Car Questions (Page 39)

Even been to a lube center for a quick oil change only to be told you have a problem with your car that is dangerous and needs to be fixed immediately? One customer did and made the right decision by going to another mechanic for a second opinion. Here’s what was found.

Wondering what may be the best used affordable and economical commuter car you can buy today? Here’s a look at one particular model this mechanic examines and says that this could possibly be one of the best commuter cars you can find used. Plus, a bonus video explaining a transmission fluid replacement on this same car that is a DIY maintenance task you can do in case you are lucky enough to find and buy this model.

As a continuation of an earlier article about the potential perils and pitfalls of engine swapping, here’s a good example of choosing a classic chevy engine swap with this popular model and what you should really consider having done before putting a new engine in---that will save you money down the road.

Despite the vehicle shortage and inflated new car pricing, Consumer Reports’ analysts recently found 10 models that right now are now selling below their MSRP sticker price---two of which are surprising popular truck finds.

Here’s an interesting video where it appears the car repair customer was not being honest with the mechanic. Is this a gray area of the customer-mechanic repair relationship or was this mechanic wronged by his customer with this repair?

Contrary to what you may have heard about the dreaded check engine warning light on your dashboard panel, it does not necessarily mean that you are in for an expensive repair bill. Here’s a quick video on the first maintenance task you should do before anything else after your check engine light comes on.

Here’s your chance this month to choose a good car at a good price with this Consumer Reports recently released best new car deals list with these12 popular SUV models.

Plastic automotive parts get brittle and break during a disassembly and can be expensive and often hard to find. Here’s an automotive adhesive used by a popular mechanic who recommends this “not your average superglue” super glue for making repairs on your car or just for an on-the-road quick fix.

Worried about someone stealing your car parked outside of your home? Here’s a recent bit of advice about a useful and simple way to stop a thief from stealing your car that is one of those slap-in-the -head, “Why didn’t I think of this before?” moments.

Here is a demo video of how an engine compression test is done with some actual engine compression numbers from a used vehicle engine after logging in 280,000 miles.

This is not a scam, but more of a misfeasance issue recently pointed out by NPR’s Car Talk series on a common “mistake” made by repair shops that could leave you with an unsafe vehicle.

Whether you are doing a valve cover gasket job to stop an oil leak or having someone else do it at a service center or garage, here are some common mistakes made that you should avoid or make part of your post-service repair check after the garage completes the job as shown in this example with a 1996 Toyota 4Runner with 280,000 miles.

Here’s an argument made by an automotive engineer on why history says cars today are not too complicated and why it is not the automakers, but the public that is driving our vehicles toward a future of planned obsolescence.

Some car owners do the craziest things with their vehicles. Here is a humorous short video from "Just Rolled In" that features some truly unbelievable things car owners bring into the garage for servicing that ranges from botched DIY repairs to farm animals!

One of the most frustrating things electric vehicle owners struggle with is broken public electric vehicle chargers. ChargerHelp! is the solution to that vexing issue and much more.

Here’s an informative guide that will answer many of your timing chain questions: What is a timing chain and how does it work? Which is better---a timing chain or a timing belt? Should timing chains or belts be serviced/replaced periodically to prevent catastrophic engine damage? Will a broken timing chain or belt always result in a damaged engine? What does it take to replace a timing chain or belt and how difficult is it?

Here’s the latest on recommendations Consumer Reports analysts made covering those trucks buyers wound up liking and disliking after purchasing to help you find the truck you really want.

Thinking about buying a used Chevy truck, but not sure which model in what eras are the keepers worth investing in? Here’s the latest from an experienced Chevrolet truck owner and mechanic who offers this guide about Chevy truck specifics and which you should and should not buy…and why.

According to a recent Consumer Reports newsletter, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released their findings about problems with this important safety feature car owners rely on to avoid a lawsuit.

Here’s a demo video of what you can do maintenance-wise on a used Toyota Rav4 that are cheap DIY options you can try before having to take it to a mechanic.

Here is some pertinent advice for Presidents’ Day car shoppers from a mechanic who warns why buying the first year of a new vehicle should be avoided.

Looking to buy a used Toyota Corolla? Many smart used car shoppers do. However, before buying that used car it helps to know ahead of time what common problems to look for in particular generations of Corollas during your pre-purchasing inspection. That said, here is not one, but two analyses offered by two different Toyota mechanics on whether you should buy their reviewed generation of used Toyota Corollas.

Jeep’s Wrangler 4xe offers many new technologies such as downhill assist, crawl control, max regen, EV Mode, and more. These augment 2H, 4H, 4A, and 4L along with locking differentials to give you a tremendous list of drive mode options.

Is Tesla’s “Bioweapon Defense Mode” feature more of a gimmick than living up to its name? Here’s a demo that shows what happens when Tesla’s Bioweapon Defense Mode is put to the test in a smoke-filled bubble.

Will skipping an oil change on your vehicle result in its manufacturer’s warranty really being voided? Here’s what one 2018 Ram 1500 Eco Diesel owner discovered the hard way and how he is trying to blame it on the dealership that sold him the truck brand new.

Discover now which 2022 model of the Lexus IS may very well be the best of the last modern day internal combustion engine vehicles before the world goes totally electric.

You have a new or special make of car you love, but the engine has exploded. Should you agree to having an engine swap as recommended by a mechanic or that guy in the office who says he knows cars? Here are some engine swapping considerations all car owners need to know and understand before agreeing to one and what could happen if you go for it. Plus, a bonus video of a V8 engine swap in a 1998 Honda Civic Hatchback doing a quarter mile in 10 seconds.

Here’s an interesting math-based argument for why EV owners will want to buy the Ford F-150 Lightning over investing in a solar powered Tesla Powerwall system.

Here is why used car shoppers should add high-end used luxury cars to their car search shopping list, but don’t---when they should. Plus, why the seller is as important as the car.

Are you unsure as to whether or not your Corolla’s sealed CVT fluid should be replaced long before your car reaches 100,000 miles? This Toyota mechanic demonstrates what that fluid looks like when it has gotten too old; how often you really should consider exchanging your transmission fluid; and, how that this is a DIY maintenance task that will help your car last for many more miles.