Wheels come in all shapes and sizes, from run-of-the-mill designs straight from the factory to custom styles that can turn a vehicle into a one-of-a-kind work of automotive art. While style is certainly important, so is construction, which is why all drivers should familiarize themselves with the different types of wheels on offer. Wheels are […]
Author: Matt Dodge
Battery Trouble? How to Test Motorcycle Voltage Regulators/Rectifiers
The motorcycle world is full of its own jargon, which can easily lead to some confusion when it comes time for repairs or maintenance work. A bike’s electrical system is a great example. While cars, trucks, and SUVs charge their batteries through an alternator, motorcycles work a little bit differently. Instead of a traditional alternator, […]
PowerStop Versus DFC: Who’s the Aftermarket Brake Boss?
The stock brake pads that come on most vehicles are thoroughly tested to ensure reliable, consistent stopping power. They’re often relatively quiet, produce little dust, and are designed to make the braking process feel as smooth as possible. These are all great qualities when it comes to a daily driver, but once you start adding […]
No Flow? Your Oil Pressure Might Be Low (Or High)
Today’s gas-powered vehicles are a marvel of modern engineering, with hundreds of parts working in perfect harmony to push your car, truck, or SUV forward. With so many components—many of them metal—operating in such close proximity, lubrication is key to reducing the friction between these parts, aiding in performance, and keeping your engine from tearing […]
Popping the Hood on Hybrid Vehicles
From traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models to a new generation of all-electric vehicles (EVs), parsing the differences between different types of alternative-fuel vehicles can be challenging for even the most experienced driver. Things aren’t made any easier by the fact that automakers have fallen into the habit of producing hybrids and PHEVs that […]
Dipping Your Feet Into the World of Water Fording
Sometimes, the road less traveled is not a road at all. Off-roaders are accustomed to facing all sorts of obstacles while they are out on the trail, from downed trees and thick underbrush to rocks, sand, and mud, but what is a driver to do when the going gets wet? Learning how to ford a […]
Flood, Sweat and Tears: Dealing With a Water-Damaged Vehicle
As extreme weather events become more common, so does the prevalence of water and flood-damaged vehicles. According to a survey from Carfax, more than 400,000 flood-damaged vehicles were on the road in 2022. That’s a six percent increase from the previous year, and the trend won’t slow down anytime soon. 100-year floods are so extreme […]
Drip Tips: Spotting and Repairing a Leaky Sunroof
Sunroofs are an increasingly popular feature in today’s vehicles, with over 40 percent of all new cars, trucks, and SUVs shipping with a sunroof. That’s up almost 10 percent compared to 10 years ago, proving just how common the feature has become. Between enjoying a little slice of the heavens above and the sense of […]
Wire Education: A Brief Guide to Trailer Wiring
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 […]
No-So-Good Vibrations: Diagnosing a Shaky Steering Wheel
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 […]
Stalling, Whining, and Other Signs of a Bad Fuel Pump
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. […]
Stuck Brake Caliper? Start Here
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 […]
Increase Your Smiles per Gallon With These Six Fuel-Saving Tips
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 […]
Do BMW OEM Parts Make a Difference?
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 […]
Avoid the Auto Shop Squeeze With These Simple Tips
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 […]
Understanding Diagnostic Trouble Codes
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 […]
Getting the Most Out of a Self-Service Car Wash
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, […]
Spare Parts For Less: Are Aftermarket Parts Worth It?
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 […]
Top Tips: How to Maintain Your Soft Top Convertible
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 […]
Rubber Match: Comparing Summer and All-Season Tires
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 […]
Tidying Up: The Pros and Cons of Motorcycle Tail Tidies
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 […]