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 Tar spots are typically caused by driving over freshly paved asphalt roads since the surface is still soft and…
Summary A dead pedal is a flat surface situated to the left of a car’s clutch or brake pedal that…
Summary An engine block heater is a device that heats the engine block while the vehicle isn’t running.The engine block…
Summary Rubbing alcohol can be an effective agent in removing contaminants like oil, grease, and 3M tape adhesives.Rubbing alcohol is…
Summary Paddle shifters are small levers behind the steering wheel or column that let the driver shift gears in a…
Summary Always pack a shovel in the trunk so you can clear the way around your vehicle.You can also ask…
Summary To take good photos of your car, it’s a good idea to review basic photography rules like symmetry and…
Summary It’s safe to wear seat belts while pregnant as long as you do it properly. To wear a seat…
Road systems in the US improved significantly in the 1960s, and with it the demand for comfortable driving experiences also…
Summary Dielectric grease is a waterproof substance that seals out moisture and prevents corrosion.It’s used on different car components, such…
Because of the alarming numbers of transportation deaths and injuries, the Department of Transportation (DOT) released its first National Roadway…
Summary Rust can seal a bolt in its hole underneath your vehicle, making removal more difficult. You can break up…
New electric vehicle (EV) models are continuously being released as the US slowly transitions to EVs. The addition of fake…
Summary The light temperature of your off-road lights affects its color. Warmer amber or yellow lights have longer wavelengths, which…
Summary Full synthetic motor oil provides better lubrication than conventional mineral oil. It’s engineered in a lab and contains additives…
Summary Pothole damage claims are usually reimbursable, but the conditions will largely depend on which state your vehicle got damaged.You…
Cup holders are notoriously difficult to clean due to their inconvenient shape. Dirt, gunk, debris, and sticky residue from drinks…
The glove box or glove compartment is the storage unit within the dashboard. Although it was originally meant to store…
For some, the scorching sun is a welcome sight for beachgoers and the like. For car owners, however, it could…
Want to plan a road trip but don’t know where to go? With 50 states to choose from, each with…
Summary If you can, drive during the time you’re most awake. You can also take a power nap before the…
Summary Once your car gets stuck in mud, don’t panic and avoid hitting the gas pedal harder.Some of the things…
Summary Having an organized garage provides your daily driver a comfortable spot to stay in when not in use.Creating a…
Summary Some of the most common symptoms of molds in your garage include fuzzy “stains” that feel fuzzy to the…
Summary Some vehicle owners leave their vehicle’s windshield wipers up during winter to prevent the blades from freezing onto the…
The Jeep Wrangler belongs to the line of military vehicles that carried the Allies to victory in WW2. It replaced…
Summary Each state has its own legal definition of an abandoned car, but most consider any vehicle that’s been left…
Summary If the rear view mirror falls off, wait until you park or idle your vehicle before recovering it. You…
The Civic is one of Honda’s best-selling models, thanks to its reliability, fuel efficiency, and performance. It’s been around for…
Do you need to bring a lot of things or a single large item that just won’t fit in your…
When you take your car out for a drive, you expose it to particulates that can bond to or get…
All modern vehicles have a power steering system that helps the driver turn the vehicle’s front wheels. Without power steering,…
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…