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, […]
Category: DIY
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 […]
Thunder Road: Legal vs Illegal Exhaust Modification
For those looking to make their ride stand out, exhaust modifications are a popular approach. By replacing a vehicle’s stock exhaust with an aftermarket system, drivers can tune a car’s exhaust note until it’s music to their ears. This type of modification can lend a vehicle a distinctive roar that sets it apart just as […]
Is Proper Alignment Really That Important?
Yes, correct wheel alignment on your vehicle is very important in order for your car to operate properly, provide you with optimal fuel efficiency, and make your daily driving as easy and hassle-free as possible. Although proper alignment is important for every vehicle, when you’re looking at Jeep alignment, for example, this can be even […]
Winterizing Your Ride: Motorcycle Maintenance
Motorcycles can be enjoyed year-round, depending on where you live and whether you have the appropriate gear. Some riders have no problem riding in frigid conditions, while others are happy to store their bikes in the garage until the spring thaw. In any case, winterizing your motorcycle is a must and can be an excellent […]
Rebuilding Brake Calipers? Start Here
Some drivers might hesitate at the idea of working on vital components like their vehicle’s brakes, but many tasks are well within reach of the average DIY mechanic. Brake calipers are a great example. A vital part of the brake assembly that’s responsible for slowing down your vehicle, brake calipers might seem like an ambitious […]
A Gifter’s Guide to Automotive Self-Care Tools
It’s the most wonderful and expensive time of the year! That means ridiculous travel arrangements, the overwhelming din of everyone you know and love crammed into one room, sales that make you wonder why anybody buys anything at full price, and budgets stretched further than our beltlines. I know you’re working on that last part […]
Plasti Dipping Your Way to Colorful New Rims
When it comes to your vehicle, few things peel back the years like a nice, fresh set of wheels. Of course, keeping your wheels clean can be a struggle, especially in areas with challenging weather or road conditions, but luckily Plasti Dip is here to help. Plasti Dip is the brand name of an air-dry, […]
What’s the Deal With Ceramic Coating?
Protecting your vehicle from the elements is one of the easiest ways to keep it looking and running for years to come. While some might think of tasks like washing and waxing as two of the more optional chores that come with car ownership, they can go a long way in preventing corrosion and allowing […]
Improving Your Vehicle’s Safety and Value Through Headlight Restoration
While a lot has been made of new cutting-edge automotive safety technology like automatic braking, backup cameras, blind-spot warnings, and the like, headlights remain one of the single most important safety components on any vehicle. Indispensable when it comes to lighting the road ahead, headlights tend to be taken for granted and are typically only […]
Tire Repair: D.I.Y. vs Calling in the Pros
Sooner or later, almost every driver is going to have to deal with a punctured tire. No matter how carefully you might drive, road debris, jagged curbs, and other hazards will take their toll on your tires and result in the panic-inducing hiss that’s the bane of all thrifty drivers. There are a few choices […]
Leather Upholstery Repair and Care Tips
Leather upholstery and trim can add a touch of class to any vehicle’s interior, but it can also require its fair share of upkeep. From rips and tears to fading and stains, there are plenty of things that can go wrong when it comes to keeping your leather upholstery looking its best. Luckily leather repair […]
Building Your Automotive Toolbox? Start Here
There’s nothing quite as effective or satisfying as using the right tool for the job, but all too often, building out one’s automotive toolbox can be a project unto itself. With so many brands to choose from and new specialty manufacturers popping up all the time, it can be hard to tell the best tool […]
Dealing With Pesky Plastic Grommets? Start Here
While “plastic” might not be the first word that comes to mind when we think of our vehicles, they wouldn’t get far without a healthy dose of the stuff. From bumpers and insulation to the instrument panel and even the upholstery, various plastic compounds play an important role in the construction of the modern automobile. […]