Auto start/stop systems are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles as automakers incorporate the feature to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The concept is straightforward—the system shuts off the engine when the car comes to a complete stop, restarting it when you release the brake or press the accelerator. Now, imagine this scenario occurring […]
There’s nothing worse than a headliner that fails to live up to expectations. We’re not talking about a lackluster performance from a pop star or a disappointing set from your favorite band at a summer music festival, but rather the fabric that lines the roof of your vehicle. While they’re designed to last for a […]
It’s hard to understate how quickly all-electric vehicles are changing the auto industry. EVs aren’t just the most efficient and Earth-friendly vehicles on the road. They’re also setting a new bar for efficiency and utility. Just take Porsche’s all-electric Taycan Turbo GT, now one of the fastest cars on the road with a zero-to-60-mph time […]
When a vehicle engine runs too hot, it can lead to everything from weaker performance to all-out failure. Internal combustion engines have several ways to help reduce temperatures. One of them is the use of engine coolant. Every modern gas and diesel engine uses coolant. While it may not get the same attention as other […]
No one loves having to fix something on their car. Most of the time, a repair just elicits feelings of despair and stress, wondering whether or not the needed repair is really that serious and if it’s going to break the bank. If you’ve noticed that your vehicle is starting to feel a bit bouncy […]
If you don’t know a socket wrench from a tube sock, an illuminated check engine light might seem like the end of the world. That simple little icon can send some drivers spiraling and conjure images of pricey invoices from your local auto shop, but the truth is usually a little less dramatic. That’s not […]
Sticking to your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule can go a long way when it comes to keeping your ride on the road, avoiding dangerous situations, and maximizing resale value. The maintenance schedule is a step-by-step guide that’s been crafted for your specific make and model by the same engineers who designed your vehicle, and while […]
So, you’ve successfully completed an oil change, now what? What exactly do you do with all that dirty oil you just filtered out of your car? Disposing of old oil properly is very important, especially when it comes to keeping stormwater and drainage systems clean and safe. You can’t just toss the oil in your […]
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 […]
Your vehicle’s engine is a finely tuned machine, and like any machine, it works best when it’s not gunked up with dirt, bugs, and other contaminants. That’s where your engine air filter comes in. Located at the start of a vehicle’s air intake system, this critical component helps to trap debris before it can make […]
Few parts of your car are quite as vital as the transmission. Whether automatic or manual, transmissions are a mainstay of any modern vehicle, enabling the engine to deliver the varying levels of torque needed to accelerate from a stop while also improving efficiency at higher speeds. These complex transmission systems are designed with tight […]
Every drive to the store, your office, or the beach starts with the battery. It provides the large burst of cold cranking amps the starter motor needs to turn over. Without a working battery, your engine will never crank. The battery also works as a supplemental power source and surge protector for the various electrical […]
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 […]
So you’ve bought a GMC Sierra 1500 pickup or Yukon SUV with a Duramax 3.0L diesel engine for the first time. Congratulations—you now have the torque you need for work, hauling, and off-road exploring while getting better fuel mileage than any of the gas-powered engine options. There’s one big question, though: what about service? Diesel […]
The ignition coils aren’t the first, second, or even third component most people think of when it comes to car engines; however, they are a crucial component for making your vehicle start and run. When an ignition coil wears out or fails, the engine is going to run rough—or it may not run at all, […]
Almost every motorist has experienced the dread of being stuck on the side of the road—or worse, in the middle of it—because something went wrong. Agero estimates there are 69 million vehicle breakdowns in the US every year, and the National Safety Council adds that more than 13 million vehicle crashes occur; this means there’s […]
With the steady electrification of the modern auto market, many of today’s cars, trucks and SUVs are more efficient — and environmentally friendly — than ever. While this efficiency has been the driving factor in the growth of the EV segment, it’s far from the only advantage of an all-electric powertrain. While the instant acceleration […]
Every year, one common automotive issue will lead more than two million drivers to place a call to roadside assistance. While lockouts, flat tires and empty gas tanks rank among the top culprits, it’s actually battery-related problems that have services like AAA pulling overtime. Keeping your car’s battery charged is usually a pretty easy task […]
Maintaining your truck is on every trucker’s mind. You spent your hard-earned money on a good F-150, a Maverick, a Ranger, or a Super Duty from a used Ford truck dealer, and you want to keep that used Ford running for as long as you can. There are some very basic tasks you can carry […]
As the segment continues to grow, EVs are now more affordable than ever. While all-electric vehicles still tend to be a little pricier than their gas-powered forerunners, new EV prices have fallen by as much as 20 percent over the last year. The difference is especially stark when it comes to used EVs, which have […]
An oil change is one of those things that every driver is aware of, but some pay more attention to than others. Unless you have an EV, your vehicle needs to change its oil regularly to keep running well. But exactly how often an oil change needs to happen can be unclear if you’re uncertain. […]
