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 […]
Keeping your car in good shape not only helps you preserve its value for some time down the road when you’re ready to trade it in, but it also makes the car more enjoyable to drive in the moment. During the cold days of winter, it’s natural to let some things slide; there’s no point […]
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 […]
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 […]
Some spend their workdays staring at the walls of a drab, grey cubicle, but if you’re a hardworking trade pro or delivery driver, the scenery can change with every passing mile. This sort of mobile office affords a number of benefits, from the freedom of the open road to the opportunity to jam out to […]
Drivers investing in a 25-year-old conversion van don’t typically expect stellar gas mileage, but I still found myself mystified about the lackluster efficiency of my used 1999 GMC Savana 1500. While posting 10 or 11 MPG is a small price to pay for a vacation home on four wheels, the internet insisted that I should […]
From precariously piled ice cream cones and tubes of bright red lipstick to nail polish, crumbs, sticky soda, and more, your vehicle’s upholstery is under constant assault from a variety of unsightly antagonists that are all conspiring to leave their mark. There are some ways to reduce the likelihood of a potential spill, but aside […]
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 […]
Some like it hot, but your vehicle is a notable exception. Excessive heat is the enemy of any mechanical system, including the engine found in your car, truck, or SUV. Overheating can lead to everything from minor failures and performance issues to a full-on breakdown. Ideally, your engine should maintain a steady temperature that’s somewhere […]
Washing a car can feel pretty simple, but if you want to keep your vehicle in top condition, there are more pitfalls than you might think. Even models that are built to be tough as nails can be sensitive to the wrong cleaning products and techniques, and you don’t want to find out which ones […]
While many drivers enjoy the convenience of an automatic transmission, some will tell you that there’s no substitute for a manual transmission. From fuel savings and lower repair costs to the sense of control and pure thrills they can provide, there are certainly a number of advantages that come with rowing your own gears. Maintenance […]
When I first moved from Pennsylvania to the Sunshine State, I decided it would be a good idea to put some Rain-X glass water repellent on my windshield. After all, it was a two-day journey, and I was bound to run into some bad weather along the way, especially once I got to Florida. It […]
A four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle can be a valuable addition to any garage, allowing a driver to tackle some of the most challenging road conditions, put in some serious work, or unwind at their local off-road trails with confidence. That said, 4WD vehicles require a little more TLC than their two-wheel-drive cousins. It’s a small […]
Ask any driver when they should change their oil and they’ll almost reflexively answer with the standard 3,000 miles. This bit of automotive wisdom has been passed down through the ages, but it’s not as relevant as it once was. While 3,000 miles was once the benchmark for oil changes, advances in engine, oil, and […]
With the steady electrification of the modern auto market, many of today’s cars, trucks and SUVs are more efficient — and environmentally friendly — than ever. While this efficiency has been the driving factor in the growth of the EV segment, it’s far from the only advantage of an all-electric powertrain. While the instant acceleration […]
Let’s face it: life on the go means eating and drinking in your car, not to mention toting all kinds of possibly sloppy items around. These are common occurrences in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or setting off on a road trip adventure, grabbing a quick meal or a snack […]
You’ve gotten your oil changed, battery checked, tires rotated, fluids topped off… but is anything missing? When you’re completing routine maintenance on your vehicle, it’s important to make sure you check your car’s air filter to ensure it’s still doing its critical job. Many drivers don’t realize what a big role it plays until they […]
What does the interior of your car look like? Car owners typically fall on two ends of the spectrum. Some make it a priority to keep the interior of their cars clean, regularly cleaning the cabin as part of their auto service routine. Others take a more laid-back approach, letting the accouterments of everyday life […]
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 […]
