Whether you’re hauling a boat out to the lake, hooking up a camper for a wilderness adventure, or transporting landscaping equipment, being able to tow a trailer can go a long way in upping a vehicle’s utility. A good trailer is a worthwhile investment for any truck or SUV owner, transforming a daily driver into […]
Drivers of a certain age will remember the gaming revolution that was the Rumble Pak, an optional add-on to a popular video game controller that enhanced the experience by providing a little shake in response to the action on screen. The feature was particularly useful in racing titles, where you’d be met with a little […]
When it comes to some common vehicle components, the name isn’t always very descriptive (I’m looking at you: catalytic converter) but that’s certainly not the case when it comes to fuel pumps. As the name implies, fuel pumps are small pumps powered by electric motors that move gas from the fuel tank to the engine. […]
Given the role your brakes play in your automotive safety, there’s no underestimating the importance of a regular brake service. Bringing a one-and-a-half-ton vehicle to a stop is no small task, requiring a number of vital components to work in complete harmony every time you press the brake pedal. Of these, the brake calipers play […]
Fuel economy has come a long way in the last 50 years. The early 1970s marked a low point for fuel efficiency with vehicles averaging just 11.9 miles per gallon, but things have generally been on the upswing since then. Much of the credit goes to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards passed by […]
Picture this: you’re going about your day, running errands around town in your BMW 3 Series, and something goes wrong. It could be a distressing noise, a strange smell, or an illuminated dashboard light, but no matter the issue, it’s a sign to head to your trusted mechanic or a BMW store. This can be […]
If you don’t know a crescent wrench from an Allen wrench, have never changed a spark plug, or think a serpentine belt is something a snake uses to keep its pants up, chances are you’re not taking the DIY approach when it comes to vehicle repair. There’s nothing wrong with that–we all have scant free […]
Few drivers ever take a moment during their daily commute to appreciate just how much is going on under the hood of their vehicle. From cylinders firing hundreds of times per minute to spinning shafts, whirring pumps, and rotating belts, it’s a veritable symphony of automotive harmony…until something goes wrong. Today’s vehicles are a marvel […]
The struggle to keep your vehicle clean is a tale as old as time. From road salt in the winter to long, dry, dusty summers, there is no shortage of forces conspiring to contaminate your car, which is what makes regular car washes so important. This Sisyphean task has even been immortalized in popular song, […]
If you’re looking to customize your vehicle, increase performance, or save a little money on your next repair, aftermarket parts are worth a closer look. While they often get second-billing to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket components are normally just as reliable while carrying a much lower price tag. That said, not all aftermarket […]
From the wind-in-your-hair feeling to cruising down the road with sunshine on your face, there’s a lot to love about the convertible lifestyle. For the uninitiated, the segment is largely broken down into two categories: soft tops and hard tops. A soft top convertible is any model with a vinyl or fabric roof covering, as […]
A dedicated set of summer tires can have a noticeable effect on overall vehicle performance, control, and comfort. Summer tires—also commonly known as performance tires—might not be as versatile as the all-season tires typically found on most vehicles, but if you’re looking to unlock the potential of your sports car, performance vehicle, or EV, they’ll […]
Whether you’re cruising cross-country on the back of a classic touring bike, carving through hairpin turns on a sport bike, or tackling both on and off-road routes on an adventure bike, customization is a key part of motorcycle culture. From custom gauges and crash bobbins to heated grips, aftermarket indicators, and performance tires, there are […]
We’ve all been there: you’re cruising down the road, enjoying a pleasant drive, when suddenly a glaring orange light pops on the dashboard. You spot that familiar engine icon, and suddenly your mind is racing with any number of disastrous possibilities. Is the engine about to blow? Has that squeaking sound always been there? When […]
In a world where social media has crept into nearly every facet of daily life, video is king. From viral TikTok dances and Instagram reels to YouTube personalities and Twitch streamers, life is increasingly being served to us at 30 frames per second. This phenomenon has even crept into the automotive world, where onboard video […]
Smartphones have become an indispensable part of everyday life on the road, from checking directions to staying in touch with friends and family. Most modern cars have accepted the fact and offer large infotainment centers that use Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth to mirror your favorite smartphone features in an easy-to-access manner. However, motorcycle […]
When it comes to customizing a vehicle, drivers take all sorts of different approaches. Some start with performance-minded upgrades: swapping out stock tires, mufflers, and air intakes for new-and-improved components that add vital power and control. Others focus more on the exterior, giving their vehicle a splashy new paint job or window tint that is […]
Installing a racing harness is one of the most important steps in the process of transforming your vehicle into a track-ready racer. Sure, they might not be as glamorous as slick racing tires, cold-air intakes, or coilover suspension, but racing harnesses do fulfill a vital role in improving the safety of any race worthy-vehicle and […]
When you’re looking to give your high-performance vehicle a little extra edge, there are plenty of options; from track tires and spoilers to racing seats, harnesses, and more, there is no shortage of aftermarket accessories catering to the would-be Formula One racer. While some are more about looking the part, others can have a real […]
A convertible has a number of advantages over your run-of-the-mill sedan. From the wind in your hair to the feeling of the sun on your skin, few cars project that carefree, cruising lifestyle quite as well as the convertible. Unfortunately, the same feature that makes convertibles so fun to drive can also be a major […]
When building a new track car, drivers typically start by upgrading some usual suspects. Stock brakes are switched out for high-performance pads and discs that can withstand higher temperatures, and the suspension–including new springs, dampers, and bushings–is swapped for a setup that prioritizes speed over comfort. Limited slip differentials, air filters, intercoolers, turbochargers, and superchargers […]
