Ask any driver when they should change their oil and they’ll almost reflexively answer with the standard 3,000 miles. This bit of automotive wisdom has been passed down through the ages, but it’s not as relevant as it once was. While 3,000 miles was once the benchmark for oil changes, advances in engine, oil, and […]
Month: May 2024
Hooked on Off-Roading? Strap in for Recovery Gear 101
When the going gets tough, the tough turn to recovery hooks and tow straps. These indispensable pieces of off-road gear are a must-have for any driver looking to test their mettle against the road less traveled. They should be part of any driver’s load-out before they set off on the trail. Many of today’s off-road […]
Airbags and Motorcycles: A Look at Motorcycle Airbag Vests
Climbing in the saddle of a motorcycle is inherently risky, but that risk is often worth the reward for riders who appreciate the open-air freedom only riding offers. Unlike cars, trucks, or SUVs, motorcycles offer zero protection as you navigate the road. You’re not sitting in a high-strength steel cage but are vulnerable and physically […]
What Is an Ignition Coil?
The ignition coils aren’t the first, second, or even third component most people think of when it comes to car engines; however, they are a crucial component for making your vehicle start and run. When an ignition coil wears out or fails, the engine is going to run rough—or it may not run at all, […]
What to Know About Laminated Glass
Almost everyone reading this has experienced at least one chip or crack in their vehicle windshield. Have you wondered why the windshield simply cracks instead of breaking into thousands of tiny pieces when a rock strikes? You can thank laminated glass for that. Pioneered in the early 1900s just as the automotive industry was finding […]
Affordable Life-Saving Tools to Keep in Your Car
Almost every motorist has experienced the dread of being stuck on the side of the road—or worse, in the middle of it—because something went wrong. Agero estimates there are 69 million vehicle breakdowns in the US every year, and the National Safety Council adds that more than 13 million vehicle crashes occur; this means there’s […]
The Importance of Following Your Ford F-150 Lightning’s Maintenance Schedule
With the steady electrification of the modern auto market, many of today’s cars, trucks and SUVs are more efficient — and environmentally friendly — than ever. While this efficiency has been the driving factor in the growth of the EV segment, it’s far from the only advantage of an all-electric powertrain. While the instant acceleration […]
Emergency Kits 101: Building the Best First Aid and Roadside Kits for Your Vehicle
Do you ever think of worst-case scenarios when you’re behind the wheel? While scenarios like your car launching off the river bridge often (and thankfully) only play out on the silver screen, there’s a lot to be said for being prepared and expecting the unexpected. I spent years working with civilians and responders in tactical […]
A Buyer’s Guide to Portable Tire Inflators
It’s easy to take care of low air pressure at a gas station, but what if you’re out in the middle of nowhere and don’t want to risk causing more serious damage during the miles you’ll have to drive to get to an air pump? Having a portable tire inflator in the trunk can give […]
Antilock Brake Basics: Understanding Your Stopping Power in Emergencies and Slippery Situations
How often have you driven in icy conditions? Have you ever slammed on your brakes to avoid a collision? The slip and slide of wintry roads is not an experience for the faint of heart, and neither is a situation that requires emergency braking. Drivers are left with a white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel […]