They might be maligned by some car enthusiasts who prefer a traditional automatic or manual transmission, but do continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) really deserve their bad rap? Once reserved for budget-friendly models, CVTs have found their way into an increasing number of luxury and performance vehicles over the last decade. From the Acura Integra and […]
Key Fobs: Everything You Should Know About This Tech-Savvy Tool
The jingling of car keys sounds much different today than decades ago when drivers relied on physical keys to open car doors, unlock the trunk, and turn the ignition. Today, the key fob jangle is much different and far more convenient. These tech-savvy fobs unlock the car door as we approach and let us engage […]
Convenience Store: Accessories to Elevate Your Driving Experience
Car modifications come in all shapes and sizes. From cold-air intakes, turbochargers, and performance exhaust systems designed to max out horsepower to spoilers, sport tires, and body kits that can turn even some of the most mundane models into ready-made racers, mods give drivers the opportunity to create a bespoke driving experience. While these flashier, […]
The Grinch’s Guide to Winter Car Care
Everyone on the road loves the holidays a lot, but cold weather can put drivers in a tough spot. Most drivers hate snow, ice, and road salt, which can bring your Christmas travel plans to a halt. It could be you don’t know your way around a shovel, or think clearing your roof is just […]
Choosing a Spare Tire vs an Inflation Kit for Emergency Repairs
It’s practically inevitable you’ll eventually find yourself with a flat tire. Multiple sources report that roughly 220 million flat tires occur in the US every year—and on average, a driver will experience five flat tires in their lifetime. Although roadside assistance and towing services can get your car to safety, this will take a lot […]
Replacing LED Headlights and Tail Lights
Does your Ford have a headlight or tail light that’s out? That’s inconvenient, but you’ll want to ensure that gets fixed as soon as possible. Aside from safety and visibility concerns, you certainly don’t want law enforcement catching you with a burnt-out headlight. Nobody likes getting a ticket. Just like all things, it can be […]
Tell Freeloaders to Bug Off With These Pest-Proofing Tips
Drivers investing in a 25-year-old conversion van don’t typically expect stellar gas mileage, but I still found myself mystified about the lackluster efficiency of my used 1999 GMC Savana 1500. While posting 10 or 11 MPG is a small price to pay for a vacation home on four wheels, the internet insisted that I should […]
Jumper Cable vs. Jump Pack: Which is Better for an Emergency?
It’s dark. It’s raining. It’s cold. You just have to tick this last grocery shopping errand off the to-do list, and then you’re back on the road for a cozy weekend at home. You throw the wet bags in the back, jump in the driver’s seat, turn the ignition key, and nothing happens. With cold […]
What You Need to Know About Strut Replacement
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 […]
Your Guide to Towing With a Winch: From Operating Basics to Safety Tips
So, you recently bought a truck or an SUV with a winch, or installed a winch or your vehicle; now what? A winch is an incredibly versatile tool that can help you explore more technical terrain confidently. Why? The winch mounted on your bumper can help get you or another vehicle out of a dicey […]
What Is Traction Control?
Since 2012, all new cars sold in the US have been required to have a traction control system (TCS). First developed in the early 1970s, traction control was introduced to help prevent “wheel spin” due to loss of grip. Multiple studies have confirmed the effectiveness of traction control in reducing accidents. Not surprisingly, the technology […]
What Are Emergency Brakes and How Do They Work?
Every vehicle is equipped with an emergency brake, also known as a parking brake or a handbrake. The emergency brake locks the wheels of your vehicle to help keep the vehicle from unintentionally moving. In other words, the emergency brake is designed primarily to hold your already parked car in place. The best use of […]
Get Ready for Snow: Prep Your Winter Emergency Kit
It’s that time of year again to make sure your vehicle is ready for the winter. There are quite a few ways you should go about this, including making sure your battery is in good shape, checking and replacing your windshield wipers, and perhaps adding antifreeze to your washer fluid. This is also the time […]
How to Pick the Right Motorcycle Helmet
If you’re getting ready to buy a motorcycle, then you need a helmet. Even if you live in one of the states that do not have a helmet law, riding with a helmet is a much more comfortable experience and increases your chances of surviving a crash by roughly 40%. However, there are a ton […]
Get a Grip With Our Guide to Tire Chains
If you want to improve your vehicle’s traction in tough winter conditions, you have two options. The first is switching out your regular all-season tires for a set of snow tires. This annual rite of passage might make sense for those living in the colder reaches of the country, but for those who are less […]
Don’t Slack Off With Our Guide to Motorcycle Chain Tightening and Replacement
Motorcycles are relatively easy to maintain compared to their four-wheeled counterparts. Many of the most important parts are easily accessible, and the drivetrain is simple to understand compared to the inner workings of a car, truck, or SUV. For decades, riders have found a certain zen in performing their own maintenance and repairs, which allows […]
Dashboard Diagnostics: What To Do When You Get a Check Engine Light
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 […]
Options for Replacing and Upgrading Motorcycle Levers
Having the right levers on your bike is for more than looks. Motorcycle levers are crucial for performance, affecting how well the bike shifts and brakes and how comfortable your ride is. Unfortunately, as one of the more exposed parts of the bike and often one of the more brittle, they are highly susceptible to […]
Keep Your Vehicle Looking Its Best: Stain Fighting 101
From precariously piled ice cream cones and tubes of bright red lipstick to nail polish, crumbs, sticky soda, and more, your vehicle’s upholstery is under constant assault from a variety of unsightly antagonists that are all conspiring to leave their mark. There are some ways to reduce the likelihood of a potential spill, but aside […]
Is DIY Head Gasket Repair A Good Idea?
The head gasket isn’t the only gasket you’ll find under the hood of your car, truck, or SUV, but it’s definitely the most important. This simple-looking part is responsible for sealing the space between your engine block and cylinder head, and it plays a major role in your vehicle’s safe, effective operation. Head gaskets are […]
A Flurry of Pre-Winter Maintenance Tips
Each season has its own unique demands, but winter is easily one of the more trying. From icy roads and frost heaves to low temperatures, shorter and darker days, and the visibility issues that can come with towering snowbanks, drivers can easily find themselves in hot water when it comes to navigating their vehicles through […]