If you’re into off-roading, you’ve probably heard about lift kits. They can be an advantage off the beaten path, increasing ground clearance and making room for larger tires better suited to off-road conditions. Drivers who use them also usually enjoy the higher point of view and more muscular looks. You may have wondered, “Is a […]
Whether heading to your local auto parts store or shopping online, it can be difficult to know which engine oil to choose for your next oil change. Even if you understand the difference between the many different grades of oil and have a preference when it comes to conventional versus semi-synthetic versus full synthetic, there […]
When you are building a vehicle to take off-road, there are many aspects to consider. Big all-terrain tires and a suspension lift are two of the most important features, and are usually the first thing any adventurer adds to their truck. However, one of the most important upgrades is armor. From skid plates and rock […]
Everyone knows that when shopping for a used vehicle, age and mileage are the two key factors to consider. The older a vehicle is, and the more wear and tear it has on it, the more likely it is to need major repairs. However, if you are visiting a used truck dealer, there is a […]
There are a lot of options available when it comes to car batteries. Not only does virtually every auto parts chain have its own battery line—such as Auto Zone’s Duralast and O’Reilly’s Super Start—but many car manufacturers have now gotten in on the game with options like Ford Motorcraft and Toyota TrueStart batteries. These OEM […]
If you have ever shopped for winter tires, then you have probably heard of the Bridgestone Blizzak. Widely considered one of the best, if not the best, studless winter tires you can buy, the Blizzak has been around since 1988––remarkable longevity when tire branding changes seemingly every year. However, if you’re interested in getting a […]
The time has come. You’ve performed a couple of oil changes, replaced some light bulbs, and maybe even changed your brakes. You’re feeling pretty good about this DIY stuff, but the small collection of basic hand tools you’ve pieced together just won’t cut it for what you have planned. It’s time to drop some change […]
Getting started doing DIY work on your car is a great way to save money and better understand your vehicle. However, you will need some tools to get started. A full mechanic’s toolbox with all the latest tools can quickly cost you thousands of dollars, but if you shop smart and stick to the basics, […]
Installing an aftermarket sway bar can be a simple way to improve the handling of your car, taming body roll and enabling flatter cornering. And unlike many performance upgrades, a sway bar is inexpensive, relatively straightforward to install, and will have zero effect on reliability. If you have some basic tools, are comfortable working under […]
If you’ve ever driven with an out-of-balance tire, you know just how unpleasant it can be. While it may not be a major safety concern, the harsh high-speed vibrations make any sort of highway driving unbearable and will encourage you to get the problem fixed quickly. If you are an avid off-roader, as many Jeep […]
The suspension in every car, truck, or SUV has two main components: the springs and the shocks or struts. Somewhat counterintuitively, the springs are what support the weight of your car, while the shocks or struts (collectively known as dampers) are there to smooth things out and keep the springs from making the ride too […]
There is a lot to keep up with when it comes to maintaining your car, especially if you are the DIY type that doesn’t rely on a mechanic to take care of it all for you. As you keep tabs on the engine oil, air filters, tires, lights, and more, it can be easy to […]
A lifted truck is one of the best ways to explore the trails around where you live or even just to show off your rig on the road. To get an adventure-ready rig of your own, you can either visit a lifted truck dealer or you can install your own lift kit. While buying a […]
Putting the right set of tires on your vehicle can make all the difference. There are all-terrain tires for off-roading, high-performance tires for sports cars, and snow tires for winter. However, there are also some special types of tires that are designed specifically to improve gas mileage on the road! These low rolling resistance tires […]
Having a hard time finding the right gift ideas for your DIY dad? Sometimes it seems like everything you find the perfect Fathers Day gift idea; it turns out that he already has it. Well, here are 8 great gift ideas that will help him out with his next project. All of these are can’t-live-without-it […]
When you look inside the engine bay of a car, it’s easy to spot the red positive cable connecting the battery to the electrical system. However, it is easy to overlook the black negative cable trailing off to the side. This is an essential ground wire, but it isn’t the only one; many of the […]
It is no secret that modern vehicles are effectively computers with wheels. Old mechanics often bemoan the new electronics, and the recent chip shortage might have everyone questioning why cars need so many high-tech features, so we thought we would take some time to explore some of the key sensors in your car, truck, or […]
The catalytic converter is the most important part of your car’s emissions control system. While it isn’t strictly necessary for your vehicle to function, it is critical for reducing harmful emissions. Most of the time, you will never need to think twice about it as catalytic converters are designed to last for the life of […]
Modern cars are filled with electrical components, and like any automotive component, they can go bad or fail. Unfortunately, unlike mechanical components, diagnosing an electrical problem can rarely be accomplished by sight alone. Unless you are fortunate enough to have an obvious broken wire or a blown fuse, you are going to need a testing […]
One of the most frustrating (and most common) automotive failures is to get behind the wheel and have the engine fail to start. The vast majority of the time, this failure can be traced back to an aging battery and can be quickly remedied with a jump start and a drive to the nearest auto […]
Towing can be a difficult and even dangerous activity for the unprepared driver. Unfortunately, most drivers never have the opportunity to learn the intricacies of towing and become comfortable with the activity. Instead, they often find themselves with a trailer they need to tow and stumble through the process. By the time they reach their […]
