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.

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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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.…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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,…

1 year 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.…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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.…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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.…

1 year 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.…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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.…

1 year 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…

1 year 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.…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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.…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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,…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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…

1 year 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,…

1 year ago

How Many Catalytic Converters Are In a Toyota Tundra?

Summary Toyota Tundras can have two catalytic converters, but the second and third-generation models have four. Your Tundra’s catalytic converter…

1 year ago

How a Differential Works

Summary Differentials allow each wheel on opposite sides to rotate independently, allowing vehicles to corner properly. Differentials use a pair…

1 year ago

A Quick History of the Chevrolet Corvette C4 1984-1996

Summary The Chevrolet Corvette C4 1984 was designed by Dave McLellan and incorporated new techniques and materials while emphasizing handling.…

1 year ago

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

How to replace the front bumper 2009-2014 Ford F-150 To replace the front bumper on your F-150 we're here to…

1 year ago

How Long Can I Keep My Car Running While Parked?

Summary You can keep your vehicle running on idle for several minutes without long-term repercussions. Modern cars can idle longer…

1 year ago

Important Rules for Passing When Driving

Summary Generally, you can pass a vehicle to the right if there are two or more lanes on your side…

1 year ago

What Is the Best Power Steering Stop Leak?

Summary Some of the best power steering stop leak products on the market include BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak, Prestone…

1 year ago

Cars With the Most DUIs in the US in 2024

Summary In 2024, the cars with the most DUIs are the Buick Envista, Buick Encore GX, and Chevrolet Bolt.  Over…

1 year ago

What To Do Before, During, and After Jump-Starting a Car

Summary To jump-start your vehicle, you’ll need to park both cars close to each other, turn off their engines, and…

1 year ago

New Study Says EV Batteries Last Longer Than Predicted

Summary The EV Dodge Charger lifespan is between 15 and 20 years. The EPA determines EV range and EV battery…

1 year ago

Can A Cop Pull You Over For Expired Registration During Traffic Stops?

Summary Driving without car insurance, a valid driver's license, or a suspended or expired vehicle registration can get you pulled…

1 year ago

Gentex Sun Visors: The Future of Passenger Sun Protection?

Summary Gentex sun visors are glass panels that can darken, protecting the driver from the blinding sun while maintaining the…

1 year ago

Forget Paid Gas Station Air Pumps, Go to Gas Stations With Free Air

Summary You should be wary about paying for tire inflators because you can inflate your tire for free in many…

1 year ago

What Are the Financial Rules of Buying a Car?

Summary The 20/4/10 rule is a financial guideline that recommends a 20% downpayment, a 4-year long loan term, and keeping…

1 year ago

What Is the Best Octane Booster for Cars?

Summary Some of the best octane boosters on the market are the Torco Unleaded Fuel Accelerator, STP Octane Booster, and…

1 year ago

What’s the Best Pressure Washer For Cars?

Summary The Sun Joe SPX3000 electric pressure washer is arguably the best option in terms of overall performance. The compact…

1 year ago

How To Make Your Dashboard Shine With Oil

Summary Olive oil is a natural product that can also double as a strong cleaning agent. It can get rid…

1 year ago