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Car Questions (Page 29)

Car Questions

Auto reporters cover and answer to simple car questions.

By John Goreham on February 7, 2023 - 6:08PM
We test and review the four-in-one CTEK CSFREE adaptive battery booster. Here is why you need this.
By John Goreham on February 7, 2023 - 9:39AM
We have tracked every penny spent to maintain a 2018 Mazda CX-5. We run down the costs and include all of the details.
By Timothy Boyer on February 7, 2023 - 9:33AM
Looking for a way to get your kid motivated to learn something about automotive tech without breaking the bank? Here’s how an inexpensive Honda knockoff engine can make that happen.
By Timothy Boyer on February 6, 2023 - 10:13AM
Here’s an opportunity to find out what a respected Toyota mechanic found in this review of the Tesla Model Y that has some surprises you do not normally hear about when it comes to a Tesla vehicle. Plus, why Tesla might not last.
By Timothy Boyer on February 5, 2023 - 10:52AM
Can a 1973 Dodge Dart “garage find” make a good restoration project for this coming Spring? Here’s a recent find that demonstrates what you are more likely than not “find” in garage find, barn find, and field find project vehicles.
By Timothy Boyer on February 4, 2023 - 2:44PM
Looking for a small Toyota that costs less than a Corolla or Camry but can run just as long if properly maintained? Then you will want to see this Mechanic’s review on why he recommends one of Toyota’s smallest Japanese-made models.
By Timothy Boyer on February 4, 2023 - 10:15AM
Here is the latest in a short take on six vehicles that includes a 1953 Chevy truck that this mechanic says literally ruined his customers’ lives by contributing to and compounding bad decisions owners make when it comes to their approach on cars and life.
By Timothy Boyer on February 3, 2023 - 2:05PM
Here’s a great example of the biggest reason why your beloved Toyota is failing to get repaired while hemorrhaging repair costs that you should not have to pay for.
By Timothy Boyer on February 1, 2023 - 11:49AM
Here’s the latest from Consumer Reports on two models of used pickup trucks you should consider from 2020 that proved to be exceptional when it came to reliability and repairs.
By Timothy Boyer on January 30, 2023 - 9:58AM
Here’s the latest test results after pitting several bench grinders against each that includes two Harbor Freight brands that will take the guesswork out of deciding which grinder is the best for the buck...and those you will want to avoid.
By Timothy Boyer on January 29, 2023 - 12:14PM
Here’s the latest on a strange Triton engine noise that could unnecessarily cost you thousands of dollars all because of an unusual noise due to a spark plug problem that is not obvious to many mechanics.
By Timothy Boyer on January 29, 2023 - 11:00AM
According to a recent Consumer Reports warning, what might seem like a good deal right now could turn into a headache later as they offer this advice on why you really should pay attention to a used car's title. Plus, $100 insurance policy every used car buyer should invest in before buying a used car.
By John Goreham on January 27, 2023 - 2:17PM
Jump-starting a car can cause damage to either vehicle and is bad for the rescued car’s battery. CTEK says its CS Free can do the job better.
By Justin Hart on January 27, 2023 - 5:27AM
I have been driving plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and full electric vehicles (EVs) for 12 years. In that time I have learned ways to maximize the efficiency and decrease fueling costs of both my PHEVs and EVs in similar ways. But PHEVs, since they use both gasoline and electricity in hybrid mode on longer distance drives, will typically cost more per mile and be less efficient in terms of energy use as even the most thermally efficient gas engines can’t match the efficiency of equivalently electric motors.
By Timothy Boyer on January 26, 2023 - 4:54PM
Here’s the latest “Best SUV” rating from Consumer Reports that showcases a range of SUVs featuring midsized models with both gas and Hybrid drivetrains that you can buy today under $40,000 that have remarkable reliability, safety, efficiency, and value.
By Timothy Boyer on January 26, 2023 - 2:33PM
Here’s your chance this month to choose a great SUV at a good price with this Consumer Reports recently released list of their recommended best of the best new SUV choices available today.
By Timothy Boyer on January 26, 2023 - 10:45AM
Car features are supposed to make your ride more enjoyable and safer. However, sometimes new features are well designed with the latest tech…but not so well conceived during its planning stages. Here’s the latest about one new car feature that this mechanic says will get thousands of car owners killed.
By Timothy Boyer on January 25, 2023 - 5:05PM
Here’s a summary of the recommended best used midsized SUVs that hit the sweet spot where reliability, size, and 5-year depreciation make these midsized SUVs very attractive for smart shoppers.
By Timothy Boyer on January 25, 2023 - 11:51AM
Today’s news raises concerns that pickup trucks like the Ford F-150 should and will become a thing of the past because they have become bigger, bulkier, and more dangerous.
By Timothy Boyer on January 24, 2023 - 4:15PM
Here’s the latest selection from Consumer Reports on what they found to be 11 models that achieve at least 32 mpg based on their overall fuel-economy test results.
By John Goreham on January 23, 2023 - 2:19PM
Installing a home EV charger is a project worthy of a game plan. Here is what you need to know in order to have a safe result you are happy with.
By Timothy Boyer on January 23, 2023 - 9:57AM
Nothing says misery like trying to take an undercarriage spare tire off during the winter except for having to put it on your car afterward while your hands become numb from the cold. Here’s a heated glove review to help you choose the best heated gloves that actually costs much less than many higher-priced name brands.
By Timothy Boyer on January 21, 2023 - 1:19PM
Would you ever consider buying a 2,000-pound compact car for $2,000? Many car shoppers did just that back in the ‘70s. Here’s a little Ford history that sheds a different light on the often-misunderstood story of the Ford Pinto.
By Timothy Boyer on January 21, 2023 - 10:28AM
The used car market is tight and so are budgets. However, if you are looking for a good used car or SUV model that has proven its worth with a good track record over the past 23 years, here are some model’s analysts at Consumer Reports rate as the best deals that can be found under $5,000.
By Timothy Boyer on January 21, 2023 - 9:22AM
Here’s a great example of why you have to have a second opinion when it comes to repairs from a dealership with the diagnosis that your vehicle is beyond fixing and in need of a new engine based on a check engine light error code. Plus, why having regular maintenance done on your vehicle is no guarantee that it was done correctly by a dealership and can actually make things worse for your car.
By Timothy Boyer on January 19, 2023 - 8:46AM
Does your Ford F-150 have an ongoing transmission leak problem? Find out now about common leak points that are often misdiagnosed.
By Timothy Boyer on January 16, 2023 - 8:20PM
Looking for a used SUV that will save you on fuel and money? Here’s the latest from Consumer Reports on three-row, 5-year-old SUVs with respectable fuel efficiency as a good alternative to buying a new SUV today.
By Timothy Boyer on January 15, 2023 - 9:58AM
Is it okay to switch the type of engine oil you use in your Toyota? Here’s the latest on a Toyota engine oil question one owner asked a Toyota expert if in fact whether they were ruining their engine by doing this. Plus, find out what is the maximum number of miles you really should wait before changing your oil and why manufacturers mislead owners about this point; and, why Toyota is now switching to SAE 0W-16 oil!
By Timothy Boyer on January 14, 2023 - 10:05AM
According to a new Consumer Reports study, their automotive analysts say that these 10 models are selling below their sticker price and are current buyers’ picks of the most discounted new cars and trucks to buy right now.
By Timothy Boyer on January 12, 2023 - 6:18PM
While some Ford engines are notorious for major engine damage due to design, factory assembly, and parts issues, in truth not all blame goes to Ford. Discover now a common way Ford owners wind up destroying their trucks that is absolutely insane!