Plenty of modern vehicle engines come pre-equipped with a turbocharger or supercharger to crank up the horsepower and efficiency. I’m not just talking about the latest muscle and sports cars, either. The Honda Accord, Jeep Compass, Volkswagen Jetta, and Kia Forte are some of the budget-minded vehicles making use of turbochargers. You’ll also find superchargers […]
Basic interior car lighting, like overhead and map lights, is standard equipment throughout the industry. In recent years, more high-end vehicles and trim levels have been offering ambient interior lighting. These strategically placed decorative lights add a lot to a vehicle’s ambience and atmosphere. I’ve sat in vehicles with ambient lighting before, and it was […]
Cleaning any vehicle regularly is important, but it’s the same level as brushing your teeth or washing your hair for an off-roading vehicle. Your 4×4 accumulates a lot of grime and debris on the trails, especially if your idea of getting away is churning through mud bogs, storming ocean beaches, or weekend-long overlanding journeys. This […]
When the hot summer months arrive, you’ll be glad for your vehicle’s air conditioner. According to experts, on a sunny 80-degree day, an uncooled car interior can approach 140 degrees in just an hour. Even on cooler days, the cabin temperature can rise by 40 to 50 degrees in the same period. Having a working […]
Looking over a vehicle regularly for signs of potential problems may seem like a hassle, but it pays off in the long run. By identifying small issues and getting them fixed, drivers can greatly reduce the chance of a breakdown or major damage. This saves significant time and money, helping your vehicle last longer and […]
Just like computers, home theaters, and appliances, vehicle technology is always advancing. Although cars from the 1990s and even the 1950s are recognizable as cars, they contain plenty of components that have since been rendered obsolete. I’m sure the same will be said 50 years from now about some of the tech we consider essential […]
The bumper on a car is for more than displaying stickers and adding colorful style. Since the early 1900s, vehicle manufacturers have added front and rear bumpers to help protect the engine, radiator, suspension, and other parts from low-speed collisions. Of course, in these cases, the bumper takes the brunt of the impact to protect […]
Most EV and PHEV owners rely on a home charger for at least some of their vehicle battery replenishing. Data from ChargeLab estimates that 86% of EV owners have a permanent charger, with the US Department of Energy putting the number at around 80%. Either way, that’s a lot, and it makes sense when you […]
Soon enough, the temperatures will warm up, the snow will melt, and the weather will be perfect for spring and summer cruising. Before hitting the highway, though, your car needs some TLC. Winter weather, especially in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, wreaks havoc on vehicles. The right maintenance will resolve small issues before they become […]
It happens to almost every driver eventually. You’re driving along, minding your own business when a rock or a piece of ice flies up and puts a chip in the windscreen. According to a 20-year data survey by Ultrabond, more than 30% of vehicles on the road have at least one windshield chip. They occur […]
For decades, chrome accents, trim, and badges have been the industry standard. However, popular opinion is starting to swing the other way. Chrome was once seen as a long-lasting way to protect metal against corrosion and make cars look better. However, it’s now widely known that the hexavalent chromium compound can cause severe health issues […]
When a vehicle engine runs too hot, it can lead to everything from weaker performance to all-out failure. Internal combustion engines have several ways to help reduce temperatures. One of them is the use of engine coolant. Every modern gas and diesel engine uses coolant. While it may not get the same attention as other […]
It’s practically inevitable you’ll eventually find yourself with a flat tire. Multiple sources report that roughly 220 million flat tires occur in the US every year—and on average, a driver will experience five flat tires in their lifetime. Although roadside assistance and towing services can get your car to safety, this will take a lot […]
Since 2012, all new cars sold in the US have been required to have a traction control system (TCS). First developed in the early 1970s, traction control was introduced to help prevent “wheel spin” due to loss of grip. Multiple studies have confirmed the effectiveness of traction control in reducing accidents. Not surprisingly, the technology […]
Having the right levers on your bike is for more than looks. Motorcycle levers are crucial for performance, affecting how well the bike shifts and brakes and how comfortable your ride is. Unfortunately, as one of the more exposed parts of the bike and often one of the more brittle, they are highly susceptible to […]
A good set of headlights is one of the most important safety features of a vehicle. According to a 2022 study in the Journal of Safety Research, vehicles with headlights that received a “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) were in 19% fewer single-car crashes and 23% fewer pedestrian crashes at […]
Your paint getting nicked is an inevitable part of owning a vehicle. From rocks and branches kicked up on the road to hail, wild animals, bouncing basketballs, and collisions, many hazards can damage your car’s finish. Regardless of how they happened, though, it’s important to address these blemishes at your earliest convenience. Even minor cosmetic […]
Cars, trucks, and SUVs are staying on the road longer than ever. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that in 2023, the average lifespan of a light vehicle in the US was 12.5 years. Whether it’s a classic muscle car you drive for pleasure or a ruggedly-built daily driver that’s tiding you over until you […]
Every drive to the store, your office, or the beach starts with the battery. It provides the large burst of cold cranking amps the starter motor needs to turn over. Without a working battery, your engine will never crank. The battery also works as a supplemental power source and surge protector for the various electrical […]
So you’ve bought a GMC Sierra 1500 pickup or Yukon SUV with a Duramax 3.0L diesel engine for the first time. Congratulations—you now have the torque you need for work, hauling, and off-road exploring while getting better fuel mileage than any of the gas-powered engine options. There’s one big question, though: what about service? Diesel […]
Is your brake pedal no longer feeling as solid as it used to—or worse, going straight to the floor when you press on it? Then you may be overdue for a brake bleed. This process is as important as changing pads or any other brake service to keep your vehicle working its best. However, plenty […]
