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 […]
Category: Maintenance
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” […]
The Trouble with Car Batteries in a Winter Wonderland
The holidays have passed, and the weather outside is still very frightful. You’re (hopefully) nice and warm indoors, just thinking about how your car battery is holding up against the terrible conditions of a deep, bitter winter. I’ve got to say; it’s a suspiciously specific thought unless you recently experienced a dead battery or know […]
Mile After Mile: Common Honda Civic Repairs
You would be hard-pressed to find a brand more respected in terms of reliability than Honda. This Japanese manufacturer has always exhibited the perfect blend of performance and practicality, producing vehicles that are fuel-efficient, sustainable, safe, and sporty. Very few models have gained the fame and admiration of the Honda Civic, which is one of […]
Make Motorcycle Maintenance Part of Your Routine
I don’t care what kind of vehicle you have: proper maintenance is the most important thing you can do to get the most from your ride. This is doubly true if you’ve got a motorcycle, however, since there are far fewer layers of stuff between you and the moving parts of your vehicle. It’s easy […]
Motorcycle Chain Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know
How much thought do you give to the chain on your motorcycle? Motorcycle chain maintenance is integral to your bike’s performance and your safety in the saddle. The chain connects the engine and gearbox to the rear wheel, causing it to turn and move the motorcycle. The rear wheel on a middleweight motorcycle sees the […]
4 Common Honda Civic Repairs and How to Avoid Them
By nearly any measurement, the Honda Civic is a success story. As America’s best-selling passenger car for six years running, the humble compact has dominated the segment for over a decade with no sign of letting up. In fact, Honda estimates that the Civic accounted for as much as 25 percent of sales in the […]
How to Maintain a Toyota SUV
Whether you’re someone who likes to do all of the work on your vehicle yourself, prefers to have a certified expert handle it all, or falls somewhere in between with a combination of both options, it’s vital that you know how and when to take care of things for your car. When looking into any […]
Why You Should Get Your Next Oil Change at a Dealership
Drivers looking for an oil change have no shortage of options. While the D.I.Y. approach is always on the table, fewer and fewer drivers are choosing to do the job themselves in favor of professional service from quick lube joints, auto shops, and dealerships. Among these three options, quick lube and auto shops remain the […]