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, […]
What to Know About Laminated Glass
Almost everyone reading this has experienced at least one chip or crack in their vehicle windshield. Have you wondered why the windshield simply cracks instead of breaking into thousands of tiny pieces when a rock strikes? You can thank laminated glass for that. Pioneered in the early 1900s just as the automotive industry was finding […]
Affordable Life-Saving Tools to Keep in Your Car
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 […]
The Importance of Following Your Ford F-150 Lightning’s Maintenance Schedule
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 […]
Emergency Kits 101: Building the Best First Aid and Roadside Kits for Your Vehicle
Do you ever think of worst-case scenarios when you’re behind the wheel? While scenarios like your car launching off the river bridge often (and thankfully) only play out on the silver screen, there’s a lot to be said for being prepared and expecting the unexpected. I spent years working with civilians and responders in tactical […]
A Buyer’s Guide to Portable Tire Inflators
It’s easy to take care of low air pressure at a gas station, but what if you’re out in the middle of nowhere and don’t want to risk causing more serious damage during the miles you’ll have to drive to get to an air pump? Having a portable tire inflator in the trunk can give […]
Antilock Brake Basics: Understanding Your Stopping Power in Emergencies and Slippery Situations
How often have you driven in icy conditions? Have you ever slammed on your brakes to avoid a collision? The slip and slide of wintry roads is not an experience for the faint of heart, and neither is a situation that requires emergency braking. Drivers are left with a white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel […]
Don’t Stress About Mess: Tips for Keeping Your Car Tidy
Let’s face it: life on the go means eating and drinking in your car, not to mention toting all kinds of possibly sloppy items around. These are common occurrences in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or setting off on a road trip adventure, grabbing a quick meal or a snack […]
9 Reasons Your Car Won’t Start
It’s always a panic-stricken moment when your car won’t start, and it rarely happens when you have the time to figure it out; usually, it’s when you’re running late that that awful series of events happens: you put the key in the ignition, turn it, maybe hear a slight purr of the engine, a few […]
Why and How to Replace Your Cabin Air Filter
You’ve gotten your oil changed, battery checked, tires rotated, fluids topped off… but is anything missing? When you’re completing routine maintenance on your vehicle, it’s important to make sure you check your car’s air filter to ensure it’s still doing its critical job. Many drivers don’t realize what a big role it plays until they […]
Get Your Paws on These Pet-Friendly Car Accessories
From running off-leash to sniffing a particularly interesting pile of leaves, dogs tend to be enthusiastic about almost everything under the sun. That said, car rides certainly seem to rank at the top of the list. The rattle of keys or a subtle move toward the door can cause any dog to jump around in […]
Car Recall Basics: Everything You Need to Know and More
Customers looking for a Ford service center don’t always need a routine service like an oil change or tire rotation. Sometimes, you might need these trusted mechanics to handle a recall for your car, truck, or SUV. What is a recall? When did manufacturers start issuing them, and why? More importantly, why should you never […]
Mixed Nuts: Breaking Down Popular Lug Nut Styles
If you’ve ever assembled an Ikea couch or any other flat-pack furniture, you might have completed the project only to be left with a few surplus nuts and bolts. In many cases these extra bits of hardware are purposely included as a backup, but they can still have you re-reading the inscrutable instructions and trying […]
Used SUV Care: The Fluids You Should Check and Change
SUVs are the most popular vehicles among drivers and have many advantages, such as versatility, safety, and storage. A used SUV is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment that can last thousands of miles and several years if properly maintained. After digging through the numerous used SUVs for sale, you just returned from the dealership and found […]
Nine Ways to Get Ready to Enjoy Your New Vehicle
Getting a new car can sometimes feel like getting into a new relationship. You learned enough to know you want to commit but still have much more to discover. You probably know from past vehicles that you feel completely different in your vehicle one week into ownership versus one year. No matter how experienced of […]
The Open and Shut Case of Hood and Liftgate Strut Replacement
Life behind the wheel doesn’t come without its risks, but sustaining a head injury while unloading your groceries or refilling your windshield wiper fluid shouldn’t be one of them. The hood and liftgate struts found in many of today’s cars, trucks, and SUVs offer a convenient way to access the engine or rear storage area––right […]
Preparing Your Car for Success With a Track Alignment
Transforming a daily driver into a track car can require a substantial investment. From new shocks and engine tuning to upgraded brakes, tires, and exhaust systems, many fledgling track racers will soon understand why the pros need to plaster their rides with advertisements to help foot the bill. But while it’s easy to focus on […]
Exploring Cadillac’s Comfort Advantage
As a brand that’s built its name on luxury, Cadillac never treats comfort as an afterthought. While power, style, and convenience all play a vital role in the Cadillac formula, it’s the automaker’s reputation for a smooth, refined ride that has allowed the company to dominate the American luxury market. Cadillac has emphasized comfort through […]
What You Need to Know About the Ford Edge Transmission and Maintenance Schedules
The Ford Edge hasn’t been around for as long as some of Ford’s other nameplates, having only come onto the market with the 2007 model year. Over the three generations it has been available, the Edge has maintained a fairly consistent powertrain configuration. It started with a six-speed automatic and eventually evolved over the years […]
Tackling Dust, Dirt, and Grime: The Best Interior Car Cleaning Products
What does the interior of your car look like? Car owners typically fall on two ends of the spectrum. Some make it a priority to keep the interior of their cars clean, regularly cleaning the cabin as part of their auto service routine. Others take a more laid-back approach, letting the accouterments of everyday life […]
Get Pumped With Our Guide to Tire Pressure
Along with refilling the windshield washer fluid and checking the dipstick, using a tire pressure gauge is often one of the first basic car maintenance tasks that every driver will learn. When compared to changing your oil, rotating your tires, and replacing belts and filters, this simple chore might seem relatively inconsequential, but that couldn’t […]