How Long Do Shocks Last?
Your car’s suspension system is made up of various components that work together to keep the vehicle from bouncing around when driving over bumpy roads—and one such component is the...Read more
Radiator Fluid Colors Vary and How To Pick the Right One
Radiator fluid, also known as engine coolant or antifreeze, was first used in military vehicles during World War I. Ethylene glycol was initially used as an alternative to glycerol to...Read more
How to Close Car Hood Properly
Exercising care when closing the hood of your car is important in keeping it in good working condition. The hood protects the most essential components of your vehicle, which includes...Read more
How Long Do Brake Rotors Last?
The braking system is one of the most hardworking components of your car. And because it takes a lot of abuse, certain parts of the brake assembly will need to...Read more
[Infographic] What to Consider Before You Start Doing Your Own Auto Repairs
YouTube makes fixing your own car look easy. Undo a couple of bolts here, unplug a few electrical connectors there, and the job is done. But in reality, auto repair...Read more
How to Get Moisture Out of Headlights
Condensation is a natural occurrence that happens when water vapor condenses into a liquid. In regard to your car’s headlights, the phenomenon takes place when the outside air is cooler...Read more
How to Remove Scratches from Your Car Bumper
Getting scratches out of your car bumper can be costly if you get it done at an auto body shop. But if the scratches aren’t too bad, you can opt...Read more
How to Pass an Emissions Test: 7 Tips That May Help
Note: Please check your local and state laws regarding exemptions and coverage of car emissions testing in your area. Emissions testing, also known as a smog check, is required in...Read more
How to Get Dog Hair Out of Your Car
Driving with your dog, whether on a short jaunt or on a long road trip to the beach, is always special. But having a furry companion in the car isn’t...Read more
Brake Dust: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Wheels Clean
You know that black residue that builds up on your car’s wheels? Yup, that’s brake dust. It’s a naturally occurring phenomenon that’s hard to eliminate. But with a few helpful...Read more
Can You Make Your Mustang as Rad as the Bullitt GT?
Last week, history was made when the most famous—and now the most expensive—Ford Mustang sold at Mecum Auctions for $3.4 million. The car on the block? The iconic 1968 Ford...Read more
Wheel Bearing Noise: Do You Have a Bad Wheel Bearing?
You’re driving along on a warm, sunny day listening to your favorite song. Life is good. But when you turn down the radio, you hear an unusual noise that coincides...Read more
How to Clean Foggy or Oxidized Headlights
At one time, you were in love with your car—just the sight of it made you swoon. But now, thanks to those yellow, oxidized headlights, your car is, well, ugly....Read more
How to Remove Ice From Your Car and Windshield
Nobody enjoys starting their day by scraping ice off their windshield. It’s tedious work, and it can be tempting to remove just enough ice to see from the driver’s side...Read more
How to Keep Rats Out of Your Car During Winter
Summary: Rodents love the heat that your car produces especially during the winter, therefore attracting them towards the insides of your vehicle. They can cause a range of damage, from...Read more
Squeaky Brakes: What Do They Mean & How to Fix Them
Nothing—except, perhaps, 90s boy band music—sounds worse than squeaking brakes. Every time you press the brake pedal, the unnerving sound fills your ears. Besides turning up the radio, and masking...Read more
I have a leased car – all I’m interested in is keeping my costs to a minimum when turning it back in.
Assuming your lease is for 3 years or less. Under hood checks Once a month. New vehicles require less attention and most problems are covered by the warrantee, BUT if...Read more
Bad Catalytic Converter Symptoms: Signs to Watch Out For
When I was 20 years old, I owned a Pontiac Trans Am. Of course, it was bright red because, at that age, I wanted something flashy. The car also had...Read more
What are the Signs of a Bad Heater Core?
The heater core, which is part of the cooling system, helps transfer heat from the hot engine coolant into the cabin. An inoperative heater, a slimy film on the windows,...Read more
What is a Distributor?
Thankfully, today’s cars no longer have distributors. Modern engines use individual coil packs, which are far less complicated, instead. But there are still countless vehicles on the road with a...Read more
How to Replace Your Tail Light Assembly
There are several reasons why you may want to replace your entire tail light assembly (not just the bulb). Maybe you got into a fender bender and the lens is...Read more
Understanding Tire Speed Rating & Tire Load Index
Tires are essential in keeping your vehicle maneuverable on the road. They’re made of vulcanized rubber—which is rubber that has been hardened and cooked—so that they can grip the ground...Read more
Keeping Your Cool Behind the Wheel: How to Deal with Road Rage
Imagine driving on the highway with your kids strapped in the backseat, and suddenly a car cuts into your lane without their turn signals on. You step on the brakes...Read more
What to Do After a Car Accident: 6 Steps Every Driver Should Know
Even the most careful drivers get into fender benders. While it’s best to be safe on the road and practice defensive driving to avoid road accidents, it’s in your best...Read more
How to Prepare for Hazardous Winter Driving
It’s that time of year again—Old Man Winter is here. And he’s angry. If you live in a part of the country that sees real winter conditions (60-degree temperatures and...Read more
How to Replace a Side Mirror
There are several reasons why you might want to replace one of your car’s side mirrors. Maybe some dimwit sideswiped you and knocked off your mirror. Or perhaps you’ve got...Read more
How to Replace a Halogen Headlight Assembly
There are several reasons you might want to replace your entire headlight assembly (not just the bulb). Maybe you got in a fender bender and the lens is broken. Or...Read more
How to Avoid Thanksgiving Traffic Jams: When is the Best Time to Travel and Other Tips
Travelling on the road during the holiday season can get really stressful really quickly. Traffic, just like turkey and stuffing, has now become part and parcel of every Thanksgiving. It...Read more
How to Install Power Folding Mirrors on a 2015 Ford F-150
Upgrading from standard mirrors to power folding mirrors (standard or tow) on any 2015+ Ford F-150 may seem like a difficult task, but it really isn't. With the Kool Vue...Read more
How to Replace a Front Lower Control Arm
Control arm replacement can be difficult—especially if the vehicle’s suspension is rusted and corroded. Separating the ball joint from the steering knuckle can be tricky, too, if you’ve never done...Read more
How to Diagnose a Faulty Control Arm
Control arms are basically just big hunks of metal. Unless they suffer impact damage from, say, a collision, they rarely fail. Instead, what usually require replacement are the bushings and...Read more
Hand Turn Signals for Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with various lights and warning devices to allow you to communicate with drivers and pedestrians on the road. Turn signals allow you to visually warn other...Read more
Common Control Arm Symptoms
When it comes to car parts, control arms don’t get a lot of attention. Instead, it’s all about engines and transmissions. You know, the big, expensive stuff. But control arms...Read more
A Wake-up Call Against Drowsy Driving: Serious Signs and Prevention
Most of us underestimate the benefits of a good night’s sleep. We live in a time where being overworked and sleep-deprived are proudly worn as badges of honor. But what...Read more
School Bus Safety Guide: Common Safety Rules and Stop-Arm Laws
According to the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, children are 70 times more likely to get to school safely if they ride a school bus instead of...Read more
How to Replace a Brake Disc
Changing a set of brake discs is usually one of the easier automotive repairs. Many people attempt a brake job shortly after learning how to perform other basic tasks, such...Read more
How to Diagnose Faulty Front Brake Discs
Rotors don’t take fancy equipment to diagnose. Most professionals test-drive the vehicle to see how the brakes feel. Then they perform a visual inspection of the rotors and, if necessary,...Read more
Think You’re Ready to Build the Car of Your Dreams? First, Consider This.
Building a project car can be a lot of fun—if you think ahead and plan things out. Like any other undertaking, it helps to be organized and have a strategy...Read more
8 Tips for Finding a Great Mechanic or Repair Shop
Is your car’s check engine light on? Or maybe there’s a clunking noise coming from the undercarriage? Uh-oh—it sounds like you need to visit a mechanic, a.k.a. automotive technician. But...Read more
How to Replace Front Brake Pads
Brake pad replacement is usually one of the easier automotive repairs. Many people attempt it shortly after learning how to perform other basic tasks, such as changing engine oil. But...Read more
How to Diagnose Worn Brake Pads
Diagnosing a set of worn brake pads is pretty easy. Generally, all you need are your eyes and a few simple tools. Note: The following is a general guide for...Read more
Safety Tips for Parents of New Teen Drivers
Watching your kid transition from a learner’s permit to a driver’s license may give you a feeling of de ja vu, like a reboot of a John Hughes movie unfolding...Read more
Common Symptoms of Bad Brake Pads
Brake pads are a crucial yet frequently neglected part of your car. All too often, you’ll hear a vehicle that makes a horrendous grinding noise while braking. That sound usually...Read more
Common Symptoms of a Bad Brake Disc
Here’s a novel concept: Disc brake systems contain brake discs, which are also referred to as rotors. Like brake pads, rotors are considered wear items that require periodic replacement. I...Read more
[Infographic] 15 Tips to Prep Your Car for the End of Daylight Saving Time
On Sunday, November 3rd, the clocks get set back, marking the end of daylight saving time. That means hoodies and hot cocoa—along with pumpkin everything—are just around the corner. And...Read more
10 Halloween Driving Safety Tips
It's almost Halloween--that time of the year when kids in costume flock the streets for candy and a night of spooky fun. Despite its festive vibe, statistics show that Halloween...Read more
[Infographic] How to Prevent or Deal with Deer-Vehicle Collisions: A Complete Guide
We're a few weeks away from deer migration and mating season, when deer roam and forage for food in preparation for the long winter. A time of year that, unfortunately,...Read more
How to Replace a Brake Caliper
Brake caliper replacement is pretty simple – until you get to the bleeding part. Then you’ll need a friend (and possibly a whole lot of patience) to finish the job....Read more
How to Diagnose a Faulty Brake Caliper
Before spending your hard-earned money on a new caliper, you’ll want to make sure the old one is bad. The good news is that caliper diagnosis is straightforward and doesn’t...Read more
[Infographic] The Ultimate Guide for Child Passenger Safety: Car Seats, Booster Seats, and More
Every 32 seconds, an American child is involved in a crash while inside a passenger vehicle. In a year, the total number of children injured in motor vehicle accidents is...Read more
What to Do if Your Car Gets Flooded
One of the most exasperating causes of car damage is a flood, especially if the floodwater reaches the engine. Floods can rise overnight and leave cars parked on the streets...Read more
Five Fall Car Care Tips: Preparing Your Vehicle for the Changing Seasons
Fall is officially here—time to break out our comfiest sweaters and bundle up as temperatures start to drop. Now is the perfect time to brush up on fall car care...Read more
Bad Brake Caliper Symptoms: 7 Signs to Watch Out For
If you’re like me—and almost everyone else on the planet—you rarely think about your brake calipers. While brake pads must be replaced periodically, calipers should last the life of the...Read more
Checklist for Purchasing a Used Car: 10 Tips to Live By
When the time comes to purchase a used car, you might feel overwhelmed and confused. It's perfectly normal to experience uncertainty as you navigate the used car world. Even as...Read more
How to Replace a Wheel Hub
Wheel hub assembly replacement is easy—at least, that's what YouTube leads you to believe. But the job doesn't always go smoothly in the real world, and I can personally attest...Read more
How to Diagnose a Faulty Wheel Hub
A lot of other car problems can mimic a faulty wheel hub assembly. So, before you dive into any repairs, you'll want to diagnose the problem thoroughly. On some vehicles,...Read more
4 Signs Your Mass Air Flow Sensor is Failing
Fuel efficiency has become a major consideration when purchasing a vehicle. With gas prices rising, every drop of fuel counts. While driving style greatly affects fuel efficiency, maintaining your car’s...Read more
Common Wheel Hub Symptoms
Nothing's better than listening to your favorite song while cruising down the road. But if you have the tunes cranked full blast, as I often do, you may not hear...Read more
How to Replace a Fuel Pump
Fixing your car yourself can create a great sense of accomplishment. On the other hand, a repair job that goes awry can lead to frustration, swearing and bloody knuckles. The...Read more
Maintenance You Should Perform on Your Vehicle to Increase Its Resale or Trade-In Value
With Labor Day weekend fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start thinking about selling or trading in your current vehicle and purchasing a new one. The end of...Read more
Car Safety for Dogs: How to Keep Your Dog Cool for Your Next Road Trip
Summer is the best time to explore the outdoors and go on road trips. For pet lovers who can’t bear to leave their dogs behind, bringing them with you on...Read more
How to Diagnose a Faulty Fuel Pump
So, you think you may have a faulty fuel pump? Troubleshooting the problem is usually pretty straightforward. But occasionally, a tricky diagnosis will have you pulling out your hair and...Read more
Rav4: The Small SUV that Grew Up with a Generation
The 90s is best described as the golden age for sports cars. It was a time when almost every automaker took a shot at making a sports car. Acura had...Read more
Bad Fuel Pump Symptoms
It's a frigid winter morning and you go to start your car—it cranks and cranks but doesn't fire. Sound familiar? Then you may have a bad fuel pump. But don't...Read more
Signs Your Vehicle Isn’t Running Properly: 10 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Many modern cars feature high-tech diagnostic systems that monitor the health of the vehicle. Still, drivers will ignore common warnings that something is wrong. While it's okay to prolong a...Read more
Dash Cover Installation Guide
Extreme heat is not only bad for you, but it's also bad for your car, especially the parts that are directly exposed to intense sunlight. Your dashboard, in particular, can...Read more
The Essential College Readiness Automotive Checklist for Parents
It's back-to-school season and you're about to hand your college bound son or daughter the keys to the old family car. It's been a trusted car for many years, but...Read more
Nerf Bars vs. Running Boards: What’s the Difference
Trucks are rough-and-tough machines that can drive on almost all surfaces and under a variety of conditions. To make this possible, they are built to be larger and more powerful...Read more
Oil Filter Housing: A New Perspective on an Old Solution
A large amount of R&D in car manufacturers are geared towards making their products more friendly to the environment. The evolution from larger than life vehicles to smaller and greener...Read more
Finding the Best Steering Wheel Cover for Heat Protection
Summer is the best time for scenic trips and long drives. But before going on an adventure, preparing your vehicle for rising temperatures is a must. You’ve checked your batteries, engine,...Read more
Shocks vs. Struts: What You Need to Know
Have you ever owned a car with such a bumpy ride that every road imperfection was sent straight to the seat of your pants? Perhaps, the rough ride was accompanied...Read more
How to Replace a Faulty Radiator
You've done all the checks needed and you've determined that your cooling system troubles stem from a faulty radiator - now what? You have several options depending on how severe...Read more
How Loud is Too Loud for an Exhaust System?
Performance vehicles have always been associated with how beautiful their exhaust notes are. Muscle cars give off a loud and throaty V8 bellow while supercars give off a higher pitched,...Read more
6 Signs of a Bad Radiator
You know that the radiator is an essential part of your cooling system, but how can you tell when something is wrong? Spotting the signs that the radiator is failing...Read more
6 Simple Car Checks to Prevent Heat Wave Disasters
2019 is set to be one of the hottest years in history. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the month of June has already set a global...Read more
How to Replace a Faulty A/C Condenser
When your air conditioning isn't working right, things get pretty heated. Okay, it was corny, but we had to make light of the situation - mainly because we understand that...Read more
Bad A/C Condenser Symptoms
Many drivers simply can't live without air conditioning, especially on a hot summer day. If you’re one of those drivers, then having a busted A/C probably sounds like the worst...Read more
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Floor Jack
We’ve all wrestled with using a floor jack at least once or twice. Whether you’re an avid car guy or a first-time driver, it’s one of the tools in the...Read more
How to Diagnose a Bad A/C Condenser
Once your car air conditioning decides to quit working, you end up in panic mode, especially in the summer. After all, who wants to arrive at work drenched in sweat?...Read more
Windshield Sun Shade: The Simplest Protection from Interior Wear and Tear
Have you ever parked under the sun all afternoon and returned to a scalding hot car? With the average temperature during summer reaching 70 °F to 75 °F in California...Read more
Why You Should Consider Keeping a Tire Pressure Gauge in Your Car
A basic precautionary measure before driving your car is checking if the tires have the right pressure. It is also considered the easiest and simplest among the driving safety practices....Read more
What are the Advantages of LED Headlights?
The earliest versions of headlights were lamps on horseless carriages. But using candles as the earliest form of illumination had a huge flaw. As horseless carriages became faster, the candles...Read more
5 Symptoms of Bad Shock Absorbers
The paved roads we use aren’t always perfect. Daily abuse, exposure to the sun, and weather causes ruts, cracks, and potholes. Car manufacturers deal with the challenge posed by such...Read more
Next-gen Toyota Land Cruiser May Lose the V8
With the new-generation Toyota Land Cruiser currently in the works, rumor has it that the brand is dropping the V8 engine from the model. Instead, the SUV will be carrying...Read more
Important Pointers For Choosing a Set of Tires For Your Vehicle
The all-terrain tire is designed to give vehicles traction on and off the road. It puts together the characteristics of an aggressive mud tire and refined road tire. Pick-up trucks...Read more
Eight Factors to Consider Before Buying a Rooftop Cargo Carrier for Your Summer Road Trip
With summer in full swing it is the perfect time to hit the road and create your own adventure. Planning on what to bring along may be a daunting task,...Read more
How to Remove Rust from Your Car Without Welding
Rust is the product of air and moisture on surfaces with iron. You can compare rust to a cavity in your tooth. Once it is present, it can eat away...Read more
How to Fix a Transmission Leak
Special fluids are used to keep your car’s components cool, and at times lubricated. These fluids should be inspected periodically, but because of advanced formulation they don’t typically need to...Read more
How to Clean Hazy Headlights with Household Products
Have you ever wondered why your headlights haze or even turn yellow over time? Don’t worry, it has nothing to do with the quality of your headlights but more on...Read more
How to Diagnose a Faulty Alternator
Powering your vehicle isn’t the sole job of the battery. The alternator plays a big role in giving life to all the creature comforts in your car. Much like the...Read more
Reduced Engine Power Mode: What Does it Really Mean?
Is your Chevy or other General Motors (GM) vehicle displaying “Engine Power Reduced” on the instrument cluster? Maybe the check engine light is on as well? Don’t panic and trade-in...Read more
How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Cool This Summer
Summer has finally arrived! May’s showers have finished, the skies are clear, and the sun is out. Everybody rejoices in the summer sun, but it also means a heatwave is...Read more
Adjust Your Mirrors to Work in Harmony
Remember the scene in Jurassic Park when the T-Rex was chasing down the Jeep Wrangler? The words "objects in the mirror are closer than they appear" takes a wise crack...Read more
Finding the Sweet Spot for your Seating Position
Safety should be your utmost concern when you drive. Before you even start the engine, the first safety check you should do is with yourself. Making sure you are seated...Read more
How to Curb the Depreciation of Your Car
There’s a saying that “when you drive your car off the lot, it depreciates by 10%.” This is even if you have the latest model with all the options equipped....Read more
Revive the Luster of Your Car’s Paint
Memorial Day weekend comes every year with a myriad of offers from car dealerships nationwide. But if you're still in the middle of your lease or can't get yourself in...Read more
How to Replace Your Interior Light Bulbs
If the inside of your car has grown dim through the years, then it might be time to replace your interior light bulbs. Vehicles are usually equipped with a dome...Read more
The Top 10 Accessories to Install on Your Truck for the Great Outdoors
With summer just around the corner it is the ideal time to plan for road trips, beach bumming, and camping with friends. The best spots to hit up may not...Read more
How to Check if Your MAP Sensor is Bad
Balance is vital in engine performance. The right amount of air, the right amount of fuel, proper ignition timing—all of these affect how the engine operates. There is a complex...Read more
Follow this Guide to Remove Scratches from Your Windshield
Nothing ruins the look of a vehicle quicker than deep scratches on the windshield. Not only are they so common and unsightly, they can also be a serious distraction when...Read more
