If you’ve been around automotive magazines, blogs, and vlogs long enough, you’ve heard about crate engines. But if you’re like me and haven’t spent a lot of time in a garage, you might have questions about what that term means. In my case, the pronoun “Krait” has been subconsciously associated with a spaceship marque in […]
Category: Guide
Take These Critical Preventative Actions to Prepare Your Vehicle for Colder Temperatures
As the days get shorter and the leaves start to change, it’s not only time to dig out those cozy sweaters and grab yourself a pumpkin spice latte – it’s also a sign that your vehicle needs attention. As you say goodbye to summer, it’s a great time to prepare your car for colder temperatures. […]
The Easiest (and Cheapest) Ways to Fix Cosmetic Damage on Your Vehicle
Imagine you’ve just picked up a new vehicle. Before sliding behind the wheel, you take a slow walk around your car, admiring the perfect paint and sculpted bodywork. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you know this is the best your car will ever look: it’s pristine. Flash forward to a few months later, […]
Stuck Brake Caliper? Start Here
Given the role your brakes play in your automotive safety, there’s no underestimating the importance of a regular brake service. Bringing a one-and-a-half-ton vehicle to a stop is no small task, requiring a number of vital components to work in complete harmony every time you press the brake pedal. Of these, the brake calipers play […]
Understanding Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Few drivers ever take a moment during their daily commute to appreciate just how much is going on under the hood of their vehicle. From cylinders firing hundreds of times per minute to spinning shafts, whirring pumps, and rotating belts, it’s a veritable symphony of automotive harmony…until something goes wrong. Today’s vehicles are a marvel […]
Extend Your Tire Life With These Simple Tips
Tires play an important role in road safety every time you get behind the wheel. A good set of tires can help improve grip and stopping distance, while worn or compromised tires can drastically reduce control and efficiency while increasing the risk of a costly accident. That’s why finding places that handle tire maintenance near […]
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 […]
Getting the Most Out of Your 2022 Jeep Compass
Introduced in 2007, the Jeep Compass carries on Jeep’s tradition of crossover innovation, giving drivers a compact crossover SUV that doesn’t sacrifice when it comes to off-road capability. The second generation hit Jeep Compass dealers in 2017 and is positioned between the subcompact Renegade and larger Cherokee in Jeep’s current crossover lineup. Available in both […]
How to Choose the Right Set of Wheels
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a new set of wheels for your car or truck. While most drivers will never even consider changing out the factory wheels for something new, putting a different set of wheels on your vehicle can be a great way to spruce up your ride, add […]
Different Brake Fluid Types and How They Affect Your Ride
Some motorists might think that brake fluid isn’t as important as oil and fuel, but it’s actually extremely important. The right kind of brake fluid can make all the difference when it comes to the stopping performance of your vehicle. Part of what may get some people hung up on the kind of brake fluid […]
An Exhaust Troubleshooting Guide for the DIYer
There are few things more alarming than a vehicle releasing smelly, smoky fumes, but when is a problem serious enough to warrant calling a professional? Diagnosing exhaust issues at home can save you a lot of time and money, so keep an eye, nose, or ear out for warning signs. Check things out for yourself […]
A Beginner’s Guide To the Principles of Electric Vehicles
With new technology comes a whole lot of new technical jargon, and EVs are no different. This wasn’t so much of an issue back in the days when there were only a few electric and hybrid vehicles on the market, but as their ranks expand and automakers steadily introduce a wider range of EV models, […]
The Good Book: A Guide to your Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual is your vehicle’s Rosetta Stone, an all-in-one guide covering details like how to pop the trunk to technical specs and everything in between. Though we understand the urge to stuff it in some deep, dark corner of your glove compartment and get to know your new vehicle from behind the wheel, a […]
Go With The Flow: A Guide to Motor Oil Viscosity Ratings
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 […]
A Driver’s Guide to Vehicle Maintenance Intervals
You’ve got the keys to a shiny new car in the palm of your hand, and the last thing you’re thinking of is your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Whether you just purchased a brand new car or you’ve found the ideal car on a used car lot near you, understanding maintenance intervals is imperative for the […]
Beginners Guide to Vehicle Restoration
If you like old cars – whether “old” means a 1940 Ford Flathead, a 1969 Dodge Charger, or a 1993 Mazda RX-7 – then you may have discovered that finding one of these vehicles that’s still in good shape is easier said than done. When faced with the dilemma of wanting to own one of […]
A Step-By-Step Guide to Nissan Maintenance: Transmission Fluid Edition
What’s your favorite Nissan model? Whether you have a workhorse like the Titan sitting in your driveway, a family-friendly SUV like the Pathfinder, or an efficient and comfortable sedan like the Altima, one of the best ways to ensure your Nissan’s longevity is to stay current with its routine maintenance. While most drivers are pretty […]
The Ultimate Guide to Winter Tires
If you weren’t already aware, tires are not a one tire fits all situations thing; there are different tires for various purposes. If you live in a colder climate or a place that enjoys snow during the winter season, then you need to switch out your normal tires to winter tires when the temperature drops. […]
A Beginner’s Guide to Installing Car Speakers
Some people don’t care about audio quality in their vehicle, and that’s fine. But for others, it is very important to enjoy amazing sound quality when driving. The vast majority of sound quality comes down to your car speakers. Your factory speakers probably aren’t amazing – unless you have a really high trim of certain […]
Car Care 101: A Simple Guide to Alignment
At some point or another, while performing your own vehicle maintenance, you’re going to ask yourself, “Can I do my own alignment?” The short answer is: yes; however, it depends on your vehicle. Today, I’m going to take you through everything you need to know about your vehicle’s alignment, or at least everything you need […]
A Beginner’s Guide to Fuel Injector Cleaners
The old maxim still holds true: if you take good care of your car, it will take good care of you. Proper maintenance and service, along with safe driving practices, will keep your vehicle running for a long time and keep it in great condition so it will get you wherever you need to go. […]