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.

Top BMW X5 in History

Summary Some of the top BMW X5 models include the X5 E35, X5 Le Mans, and X5 M. Inspired by…

8 months ago

Exhaust Sizing Chart: Choosing the Right Exhaust Pipe Diameter For Your Car’s Engine

Summary Generally, you need one inch of exhaust pipe diameter for every 100 horsepower the engine produces. You can refer…

8 months ago

What Exactly Is a PPI Report for a Car?

Summary An auto PPI is meant to assess the vehicle’s many main components to find any hidden problems or possible…

8 months ago

Car Pedal Extenders: How They Work, Who Needs Them, and Pros and Cons

Summary Pedal extenders are aftermarket accessories designed to adjust the position of the accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals. Pedal extenders…

8 months ago

What Is a Dual Mass Flywheel?

Summary A dual mass flywheel has two separate flywheels that come with their own damper springs, friction material, and ball…

8 months ago

Power Steering Cooler: What It Is, How It Works, and More

Summary The power steering cooler lowers the power steering fluid’s temperature to prevent overheating. It uses its position and conduction…

8 months ago

The Top 6 Fiat 500 Generations in History

Summary The best Fiat 500 models are the modern version, Nuova, Giardiniera, Abarth, Lusso, and R. Fiat 500s are known…

8 months ago

Top Land Rover Defender Models in History

Summary Some of the best Land Rover Defender models in history include the 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 300TDi and…

8 months ago

The Top 4 Aston Martin DB Series Models In History

Summary The DBR1, DB4, DBS, and DB5 are some of the most notable models from the Aston Martin DB Series. …

8 months ago

Top Alfa Romeo Giulia Models in History

Summary Some of the best Alfa Romeo Giulia models in history include the 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulia and the 2017…

8 months ago

The Top 5 Volkswagen Touareg Models In History

Summary The 2002, 2009 Lux Limited, and 2010 Touareg are some of the most notable years for the Volkswagen Touareg.…

8 months ago

What Car Covers Are Best For the Snow?

Summary Winter car covers prevent snow and ice buildup, reduce the need for ice scraping, and offer UV protection for…

8 months ago

Tips and Tricks For a Successful Exhaust Pipe Installation

Summary Lift the vehicle properly and use safety equipment like gloves and goggles. Organize your parts and tools near the…

8 months ago

How To Transfer a Car Without a Title

Summary It’s often easiest to get a replacement title from the DMV if you're looking to sell your vehicle but…

9 months ago

Engine Air Filter Materials: Cotton, Paper, and More Explained

Summary Cotton or gauze air filters are particularly good for the environment. They’re often designed to be cleaned, oiled, and…

9 months ago

Get to Know Your Vehicle’s Occupant Classification System

Summary An occupant classification system (OCS) is a group of sensors that helps determine whether or not the passenger-side airbag…

9 months ago

How Long Can Tires Last in Storage?

Summary Most tires last around 6 to 10 years in storage, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises…

9 months ago

Buying Old Cars With Almost No Miles: Yes or No?

Summary Low-mileage cars are typically marketed as having less wear and tear, and while this can be true in some…

9 months ago

Car Smells: Common Odors and How to Get Them Out

Summary Persistent or unusual odors like rotten eggs, gasoline, and burning rubber often indicate mechanical issues pointing to fuel system…

9 months ago

Tips & Tricks to Remove Mold From Carpet in Car

Summary Always wear protective gear before you look for what caused mold to grow on the carpet. Remove contaminated items…

9 months ago

How to replace the alternator 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the alternator 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the alternator on your F-150 it couldnt' be easier. You…

9 months ago

How to replace the side rear view mirror 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the side rear view mirror 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To safely jack your on your F-150 It's easy.…

9 months ago

Brake Lubricants: Where and How to Properly Apply Them

Summary Apply the brake lubricant on every moving part of the braking system, regardless of the brake system type. Avoid…

9 months ago

The Top 5 Volkswagen Passats in History

Summary Some of the most popular Volkswagen Passat model years are the 2004, 2009, 2017, 2018, and 2021 models. The…

9 months ago

Can You Drive Off Without a Key Fob?

Summary Depending on the vehicle’s model, trim level, and push-button ignition system, you might be able to drive off without…

9 months ago

How to replace the outer tail light assembly 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the outer tail light assembly 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the outer tail light assembly on your…

9 months ago

Want Heated Mirrors In Cars? Check Out These 2025 Models

Summary Heated mirrors are a great safety feature because they keep your side mirrors fog-free in cold weather.  You’ll be…

9 months ago

What’s the Top Audi Q5 In History?

Summary The 2009, 2010, and 2013 are the best model years of the 1st generation Audi Q5. For the 2nd…

9 months ago

The Top 5 Porsche 911 Models In History

Summary Each 911 is important in the nameplate’s history for different reasons. Some are groundbreaking because of their design. Meanwhile,…

9 months ago

Car Door Safety: Things to Remember When Opening The Car Door

Summary Remember that opening your door will obstruct the path of other road users, like other vehicles, bikers, and pedestrians.…

9 months ago

Car Diagnostic Tests Explained

Summary A vehicle diagnostic test involves running a digital analysis of a vehicle’s components and various systems. The test checks…

9 months ago

How To Turn the Anti-Theft System Off in Your Vehicle

Summary Overall, anti-theft systems either prevent a thief from stealing a vehicle or alert others in the vicinity of the…

9 months ago

I Like CVTs: Giving Continuously Variable Transmissions a Chance

Summary Unlike manual and automatic transmissions, a CVT doesn’t have gears. It consists of two pulleys connected by a belt.…

9 months ago

Fun Ways to Dress Up the Engine Bay

Summary Replace various engine parts with the contents of an engine dress-up kit. Some of the parts you can change…

9 months ago

Can Winter Tires Be Used All Year?

Summary Winter tires are specifically designed for cold temperatures. In warmer conditions, winter tires will wear out faster, consume more…

9 months ago

Top Volvo 240 in History

Summary The best Volvo 240 models are the 240 Turbo, 242 GT, 244, and 245. Volvo models are known for…

9 months ago

Top Porsche Cayenne Models in History

Summary Some of the best Cayenne models in history include the 2007 Porsche Cayenne, the 2017 Porsche Cayenne GTS, and…

9 months ago

The Top 5 Jaguar XJ Models In History

Summary The most notable years of the Jaguar XJ include the 1968, 1974, and 1979 models. The Jaguar XJ is…

9 months ago

Top Volvo S60 Models in History

Summary Some of the best and most reliable first-generation models include the 2004 Volvo S60 and the 2009 Volvo S60.…

9 months ago

What is A Money Shift in Driving and What Makes it So Damaging?

Summary Money shifting happens when you accidentally shift to a lower gear than intended, damaging the engine in the process.…

9 months ago

How to replace the rear brake calipers 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the rear brake calipers 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the rear brake calipers on your Ram…

9 months ago

How to replace the rear axle shaft 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the rear axle shaft 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the rear axle shaft on your Ram…

9 months ago

How to replace the rear brake backing plate 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the rear brake backing plate 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the rear brake backing plate on…

9 months ago

How to replace the air dam / valance 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the air dam / valance 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the air dam / valance on…

9 months ago

How to replace the alternator 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the alternator 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the alternator on your Ram 1500 this tutorial was…

9 months ago

2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the side rear view mirror on your Ram 1500 It's easy. You will be…

9 months ago

How to replace the headlight assembly 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the headlight assembly 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the headlight assembly on your Ram 1500 it…

9 months ago

How to replace the turn signal switch 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the turn signal switch 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the turn signal switch on your Ram…

9 months ago

How to replace the water pump 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the water pump 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the oxygen sensors on your Ram 1500 this…

9 months ago

How to replace the oxygen sensors 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the oxygen sensors 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the oxygen sensors on your Ram 1500 this…

9 months ago

How to replace the ignition coils 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the ignition coils 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the ignition coils on your Ram 1500 It's…

9 months ago

How to replace the radiator 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the radiator 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the radiator support on your Ram 1500 this tutorial…

9 months ago

How to replace the step bumper 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the step bumper 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the step bumper on your Ram 1500 it…

9 months ago

How to replace the tailgate handle 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the tailgate handle 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the tailgate handle on your Ram 1500 it…

9 months ago

How to replace the front bumper brackets 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the front bumper brackets 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the front bumper brackets on your Ram…

9 months ago

How to replace the front grille 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

How to replace the front grille 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 To replace the front grille on your Ram 1500 it…

9 months ago

How to replace the front lower ball joints 2011-2017 Toyota Camry

How to replace the front lower ball joints 2011-2017 Toyota Camry To replace the front lower ball joints on your…

9 months ago

How to replace the front bumper cover 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the front bumper cover 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the front bumper cover on your F-150 this…

9 months ago

How to replace the hood lift supports 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the hood lift supports 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the hood lift supports on your F-150 just…

9 months ago

How to replace the vacuum hub actuator 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the vacuum hub actuator 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the vacuum hub actuator on your F-150 just…

9 months ago

How to replace the headlight assembly 2009-2014 Ford F-150

How to replace the headlight assembly 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the headlight assembly on your F-150 it couldnt' be…

9 months ago

Hybrid vs Gasoline Cars: Which Is Faster?

Summary Hybrid cars are typically slower than gasoline cars because they’re optimized for fuel efficiency as opposed to power. Speed…

9 months ago

Exceptional Engines: The Porsche 996 Race Car

Summary The Porsche 996 Turbo Automatic uses a Tiptronic gearbox, which allows drivers to manually shift gears on an automatic…

9 months ago

The Top 5 Volvo XC60s In History

Summary The top Volvo XC60s include the 2007 Volvo XC60 Concept, 2008 Volvo XC60, 2010 Volvo XC60 T6 R-Design, 2012…

9 months ago

Top Porsche Boxster Models in History

Summary Some of the best Porsche Boxster models in history include the 2014 Porsche Boxster 981 and the 2008 Porsche…

9 months ago

So Why Do Car Batteries Die in Winter?

Summary Winter is hard on car batteries because oil thickens, which means the engine needs more power to start up.…

9 months ago

A Quick Guide on the NAIC Number

Summary The NAIC number is the insurer's unique 5-digit identification code, making it easy to look up the insurance company’s…

9 months ago

Is a Third Brake Light Required? Should You Replace Yours?

Summary The federal government has mandated third brake lights to improve brake visibility and reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.…

9 months ago

Tips for How To Replace a Tail Light Bulb

Summary When replacing a tail light bulb, prepare everything you need beforehand. Also park and prepare your vehicle properly. Check…

9 months ago

Are Minivans Good in Snow? Is an AWD Upgrade Worth It?

Summary Getting an all-wheel drive (AWD) minivan is great for snowy and hilly areas. There are also more options available…

9 months ago

How Often Should You Wax Your Car?

Summary The exact interval depends on several factors, but most people wax their car twice a year. If you keep…

9 months ago

Choosing SUVs, Minivans, and Sedan Cars With Big Trunks

Summary The 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited, 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon E450 All-Terrain, and 2023 Lucid Air Touring AWD have…

9 months ago

The TPMS System: Its Purpose and Benefits

Summary The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warns you about underinflated tires. TPMS sensors measure tire air pressure and send…

9 months ago

Buying A Used Vehicle? Here’s How to Find Warranty Information on Your Car

Summary Vehicle warranty types include bumper-to-bumper, extended, certified pre-owned, and emissions warranties. Each warranty type has specific coverages and durations.…

9 months ago

What Is Road Force Balance, And Why Should You Consider It?

Summary Road force balancing is an advanced tire balancing procedure that evenly distributes the weight of your vehicle across all…

9 months ago

Door Ajar Light: What It Means, How to Fix, and More

Summary The door ajar light alerts drivers of slightly open vehicle doors to ensure road safety. Most vehicles have sensors…

9 months ago

Your Guide to DSG Transmissions: Operation, Advantages, Disadvantages, and More

Summary “DSG” stands for “direct-shift gearbox.” Also known as a dual-clutch gearbox, this type of transmission has two gearboxes and…

9 months ago

Will Changing My Instrument Cluster Change The Mileage?

Summary No, changing the instrument cluster will not change the mileage of the vehicle. A vehicle’s mileage is tracked using…

9 months ago

The Top 5 Jaguar XF Models in History

Summary The Jaguar XF is popular due to its pleasing bodywork lines, as well as its handling and speed. The…

9 months ago

Digital Car Keys: What They Are, How to Set Them Up, and More

Summary A digital car key lets you use your smartphone to unlock your vehicle doors and start the car. Digital…

9 months ago

In the Know: Does Fast Charging Reduce EV Battery Life?

Summary Fast charging between seven and 22 kW won’t have any negative impact on your vehicle, provided that you’re also…

9 months ago

What Causes Sluggish Acceleration and How to Prevent It

Summary Common causes for sluggish acceleration include problems with air filters, mass airflow sensors, spark plugs, catalytic converters, and the…

9 months ago

Next-Generation Trucks: Cool Truck Features You Need to Know

Summary Some of the coolest truck features are designed to improve a truck's comfort, storage, and performance. Cargo Management Systems…

9 months ago

The Top 5 Audi A4s In History

Summary The 2015, 2018, 2005, 2001, and 2008 redesigns are some of the best A4 models you can buy. The…

9 months ago

Safe Spring Driving: Road Habits to Adopt With the Changing of the Seasons

Summary When driving in spring, be mindful of pedestrians, potholes, rainfall, and floods. If you get seasonal allergies, pay attention…

10 months ago

Post-Winter Car Care: Car Maintenance Tips for Spring

Summary Some of the most important car maintenance tasks you should do before spring are spraying down your vehicle’s undercarriage…

10 months ago

How to Write a Good Classified Car Ad to Grab People’s Attention

Summary Always include the asking price, detailed descriptions, vehicle history, reason for selling, and total mileage and MPG in your…

10 months ago

What Is 3 On the Tree?

Summary Column-shift manual vehicles were highly popular during the 1940s, but the feature was available until as late as 2013…

10 months ago

Why Does Your Car Produce Cricket-Like Sounds?

Summary Possible reasons why your car sounds like a cricket include engine problems, exhaust system issues, suspension and steering trouble,…

10 months ago

Fix-It Day 2025: A Helping Hand for LA’s Struggling Families

A broken-down car can mean the difference between making it to work or losing a job, getting to a doctor’s…

10 months ago

How Do You Cut Brake Lines? Plus How to Flare and Bend Them

Summary When cutting brake lines, measure twice and only cut once to avoid wasting the line. Afterward, remove any sharp…

10 months ago

Oxidizing Paint on Car: Causes and How to Fix It

Summary When a vehicle isn’t cleaned or waxed enough, or if it’s exposed to too much sunlight, its paint job…

10 months ago

How Wide Is a Parking Space? and Other Parking Space Questions Answered

Summary The US standard for parking space size is 7.5 feet to 9 feet wide and 16 feet to 20…

10 months ago

Inexpensive Collector Cars For Your Automotive Wishlist

Summary Iconic classic cars tend to be rather expensive, but that isn’t the case for all of them. You can…

10 months ago

Why Are Portal Axles So Expensive? Plus Other FAQs

Summary Portal axles are a collection of gears inside a housing that mounts onto the vehicle’s axle ends or control…

10 months ago

Creative Uses of Used Tires You Can DIY

Summary You can repurpose used tires to make large planters, garden steps, and a hose caddy. Old car tires can…

10 months ago

Jeep Wrangler Restoration: Pros, Cons, and Other FAQ

Summary Having more control in personalizing your ride, preserving a classic Jeep, and learning new skills are some of the…

10 months ago

How Much Does a Water Pump Cost For a Car?

Summary The water pump replacement cost can set you back between $400 and more than $1,000. The water pump is…

10 months ago

What’s the Best Way to Remove a Car Clear Coat?

Summary Unless the clear coat shows no large damage, you must remove and replace it. You need a buffing compound,…

10 months ago