As time has marched on, more and more aspects of a vehicle’s functionality are controlled electronically instead of mechanically. This goes hand in hand with the incorporation of Engine Control Units (ECUs) within a vehicle to puppeteer it all. In the late 20th century, the EPA started tightening up emission standards, leading to fuel-efficient ECU […]
The Basics of DIY Tire Maintenance
When it comes to taking care of your car, things like oil changes, filter replacements, and battery checks are all important – but don’t forget about your tires! Tire service isn’t complex; it just takes a little time and a willingness to get your hands dirty. If you have a spare Saturday afternoon and a […]
How to Use Every Steering Wheel Control on Your 2022 Chevy Traverse
As we march into the 2022 model year, Chevrolet continues its commitment to engineering technologies that make driving safer and more convenient, with a touch of luxury added in for enhanced driving pleasure. The 2022 Chevy Traverse is loaded with great features, but most drivers don’t realize how many of them are literally at their […]
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Differentials
Listen up class, today we are going to dive into the wonderful world of differentials. Now some of you might be thinking that a powertrain starts with the engine and ends with the transmission, but that would be a mistake. In fact, differentials are one of the most important and least appreciated aspects of powertrain […]
Hands on the Wheel – GMC Acadia Steering Wheel Controls
Do you remember when the steering wheel just steered the car in whatever direction you wanted to go without any fuss? Simply a plain, circular control mechanism, the steering wheel only performed the most basic of functions, yet now, you’re able to control virtually every aspect of your vehicle from your steering wheel with just […]
Bluetooth and Smartphone Integration: A How-To Guide for the 2022 Toyota Corolla
Purchasing a new car like the 2022 Toyota Corolla is exciting, from that new car smell that wafts through the interior to the intuitive connectivity features at your fingertips. Toyota doesn’t shy away from offering the latest technology, and that’s especially true on the Corolla that allows you to connect your smartphone via Bluetooth, Apple […]
How to Start Your 2022 Chevy Trailblazer When the Fob Battery Dies
You hit the keyless entry button on the door to unlock your 2022 Chevy Trailblazer… and nothing happens. No welcoming bleep to let you know the door unlocks, no flashes of lights. Because you’re human, you hit the button again, but still no bleep. Your Trailblazer is now as good to you as all the […]
14 Tools You Need to Get Serious Working on Cars
Most automotive DIY work can be accomplished with a fairly basic set of tools – but some people will always want to do more. Whether that means tackling major repair work, restoring classic cars, or taking car mods to the next level, then you are going to need a more serious set of tools. While […]
Yes, You Can DIY Most of Your Rogue Sport’s Maintenance
The nimble 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport is popular for the essentially maintenance-free ownership experience it promises. Nissan has designed the Rogue Sport with long-lasting components and includes a robust warranty that covers everything for years. It’s a DIY car guy’s dream because it’s possible to perform all the basics at home in your own garage. […]
Oil Change 101: The Whys And Hows
While we rarely see or even think about it, motor oil is one of the most vital substances in your vehicle. Motor oil lubricates the moving parts of your vehicle’s engine, helping to keep everything running smoothly and playing a vital role in slowing down the inevitable wear-and-tear. Unless you have an electric vehicle, oil […]
Top 5 Tire Tips Every Driver Should Know
Cruising down the dusty backroads during summer, navigating rain-slicked streets in the spring, and cautiously maneuvering on icy winter roads all call for specific tires. Not every driver will want to have the same set of tires on their vehicle all year long, and depending on where you live and what you drive, winter, summer, […]
Know Your Belts and Chains
Timing belt, serpentine belt, V-belt, fan belt – that’s a lot of different belts to keep straight. And what’s the difference between a timing belt and a timing chain, or are they just two names for the same thing? Well, get ready, because today we are going to explain all those spinning belts under the […]
6 Easy Car Care Routines You Shouldn’t Skip
Even if you have a mechanic you trust or a dealership where you can get affordable auto service near you, it’s still a good idea to take care of some things yourself. I’m not about to tell you to rebuild your engine or fix your transmission if you don’t have a lot of experience with […]
Alternators 101: How They Work And When To Replace Them
From components as vital as headlights and power steering to less-than-essential features like your sound system and heated seats, there are few parts of your vehicle that aren’t somehow reliant on an electrical current. While we might understandably assume that it’s the 40-pound battery under the hood that’s keeping our phones charged and favorite tunes […]
Pro Tips for Tires that Tow
If you’re eager to hit the open road and you’re looking to pull a trailer, then you’ll need the right tires. Rest assured that there are cheap tires that can meet your towing needs without breaking the bank and still provide a safe and comfortable ride. However, if you have some serious towing planned, you […]
14 Tools to Have Before You Work on Your Car
Although sometimes you need a professional to handle serious work on your vehicle, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction that comes with working on your car and fixing something yourself. However, you need two things before you do any work on your vehicle: an understanding of how to do the task and the right tools […]
How to Choose the Right Level of Performance Tires
So you’ve just bought a new car, and you can’t wait to visit the tire shop, toss those factory all-seasons, and get some real performance tires. The only question is, which ones? There are a ton of tire manufacturers out there producing high-quality products, and we aren’t going to get into the minutia of which […]
D.I.Y. vs the Pros: When to Tackle Your Own Auto Repairs and When to Seek Help
Arthur C. Clarke, legendary science fiction writer and author of “2001: A Space Odyssey” famously said that “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” While we all understand the inner workings of our vehicles in theory, that Clarke quote might seem particularly relevant to anyone who’s ever popped the hood only to be faced […]
What Are Torque Specs and Why Should I Care?
If you have ever done any car work or seen a set of installation schematics, you’ve probably seen some strange abbreviations in the instructions. Some you probably find very useful, but some may seem irrelevant or confusing. While you may be tempted to write off torque specs as unnecessary, ignoring them can result in anything […]
How to Give Your Silverado an Oil Change
Many vehicles these days are getting increasingly complex to the point where even basic maintenance requires special tools. Not so with the Silverado. This powerful truck is highly capable and powerful, yet still mechanically simple and quite easy to perform basic maintenance on. While a rocket scientist will scratch their head in distress when asked […]
14 Tools You Need to Maintain Your Car
If you are jumping into DIY car maintenance for the first time, good for you! It’s a great way to better understand how your car is running, and you can save a lot of time and money by fixing things yourself instead of taking your car to a mechanic. However, the secret to successful auto […]