Most drivers are familiar with basic tire maintenance tasks, such as regularly checking tire pressure and replacing worn-out tires once they fail the old “upside-down penny test” for tread depth. These are both important, but they represent the bare minimum when it comes to care. If you really want to get the most out of […]
There are few trends more frustrating than so-called “shrinkflation.” While pure inflation, the gradual decrease in purchasing power, is a necessary evil in a healthy economy, shrinkflation is more of a money-making scheme that serves little purpose aside from padding a manufacturer’s profit margins. For those who have been lucky enough to avoid the experience, […]
Thankfully, we live in a world where the internet exists. A quick tutorial on YouTube can tell you everything you need to know about anything from assembling a new grill to fixing the carburetor on a generator in a matter of minutes. This is also helpful if you’re looking to complete some work on your […]
Car theft remains a big problem in the U.S. According to the NHTSA, there were over 850,000 vehicle thefts in 2024 alone. That’s one vehicle every 37 seconds. It’s not just the vehicles themselves people are after, as many bandits are looking for wheels, catalytic converters, phones, and other components and accessories. Having one or […]
The winter months often bring snow, ice, low temperatures, and a significantly altered morning routine. From unearthing the kids’ hats, gloves, and boots to clearing your driveway, cold weather can make for a stressful start to your day, but advances in automotive technology mean that there’s one common winter task you can cross off your […]
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can tell you almost everything you’d want to know about your new car, truck, or SUV, from the specific make and model to the included safety features. Once you learn how to decipher a VIN, you can quickly identify some of the most pertinent information about a vehicle, including where […]
Internal combustion is a marvel of modern engineering, but it does have some downsides. The average V6 engine will undergo around 9,000 small explosions every minute as the fuel is ignited. While this proves effective at pushing a car, truck, or SUV down the road, it also results in some by-products that can easily befoul […]
The jingling of car keys sounds much different today than decades ago when drivers relied on physical keys to open car doors, unlock the trunk, and turn the ignition. Today, the key fob jangle is much different and far more convenient. These tech-savvy fobs unlock the car door as we approach and let us engage […]
Getting a new car can sometimes feel like getting into a new relationship. You learned enough to know you want to commit but still have much more to discover. You probably know from past vehicles that you feel completely different in your vehicle one week into ownership versus one year. No matter how experienced of […]
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 […]
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, […]
Look, I get it—we’re all busy, we all have places to be and things to do, and proper vehicle maintenance isn’t necessarily at the top of the list when it comes to how you want to spend a day off. That’s all well and good, but if you don’t take proper care of your vehicle […]
Every major automaker has something noteworthy about what they provide with their vehicles that they want to stand out—from design cues and interior technology to performance capabilities or off-road features. There is always something that sets a company’s series of models apart from the competition. In Nissan’s case, it’s their VC-Turbo engines. You may have […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
It’s always a bittersweet moment once you’ve decided to sell your car. You’ve put a lot of love and time into it, but it’s time to move on to something new––hopefully something bigger and better! If you’ve got a modified car, you might be wondering what to do with it. You’ve probably spent more time […]
When building a new track car, drivers typically start by upgrading some usual suspects. Stock brakes are switched out for high-performance pads and discs that can withstand higher temperatures, and the suspension–including new springs, dampers, and bushings–is swapped for a setup that prioritizes speed over comfort. Limited slip differentials, air filters, intercoolers, turbochargers, and superchargers […]
If you go to a local dealership and find a Subaru Outback for sale, only a few types of tires will come standard on a new model. There’s some variation among the different trim levels, from the entry-level Base to the off-road-ready Wilderness to the high-tier Touring, but there won’t be a ton of variety. […]
If I had to choose the single-most-important part of your vehicle, I’d choose two: the tires and the brakes. While your tires are essential for staying in control of your vehicle, this becomes a bit less important if you can’t safely stop your vehicle – so it’s really a tie between the two. The key […]
Waxing a car is the first line of defense against all the dirt, grime, salt, and road debris conspiring to foul up the paint job. Getting in the habit of regular washing and waxing won’t only keep your vehicle looking its best but can also go a long way in delaying some of the inevitable […]
