Motorcycles are relatively easy to maintain compared to their four-wheeled counterparts. Many of the most important parts are easily accessible, and the drivetrain is simple to understand compared to the inner workings of a car, truck, or SUV. For decades, riders have found a certain zen in performing their own maintenance and repairs, which allows […]
If you don’t know a socket wrench from a tube sock, an illuminated check engine light might seem like the end of the world. That simple little icon can send some drivers spiraling and conjure images of pricey invoices from your local auto shop, but the truth is usually a little less dramatic. That’s not […]
Having the right levers on your bike is for more than looks. Motorcycle levers are crucial for performance, affecting how well the bike shifts and brakes and how comfortable your ride is. Unfortunately, as one of the more exposed parts of the bike and often one of the more brittle, they are highly susceptible to […]
From precariously piled ice cream cones and tubes of bright red lipstick to nail polish, crumbs, sticky soda, and more, your vehicle’s upholstery is under constant assault from a variety of unsightly antagonists that are all conspiring to leave their mark. There are some ways to reduce the likelihood of a potential spill, but aside […]
The head gasket isn’t the only gasket you’ll find under the hood of your car, truck, or SUV, but it’s definitely the most important. This simple-looking part is responsible for sealing the space between your engine block and cylinder head, and it plays a major role in your vehicle’s safe, effective operation. Head gaskets are […]
Each season has its own unique demands, but winter is easily one of the more trying. From icy roads and frost heaves to low temperatures, shorter and darker days, and the visibility issues that can come with towering snowbanks, drivers can easily find themselves in hot water when it comes to navigating their vehicles through […]
Halloween has always been a night full of excitement, chills, and sweet treats. Traditionally, children dressed up in their favorite costumes and went door-to-door in their neighborhoods, shouting “trick or treat” in exchange for candy. However, over the years, a new tradition has emerged: Trunk or Treat. This first gained popularity in the late 1990s […]
Sticking to your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule can go a long way when it comes to keeping your ride on the road, avoiding dangerous situations, and maximizing resale value. The maintenance schedule is a step-by-step guide that’s been crafted for your specific make and model by the same engineers who designed your vehicle, and while […]
A good set of headlights is one of the most important safety features of a vehicle. According to a 2022 study in the Journal of Safety Research, vehicles with headlights that received a “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) were in 19% fewer single-car crashes and 23% fewer pedestrian crashes at […]
Your paint getting nicked is an inevitable part of owning a vehicle. From rocks and branches kicked up on the road to hail, wild animals, bouncing basketballs, and collisions, many hazards can damage your car’s finish. Regardless of how they happened, though, it’s important to address these blemishes at your earliest convenience. Even minor cosmetic […]
Some like it hot, but your vehicle is a notable exception. Excessive heat is the enemy of any mechanical system, including the engine found in your car, truck, or SUV. Overheating can lead to everything from minor failures and performance issues to a full-on breakdown. Ideally, your engine should maintain a steady temperature that’s somewhere […]
No matter how safe a driver you might be or how observant you are when it comes to the rules of the road, the numbers aren’t on your side when it comes to auto accidents. There are over six million accidents on US roads every year, with the average American experiencing a collision three or […]
Washing a car can feel pretty simple, but if you want to keep your vehicle in top condition, there are more pitfalls than you might think. Even models that are built to be tough as nails can be sensitive to the wrong cleaning products and techniques, and you don’t want to find out which ones […]
Don’t take this the wrong way, but some of you need to take better care of your vehicles. It’s one thing to drive around with some dirt and mud on your vehicle after going off-roading, wearing it like a badge of honor for a day or so. But it’s another thing entirely to have enough […]
We’ve all been there: you’re going about your daily drive, maybe commuting to work or running some errands around town, when you hear the dreaded crack of an object against your windshield. It could be a piece of road debris kicked up by a passing semi, rocks and gravel from an overloaded construction vehicle, or […]
So, you’ve successfully completed an oil change, now what? What exactly do you do with all that dirty oil you just filtered out of your car? Disposing of old oil properly is very important, especially when it comes to keeping stormwater and drainage systems clean and safe. You can’t just toss the oil in your […]
Cars, trucks, and SUVs are staying on the road longer than ever. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that in 2023, the average lifespan of a light vehicle in the US was 12.5 years. Whether it’s a classic muscle car you drive for pleasure or a ruggedly-built daily driver that’s tiding you over until you […]
There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into your ride–or is there? While expensive paint jobs were once the only option for those looking to refresh their car, truck, or SUV, vinyl wraps have become an increasingly popular alternative in recent years. A vinyl car wrap offers a number of […]
It can be quite satisfying to perform your own auto maintenance. You can save some money in the process, too. But can maintaining your car yourself instead of taking it to the shop affect your warranty coverage? That’s a great question with a relatively layered answer because, like so many other things in life, it’s […]
Your vehicle’s engine is a finely tuned machine, and like any machine, it works best when it’s not gunked up with dirt, bugs, and other contaminants. That’s where your engine air filter comes in. Located at the start of a vehicle’s air intake system, this critical component helps to trap debris before it can make […]
Few parts of your car are quite as vital as the transmission. Whether automatic or manual, transmissions are a mainstay of any modern vehicle, enabling the engine to deliver the varying levels of torque needed to accelerate from a stop while also improving efficiency at higher speeds. These complex transmission systems are designed with tight […]
