Picture this: it’s late, and you’ve just finished work. You’re a few miles from home after a long highway commute. As you turn onto your street, a warning alert dings – low fuel alert. You glance at the fuel gauge, and sure enough, you’re running on fumes. We’ve all encountered that moment when there are […]
Year: 2023
Stuck Brake Caliper? Start Here
Given the role your brakes play in your automotive safety, there’s no underestimating the importance of a regular brake service. Bringing a one-and-a-half-ton vehicle to a stop is no small task, requiring a number of vital components to work in complete harmony every time you press the brake pedal. Of these, the brake calipers play […]
Increase Your Smiles per Gallon With These Six Fuel-Saving Tips
Fuel economy has come a long way in the last 50 years. The early 1970s marked a low point for fuel efficiency with vehicles averaging just 11.9 miles per gallon, but things have generally been on the upswing since then. Much of the credit goes to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards passed by […]
10 DIY Modifications You Can Make to Personalize Your Car
Your car is an extension of who you are. For instance, you can immediately tell an adventurous driver from a family or an everyday commuter from a sports car enthusiast just by the vehicle they choose to drive. When you’re looking at cars for sale, you may find a car that has potential but doesn’t […]
Do BMW OEM Parts Make a Difference?
Picture this: you’re going about your day, running errands around town in your BMW 3 Series, and something goes wrong. It could be a distressing noise, a strange smell, or an illuminated dashboard light, but no matter the issue, it’s a sign to head to your trusted mechanic or a BMW store. This can be […]
Dead Car Battery? Here’s How to Jump-Start Your Car
After an hour-long trip to the grocery store, you just finished loading a week’s worth of groceries in the trunk when you get in the driver’s seat and discover your SUV won’t start. Pushing the ignition button does nothing but cause a sinking feeling in your stomach. You know you likely need a battery replacement, […]
A Simple Guide to Proper Toyota Hybrid Care
There’s nothing sexy or glamorous about taking care of your vehicle, but all of the fun that comes with having a car—and all of the practical stuff, too—is only possible when your vehicle runs properly, which is where routine maintenance comes into play. Hybrids are no exception to this rule; there are a lot of […]
Avoid the Auto Shop Squeeze With These Simple Tips
If you don’t know a crescent wrench from an Allen wrench, have never changed a spark plug, or think a serpentine belt is something a snake uses to keep its pants up, chances are you’re not taking the DIY approach when it comes to vehicle repair. There’s nothing wrong with that–we all have scant free […]
Vehicle Basics for the Would-Be Mechanic
Depending on the day, car ownership can either seem like a ticket to freedom or a weighty, gas-powered albatross hanging around your neck. The same car, truck or SUV that’s so pivotal to your everyday life can start to feel like a burden when things go wrong. While some drivers are quick to call in […]
Be Sure to Do Your Routine Summer Maintenance
If you’re like me and you grew up in Arizona, then you know summer to be the time when you need to do everything you can to avoid the apocalyptic rays of the sun and escape those scorching temperatures that aim to sear your brain. But for everyone else, summer is when you want to […]
Understanding Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Few drivers ever take a moment during their daily commute to appreciate just how much is going on under the hood of their vehicle. From cylinders firing hundreds of times per minute to spinning shafts, whirring pumps, and rotating belts, it’s a veritable symphony of automotive harmony…until something goes wrong. Today’s vehicles are a marvel […]
Are OEM Car Batteries a Smart Buy?
There are a lot of options available when it comes to car batteries. Not only does virtually every auto parts chain have its own battery line—such as Auto Zone’s Duralast and O’Reilly’s Super Start—but many car manufacturers have now gotten in on the game with options like Ford Motorcraft and Toyota TrueStart batteries. These OEM […]
Getting the Most Out of a Self-Service Car Wash
The struggle to keep your vehicle clean is a tale as old as time. From road salt in the winter to long, dry, dusty summers, there is no shortage of forces conspiring to contaminate your car, which is what makes regular car washes so important. This Sisyphean task has even been immortalized in popular song, […]
Stay Cool: Understanding Your Car’s AC
It isn’t until we’re desperately looking for car AC repair near me that we give much thought to the system that keeps us cool behind the wheel. By then, it’s too late, and we’re either faced with an air conditioner that doesn’t work and blows warm air, or one that smells or sounds funny. It […]
Spare Parts For Less: Are Aftermarket Parts Worth It?
If you’re looking to customize your vehicle, increase performance, or save a little money on your next repair, aftermarket parts are worth a closer look. While they often get second-billing to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket components are normally just as reliable while carrying a much lower price tag. That said, not all aftermarket […]
Top Tips: How to Maintain Your Soft Top Convertible
From the wind-in-your-hair feeling to cruising down the road with sunshine on your face, there’s a lot to love about the convertible lifestyle. For the uninitiated, the segment is largely broken down into two categories: soft tops and hard tops. A soft top convertible is any model with a vinyl or fabric roof covering, as […]
All You Need to Know About Ford EV Batteries & Maintenance
Buying your first electric vehicle (EV) is an exciting prospect—but like many drivers, you might find yourself hesitating. While you might have been intimidated by the price years ago, you’ll notice that EV vehicles are more affordable today than ever before, thanks mostly to a decrease in the cost of lithium-ion batteries. Despite this relief, […]
Rubber Match: Comparing Summer and All-Season Tires
A dedicated set of summer tires can have a noticeable effect on overall vehicle performance, control, and comfort. Summer tires—also commonly known as performance tires—might not be as versatile as the all-season tires typically found on most vehicles, but if you’re looking to unlock the potential of your sports car, performance vehicle, or EV, they’ll […]
Understanding Your Stopping Power: The Different Types of Automotive Brakes
You may not give your brakes much thought, but they are essential to your safety behind the wheel and your vehicle’s performance. For example, you engage the brake pedal in rush-hour traffic, maintaining a safe distance from the truck slowing down ahead of you. Likewise, you use the brakes to slow your speed on the […]
Tidying Up: The Pros and Cons of Motorcycle Tail Tidies
Whether you’re cruising cross-country on the back of a classic touring bike, carving through hairpin turns on a sport bike, or tackling both on and off-road routes on an adventure bike, customization is a key part of motorcycle culture. From custom gauges and crash bobbins to heated grips, aftermarket indicators, and performance tires, there are […]
Brake Service 101: The Pros and Cons of Tackling This Task Yourself
It’s time to get your brakes checked. While searching for where to find “brake service near me,” you may consider attempting to complete this task on your own to save money. After all, you’re used to changing your own oil and fixing various parts in your car that have worn out over time, so why […]