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.
Having a spare tire or two is a great investment, especially if you drive a lot on and off the…
Road trips are for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. A quick drive to…
Anti-friction bearings make it possible for the wheels to rotate while they support the entire weight of the vehicle. Bearings…
If you love taking your dog out on road trips, you’ve probably heard about dog seats. They can help keep…
Your car seats will naturally collect dirt and stains as they're used. It can get tricky and annoying to deal…
Shock absorbers or shocks absorb the force from the springs. Without them, your vehicle would bounce and bob more, making…
Reports show that people spend an average of $4,975 for high-quality car paint jobs. It’s a price many are willing…
A rusty gas tank is a massive cause of concern because it could render your vehicle useless, often leading to…
Shopping for a new car battery? You might encounter the term “cold cranking amps” or “CCA.” Let’s explore what it…
Whether you drive a truck or a midsize car, ratchet straps are essential for securing cargo. Also known as tie-down…
Summary Airbags became mandatory in the US on September 1st, 1998. Vehicle owner’s manuals were also mandated to explain the…
For most people, cleaning their steering wheel isn’t a priority when it comes to maintaining their vehicle. After all, a…
Lightning is a scary thing. It’s blindingly bright, and the sharp crack of deafening thunder closely follows its passage. If…
Whether your vehicle is a truck or a family sedan, it’s sure to have a towing capacity. The question is,…
The average lifespan of car batteries is around three to five years, but they can deteriorate much faster than that,…
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs or hybrids for short) have two types of batteries. One of these is the standard car…
In an automotive context, permeation refers to how gases, vapors, or fluids pass through barriers or materials. Fuel vapor is…
Engines are the heart of every vehicle, and different engine types operate in different ways. One of the things that…
Upgrading your vehicle’s wheels is one of the most common modifications out there, but with all the options on the…
The steering system lets you control where your car is going. There are many types, but one of the most…
You’re likely going to see an electric vehicle’s (EV) mpge on a sticker in dealerships, but what should this number…
Summary Condensation happens when warm air containing moisture touches cold surfaces like your car’s windshield and windows. A clogged A/C…
Summary Comprehensive insurance policies typically cover repairs due to flood damage as well as other types of storm damage.It's unlikely…
The M3 Series isn’t the first motorsports lineup from BMW, but it’s considered to be one of the most decorated…
Halloween is meant to be a joyous season filled with fun, harmless horrors. Teens often enjoy their costume parties, and…
Keeping some tools and equipment in your vehicle is great for emergencies. Some essentials include a spare tire, a wrench,…
Never take your ride’s dome light for granted. Not only does it ensure the cabin is well-lit when you enter…
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), over 1.2 million car accidents happen yearly because of weather-related issues. Although…
It’s easy to track sand and soil and bring them into your car. While your vehicle may have thick floor…
Every time you sit in the driver’s seat and look out your windshield, you’ve probably noticed the small black dots…
A vehicle’s odometer is meant to track the distance it’s traveled over its lifetime. It’s a useful thing to check…
Bumpers protect your car from impact damage and help keep you and your passengers safe during a collision. However, some…
The sun is out, there’s salt in the air, and the tan lines are inevitable. Driving on the beach is…
When it comes to the idea of a muscle car, no other model embodies it more than the Dodge Challenger.…
Summary The roll center is an imaginary point in space around which the car body rotates. When your vehicle shifts…
Upgrading to bigger wheels is one of the most popular modifications you can make, but it isn’t a decision you…
Car seats play an important part in child safety when traveling. However, children frequently outgrow these seats faster than we…
Summary Generally, pure gasoline will begin to degrade and lose its combustibility within three to six months even when it’s…
If you’re thinking about skipping out on tire balancing, please don’t. It’s important to keep your wheels and tires balanced…
Removing a rounded lug nut can be frustrating for any car enthusiast or mechanic. A rounded lug can be caused…
Summary Some of the common causes of lifter tick include a damaged lifter, loose spark plugs, and exhaust leaks. A…
Not all horror films feature vehicles, but those that do have some of the most iconic cars to grace the…
Hydroplaning refers to instances where your vehicle skids across a wet surface uncontrollably. It occurs when the water creates a…
Vehicle parts are made of materials that vary depending on their function. For example, car batteries contain the metal lithium…
The brakes are crucial to your safety on the road. A malfunctioning braking system could lead to accidents, as it…
If you own a car and are looking for ways to earn a living, becoming an Uber or Lyft driver…
It’s nerve-wracking when the trailer you’re towing sways back and forth. One of the common culprits behind this stressful situation…
90% of road accidents are caused by unreasonable driving behaviors, such as making sharp turns on tricky corners. The risk…
Summary Overall, high-back booster car seats are superior because of their improved seat belt fit and head impact protection. Backless…
Summary Each state has different processes when gifting a car to a family member. As such, it's crucial to verify…
Summary A dashboard camera, or a dash cam, is a travel-sized camera that records the front and rear of your…
Summary There are only a limited number of public charging stations, so it’s important to follow proper charging etiquette.Examples of…
Summary Mice like to hide and keep warm under the hood of your vehicle during the winter.To keep them away,…
Summary Because of blue laws, car sales are banned on Sundays in 12 states: Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri,…
Summary Most states have no clear rules about the maximum age for driving. It’s just a matter of asking yourself…
Summary Federal law requires recall repairs to be free of charge for vehicles up to 15 years old.You are eligible…
Summary The FPDM controls the voltage supply to the electric fuel pump to ensure it gets the right amount of…
Summary Putting your car in neutral allows it to coast, letting you move forward using the car’s built-up momentum. Some…
Summary Tires are black because of the material called carbon black. It increases the overall durability of the rubber by…
Summary Gas pumps stop at the right time thanks to the venturi tube. It's a small tube that draws air…
Summary A crate motor is a replacement engine that gets its name from being shipped in wood crates.Some possible reasons…
Summary Unsold vehicles stay in the dealer’s lot until someone buys them.Unsold new cars may be sold at a discounted…
Summary The ESP BAS light could indicate an issue with your electronic stability program (ESP) or brake assist system.This warning…
Summary Lug bolts are fasteners securing the wheel to the hub. They consist of a threaded stem, a tapered head,…
Summary Tune-ups are preventive maintenance services that ensure your car performs well.Some signs your vehicle needs a tune-up include illuminated…
Summary The EGR valve controls the flow of exhaust gas to increase engine efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and lessen the…
Summary Leaf stains occur when the waxy cuticles of fallen leaves bond to your vehicle’s coat. This waxy substance is…
Summary If you accidentally lock your keys inside your vehicle, try unlocking the door with the keypad, if possible.If you…
Summary Heaters are used to warm up the interior of your vehicle, keeping you and your passengers warm. When coolant…
Summary Frame damage refers to any damage that affects a vehicle’s chassis. This is typically brought about by disrepair or…
Summary When driving with a baby on board, make sure the harness straps lie flat against your child’s chest and…
Summary Extended warranties cover major vehicular repairs, roadside assistance, and reimbursement from rental cars.The total cost of an extended warranty…
Summary Modern key fobs are full of unique features, such as the ability to roll down your vehicle’s windows from…
The Corvette is one of Chevrolet’s greatest success stories. This American luxury sports car has been around for more than…
Yes, it’s best to keep your vehicle’s undercarriage clean. Though people rarely look at the underside of their vehicle unless…
Summary It’s strongly recommended to wash your vehicle at least twice a month. If it looks too dirty, don’t hesitate…
Summary The ignition module is what’s used to switch the coil primary to trigger the coil’s high voltage spark.It is…
Summary According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the annual cost of hailstorm-related property damage is $1.07 billion.When driving in…
Summary Seat belts are an important safety feature designed to secure the driver or passenger of a vehicle, holding them…
Summary Crumple zones are the areas designed to break down upon impact. They’re usually at the front and rear of…
Summary Car camping allows you to enjoy the outdoors in style. It’s a safe way to enjoy nature, and it…
Summary Run-flat tires allow you to keep driving even if one tire is punctured.There are two types of run-flat tires:…
The Ford Mustang’s long hood and short deck proportions are impossible to miss. But the iconic mesh grilles and layout…
Summary Gelling occurs when diesel is exposed to cold temperatures.Diesel typically gels when it’s exposed to low temperatures, somewhere between…
Summary Bleeding the brakes is necessary whenever you replace a brake component or flush the brakes.To bleed the brakes, you…
Summary Remote start isn’t available for all vehicles. Cars built after the mid-2000s have dealer-manufactured remote-start systems available.Remote-start systems cost…
Summary How often you have to rotate your tires will depend on several factors, such as your driving habits and…
Summary Full-size cars are spacious, fuel efficient, and easy to drive. They also have better handling characteristics around corners and…
Summary You can clean rusty tools by sanding them down with sandpaper or wire brushes, so long as you avoid…
Summary Always wear safety equipment, open all windows and doors, and try to stop the source when cleaning up spilled…
Summary Dead leaves can cover up potential hazards like potholes, so exercise caution when driving.Drivers can also expect to deal…
Summary The inertia switch is a device that cuts off the power to the electrical fuel pump in fuel injection…
Summary Some of the common causes of brake caliper bolt issues include bad brake pads, corrosion, insufficient lubrication, and brake…
Summary Auto stop-start is a feature that turns off a vehicle’s engine whenever it comes to a complete stop.This is…
Summary An FCW or Forward Collision Warning system alerts drivers when obstacles that may obstruct your vehicle’s path are detected.If…
Summary LTZ stands for “Luxury Touring Z,” and this is a trim level used by Chevrolet for vehicles that are…
Summary Tire mobility kits, also known as tire inflators or tire repair kits, are used to patch up bad tires…
Summary Sports Utility Vehicles or SUVs are categorized by their large size, 3-row seating, large cargo space, and excellent towing…
Summary Midsize cars refer to vehicles with interior volumes between 110-120 cubic feet and a maximum length of 196.8 inches.The…
Summary Subcompact cars refer to vehicles smaller than compact cars. They measure between 157-165 inches long and can typically accommodate…