant, and paint protection films are three of the best ways to protect car paint.Wax, car…

2 years ago

Can You Register a Car Without a License?

Summary It depends on the state. Some require a driver’s license when registering a vehicle, while some do not.A car…

2 years ago

Driving Basics: Where and How to Teach Your Child To Drive

Summary The best place to practice driving with your child is in an open space, such as a parking lot.You…

2 years ago

Handy Tips for Shipping a Car to Another State

Summary When shipping a car from one state to another, it’s important to prepare the necessary documents to prove the…

2 years ago

Foolproof Ways to Remove Adhesive from Car Paint

Summary Removing adhesive from car paint sounds like a simple task. The main thing to consider here is to remove…

2 years ago

Unbuckling the Mystery: Why Aren’t Seat Belts Required In Most School Buses?

Summary Seat belts in buses aren’t required by law. Also, buses use alternative safety measures, like compartmentalization and seat cushioning.It’s…

2 years ago

Inside SEMA 2023: Attendee Favorites

The SEMA Show 2023 in Las Vegas brought together an eclectic mix of vehicles, each pushing the boundaries of automotive…

2 years ago

Sharing the Road With Bicyclists: How to Ensure Everyone’s Safety

Summary When you’re behind the wheel, colliding with someone on a bicycle is more dangerous for them than it is…

2 years ago

What Is a Car Governor In a Car?

Summary A governor or speed limiter prevents a vehicle from accelerating faster than a programmed threshold.Speed governors track a vehicle’s…

2 years ago

Should You Use an Extension Cord for Your EV Charger?

Summary Charging your electric vehicle (EV) while the charger is attached to an extension cord is generally a bad idea.…

2 years ago

What Is a Rear Seat Reminder and Why Is It So Important?

Summary A rear seat reminder system alerts drivers to check the back seat of their cars, where they might have…

2 years ago

Regenerative Braking: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Summary Regenerative brakes use electric motors to slow down and stop hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). You can find regenerative…

2 years ago

Can You Repair Tire Sidewalls?

Summary Tires with leaks or holes in the sidewall tend to warrant an immediate replacement because the extra stress on…

2 years ago

A Brief Guide on the Car Cigarette Lighter

Summary The car cigarette lighter is a DC power outlet with an electrically heated lighter. The lighter outlet will have…

2 years ago

What Is Rear Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist?

Summary Rear traffic collision avoidance assist is a feature that can help you look out for oncoming traffic, cyclists, and…

2 years ago

What Causes the Burning Smell From the Heater in Your Car?

Summary Some of the most common reasons for a burning smell when you run the heater of your car are…

2 years ago

Is a Front-Wheel Drive Vehicle Good in the Snow?

Summary In a front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle, the front wheels receive all the power while the rear wheels don’t get…

2 years ago

Why Is My Turn Signal Blinking Fast?

Summary Possible reasons for a fast blinking turn signal include bad bulbs, corroded sockets, and faulty ground connections. Depending on…

2 years ago

How To Find Places To Practice Driving Near Me

Summary Familiarize yourself with traffic laws and signs before hitting the road for real. If you only have a learner’s…

2 years ago

A Tale of A Running Horse: The Ford Mustang Logo

Summary The original Ford Mustang logo was created in 1962 and was revised to fit inside the prototype Mustang II’s…

2 years ago

What Do Approach, Departure, and Breakover Angles Mean?

Summary Approach angle refers to the steepest angle your vehicle can climb with no problem. If you try to climb…

2 years ago

Do Black Cars Get Hotter Than White Cars on Hot Days?

Summary Black cars tend to absorb more heat than white cars because the color black absorbs more sunlight than white.…

2 years ago

Leg Pain From Driving Too Long: Reasons and Relief

Summary During long trips, your legs can hurt or cramp if you sit in the same position or with a…

2 years ago

What Do License Plate Letters Mean?

Summary A license plate can have six to eight characters. At the same time, most plates have three to four…

2 years ago

The Top 5 Lincoln Continentals In History

The Lincoln Continental has always been the epitome of elegance and luxury. Its refined design and opulent features make it…

2 years ago

Can I Leave My Rear Fog Lights On?

Summary Rear fog lights are like normal fog lights, but instead of being yellow or white, rear fog lights are…

2 years ago

What Does Cc of an Engine Mean and How Is It Related to Horsepower?

Summary Cubic centimeters (cc) is the unit of measurement of a vehicle’s engine displacement, which is the total volume of…

2 years ago

Is an Automatic Car Faster Than a Manual Car?

Summary Some common causes of poor fuel economy include dirty oxygen sensors, spark plug issues, and a dirty mass airflow…

2 years ago

Helpful Tips on How To Use a Dent Puller

Summary A dent repair kit, or a dent puller, is a tool that can remove dents and dings from a…

2 years ago

Helpful Tips on How To Share the Road With Motorcycles

Summary To safely share the road with motorcycles, always check your blind spots, keep distractions to a minimum, and be…

2 years ago

A Quick Guide on How To Drive a Stick Shift in Heavy Traffic

Summary It can get tiring to drive a manual car in heavy traffic unless you know some tips and tricks…

2 years ago

How Do You Tow an Automatic Car?

Summary Automatic transmission vehicles can be towed, but how they’re towed can vary depending on whether they’re front-wheel drive, rear-wheel…

2 years ago

How To Clean a Car Seat With Urine Stains

Summary How to clean your car seat will depend on what material it's made of. Cleaning cloth car seats will…

2 years ago

Why Your Manual Car Won’t Go Into First Gear

Summary If your manual car won’t easily shift into first gear, it can be due to a clutch that doesn’t…

2 years ago

Single DIN vs. Double DIN: What’s the Difference?

Summary A single DIN and a double DIN radio differ in size, dimension, sound quality, and features. A single DIN…

2 years ago

A Brief Guide to Homemade Windshield Water Repellent

Summary You can make alcohol-vinegar and ethanol-alcohol windshield water repellent with ingredients you can find at home.Car windshield water repellent…

2 years ago

Signs You Need a Body Control Module Reset

Summary Vehicles are equipped with a body control module (BCM) that monitors and controls various electronic accessories in the vehicle’s…

2 years ago

What Exactly Is Head Gasket Sealer

Summary Head gasket sealer is a substance made specifically for sealing up cracks on the head gasket. You can follow…

2 years ago

What Is a Following Distance Indicator and How Does It Work?

Summary The Following Distance Indicator is a safety feature that displays your current following distance, which refers to the space…

2 years ago

Why Is My Car’s AC Hose Frozen on the Outside?

Summary Some of the common reasons why your A/C hose is frozen include low-pressure switch problems and a clogged A/C…

2 years ago

The Dangers of Bald Tires: Causes, Signs, and Effects

Summary Some factors that could cause bald tires include improper tire pressure, misaligned tires, and wear and tear.Three symptoms to…

2 years ago

Understanding the Science Behind Low Rolling Resistance Tires

Summary Low rolling resistance tires essentially reduce the vehicle’s overall energy output when pushing through road surfaces.Reducing rolling resistance helps…

2 years ago

Fueling Success: Using Fuel Stabilizers to Extend Gasoline Life

Summary Fuel stabilizers are additives that extend a gasoline's lifespan by preventing water, and fuel evaporation, and the “rottening” of…

2 years ago

The Top 5 Toyota Camrys in History

The Camry follows Toyota’s tradition of using words that mean crown as names for its cars. It is derived from…

2 years ago

Common Power Liftgate Problems and How to Diagnose Them

Summary A lift strut issue, a malfunctioning power hatch, and a bad switch or button are some of the common…

2 years ago

Navigating the Motor Oil Maze: Liqui Moly’s Guide to Conventional, Synthetic, & Blended Oils

Summary Understand the distinctions between conventional, synthetic, and blend oils based on the era and engineering of your vehicle.Tailor your…

2 years ago

The Best Tips for Removing a Stripped Bolt

Summary Tasks like removing a tire is a fairly simple procedure, but a stripped bolt can make it twice as…

2 years ago

What Are Fusible Links? Plus Symptoms, How to Check, and How to Replace

Summary A fusible link is a piece of special wire with Hypalon® insulation that is usually one or two gauges…

2 years ago

Stay Safe and Confident: Essential Driving Tips for New Drivers

Summary Driving can get dangerous, especially for new drivers. Following these tips can make the experience safer and less nerve-wracking.Follow…

2 years ago

Tire Cupping: Causes, Prevention, and Diagnosis

Summary Tire cupping refers to a wear pattern that looks like irregular dips or cups on the tire treads. Some…

2 years ago