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 […]
For many of us, one of the great joys in life is working on our vehicles to either maintain them or add new features that let us customize our rides to offer everything we want. There’s no shortage of ways to add new features to your vehicle, and while some of them are quite simple, […]
Every drive to the store, your office, or the beach starts with the battery. It provides the large burst of cold cranking amps the starter motor needs to turn over. Without a working battery, your engine will never crank. The battery also works as a supplemental power source and surge protector for the various electrical […]
If you’re into off-roading, you’ve probably heard about lift kits. They can be an advantage off the beaten path, increasing ground clearance and making room for larger tires better suited to off-road conditions. Drivers who use them also usually enjoy the higher point of view and more muscular looks. You may have wondered, “Is a […]
From changing your oil, coolant, and tires to working on your exhaust system or swapping out your brake pads and rotors, many of the most common DIY projects require the use of a car jack and jack stands. While many drivers are familiar with these vital pieces of automotive equipment, they don’t exactly qualify as […]
As a new parent, I can relate to the stress of figuring out what you need and don’t need for your new baby. Do you really need a bottle sterilizer, wipe warmer, or white noise machine? Every family and every baby is different, but it’s a different ball game when you try to take your […]
While many drivers enjoy the convenience of an automatic transmission, some will tell you that there’s no substitute for a manual transmission. From fuel savings and lower repair costs to the sense of control and pure thrills they can provide, there are certainly a number of advantages that come with rowing your own gears. Maintenance […]
When I first moved from Pennsylvania to the Sunshine State, I decided it would be a good idea to put some Rain-X glass water repellent on my windshield. After all, it was a two-day journey, and I was bound to run into some bad weather along the way, especially once I got to Florida. It […]
The automatic transmission is a marvel of modern engineering, freeing up a driver’s right hand and providing a superior level of convenience when compared to manual transmissions. While they’re not for every driver, most have come to appreciate the myriad advantages an automatic transmission can offer. They are a lot easier to master than a […]
So you’ve bought a GMC Sierra 1500 pickup or Yukon SUV with a Duramax 3.0L diesel engine for the first time. Congratulations—you now have the torque you need for work, hauling, and off-road exploring while getting better fuel mileage than any of the gas-powered engine options. There’s one big question, though: what about service? Diesel […]
Nothing can ruin a nice summer ride faster than feeling like you’re cruising around town in a mobile sauna. A good air conditioning system is a vital part of modern automotive design. As of 2022, it now comes standard on every model for sale in the U.S. market. (That might seem like a surprisingly recent […]
A four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle can be a valuable addition to any garage, allowing a driver to tackle some of the most challenging road conditions, put in some serious work, or unwind at their local off-road trails with confidence. That said, 4WD vehicles require a little more TLC than their two-wheel-drive cousins. It’s a small […]
Is your brake pedal no longer feeling as solid as it used to—or worse, going straight to the floor when you press on it? Then you may be overdue for a brake bleed. This process is as important as changing pads or any other brake service to keep your vehicle working its best. However, plenty […]
From countless sci-fi spaceships to the very literal versions sported by the likes of Iron Man, the Predator, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800, few pieces of tech so well encapsulate cutting-edge futurism as a head-up display. The ability to see relevant driving stats projected directly into your field of vision can make any car, truck, or […]
Ordering a Silverado 1500 as-is with no modifications will give you a solid, dependable, and powerful truck. But what’s the fun in that? The truck is going to be yours for years to come, and a few accessories will help you get even more from every drive. You’re not limited to the aftermarket, either. Whether […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
