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 […]
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 […]
Be Sure to Do Your Routine Summer Maintenance
If you’re like me and you grew up in Arizona, then you know summer to be the time when you need to do everything you can to avoid the apocalyptic rays of the sun and escape those scorching temperatures that aim to sear your brain. But for everyone else, summer is when you want to […]
Understanding Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Few drivers ever take a moment during their daily commute to appreciate just how much is going on under the hood of their vehicle. From cylinders firing hundreds of times per minute to spinning shafts, whirring pumps, and rotating belts, it’s a veritable symphony of automotive harmony…until something goes wrong. Today’s vehicles are a marvel […]
Are OEM Car Batteries a Smart Buy?
There are a lot of options available when it comes to car batteries. Not only does virtually every auto parts chain have its own battery line—such as Auto Zone’s Duralast and O’Reilly’s Super Start—but many car manufacturers have now gotten in on the game with options like Ford Motorcraft and Toyota TrueStart batteries. These OEM […]
Getting the Most Out of a Self-Service Car Wash
The struggle to keep your vehicle clean is a tale as old as time. From road salt in the winter to long, dry, dusty summers, there is no shortage of forces conspiring to contaminate your car, which is what makes regular car washes so important. This Sisyphean task has even been immortalized in popular song, […]
Stay Cool: Understanding Your Car’s AC
It isn’t until we’re desperately looking for car AC repair near me that we give much thought to the system that keeps us cool behind the wheel. By then, it’s too late, and we’re either faced with an air conditioner that doesn’t work and blows warm air, or one that smells or sounds funny. It […]
Spare Parts For Less: Are Aftermarket Parts Worth It?
If you’re looking to customize your vehicle, increase performance, or save a little money on your next repair, aftermarket parts are worth a closer look. While they often get second-billing to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket components are normally just as reliable while carrying a much lower price tag. That said, not all aftermarket […]
Top Tips: How to Maintain Your Soft Top Convertible
From the wind-in-your-hair feeling to cruising down the road with sunshine on your face, there’s a lot to love about the convertible lifestyle. For the uninitiated, the segment is largely broken down into two categories: soft tops and hard tops. A soft top convertible is any model with a vinyl or fabric roof covering, as […]
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, […]
Rubber Match: Comparing Summer and All-Season Tires
A dedicated set of summer tires can have a noticeable effect on overall vehicle performance, control, and comfort. Summer tires—also commonly known as performance tires—might not be as versatile as the all-season tires typically found on most vehicles, but if you’re looking to unlock the potential of your sports car, performance vehicle, or EV, they’ll […]
Understanding Your Stopping Power: The Different Types of Automotive Brakes
You may not give your brakes much thought, but they are essential to your safety behind the wheel and your vehicle’s performance. For example, you engage the brake pedal in rush-hour traffic, maintaining a safe distance from the truck slowing down ahead of you. Likewise, you use the brakes to slow your speed on the […]
Tidying Up: The Pros and Cons of Motorcycle Tail Tidies
Whether you’re cruising cross-country on the back of a classic touring bike, carving through hairpin turns on a sport bike, or tackling both on and off-road routes on an adventure bike, customization is a key part of motorcycle culture. From custom gauges and crash bobbins to heated grips, aftermarket indicators, and performance tires, there are […]
Brake Service 101: The Pros and Cons of Tackling This Task Yourself
It’s time to get your brakes checked. While searching for where to find “brake service near me,” you may consider attempting to complete this task on your own to save money. After all, you’re used to changing your own oil and fixing various parts in your car that have worn out over time, so why […]
Addressing Check Engine Anxiety with OBD2 Scanners
We’ve all been there: you’re cruising down the road, enjoying a pleasant drive, when suddenly a glaring orange light pops on the dashboard. You spot that familiar engine icon, and suddenly your mind is racing with any number of disastrous possibilities. Is the engine about to blow? Has that squeaking sound always been there? When […]
Track Tires, Compared: What’s Right For You?
Breathe in. Breathe out. Your fingers flex around the wheel. Your feet twitch on the pedals. Your eyes dart between the track ahead, and the signal holding you back. The light changes, and in the blink of an eye you spring into action! Your foot slams the accelerator, tires scream as they spin, and spin, […]
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 Keep Your Car’s Windows and Glass Clean
When it comes to proper car care, certain things are definitely more complicated than others; replacing brakes is more complex than an oil change, which is also more involved than simply cleaning your vehicle. And yet, each of these things is still vital in its own way—something like cleaning your windows might seem silly or […]
Four-Wheel Footage: Tips on Installing a Dash Cam
In a world where social media has crept into nearly every facet of daily life, video is king. From viral TikTok dances and Instagram reels to YouTube personalities and Twitch streamers, life is increasingly being served to us at 30 frames per second. This phenomenon has even crept into the automotive world, where onboard video […]
Understanding the Honda i-VTM4 All-Wheel Drive System
The Honda brand is known for a few things: making reliable vehicles that drivers can depend on for many years, offering affordable models in a range of styles, and delivering impressive performance with efficient engines. What you may not know is that Honda also offers one of the most advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) options on […]
Saddle Up Your Smartphone: Tips For Motorcycle Device Mounting
Smartphones have become an indispensable part of everyday life on the road, from checking directions to staying in touch with friends and family. Most modern cars have accepted the fact and offer large infotainment centers that use Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth to mirror your favorite smartphone features in an easy-to-access manner. However, motorcycle […]