Car Questions (Page 32)

Do you ever have to worry about your Prius developing a blown head gasket problem? While the Prius is a well-made and well-designed vehicle, just like any motor under high compression and high heat conditions, a blown head gasket is always a possibility---but especially if it is a 3rd generation Prius. Here’s what a blown head gasket and the engine block looks like on a 2013 Prius with some special caveats to its repair you need to know about.

The later year (2010 and beyond) model version of the 2GR-FE engines found in popular Toyota and Lexus models is a good, solid engine except for one “Achilles' Heel.” Here is what a popular Toyota mechanic has to say about it to owners as he discusses and demonstrates what the problem is, why it is so expensive to have fixed, and your options should you own one with this problem.

Here’s a recent update from a Ford mechanic on just why Ford’s 4-cylinder EcoBoost engines are failing car owners and shows what you need to look for when buying a used 4-cylinder Ford.

Here’s the latest on the top 10 best electric cars and SUVs you can buy in 2023. Find out just how safe, reliable and range-efficient these models are that include (but are not limited to) the 2023 Tesla Model 3, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the 2023 Kia EV6 as well as their price tag costs before shopping for that new electric car or electric SUV with the help of this comparison review.

Here’s everything you need to know about catalytic converter theft, and overall car theft with a quick look at which vehicles are targeted the most and why---some of which will likely surprise you.

Who do you go to when your Prius has a problem? Here’s an excellent example of what can happen when the wrong person is working on your Prius according to a Toyota mechanic who had to fix another garage’s mistakes.

Into its second generation of the Ford EcoBoost engine, there remains a timing problem that continues, but does not go away for very long after a repair. Find out now what part this Ford mechanic says Ford owners need to make sure their garage is using when repairing their vehicle’s timing problem with the new and improved part rather than the old failing part Ford is reputedly still trying to unload onto its customers.

Are you looking for the cheapest, most reliable, easiest to fix, and practical used Toyota ever made? Would you believe that it’s a Toyota Echo BMW?! Find out now just what this is all about from a Toyota mechanic who has an interesting car in his garage that he recommends for anyone struggling to get through these tough days of inflated car prices and the rising cost of gasoline.

Here’s the top four best tire brands recently rated by Consumer Reports with recommendations on which models are a good match for your vehicle type and driving conditions.

Do catalytic converter anti-theft products really work as well as advertised? Here’s a review that puts a variety of products to the test that shows that some products do work much better than others. Plus, one example of a low-cost DIY option that works as well as the most expensive of anti-theft products.

Catalytic converter deletes are sometimes recommended as a solution to more than one problem with a car. Is this really ok despite what some popular mechanics and many forum commenters have to say about it? Plus see how a cat delete is done and what it did for a Miata.

We walk you through how to change a keyfob battery in simple-to-follow steps. It is easier than you would guess. Our example is a Mazda, but this will work for most brands.

Are ALL car dealerships dishonest and will say anything to sell you a car? In short, No. However, one automotive expert says that MOST dealerships do resort to unfair practices to con customers and as a result distrust of car dealerships has never been higher. Here’s a recent assessment by a car dealer on why so many dealerships use this one common lie that shows what is so wrong with the industry today.

Here’s a warning to car and truck owners about counterfeit parts you need to be aware of with this example of a Toyota that wound up damaged because of a faked part common to all vehicles. Plus, find out where you really have to go to get Toyota parts.

Is your new truck costing you $1000 or more per month in payments? You are not alone. Here’s what percentages of truck owners are making massive monthly payments over a wide range of truck models.

Here’s a recent recommendation of ten SUVs with proven reliability that can be found under $25,000 that are smart choices for budget-minded used SUV shoppers.

I am one of those nerdy types that keeps track of lots of things in spreadsheets. I track per mile fuel costs for my electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. I also track how much electricity I am using at home versus on the road/away from home. I’m a little extra, I admit. But I wonder, how close are my EV and PHEV in terms of their overall lifecycle emissions?

Here’s the latest on a reminder by a Ford vehicle expert mechanic about a known faulty Ford F-150 transmission problem that he is still seeing repeatedly in his garage. Plus, how to identify whether you have this problem and what you can do about it before a catastrophe happens.

It’s not Halloween just yet, but you may already be seeing signs of Halloween-related vandalism going on in your neighborhood. While some may consider this just some traditional holiday hijinks that are merely an inconvenience, in reality it can easily cost you thousands of dollars in car damage. Find out now the most important measures you can take toward protecting your car this year.

Looking to buy an electric vehicle, but are unsure if you should go for the cheapest electric car available---either new or used? Here’s a recent review by one EV owner that shows what you can expect with this 2012 model he bought for just $3,750!

Here is a recent recommendation of 25 tools under $15 from Harbor Freight that are the little items nice to have in your toolbox and/or gift someone with that are useful and no one who works on cars would ever begrudge. Plus, a few pricier items that includes a special bench vise every mechanic needs---but probably does not have on their bench.

Here’s a report from a Toyota mechanic with his owner’s update and opinion about the things he liked and did not like about his Toyota Camry Hybrid after nearly one year and 5,000 miles. Plus, watch as he demonstrates how to inspect and maintain this model after the first 5,000 miles with recommended tips and tricks you will not find in the manual.

The old saw of “You Get What You Paid For” is nowhere more true than when it comes to auto parts with name brands on them that eventually prove to be inferior quality parts. Here’s the latest on why you should avoid any significantly less expensive auto parts regardless of the name brand claim---even if the seller swears it came from a name brand parts manufacturer.

Very recently two children were wounded by gun fire as each of their fathers got into a road rage incident on the highway and began shooting. Are mandatory prison sentences long overdue for carrying a firearm in a car because cars are an exceptional requirement?

While bicycle carriers are useful for taking your bike to the great outdoors, there are good reasons why you may not want one on your car. Here’s a solution to this problem with this recent best bike recommendations from Consumer Reports.

Do you believe that having your own car lift in your garage is just a pipe dream? Think again and discover just how affordable and doable it is to make that dream come true as well. Plus, learn about a few other tools such as a one-size-fits-all socket that can make automotive work more enjoyable and not have to carry a heavy toolbox in the trunk for roadside emergencies.

Are you thinking about buying a bank repossessed vehicle from a dealer or considering buying a few as a business? Here’s some useful information from a car dealer in the business that can be enlightening if you are considering either of the above.

Part replacement is a double-edged sword. Either the OEM part is too expensive (or unavailable); or, the much cheaper aftermarket option is too inferior to rely on. Here’s one easy fix recommended and demonstrated by a Toyota mechanic for a common scam problem.

Looking for a fun and affordable car-related hobby or bucket list check-off item? Then here’s something that just might be your ticket to fun by discovering what it takes to convert a lemon of a car into a budget racer by this popular YouTube mechanic.

Here’s a very useful bit of advice for truck owners with boats by this Toyota mechanic who makes an important point about damage that may be occurring in their vehicle that should be inspected more periodically than usual.