Along with refilling the windshield washer fluid and checking the dipstick, using a tire pressure gauge is often one of the first basic car maintenance tasks that every driver will learn. When compared to changing your oil, rotating your tires, and replacing belts and filters, this simple chore might seem relatively inconsequential, but that couldn’t […]
Every year, one common automotive issue will lead more than two million drivers to place a call to roadside assistance. While lockouts, flat tires and empty gas tanks rank among the top culprits, it’s actually battery-related problems that have services like AAA pulling overtime. Keeping your car’s battery charged is usually a pretty easy task […]
Changing the engine air filter is usually one of the first maintenance tasks any driver will undertake. While swapping out an old, clogged engine air filter can have a noticeable effect on performance and fuel economy, few realize that it’s actually just one of four filters found in most modern vehicles. The oil filter will […]
Whether you’re into carving through curves and opening up the throttle or leaning back and enjoying a nice, relaxed cruise, motorcycle riders spend countless hours dreaming about their next ride. That anticipation can quickly turn into frustration when the bike is stubborn, which is why every rider should know what to do if their motorcycle […]
If you’ve got a need for speed, it’s hard to do better than a motorcycle. Thanks to the fact that they’re smaller and lighter than the typical car, truck, or SUV, motorcycles are simply more responsive, allowing riders to enjoy some hair-raising acceleration with the simple twist of the throttle. But what do motorcycle riders […]
Between passengers, groceries, camping supplies, and outdoor equipment, your car, truck, or SUV can feel a little cramped when you’re gearing up for your next family road trip. Today’s vehicles are built with more storage solutions than ever, with fold-flat seats, adjustable floors, and clever cubbies spread across the interior. Many EVs even sport an […]
The winter season can bring all sorts of challenges for drivers. From slick streets and road salt to rough starts and towering snow banks that obscure your vision, winter driving is no picnic behind the wheel. Some of these issues can start to rear their head before you even leave your driveway, especially when it […]
From dim headlights and slow starts to corrosion and even the dreaded ‘check engine’ light, there are lots of ways to tell if your vehicle’s battery might be on its way out. Failing to notice these signs can throw a wrench in your daily routine, leaving drivers to fiddle with jumper cables, call roadside assistance, […]
As the segment continues to grow, EVs are now more affordable than ever. While all-electric vehicles still tend to be a little pricier than their gas-powered forerunners, new EV prices have fallen by as much as 20 percent over the last year. The difference is especially stark when it comes to used EVs, which have […]
Installing an aftermarket steering wheel is often an aesthetic decision, but in some cases, it can have a big impact on the overall driving experience. In fact, in certain applications, like high-performance racing and other activities common to the North American speed demon, drivers wouldn’t be caught dead with a stock steering wheel. Generally speaking, […]
A vehicle’s air intake system is a crucial part of the internal combustion process. To operate efficiently, vehicles require a precise mix of air and fuel. How is this balance achieved? It all comes down to a vehicle’s fuel injectors and throttle body. The role of a fuel injector is right there in the name–it’s […]
If you’re in the market for a new torque wrench, ratchet kit, or mechanic’s tool set, you’ve got a few decisions to make. Performance, durability, and price are all important factors to consider, but all too often, the latter tends to take precedence. While we’re all tempted to save a few bucks occasionally, this thrifty […]
Walk down the power tool aisle at your local home improvement store, and you’ll be met with a rainbow of alluring options. From orange Rigid drills to acid-green Ryobi sanders and more, the whole spectrum of colors is on display. This might make for a colorful shopping experience, but it can also be a little […]
In the world of automotive tools, a few names rise to the top. While there is certainly no shortage of brands producing torque and impact wrenches, pliers, ratchet and socket sets, and everything else you need for a long day under the hood, these tools tend to vary in terms of quality, price, and reliability. […]
Given their role in bringing your two-ton car, truck, or SUV to a stop, you can really never be too careful ensuring your brakes are in good working order. We all know the standard maintenance checklist when it comes to the brakes—keeping an eye on brake fluid, replacing brake pads every 20,000 miles, and brake […]
Diesel and gas engines have a great deal in common, but there are also some key differences. Both diesel and gas engines use internal combustion to create power. Both employ pistons to drive a crankshaft to send power through the drivetrain and, ultimately, to the wheels. The main difference comes down to some specific steps […]
From waxing the hood to deep-cleaning the wheels and giving the dash a healthy coat of Armor All, drivers tend to obsess over the smallest details. That said, there’s one common vehicle component that no driver is in a rush to get acquainted with: the airbag. This vital piece of safety equipment is the last […]
From performance upgrades and safety systems to convenience and comfort features, there have been countless advancements in automotive technology since the first gas-powered car was produced in 1886. We tend to take such features for granted, but it’s hard to imagine getting behind the wheel of a vehicle that lacks an electric ignition starter, seat […]
If you’re an avid off-roader, you know the value of good ground clearance; putting a little extra space between your vehicle and the road can mean the difference between a successful excursion and one that ends in frustration. Coil spring spacers can add between 10 and 12 mm of ground clearance, while a set of […]
While horsepower and torque are certainly important, fuel efficiency tends to be the most critical metric for the average driver. Having plenty of power is always nice, but on a day-to-day basis, your vehicle’s fuel economy will be a far more relevant statistic. If you’re shopping for a new or pre-owned vehicle, fuel economy can […]
Driven by technological innovation and tightening efficiency standards, fuel economy has been on a steady rise for decades. In 1970, the average vehicle posted a lowly 12 MPG, which rose to almost 17 MPG by 2000. The last twenty years have seen even more impressive growth, with an average MPG of 25.4 in 2020—an increase […]
