It can be quite satisfying to perform your own auto maintenance. You can save some money in the process, too. But can maintaining your car yourself instead of taking it to the shop affect your warranty coverage? That’s a great question with a relatively layered answer because, like so many other things in life, it’s […]
Category: DIY
How to Install a Remote Start System in Your Car
For many of us, one of the great joys in life is working on our vehicles to either maintain them or add new features that let us customize our rides to offer everything we want. There’s no shortage of ways to add new features to your vehicle, and while some of them are quite simple, […]
Lifting Your Truck Is Easier Than You Might Think
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 […]
Elevate Your Jack and Jack Stand Knowledge
From changing your oil, coolant, and tires to working on your exhaust system or swapping out your brake pads and rotors, many of the most common DIY projects require the use of a car jack and jack stands. While many drivers are familiar with these vital pieces of automotive equipment, they don’t exactly qualify as […]
A Look at the Various Ways You Can Rain-Proof Your Windshield
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 […]
The Ultimate Guide to Bleeding Your Brakes
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 […]
Preparing Your Car for Success With a Track Alignment
Transforming a daily driver into a track car can require a substantial investment. From new shocks and engine tuning to upgraded brakes, tires, and exhaust systems, many fledgling track racers will soon understand why the pros need to plaster their rides with advertisements to help foot the bill. But while it’s easy to focus on […]
Put Winter Weather on Ice With These Snow Removal Tips
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 […]
What Can You Fix on Your Own, and When Do You Need a Pro?
Few things are quite as satisfying as working on your own vehicle, either making repairs or simply keeping up with maintenance to ensure it runs as well as possible. There are plenty of relatively simple tasks and repairs that just about anyone can do at home with minimal investment in tools or supplies, but there […]
Drip Tips: Spotting and Repairing a Leaky Sunroof
Sunroofs are an increasingly popular feature in today’s vehicles, with over 40 percent of all new cars, trucks, and SUVs shipping with a sunroof. That’s up almost 10 percent compared to 10 years ago, proving just how common the feature has become. Between enjoying a little slice of the heavens above and the sense of […]
Wire Education: A Brief Guide to Trailer Wiring
Whether you’re hauling a boat out to the lake, hooking up a camper for a wilderness adventure, or transporting landscaping equipment, being able to tow a trailer can go a long way in upping a vehicle’s utility. A good trailer is a worthwhile investment for any truck or SUV owner, transforming a daily driver into […]
How to Armor Your Truck for Adventure
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 […]
Dead Car Battery? Here’s How to Jump-Start Your Car
After an hour-long trip to the grocery store, you just finished loading a week’s worth of groceries in the trunk when you get in the driver’s seat and discover your SUV won’t start. Pushing the ignition button does nothing but cause a sinking feeling in your stomach. You know you likely need a battery replacement, […]
Vehicle Basics for the Would-Be Mechanic
Depending on the day, car ownership can either seem like a ticket to freedom or a weighty, gas-powered albatross hanging around your neck. The same car, truck or SUV that’s so pivotal to your everyday life can start to feel like a burden when things go wrong. While some drivers are quick to call in […]
Getting the Most Out of a Self-Service Car Wash
The struggle to keep your vehicle clean is a tale as old as time. From road salt in the winter to long, dry, dusty summers, there is no shortage of forces conspiring to contaminate your car, which is what makes regular car washes so important. This Sisyphean task has even been immortalized in popular song, […]
Rubber Match: Comparing Summer and All-Season Tires
A dedicated set of summer tires can have a noticeable effect on overall vehicle performance, control, and comfort. Summer tires—also commonly known as performance tires—might not be as versatile as the all-season tires typically found on most vehicles, but if you’re looking to unlock the potential of your sports car, performance vehicle, or EV, they’ll […]
Addressing Check Engine Anxiety with OBD2 Scanners
We’ve all been there: you’re cruising down the road, enjoying a pleasant drive, when suddenly a glaring orange light pops on the dashboard. You spot that familiar engine icon, and suddenly your mind is racing with any number of disastrous possibilities. Is the engine about to blow? Has that squeaking sound always been there? When […]
Should You Change Your Own Oil or Consult a Professional?
“What do I do? Should I pop open YouTube and learn it myself, or should I pull up Google Maps and find a technician ready to do an oil change near me?” Great question; honestly, please do continue rambling on about your future goals and big oily dreams. When you’re done, I’ll be over here […]
How to Remove the Doors and Hardtop of Your Jeep Wrangler
So you just got a new Jeep and love being out in the sun, enjoying the summer weather, a fresh breeze on your face, and the freedom that only comes from the open road. You’ve seen all the other cool kids with their Jeep doors and hardtop removed. “How do I do that?” you wonder. […]
How Can I Rotate My Own Tires?
Taking your vehicle to a mechanic or dealership service center for a tire rotation is the quickest and easiest way to get the job done. However, it does cost a bit of money, so if you’re handy and would rather spend time and elbow grease instead of cold hard cash, then doing the job yourself […]
Car Care 101: Diesel Engines and Glow Plugs
One of the most common things people say when talking about diesel engines, particularly when comparing them to standard gas engines, is that they require different sorts of maintenance—in particular, people love to mention how diesel engines don’t have spark plugs that need to be replaced. That’s true; diesel engines don’t have spark plugs, but […]