A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can tell you almost everything you’d want to know about your new car, truck, or SUV, from the specific make and model to the included safety features. Once you learn how to decipher a VIN, you can quickly identify some of the most pertinent information about a vehicle, including where […]
From reducing emissions and fuel costs to their whisper-quiet operation, there are countless advantages to going electric when choosing your next vehicle. The automotive experts at AAA crunched the numbers and determined that a compact electric vehicle costs about $546 in electricity to drive 15,000 miles a year, while the equivalent vehicle takes $1,255 of […]
Auto start/stop systems are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles as automakers incorporate the feature to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The concept is straightforward—the system shuts off the engine when the car comes to a complete stop, restarting it when you release the brake or press the accelerator. Now, imagine this scenario occurring […]
Most drivers never feel the need to add a trailer to their vehicle, but towing is a great way to get more functionality out of a smaller vehicle or move truly tremendous loads if you have a larger model. However, if you’re planning to hitch up a trailer for the first time, you’ll need quite […]
The suspension is a vital part of any vehicle, but it’s especially important in larger models like SUVs and pickup trucks. A robust suspension system can allow a truck to carry heavy loads, improve stability, reduce wear and tear, and enhance comfort when you’re behind the wheel. Still, there are some key differences when it […]
Internal combustion is a marvel of modern engineering, but it does have some downsides. The average V6 engine will undergo around 9,000 small explosions every minute as the fuel is ignited. While this proves effective at pushing a car, truck, or SUV down the road, it also results in some by-products that can easily befoul […]
Plenty of modern vehicle engines come pre-equipped with a turbocharger or supercharger to crank up the horsepower and efficiency. I’m not just talking about the latest muscle and sports cars, either. The Honda Accord, Jeep Compass, Volkswagen Jetta, and Kia Forte are some of the budget-minded vehicles making use of turbochargers. You’ll also find superchargers […]
Basic interior car lighting, like overhead and map lights, is standard equipment throughout the industry. In recent years, more high-end vehicles and trim levels have been offering ambient interior lighting. These strategically placed decorative lights add a lot to a vehicle’s ambience and atmosphere. I’ve sat in vehicles with ambient lighting before, and it was […]
There’s something to be said about using the right tool for the job. A convertible can allow you to enjoy a summer day in a way that few vehicles can match, and a classic antique model is sure to turn plenty of heads as you motor to your local cruise-in night or car show. However, […]
There’s nothing worse than a headliner that fails to live up to expectations. We’re not talking about a lackluster performance from a pop star or a disappointing set from your favorite band at a summer music festival, but rather the fabric that lines the roof of your vehicle. While they’re designed to last for a […]
Cleaning any vehicle regularly is important, but it’s the same level as brushing your teeth or washing your hair for an off-roading vehicle. Your 4×4 accumulates a lot of grime and debris on the trails, especially if your idea of getting away is churning through mud bogs, storming ocean beaches, or weekend-long overlanding journeys. This […]
When the hot summer months arrive, you’ll be glad for your vehicle’s air conditioner. According to experts, on a sunny 80-degree day, an uncooled car interior can approach 140 degrees in just an hour. Even on cooler days, the cabin temperature can rise by 40 to 50 degrees in the same period. Having a working […]
Keeping your car in good shape not only helps you preserve its value for some time down the road when you’re ready to trade it in, but it also makes the car more enjoyable to drive in the moment. During the cold days of winter, it’s natural to let some things slide; there’s no point […]
Looking over a vehicle regularly for signs of potential problems may seem like a hassle, but it pays off in the long run. By identifying small issues and getting them fixed, drivers can greatly reduce the chance of a breakdown or major damage. This saves significant time and money, helping your vehicle last longer and […]
No matter how much horsepower and torque a pickup truck or SUV might be able to churn out, a towing rig is only as good as its weakest link. You can invest in a robust 4WD system, an enhanced cooling system, a heavy-duty suspension, and even a model with dual rear tires, but if your […]
When you set out to find a new or pre-owned Honda CR-V Hybrid for sale, routine maintenance is probably the last thing on your mind. It can be hard to picture future oil changes, tire rotations, and all the other maintenance-related tasks when you’re browsing shiny new crossovers in the showroom or taking a test […]
It’s hard to understate how quickly all-electric vehicles are changing the auto industry. EVs aren’t just the most efficient and Earth-friendly vehicles on the road. They’re also setting a new bar for efficiency and utility. Just take Porsche’s all-electric Taycan Turbo GT, now one of the fastest cars on the road with a zero-to-60-mph time […]
Just like computers, home theaters, and appliances, vehicle technology is always advancing. Although cars from the 1990s and even the 1950s are recognizable as cars, they contain plenty of components that have since been rendered obsolete. I’m sure the same will be said 50 years from now about some of the tech we consider essential […]
The bumper on a car is for more than displaying stickers and adding colorful style. Since the early 1900s, vehicle manufacturers have added front and rear bumpers to help protect the engine, radiator, suspension, and other parts from low-speed collisions. Of course, in these cases, the bumper takes the brunt of the impact to protect […]
Most EV and PHEV owners rely on a home charger for at least some of their vehicle battery replenishing. Data from ChargeLab estimates that 86% of EV owners have a permanent charger, with the US Department of Energy putting the number at around 80%. Either way, that’s a lot, and it makes sense when you […]
There’s nothing like cracking your moonroof and allowing a little fresh air and warm sunlight into the cabin as you drive around town on a warm day. That classic wind-in-your-hair feeling is one of the easiest ways to elevate your ride, but it loses a lot of its appeal when the sky clouds over, and […]
