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 […]
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 […]
So, you recently bought a truck or an SUV with a winch, or installed a winch or your vehicle; now what? A winch is an incredibly versatile tool that can help you explore more technical terrain confidently. Why? The winch mounted on your bumper can help get you or another vehicle out of a dicey […]
Since 2012, all new cars sold in the US have been required to have a traction control system (TCS). First developed in the early 1970s, traction control was introduced to help prevent “wheel spin” due to loss of grip. Multiple studies have confirmed the effectiveness of traction control in reducing accidents. Not surprisingly, the technology […]
Every vehicle is equipped with an emergency brake, also known as a parking brake or a handbrake. The emergency brake locks the wheels of your vehicle to help keep the vehicle from unintentionally moving. In other words, the emergency brake is designed primarily to hold your already parked car in place. The best use of […]
It’s that time of year again to make sure your vehicle is ready for the winter. There are quite a few ways you should go about this, including making sure your battery is in good shape, checking and replacing your windshield wipers, and perhaps adding antifreeze to your washer fluid. This is also the time […]
If you’re getting ready to buy a motorcycle, then you need a helmet. Even if you live in one of the states that do not have a helmet law, riding with a helmet is a much more comfortable experience and increases your chances of surviving a crash by roughly 40%. However, there are a ton […]
If you want to improve your vehicle’s traction in tough winter conditions, you have two options. The first is switching out your regular all-season tires for a set of snow tires. This annual rite of passage might make sense for those living in the colder reaches of the country, but for those who are less […]
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 […]
