Maintenance

Wouldn’t it be great if our cars told us when something is wrong? In a way, they already do. Modern cars have instrument panels with dozens of symbols and warning indicators. These notify you of basic issues, like the windshield washer fluid is low, as well as possibly dangerous problems.…

A functioning defrosting system is key to getting around on a frozen morning. Some of the issues that require defroster repair are more in depth than the scope of this article and may require the assistance of a seasoned mechanic, but there are a few common defroster problems that can…

Automatic transmission filter maintenance can sometimes feel a little more like voodoo than science. With so many automakers advertising “lifetime” transmission fluids that never need to be swapped out, you might think that the same also goes for the filter inside these gearboxes. The actual truth is a little more…

Mild temperatures are ideal for the body as well as for machines. Under extreme conditions, humans and automobiles struggle, with the latter prone to outright failure. Your car’s battery is especially susceptible when operating in adverse conditions. The effect of temperature on battery life becomes particularly evident during the winter…

Halloween’s spookiness is all in good fun, but nightmare car issues can be all too real. It’s easy to get complacent about your car when it’s working happily, but neglecting it over time can end up making your time together more horror story than love story. Here’s what you need…

Car floor mats do the job of protecting your interior from the horror show of nasty stuff on your shoes. In the summer, they collect sand from the beach. In the winter, they collect snow, salt, and dirt. Throughout the year, they keep debris from getting ground into your carpets…

Truck oil plays a key role in the performance of your pickup. It dissipates heat, keeps the engine lubricated, and shields it from damage. Choosing the right type of oil can do a great deal to preserve the life of your truck’s engine. The two main types of truck oil…

Shocks and struts, shock absorbers and MacPherson struts to be exact, typically last 20,000 to 60,000 miles before requiring replacement. Insufficient shock absorption is a typical concern, but shock or strut replacement may be necessary for several reasons. Poor handling, excessive corner roll, brake dive, or acceleration squat might require…

Some of the most successful people you know share one important trait: they’re always learning. Indeed, to excel at what you do, you must seek continuous improvement. The Japanese coined a term for this, kaizen, which means to make positive changes regularly. For the do-it-yourself mechanic, there are several ways…

Learning how to sharpen a chainsaw is essential to getting your season started right and saving yourself some money in the process. Why pay $20 for a new chain when you can sharpen your chainsaw yourself? A sharp chainsaw is a safe chainsaw, as it’s less likely to kick back…