As a new parent, I can relate to the stress of figuring out what you need and don’t need for your new baby. Do you really need a bottle sterilizer, wipe warmer, or white noise machine? Every family and every baby is different, but it’s a different ball game when you try to take your […]
Find Shifting Success With These Manual Transmission Maintenance Tips
While many drivers enjoy the convenience of an automatic transmission, some will tell you that there’s no substitute for a manual transmission. From fuel savings and lower repair costs to the sense of control and pure thrills they can provide, there are certainly a number of advantages that come with rowing your own gears. Maintenance […]
A Look at the Various Ways You Can Rain-Proof Your Windshield
When I first moved from Pennsylvania to the Sunshine State, I decided it would be a good idea to put some Rain-X glass water repellent on my windshield. After all, it was a two-day journey, and I was bound to run into some bad weather along the way, especially once I got to Florida. It […]
Keeping Up With Automatic Transmission Maintenance
The automatic transmission is a marvel of modern engineering, freeing up a driver’s right hand and providing a superior level of convenience when compared to manual transmissions. While they’re not for every driver, most have come to appreciate the myriad advantages an automatic transmission can offer. They are a lot easier to master than a […]
How to Maintain the 3.0L Duramax Engine in Your GMC
So you’ve bought a GMC Sierra 1500 pickup or Yukon SUV with a Duramax 3.0L diesel engine for the first time. Congratulations—you now have the torque you need for work, hauling, and off-road exploring while getting better fuel mileage than any of the gas-powered engine options. There’s one big question, though: what about service? Diesel […]
Beat the Heat With These Five Car-Cooling Products
Nothing can ruin a nice summer ride faster than feeling like you’re cruising around town in a mobile sauna. A good air conditioning system is a vital part of modern automotive design. As of 2022, it now comes standard on every model for sale in the U.S. market. (That might seem like a surprisingly recent […]
How to Best Maintain Your Four-Wheel Drivetrain
A four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle can be a valuable addition to any garage, allowing a driver to tackle some of the most challenging road conditions, put in some serious work, or unwind at their local off-road trails with confidence. That said, 4WD vehicles require a little more TLC than their two-wheel-drive cousins. It’s a small […]
The Ultimate Guide to Bleeding Your Brakes
Is your brake pedal no longer feeling as solid as it used to—or worse, going straight to the floor when you press on it? Then you may be overdue for a brake bleed. This process is as important as changing pads or any other brake service to keep your vehicle working its best. However, plenty […]
Heads Up! What to Look for in an Aftermarket HUD
From countless sci-fi spaceships to the very literal versions sported by the likes of Iron Man, the Predator, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800, few pieces of tech so well encapsulate cutting-edge futurism as a head-up display. The ability to see relevant driving stats projected directly into your field of vision can make any car, truck, or […]
The 10 Coolest Factory Accessories for Your Silverado 1500
Ordering a Silverado 1500 as-is with no modifications will give you a solid, dependable, and powerful truck. But what’s the fun in that? The truck is going to be yours for years to come, and a few accessories will help you get even more from every drive. You’re not limited to the aftermarket, either. Whether […]
Simplifying Your Maintenance With Oil Life Monitors
Ask any driver when they should change their oil and they’ll almost reflexively answer with the standard 3,000 miles. This bit of automotive wisdom has been passed down through the ages, but it’s not as relevant as it once was. While 3,000 miles was once the benchmark for oil changes, advances in engine, oil, and […]
Hooked on Off-Roading? Strap in for Recovery Gear 101
When the going gets tough, the tough turn to recovery hooks and tow straps. These indispensable pieces of off-road gear are a must-have for any driver looking to test their mettle against the road less traveled. They should be part of any driver’s load-out before they set off on the trail. Many of today’s off-road […]
Airbags and Motorcycles: A Look at Motorcycle Airbag Vests
Climbing in the saddle of a motorcycle is inherently risky, but that risk is often worth the reward for riders who appreciate the open-air freedom only riding offers. Unlike cars, trucks, or SUVs, motorcycles offer zero protection as you navigate the road. You’re not sitting in a high-strength steel cage but are vulnerable and physically […]
What Is an Ignition Coil?
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 […]