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Car Questions (Page 4)

Car Questions

Auto reporters cover and answer to simple car questions.

By Timothy Boyer on February 22, 2024 - 11:23AM
Here’s an important consideration I almost missed when buying a new 2024 RAV4 Hybrid this past week while trying to save money.
By Timothy Boyer on February 21, 2024 - 11:04AM
Here are the basics of how a muffler works and one reason why an aftermarket Cherry Bomb or similar non-OEM glass pack muffler might be a bad idea for your car.
By Denis Flierl on February 21, 2024 - 6:38AM
There are five critical settings you need to know about on your newer Subaru that will make a big difference in how it drives. If you drive a Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, or another all-wheel-drive Subaru model, you'll find my report helpful.
By Timothy Boyer on February 20, 2024 - 6:55PM
Consumer Reports latest listing of fuel-efficient small and midsized SUV model recommendations that can save you money without sacrificing the utility consumers want in today’s SUV.
By Timothy Boyer on February 20, 2024 - 11:20AM
Here is a misunderstood and important motor oil change tip that is another good reason why you should DIY your car’s oil and filter changes.
By Timothy Boyer on February 20, 2024 - 9:37AM
Before shopping for that new 2024 model, be sure to prepare yourself by identifying these common car dealer rip-offs that can inflate your final cost by thousands of dollars.
By Timothy Boyer on February 19, 2024 - 10:23AM
Compact, midsized, and full-sized trucks Consumer Report’s surveys reveal are the ones that make their owners (if not their dogs) happiest.
By Timothy Boyer on February 17, 2024 - 2:08PM
Here is an update of 10 solid, safe, and reliable new models recommended by CR analysts who state that these models have the lowest transaction prices today.
By Timothy Boyer on February 17, 2024 - 10:34AM
Consumer Reports analysts have recently released their latest list of used car, SUV, and truck picks ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 that they would recommend for their friends and family members.
By Timothy Boyer on February 16, 2024 - 9:41AM
Should you replace your worn tires with the same original equipment (OE) tires that came with your car when new? Not always, warns this tire expert. Especially when it comes to expected tire life and performance.
By Timothy Boyer on February 15, 2024 - 2:13PM
A new scam warning for car shoppers who need to know how to avoid buying a stolen car from Carvana or other dealerships.
By Timothy Boyer on February 13, 2024 - 10:48AM
Cheaper oil begs the question “Is my car engine getting the additives it needs to ensure long-lasting performance when buying a less expensive motor oil?” Here’s one analysis comparing Kirkland motor oil with Mobil 1.
By Timothy Boyer on February 12, 2024 - 11:41PM
Can a brand-new vehicle really be legally sold as-is without the protections new vehicle owners expect? Here’s a lesson many new vehicle owners learn the hard way and how you can avoid this trap.
By John Goreham on February 12, 2024 - 3:37PM
If you dislike being blinded by oncoming traffic at night, read on.
By Timothy Boyer on February 12, 2024 - 10:13AM
Aging headlights can reduce your nighttime view to roughly 145 feet compared to 363 feet when new. These test results of 7 leading headlight restoration brands reveal one clear winner which DIY brand is the best.
By Timothy Boyer on February 11, 2024 - 10:30AM
Here’s a $3,500 reason why you should buy a Toyota over a Ford today.
By Timothy Boyer on February 9, 2024 - 10:29AM
According to Consumer Reports surveys, these 3-year-old mid-sized Toyota SUVs score either above or well above average in reliability and offer exceptional value to used car shoppers.
By Timothy Boyer on February 8, 2024 - 10:16AM
For Ford F-150 owners with the 5.0-liter Coyote engine, here is a must-know about the top 5 most common coolant leak sources and what you can do about them.
By Timothy Boyer on February 7, 2024 - 9:02AM
Here are 12 models Consumer Reports analysts report that have proven themselves capable of reaching at least 200,000 miles and more in many cases where owners followed one key bit of advice.
By Timothy Boyer on February 6, 2024 - 9:49AM
According to Consumer Reports analysts, these domestic models are the highest scoring for shoppers looking for new vehicles from traditional U.S. brands.
By Denis Flierl on January 31, 2024 - 8:58AM
How do you get the best fuel mileage from your Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, or another all-wheel-drive model? Here are ten tips to help you squeeze the most out of a tank of gas.
By Timothy Boyer on January 28, 2024 - 8:51AM
Oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine. Does new unused, unopened motor oil ever go bad? One motor oil expert recommends two simple ways to test your unused oil at home.
By Denis Flierl on January 28, 2024 - 6:36AM
The value of your Subaru vehicle could drop if you do these seven things. Check out this report to see what to do and what not to do.
By Timothy Boyer on January 27, 2024 - 10:01AM
Here’s a warning about what out-of-state license plate you need to be wary of when buying a used car.
By Timothy Boyer on January 26, 2024 - 6:39PM
Here’s a quick review of 10 tools every mechanic needs according to one popular YouTube mechanic, plus some Harbor Freight tool recommendations from this writer.
By Timothy Boyer on January 26, 2024 - 4:06PM
Here is an informative explanation of what you should be doing to ensure your EV battery life remains optimal, and why this expert says it really does not matter…but it actually does.
By Timothy Boyer on January 25, 2024 - 4:41PM
These seven fuel-efficient 5-year-old nonhybrid midsized sedans are a smart and satisfying buy according to a new Consumer Reports analysis.
By Timothy Boyer on January 24, 2024 - 10:34AM
Learn how to stop that plastic oil pan leak on your Ford F-150 with the best foolproof step-by-step instructions and demo that will help you do it like a professional mechanic.
By Timothy Boyer on January 23, 2024 - 5:25PM
When it comes to what new models are the most searched on the Consumer Reports’ website, CR analysts created a new “Most Popular” list to aid your new car shopping research.
By Denis Flierl on January 23, 2024 - 6:47AM
What sets the 2024 Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, Ascent, and Solterra apart from other SUVs? Check out one Subaru feature you'll want this winter.