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 […]
Category: Maintenance
EV Maintenance: What You Need To Know
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 […]
Your Car’s First Oil Change: Separating Fact From Fiction
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. […]
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, […]
Stalling, Whining, and Other Signs of a Bad Fuel Pump
When it comes to some common vehicle components, the name isn’t always very descriptive (I’m looking at you: catalytic converter) but that’s certainly not the case when it comes to fuel pumps. As the name implies, fuel pumps are small pumps powered by electric motors that move gas from the fuel tank to the engine. […]
Do BMW OEM Parts Make a Difference?
Picture this: you’re going about your day, running errands around town in your BMW 3 Series, and something goes wrong. It could be a distressing noise, a strange smell, or an illuminated dashboard light, but no matter the issue, it’s a sign to head to your trusted mechanic or a BMW store. This can be […]
Avoid the Auto Shop Squeeze With These Simple Tips
If you don’t know a crescent wrench from an Allen wrench, have never changed a spark plug, or think a serpentine belt is something a snake uses to keep its pants up, chances are you’re not taking the DIY approach when it comes to vehicle repair. There’s nothing wrong with that–we all have scant free […]
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 […]
All You Need to Know About Ford EV Batteries & Maintenance
Buying your first electric vehicle (EV) is an exciting prospect—but like many drivers, you might find yourself hesitating. While you might have been intimidated by the price years ago, you’ll notice that EV vehicles are more affordable today than ever before, thanks mostly to a decrease in the cost of lithium-ion batteries. Despite this relief, […]
What Should a Full Chevy Tune-Up Include? Here’s What You Should Know
Keeping your Chevy tuned is essential to extending its longevity and getting the most out of your vehicle beyond the basic warranty cut-off date. Oftentimes, when you want the absolute best for the vehicle, you will aim to get a complete tune-up, especially if there are several nagging issues or you want more than just […]
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. […]
Resurfacing vs Replacing Brake Rotors: What You Need to Know
There are plenty of reasons why you might need to visit your local Ford or Toyota service center. Some are no cause for concern, like coming in for a regularly scheduled oil change or tire rotation, but when you’re having issues (especially issues with your braking system), things can get a little scarier—and a little […]
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 […]
How to Prepare for Shopping for a Pre-Owned SUV
Searching for your next vehicle can feel overwhelming; from figuring out finances to choosing what features matter most to you, car shopping is full of asking questions and making decisions. This can be especially true when shopping pre-owned because it presents a whole extra set of questions and decisions—thus, you might find yourself wondering if […]
Engine Knocking? Let’s Explore Some Common Culprits
While police sirens might run a close second, few sounds can ruin a drive as quickly as an engine knock. One moment you’re headed down the road in peace, and the next your engine is making that tell-tale pinging noise that will have you headed straight for the nearest service station. Sounds can be subjective, […]
Oil Starvation: the Preventable Disaster
Oil Starvation: The Preventable Disaster I don’t really know what triggered your need to learn about this, but it doesn’t matter. Either something gave you the heebie-jeebies and sent you looking for the causes of oil starvation so you can avoid them, or something terrible has already happened to your car, and you’re trying to […]
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 […]
10 Tips for Proper Maintenance After Off-Roading
Regardless of what kind of vehicle you have, proper maintenance and routine service are the most important things you can do to keep it running perfectly. This is even more crucial if you have a ride that you like to take off-road, since you’re putting your truck or SUV through much more abuse than the […]
Repairs and Maintenance That Can Improve Your Vehicle’s Resale Value
There are plenty of drivers who don’t start thinking about their car’s resale value until they’re about to sell it or trade it in for something new. Unfortunately, by that point, it’s too late to do a lot of the things that can make your vehicle a more valuable asset. If you really want to […]
Oil Change 101: When Should You Change Your Oil?
Changing your oil is vehicle maintenance 101. Regular oil changes must be carried out to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. But this might leave you wondering when to start searching for an “oil change near me.” Knowing when to schedule a regular oil change can be confusing if you don’t know what “regular” […]