Need car parts? Select your vehicle

Read Auto Repair Guides vetted by our Team of ASE-certified Master Automobile Technicians

Accessories

Car Tweeters: How They Affect the Speakers, Types, and More

Reading Time: 4 minutesA car’s audio system can make or break road trip enjoyment. Whether you’re driving alone or with friends, nothing beats… Read More

Car Roof Rack: Pros, Cons, and Installation Guide

Reading Time: 5 minutesRoof racks are accessories that you can install on your vehicle’s roof. You can use them to carry extra cargo,… Read More

What Is a Wheel Chock? Types, Uses, and Mistakes to Avoid When Using One

Reading Time: 5 minutesParking space is never a guarantee when you’re away from home. Whether you’re parking for a few minutes for a… Read More

Air Conditioning and Heating

Where Is the Defroster Located in a Car?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteQ: Where is the defroster located in a car? The front defroster is in the dash near the bottom of… Read More

What Are Car Swamp Coolers?

Reading Time: 5 minutesCar swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are a cost-effective alternative to standard air conditioning for vehicles. Before modern… Read More

Engine Air Filter vs. Cabin Air Filter: Key Differences Explained

Reading Time: 6 minutesIf there’s one thing you and your engine have in common, it’s that you both need clean air to function…. Read More

Ask CarParts.com

Will Using an Aerosol Cleaner Prevent Carbon from Accumulating on the Engine Valves in My 2012 Ford F-150?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: I have a 2012 Ford F-150 with a direct-injected, 3.5L EcoBoost engine. To combat carbon build-up on the valves,… Read More

Where is the Windshield Washer Motor Located on My 2002 Kia Sportage?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteQ: I have a 2002 Kia Sportage. Recently, my car’s windshield washers stopped working. I can no longer hear the… Read More

Why is My 2007 Toyota Tacoma’s Steering Wheel Shaking at Highway Speeds?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: I have a 2007 Toyota Tacoma. The truck has a minor steering wheel shimmy on the freeway when traveling… Read More

Braking System

Reasons Why MINI Cooper Brakes Squeal: Do Brakes Squeal When Hot or Cold?

Reading Time: 3 minutesSeveral MINI Cooper owners have reported that their brakes would squeal loudly when braking. While this issue can appear in… Read More

Where Is the Brake Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where Is the Brake Typically Located? A: Regardless of whether you’re driving an automatic or manual, the brake pedal… Read More

Gear Selector Stuck in Park: Causes and Repair Tips

Reading Time: 4 minutesHave you ever heard stories about shifters that become stuck and refuse to budge no matter how much the drivers… Read More

How Often Should You Wax Your Car?

Reading Time: 4 minutesMost people wax their car after every wash, which should typically be done every two weeks. While regularly waxing your… Read More

Oxidizing Paint on Car: Causes and How to Fix It

Reading Time: 5 minutesPaint oxidation on vehicles refers to the chemical process that breaks down the paint and ruins its shine and color…. Read More

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

Reading Time: 4 minutesA clear coat shields the rest of the vehicle’s paint job from harsh conditions and minor damage. Unfortunately, exposure to… Read More

How To Turn Off Your Jeep’s Interior Lights

Reading Time: 3 minutesMost modern vehicles have interior lights that automatically turn on when you open the doors. While this is convenient when… Read More

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

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe federal government has required third brake lights on cars in the US since 1986 to improve the brake light’s… Read More

Tips for How To Replace a Tail Light Bulb

Reading Time: 4 minutesIf your vehicle’s tail light or brake light goes out, it’s essential that you repair it as soon as possible…. Read More

Cooling System

Why Is the Fan Belt Squealing on Acceleration?

Reading Time: 3 minutesIt’s never a good sign if you hear any unusual sounds from the engine bay, especially if it’s a squealing… Read More

Temperature Gauge Rising but Car Not Overheating: Possible Causes and Solutions

Reading Time: 4 minutesYour vehicle’s temperature gauge keeps track of the engine’s temperature and relays the information to you through your vehicle’s dashboard…. Read More

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

Reading Time: 4 minutesPower steering fluid is crucial for a car’s steering system. It facilitates smooth turning by transmitting hydraulic pressure and lubricating… Read More

Reasons Why MINI Cooper Brakes Squeal: Do Brakes Squeal When Hot or Cold?

Reading Time: 3 minutesSeveral MINI Cooper owners have reported that their brakes would squeal loudly when braking. While this issue can appear in… Read More

Where is the Engine Air Filter in a Car Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesWhere is the Engine Air Filter Located? More often than not, you can expect to find your vehicle’s engine filter… Read More

Tips for Starting Old Vehicles After Storage

Reading Time: 4 minutesThere are many reasons you might keep a vehicle in storage for long periods. Perhaps it’s part of a collection… Read More

What Is an Axle?

Reading Time: 7 minutesIt’s not the biggest part, but the axle can cause various problems for your ride if it’s damaged or broken…. Read More

Six-Wheel Drive: What’s 6×6 or 6WD in Vehicles and Why Is It Important?

Reading Time: 4 minutesSix-wheel drive refers to a vehicle configuration that uses six wheels instead of the standard four. This means these vehicles… Read More

What Does the Transfer Case Control Module Do for Your Vehicle?

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe transfer case control module is one of the many computers in modern four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, especially the models… Read More

Electrical System

Where Is the Computer Box Located In a Car?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteOn most vehicles, the computer box is usually near the glove box or under the dashboard. There are, however, some… Read More

How Does an Alternator Work?

Reading Time: 3 minutesA vehicle’s electrical system depends on a constant flow of power to keep its many devices running properly. The alternator… Read More

Will Changing My Instrument Cluster Change The Mileage?

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe instrument cluster is a crucial component of any vehicle, housing a collection of gauges and displays that provide drivers… Read More

Where is the Engine Air Filter in a Car Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesWhere is the Engine Air Filter Located? More often than not, you can expect to find your vehicle’s engine filter… Read More

Oil in the Inlet Manifold: Possible Causes, Prevention, and Other FAQ

Reading Time: 4 minutesWhile some oil in the inlet manifold is expected, it can also mean there’s a serious problem with your vehicle…. Read More

Why Does My Car Shut Off When I Stop?

Reading Time: 4 minutesA vehicle that suddenly shuts off when you stop isn’t just a nuisance. It’s also a big red flag that… Read More

Exhaust System

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

Reading Time: 3 minutesIf you upgrade your vehicle’s engine, don’t forget to enhance the exhaust system. Otherwise, the increased exhaust gases produced by… Read More

Tips and Tricks For a Successful Exhaust Pipe Installation

Reading Time: 4 minutesReplacing your vehicle’s exhaust pipe is a must once it has become rusty. Rust can cause the pipe to crack… Read More

What Does It Mean When the Catalyst Monitor Is Not Ready?

Reading Time: 4 minutesIf you’re at an emissions center having your vehicle tested, its catalyst or converter monitor needs to work to complete… Read More

Ignition System

Where Is the Kill Switch Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where Is the Kill Switch Typically Located? A: In most vehicles, the kill switch can be found behind the… Read More

Can You Drive Off Without a Key Fob?

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe key fob has replaced the traditional car keys in modern models. It lets you unlock the doors, start the… Read More

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

Reading Time: 5 minutesModern vehicles often have an anti-theft system to protect the vehicle from being driven off by a thief or other… Read More

Tips & Tricks to Remove Mold From Carpet in Car

Reading Time: 4 minutesMold is always bad news. It’s ugly, stinks, and spreads quickly. Finding it in your car is even worse. If… Read More

Installing a New Car Alarm In Your Vehicle: A Brief Guide

Reading Time: 6 minutesMost cars have a security alarm system that alerts everyone nearby when someone tries to break into the vehicle. However,… Read More

How To Get Spoiled Milk Smell Out of Your Car

Reading Time: 5 minutesWhen milk goes bad, it develops an unpleasant, sour smell that can be hard to tolerate, especially in a confined… Read More

Maintenance

Tips for Starting Old Vehicles After Storage

Reading Time: 4 minutesThere are many reasons you might keep a vehicle in storage for long periods. Perhaps it’s part of a collection… Read More

Car Diagnostic Tests Explained

Reading Time: 4 minutesJust like you need a checkup at the clinic every year, your vehicle will benefit from going through a diagnostic… Read More

Why Does Your Car Produce Cricket-Like Sounds?

Reading Time: 4 minutesAt some point, your car may start making unusual sounds that will require attention. These noises are audible warnings that… Read More

OBD-II Trouble Codes

Mini Cooper S P1497 Fault Code Explained

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe P1497 fault code has plagued many Mini Cooper S vehicles, particularly the 2008 and 2009 model years. But what… Read More

P1345 Code: Camshaft Position Correlation

Reading Time: 3 minutesModern vehicles are equipped with camshaft and crankshaft position sensors that send data to the powertrain control module (PCM). The… Read More

P1604 Code: Startability Malfunction

Reading Time: 3 minutesA “no-start” condition isn’t uncommon. There’s a plethora of reasons why a vehicle wouldn’t start, and it can be hard… Read More

Where is the Control Arm Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where is the Control Arm Typically Located? A: Control arms are typically located in the frontmost part of the… Read More

Car Suspension Problems: Signs to Look Out For

Reading Time: 5 minutesThe suspension is arguably one of the most important systems in your vehicle. Without it, driving would simply be insufferable… Read More

What Do Control Arms Do?

Reading Time: 4 minutesWhat is a control arm? A control arm is a suspension component that guides a vehicle’s front wheel assembly, allowing… Read More

Transmission

Where Is the Clutch Located In a Car?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn a manual transmission, the clutch can be found between the crankshaft and transmission housing. In an automatic transmission, the… Read More

Where Is the CV Joint Located in a Car

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where is the CV joint located in a car? Constant velocity (CV) joints are found on both ends of… Read More

Where is the Transmission in a Car Located?

Reading Time: 3 minutesWhere is the Transmission Located? The exact location of the transmission differs depending on whether you’re driving a front-wheel drive… Read More

Warning Lights

Do Your Instrument Panel Lights Stay On After the Key Is Removed? Here’s Why

Reading Time: 6 minutesNot all of your vehicle’sinstrument panel lights should illuminate after you remove your key from the ignition. The instrument panel… Read More

What Causes Car Dashboard Lights Flashing?

Reading Time: 4 minutesImagine driving about normally, when you notice lights flashing on your dashboard. It’s not just the check engine light. Other… Read More

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

Reading Time: 4 minutesBefore driving off, you may hear beeping or a chime and see a warning light on your dashboard signaling that… Read More

Wheels and Tires

Why Should You Check Tire Pressure At Cold Or Hot Temperatures?

Reading Time: 4 minutesTemperature affects tire pressure, changing how the tire performs and altering its service life. It’s vital to know what cold… Read More

How Long Can Tires Last in Storage?

Reading Time: 4 minutesMost tires last around 6 to 10 years in storage, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises against… Read More

Can Winter Tires Be Used All Year?

Reading Time: 3 minutesWinter tires are a necessity if you traverse snow or ice-covered highways. Some areas like the Rocky Mountains and other… Read More

Auto Repair

Why Does My Car Shut Off When I Stop?

Reading Time: 4 minutesA vehicle that suddenly shuts off when you stop isn’t just a nuisance. It’s also a big red flag that… Read More

Gear Selector Stuck in Park: Causes and Repair Tips

Reading Time: 4 minutesHave you ever heard stories about shifters that become stuck and refuse to budge no matter how much the drivers… Read More

What Is ECU Tuning and Why Does Your Vehicle Need It?

Reading Time: 3 minutesYour engine control unit (ECU) is considered the brain of your vehicle. It monitors and controls different systems that affect… Read More

Why Is Smoke Coming From My Engine?

Reading Time: 3 minutesMore often than not, a smoking engine can point to two major problems: a leak in the engine or too… Read More

Why Should You Check Tire Pressure At Cold Or Hot Temperatures?

Reading Time: 4 minutesTemperature affects tire pressure, changing how the tire performs and altering its service life. It’s vital to know what cold… Read More

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

Reading Time: 3 minutesIf you upgrade your vehicle’s engine, don’t forget to enhance the exhaust system. Otherwise, the increased exhaust gases produced by… Read More

CarParts.com Fix-It-Forum BE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY: Share your knowledge & help fellow drivers Join Now