From improved efficiency and durability to lower maintenance costs and increased torque, diesel engines offer a number of advantages over their gas-powered counterparts. That said, there are a few downsides to this alternative fuel technology. Diesel tends to be more expensive than regular gasoline, and diesel engines can also be a little noisy. However, it’s […]
They might be maligned by some car enthusiasts who prefer a traditional automatic or manual transmission, but do continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) really deserve their bad rap? Once reserved for budget-friendly models, CVTs have found their way into an increasing number of luxury and performance vehicles over the last decade. From the Acura Integra and […]
Car modifications come in all shapes and sizes. From cold-air intakes, turbochargers, and performance exhaust systems designed to max out horsepower to spoilers, sport tires, and body kits that can turn even some of the most mundane models into ready-made racers, mods give drivers the opportunity to create a bespoke driving experience. While these flashier, […]
Everyone on the road loves the holidays a lot, but cold weather can put drivers in a tough spot. Most drivers hate snow, ice, and road salt, which can bring your Christmas travel plans to a halt. It could be you don’t know your way around a shovel, or think clearing your roof is just […]
Drivers investing in a 25-year-old conversion van don’t typically expect stellar gas mileage, but I still found myself mystified about the lackluster efficiency of my used 1999 GMC Savana 1500. While posting 10 or 11 MPG is a small price to pay for a vacation home on four wheels, the internet insisted that I should […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
We’ve all been there: you’re going about your daily drive, maybe commuting to work or running some errands around town, when you hear the dreaded crack of an object against your windshield. It could be a piece of road debris kicked up by a passing semi, rocks and gravel from an overloaded construction vehicle, or […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
