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.
Summary Accidentally inserting a battery backward can have a lot of consequences for your vehicle. If you're lucky, you might…
Summary The flex plate is the mechanical connection to the torque converter. Common issues with flex plates include cracks in…
Summary Also known as the rear crankshaft seal, the rear main seal is a gasket that prevents engine oil from…
Summary When transmission fluid mixes with radiator coolant, it creates a messy pink substance that floats to the top of…
Summary You can clear your personal information from your car with a factory reset or by manually deleting data like…
Summary The main differences between EV tires and regular tires are that EV tires are designed to carry more weight,…
Summary Exhaust heat wraps are accessories that wrap around certain exhaust parts like downpipes.Exhaust wraps insulate exhaust parts, leading to…
Summary Technicians and mechanics use wiring diagrams to understand electric circuits so that they can effectively repair them. Understanding the…
Summary Speed shifting is an advanced driving technique that involves changing gears with the purpose of accelerating as fast as…
Summary Also known as a trailer jack or tongue jack, a hitch jack is a hitch accessory that raises and…
Summary When purchasing a car, it’s important to consider which state you buy it in because it affects initial costs,…
Summary Driving under the influence, speeding, and reckless driving are some of the common causes of fatal crashes. Over 12,000…
Summary You may need new pads if your existing pads are worn and glazed, and you feel pulsation due to…
Summary Electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire compared to gas and hybrid vehicles.Electric car fires are often caused…
Summary The best way to deal with a stripped oil drain plug is to replace it. The oil drain plug…
Summary A twin-engine car is exactly what it sounds like 一 a vehicle with two engines.A twin-engine setup is also…
Summary The drive belt is responsible for linking various running components to the engine.There are generally two reasons why drive…
Summary The alternator rebuilding process involves a thorough inspection of the internal and electrical components before replacing all the parts…
Summary Repairing a vehicle’s plastic bumper is a lengthy process that requires technical expertise. Tools like sanders and plastic fillers…
Summary Faulty or loose parts can cause your car to make a rattling noise.The strange noise could come from inside…
Summary Being a defensive driver essentially means you’re someone who attempts to avoid an accident rather than get involved in…
Summary Some common mistakes DIYers make when bleeding the brakes include using the incorrect brake fluid type, spilling brake fluid…
Summary Water stains on your car’s glass are typically formed when hard or unpurified water evaporates, leaving the particles that…
Summary Windshield wipers usually skip across the glass when they’re too dry, dirty, or worn. A bent wiper arm can…
Summary A car sale usually requires the title, bill of sale, and odometer reading. You can also provide the buyer…
Summary Seemingly harmless car accessories can pose a danger in case of a crash or emergency braking situation if they…
Summary Gasket sizing is fairly straightforward if your vehicle’s running on its original exhaust system. Simply pick the gasket type…
Summary An exhaust clamp is primarily used for securing the exhaust to your vehicle, but it can also be used…
Summary Slicks are pure racing tires that have zero grooves and little or no tire tread.Drag radials are a type…
Summary When carburetors need to be replaced, vehicle owners can either pick a new carburetor or a carburetor that has…
Summary There are two main types of oil pressure gauges out there, mechanical and electric. Electric gauges can further be…
Summary Some useful tips to consider when cleaning a gas tank include taking the necessary safety precautions, preparing all of…
Summary It’s possible to stop a moving car with the push to start button, but not under high speeds. If…
Summary One main reason why people turn off the A/C is because drivers believe that keeping the A/C turned on…
Summary A median on the road is the physical barrier that stands between opposing lanes of traffic. Today, it’s typically…
Summary The no-start condition can occur after getting gas due to various car issues. A faulty EVAP purge valve is…
Summary If you remove the positive terminal before the negative terminal, the battery will continue to discharge. Removing the positive…
Summary Tire wear bars are small bars embedded beside the bottom of the tread that indicate when a tire is…
Summary The rear windows give drivers a view of what’s behind them, prevent theft, and keep road debris, rain, and…
Summary Metal shavings in the oil could indicate wear and tear on different parts of the engine. A damaged oil…
Summary The smell of burning rubber can point to a major issue, like some rubber components burning or coming into…
Summary Vehophobia and amaxophobia are two phobias associated with driving or riding inside a motor vehicle. Several conditions can trigger…
Summary You can find free EV charging stations outside department stores, hotels, colleges, etc. Mobile apps like PlugShare and the…
Summary The average truck has a lifespan of around 200,000 miles, which means the highest mileage trucks are ones capable…
Summary When diagnosing electrical issues that affect more than one component or system, make sure to check the electrical schematic.…
Summary There might be times your car will start but won’t stay running if it has issues with its mass…
Summary Malfunctioning power windows are a hassle to deal with. Before attempting more serious repair attempts, try turning off the…
Summary To fix a stripped spark plug hole, consider preparing the necessary tools first, using a Helicoil insert, and coating…
Summary Repairing your defroster grid is a relatively easy project, and it’s cheaper than replacing your entire windshield. Make sure…
Summary Wire crimping is a surprisingly straightforward process that becomes easier with practical experience.You need a wire stripping tool and…
Summary JDM is short for Japanese Domestic Market, and the term applies to cars designed, built, and sold in Japan…
Summary Make DIY heated seat installation easier with tips like disconnecting the battery and applying the correct torque on the…
Summary Leaded gas was completely banned by 1996. Since lead helped reduce wear on a vehicle’s valves and valve seats,…
Summary Some tips on how to replace your power steering pump include preparing the necessary tools before starting, using a…
Summary The two types of manual grease guns are lever-handle and pistol grip grease guns. You need a manual grease…
Summary To check if a relay is faulty, you need alligator clips, test leads, and a benchtop power supply or…
Summary Your vehicle’s steering shaft, also known as its intermediate steering shaft, plays an important role, connecting the steering gear…
Summary You should warm up your diesel engine before driving if it’s cold. Engine fluids get thicker when temperatures drop,…
Summary The dual-circuit brake system splits its brakes into two separate circuits Dual-circuit brake systems offer redundancy and reduce the…
An automotive test light or circuit tester can check the presence or absence of electricity between two locations in a…
Summary Straight-cut gears come with a handful of advantages: they don’t produce an axial load, don’t generate much heat, and…
Summary The air-fuel mixture inside engine cylinders can ignite early because of the high pressure and temperature, which can cause…
Summary Most car batteries run on 12 volts, which is too low to electrocute you to death. However, you can…
Summary Drivers cover car mirrors with plastic bags to prevent cleaning solution leaks, reduce glare, stop burglars from looking inside…
Summary You should let the police commandeer your car. Citizens are obligated to comply with a law enforcer’s command, as…
Summary The humming noise usually stems from friction caused by a lack of lubrication. Some problems that could cause the…
Summary The throwout bearing disengages the engine from the wheel when you step on the clutch pedal. Some symptoms of…
Summary Aftermarket upgrade tail lights by Anzo for a 2007 Ford F-150 are compared with Replacement brand tail lights for…
Summary A solid-state battery is essentially more efficient than a lithium-ion battery because of its high energy density. Lithium-ion is…
Many drivers who enjoy going off the beaten path consider the Toyota Tacoma the perfect adventure partner. It’s famous for…
Summary High oil pressure can occur due to contaminated oil filters, clogged passages, and using low-quality oil.If the oil pressure…
Summary Carbon buildup refers to the soot-like deposits of carbon that clog and cover different parts of the engine.Carbon buildup…
Summary Chlorinated brake cleaner dissolves contaminants quickly, but its potency makes it bad for the health and environment. Frequent use…
Summary Flat tappets have a flat surface that slides on the cam, while rollers have a roller to follow the…
Summary Car sickness stems from a mismatch between what you see and how you feel. Some symptoms of motion sickness…
Summary Fluid leaks, electrical issues, strange noises, and performance issues can happen after engine replacement. You can prevent these problems…
Summary Comfort, connectivity, and luxury are some of the aspects manufacturers are focusing on in terms of car interior design…
Summary One of the best choices for drivers keen on buying a boxy car is the 2023 Lexus GX, which…
Summary To ensure the paint sticks to the bed liner, you must thoroughly clean, sand, and prime the truck’s bed…
Summary Your CV boot is likely damaged if you hear clicking or popping sounds, feel vibrations when accelerating, and notice…
Summary You can replace a faulty rack and pinion if you have the relevant DIY auto repair knowledge, equipment, and…
Summary You should prepare the right tools, let the engine cool, and wear the correct safety equipment before replacing the…
Summary Gear ratios indicate how two or more interlocking gears relate to one another. They’re typically utilized in vehicle transmissions…
Summary A sway bar bushing connects the sway bar to your car’s body or frame and helps reduce noise by…
Summary You’ll need replacement wheel studs and tools like a car jack, hammer, and punch to replace your wheel studs.Get…
Summary Visually inspecting your brake master cylinder is not enough. Luckily, there are several ways to test your brake master…
The Impala nameplate first burst into the automotive world at the 1956 Motorama, General Motors’ self-produced car show. It was…
Summary Semi-trucks are massive and unwieldy vehicles that carry heavy cargo. They are slow to react and have multiple blind…
Summary A wiring schematic or diagram contains symbols representing the wiring and electrical components.It pays to know your tools, learn…
Summary Adding oil to a warm engine is generally acceptable. However, it pays to be cautious.Adding engine oil isn’t like…
Summary A stroker refers to a type of engine modification where a professional increases your piston’s stroke length, resulting in…
Summary A MacPherson strut suspension is a simple independent suspension. It usually has a control arm and a rod, which…
Summary Some ways to warm up your car quickly include starting the car earlier, investing in synthetic oil, using a…
Summary A ball joint press is a specialized tool used to remove and replace ball joints. Its kit typically includes…
Summary Use a garbage bag, tape, or a crash wrap to cover the frame of a broken car window. Document…
Before the Toyota Prius debuted in Japan, the idea of a mass-produced hybrid vehicle didn’t seem viable. Its name was…
Summary Headlight restoration kits are used to smoothen or polish the surface of your headlight lens. A restoration kit will…
Summary To clean the windshield from the inside, you’ll need to clean it, degrease the glass, and wipe it with…
Summary The Westin tailgate liner is durable and mounts securely with provided screws, making removal and installation relatively easy for…
Summary As the vehicle ages, the soft material inside the bushing deteriorates, creating play or “slop” between the inner sleeve…