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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
If you’ve recently purchased a 2022 Honda Civic, congratulations. You’ve taken a significant step by acquiring a fine-tuned piece of engineering. Vehicle ownership is much more than simply acquiring a consumer good. It’s making an investment, and as such, it’s essential that you recoup a substantial return. One of the best ways you can do […]
A vehicle’s engine is basically a large pressure chamber. Air and fuel are drawn into each of the engine’s combustion chambers, called cylinders, which compress the fuel and air mixture before introducing a spark. This spark creates a small, controlled explosion, driving the piston down into the cylinder and setting off a chain reaction that […]
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 […]
A lift kit may just be the most popular truck modification around, possibly even beating larger wheels and tires. However, not all lift kits are created equal. If you didn’t buy your vehicle directly from a lifted truck dealer and are instead installing a lift kit yourself, then you will want to pay close attention […]
To the uninitiated, the modern internal combustion engine can seem intimidating. This inscrutable hunk of metal, with its mass of wires, valves, and pipes, might look complicated until you stumble upon one simple secret: it’s basically just a collection of small compression chambers. These chambers, known as cylinders, are where your fuel/air mixture meets an […]
Fuel injectors are a vital part of any gas-powered vehicle. They’re responsible for spraying fuel into the engine’s combustion chamber, which is then ignited by the spark plug to produce the power that gets your wheels moving. While some lucky drivers might go through their vehicle’s entire lifespan without ever needing to replace these vital […]
Any DIY mechanic would agree that self-reliance is an important life skill. The ability to be able to handle some car repair jobs for yourself helps you gain a better understanding of the condition of your vehicle and can save you money. While there are some repairs on your car that you may want to […]
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 […]
While Base Commander Jack D. Ripper might’ve been concerned about the perceived international Communist conspiracy to sap and impurify all of our precious bodily fluids, I’m more concerned about the fluids in your car. Since you no doubt see advertisements for an oil change near you on a near-daily basis, I likely don’t need to […]
Auto repairs can often be intimidating and expensive. Sometimes it feels like that check engine symbol might as well be a dollar sign for what the whole experience could end up costing you. While there are certainly some repair and maintenance jobs that are better left to the experts, you might be surprised to learn […]
Checking and adjusting your car’s alignment at home is not impossible, but it is somewhat complicated and takes some work–that shouldn’t dissuade you from trying it; just be prepared. If you prefer to Google “auto alignment near me” and take your vehicle to a service station, then that’s completely fair, but it is something you […]
Winter tires are an invaluable addition to any garage, offering superb traction and reliability in snow and ice. They might not be cheap, but it’s important to think of them as an investment. While the $500 to $600 price tag might scare off some thriftier drivers, searching for a set of “winter tires near me” […]
Car maintenance can seem daunting for anyone who isn’t familiar with rummaging around the engine under the hood – even more so when a jack is required, and you have to scoot beneath several thousand pounds of metal, rubber, and plastic. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Not every vehicle out there is […]
Selling your vehicle can be a daunting process, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind as you prepare to put yours on the market. Generally speaking, selling to a dealer is going to require less pre-sale maintenance. Dealers are less likely to be put off by cosmetic defects and have the […]
You may be thinking to yourself, “Maybe it’s time to sell my car,” and if you’re ready to start the process, you’ll want to do a little prep work first. Getting your vehicle ready to sell means giving it a makeover so that it wows potential buyers the moment they lay eyes on it. After […]
Oil changes are one of the most vital forms of maintenance for your vehicle, but not all motor oil is created equal. It all comes down to viscosity ratings. In basic terms, viscosity means how thick a liquid is due to its internal friction. Simply pour a bottle of water and a bottle of honey […]
