The bumper on a car is for more than displaying stickers and adding colorful style. Since the early 1900s, vehicle manufacturers have added front and rear bumpers to help protect the engine, radiator, suspension, and other parts from low-speed collisions. Of course, in these cases, the bumper takes the brunt of the impact to protect […]
What’s Involved in Installing a Home EV Charger?
Most EV and PHEV owners rely on a home charger for at least some of their vehicle battery replenishing. Data from ChargeLab estimates that 86% of EV owners have a permanent charger, with the US Department of Energy putting the number at around 80%. Either way, that’s a lot, and it makes sense when you […]
Moonroof Blues: What to Do When Your Windows Won’t Close
There’s nothing like cracking your moonroof and allowing a little fresh air and warm sunlight into the cabin as you drive around town on a warm day. That classic wind-in-your-hair feeling is one of the easiest ways to elevate your ride, but it loses a lot of its appeal when the sky clouds over, and […]
Beadlock Wheels 101: What You Need to Know
You may have seen various performance models that can be armed with beadlock wheels, but what exactly does that mean? Typically, these specific wheels are available for off-road vehicles, but they used to be primarily utilized by the military and were originally referred to as “combat wheels.” Military-inspired vehicles and features have become commonplace in […]
Nine Repairs You Should Never Do on Your Own
The DIY spirit is all about looking at a problem, seeing what the solution is, and thinking, “Hey, that seems simple enough. I can do that.” Some of the time, this sentiment is true, particularly if you have the right equipment and some practice with tackling repairs or performing maintenance on vehicles. There are plenty […]
Getting Your Car Ready for Spring and Summer
Soon enough, the temperatures will warm up, the snow will melt, and the weather will be perfect for spring and summer cruising. Before hitting the highway, though, your car needs some TLC. Winter weather, especially in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, wreaks havoc on vehicles. The right maintenance will resolve small issues before they become […]
Your Guide to DIY Window Chip Repair
It happens to almost every driver eventually. You’re driving along, minding your own business when a rock or a piece of ice flies up and puts a chip in the windscreen. According to a 20-year data survey by Ultrabond, more than 30% of vehicles on the road have at least one windshield chip. They occur […]
Get Hitched With Our Guide to Trailer Hitch Installation
Sometimes, the cargo space offered by a car, truck, or SUV simply isn’t enough to get the job done. Whether you’re trying to enjoy a little off-the-grid excursion in an ATV or boat, load building supplies onto a utility trailer, or bring all the comforts of home along for the ride in the form of […]
Delivery Van Service Tips to Keep Your Mobile Office Rolling
Some spend their workdays staring at the walls of a drab, grey cubicle, but if you’re a hardworking trade pro or delivery driver, the scenery can change with every passing mile. This sort of mobile office affords a number of benefits, from the freedom of the open road to the opportunity to jam out to […]
From SCR and DEF to DPF and DOC: Decoding Diesel Emissions
From improved efficiency and durability to lower maintenance costs and increased torque, diesel engines offer a number of advantages over their gas-powered counterparts. That said, there are a few downsides to this alternative fuel technology. Diesel tends to be more expensive than regular gasoline, and diesel engines can also be a little noisy. However, it’s […]
How to Dechrome Your Car: The Pros and Cons of Each Option
For decades, chrome accents, trim, and badges have been the industry standard. However, popular opinion is starting to swing the other way. Chrome was once seen as a long-lasting way to protect metal against corrosion and make cars look better. However, it’s now widely known that the hexavalent chromium compound can cause severe health issues […]
The Beginner’s Guide to Engine Coolant
When a vehicle engine runs too hot, it can lead to everything from weaker performance to all-out failure. Internal combustion engines have several ways to help reduce temperatures. One of them is the use of engine coolant. Every modern gas and diesel engine uses coolant. While it may not get the same attention as other […]
Answering All Your FAQs on the CVT
They might be maligned by some car enthusiasts who prefer a traditional automatic or manual transmission, but do continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) really deserve their bad rap? Once reserved for budget-friendly models, CVTs have found their way into an increasing number of luxury and performance vehicles over the last decade. From the Acura Integra and […]
Key Fobs: Everything You Should Know About This Tech-Savvy Tool
The jingling of car keys sounds much different today than decades ago when drivers relied on physical keys to open car doors, unlock the trunk, and turn the ignition. Today, the key fob jangle is much different and far more convenient. These tech-savvy fobs unlock the car door as we approach and let us engage […]
Convenience Store: Accessories to Elevate Your Driving Experience
Car modifications come in all shapes and sizes. From cold-air intakes, turbochargers, and performance exhaust systems designed to max out horsepower to spoilers, sport tires, and body kits that can turn even some of the most mundane models into ready-made racers, mods give drivers the opportunity to create a bespoke driving experience. While these flashier, […]
The Grinch’s Guide to Winter Car Care
Everyone on the road loves the holidays a lot, but cold weather can put drivers in a tough spot. Most drivers hate snow, ice, and road salt, which can bring your Christmas travel plans to a halt. It could be you don’t know your way around a shovel, or think clearing your roof is just […]
Choosing a Spare Tire vs an Inflation Kit for Emergency Repairs
It’s practically inevitable you’ll eventually find yourself with a flat tire. Multiple sources report that roughly 220 million flat tires occur in the US every year—and on average, a driver will experience five flat tires in their lifetime. Although roadside assistance and towing services can get your car to safety, this will take a lot […]
Replacing LED Headlights and Tail Lights
Does your Ford have a headlight or tail light that’s out? That’s inconvenient, but you’ll want to ensure that gets fixed as soon as possible. Aside from safety and visibility concerns, you certainly don’t want law enforcement catching you with a burnt-out headlight. Nobody likes getting a ticket. Just like all things, it can be […]
Tell Freeloaders to Bug Off With These Pest-Proofing Tips
Drivers investing in a 25-year-old conversion van don’t typically expect stellar gas mileage, but I still found myself mystified about the lackluster efficiency of my used 1999 GMC Savana 1500. While posting 10 or 11 MPG is a small price to pay for a vacation home on four wheels, the internet insisted that I should […]
Jumper Cable vs. Jump Pack: Which is Better for an Emergency?
It’s dark. It’s raining. It’s cold. You just have to tick this last grocery shopping errand off the to-do list, and then you’re back on the road for a cozy weekend at home. You throw the wet bags in the back, jump in the driver’s seat, turn the ignition key, and nothing happens. With cold […]
What You Need to Know About Strut Replacement
No one loves having to fix something on their car. Most of the time, a repair just elicits feelings of despair and stress, wondering whether or not the needed repair is really that serious and if it’s going to break the bank. If you’ve noticed that your vehicle is starting to feel a bit bouncy […]