Brake pads may be the most invisible component of your brake system. Hidden in the calipers, they are difficult to see, and you likely never think of them until they wear out. However, the brake pads are also one of the most critical components of your brake system, and they can be a cheap way […]
Author: Evan Riley
Tips to Get the Most of Your Honda’s Engine and Transmission
Car ownership entails more than people might initially think. It’s not as simple as just buying a car, crossing your fingers, and hoping for the best. Short-term and long-term car ownership means being mindful of maintenance and repairs in order to keep your car running like new and out of the repair shop as much […]
Leakdown Tests and Diagnosing Compression-Related Issues
A vehicle’s engine is basically a large pressure chamber. Air and fuel are drawn into each of the engine’s combustion chambers, called cylinders, which compress the fuel and air mixture before introducing a spark. This spark creates a small, controlled explosion, driving the piston down into the cylinder and setting off a chain reaction that […]
Do Tire Brands Matter?
Shopping for new tires can be overwhelming. Even after you cut through all the industry-specific jargon, you’re still left sifting through a long list of brands, with each claiming to outperform the others. It can often be difficult to separate the marketing from the facts and can leave drivers wondering: do tire brands matter? In […]
A Good Lift Kit Is More Than Springs
A lift kit may just be the most popular truck modification around, possibly even beating larger wheels and tires. However, not all lift kits are created equal. If you didn’t buy your vehicle directly from a lifted truck dealer and are instead installing a lift kit yourself, then you will want to pay close attention […]
How to Choose the Right Set of Wheels
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a new set of wheels for your car or truck. While most drivers will never even consider changing out the factory wheels for something new, putting a different set of wheels on your vehicle can be a great way to spruce up your ride, add […]
Changing Your Brake Fluid: How to Choose the Best Tools for the Job
Any DIY mechanic would agree that self-reliance is an important life skill. The ability to be able to handle some car repair jobs for yourself helps you gain a better understanding of the condition of your vehicle and can save you money. While there are some repairs on your car that you may want to […]
Everything You Need to Know About Upgrading Your Car Battery
We’ve all had it happen to us. We get behind the wheel of our car, push the ignition button, and then nothing happens. This is what happens when good batteries go bad. You may think you need to bring your car in for auto service, but what you should look into is upgrading your car […]
An Exhaust Troubleshooting Guide for the DIYer
There are few things more alarming than a vehicle releasing smelly, smoky fumes, but when is a problem serious enough to warrant calling a professional? Diagnosing exhaust issues at home can save you a lot of time and money, so keep an eye, nose, or ear out for warning signs. Check things out for yourself […]
What Does That Light Mean?
So you’ve just gotten your 2022 Chevy Spark! Congratulations, and we bet you’re wondering––what are all those check engine lights and symbols on the dashboard, anyway? What should you know before you go for your first drive? Vehicle systems grow more complex every year. While this can feel frustrating to the new car owner, remember […]
The Checklist – What You Need to Do Mechanically Before You Sell Your Car
Car selling can be nearly as, if not more, stressful than car buying. A lot of thought needs to go into the prep work before you sell your car. You need to be thinking of what you should repair before selling or what presale routine maintenance needs to happen. And that’s just to start. You’ll […]
Electrical Diagnostic Rituals for Mild Electrophobes
Let’s get one thing out of the way: I am terrified of electricity. I can’t say I hate it because that would be untrue––I owe almost every experience of my life to electricity. Technically speaking, human life isn’t possible without it, but let’s limit the scope of “terrifying electricity” to that which flows in wires, […]
A Home Mechanic’s Tool Box: Where to Start
Auto repairs can often be intimidating and expensive. Sometimes it feels like that check engine symbol might as well be a dollar sign for what the whole experience could end up costing you. While there are certainly some repair and maintenance jobs that are better left to the experts, you might be surprised to learn […]
Understanding Your Ram Truck’s Service Schedule
Whether you like to work on your vehicle yourself, turn to Google for “Ram service near me” at the first sight of trouble, or you fall somewhere in between, it’s important that you follow the service schedule for your vehicle. While you can trust the advice and schedule provided when you visit a certified Ram […]
A Beginner’s Guide To the Principles of Electric Vehicles
With new technology comes a whole lot of new technical jargon, and EVs are no different. This wasn’t so much of an issue back in the days when there were only a few electric and hybrid vehicles on the market, but as their ranks expand and automakers steadily introduce a wider range of EV models, […]
Maintaining Your 2021 Chevy Traverse
Do you love your 2021 Chevy Traverse? The Traverse is one of Chevy’s most popular models because of its spaciousness, capability, reliability, and sophisticated design. It’s a versatile SUV that can meet the many demands of your life, whether that means navigating your daily commute, taking the kids to school, running errands in town, or […]
The Good Book: A Guide to your Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual is your vehicle’s Rosetta Stone, an all-in-one guide covering details like how to pop the trunk to technical specs and everything in between. Though we understand the urge to stuff it in some deep, dark corner of your glove compartment and get to know your new vehicle from behind the wheel, a […]
Why Does My Car Keep Stalling?!
Short answer: your car’s stalling because the engine isn’t receiving what it needs to function, or you’re trying to do something that will damage it. Longer answer: keep reading. When your car stalls, your engine essentially stops working for one of several different reasons, most of them mechanical in nature. Any engine can stall, though, […]
What Do You Need to Perform a Wheel Alignment?
Once upon a time, I didn’t really think about the alignment of tires. I assumed that wheels were upright, turned on a vertical axis, and pointed straight ahead, and they just were that way. Now that I’m older, wiser, and uncomfortably aware of the fact that at an infinitesimal level, nothing actually touches anything else […]
The Mighty Spark Plug: Your Vehicle Won’t Run Without Them
Most gearheads enjoy endlessly discussing big automotive-related topics, like diesel vs gas, electrification, and which manufacturer builds the best cars, trucks, and SUVs. Talking about Nissan service doesn’t usually involve the topic of spark plugs, but your car won’t run without these little marvels, so we think they deserve a little airtime. Spark plugs are […]
Yes, You Need to Install Winter Tires on Your Car: Our Top Brands
Switching to winter tires is a smart move, especially if you set out to find the best price on high-quality discount tires. Many drivers fail to switch out their summer tires for a more appropriate winter version because they either a) think it’s unnecessary or b) think it’s expensive. Actually, winter tires are both affordable […]