Maintenance

Get advice on how to help keep your car looking like it just rolled off the lot. Learn how to give your car an oil change, fix car paint, install new accessories and replace your car battery and windshield—without the aid of a mechanic.

Strange Car Sounds—And What They Could Mean

Your car is always giving you feedback, but are you listening? An auto repair shop owner and licensed auto service technician describes common car sounds, and reveals what they could possibly mean.

20 Essential Tools Every Car Mechanic Needs

If you're doing car repairs, you need these items in your toolbox.


How to Recharge a Dead Car Battery Quickly—and Safely

We break down the right method to use depending on the situation.


What to Do When Your Car Won’t Start

Try these troubleshooting tricks before you call in the tow truck.


Which Rust Proofing Option is Right for You?

Find out which one is best for your car—and your budget.

How to Treat Your Engine with Sea Foam

Clear out a clogged engine with this easy treatment.


Beware These 9 Symptoms of Bad Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings are crucial for safe driving. Would you recognize the signs if one of your wheel bearings is failing?

What Those Numbers on Your Tires Really Mean

The sidewall of every tire is imprinted with a lot of information—if you know how to crack the code.


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Why You Should Never Ignore Your Car’s Check Engine Light

It could cost you big bucks in the long run.


This is the Best Polish For Your Dashboard—and It’s in Your Pantry!

A budget-friendly way to make your dashboard shine—without chemicals.


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How to Test a Car Battery

Car batteries eventually stop working and it's important to diagnose the problem correctly. Learn how to simply and safely test...

What is a Car Diagnostic Scanner—And Do You Need One?

If your check engine light is on, you may save time and money by identifying the problem yourself with a...


How to Clean Car Seats Like the Pros

Follow these step-by-step instructions for an interior that looks as though it's been professionally detailed.


Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake?

Modern vehicles are designed to drive smoothly, even on not-so-perfect road surfaces. Although some vibrations when driving can be normal,...


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These Cleaning Tricks Will Leave Your Car Looking Like New

Automotive experts share 13 tips for a car so clean, it'll look like you just drove it off the lot.


The Real Reason You Need to Repair a Chipped Windshield

That chipped windshield may have been caused by a small stone, but it could spell big trouble if you don't...

What You Should Know About Car Wax

If you've never waxed your car before but are interested in giving it a try, here's what you need to...


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15 Things You’re Doing to Your Car That Mechanics Wouldn’t

Your car goes through enough wear and tear as it is.


What to Do If Your Car Shakes When Braking

Sometimes cars shake when you brake. And while pulsating while braking is usually an easy fix, any issue with a...


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How to Check Tire Pressure

Learning how to check tire pressure is easy and inexpensive. Make it a part of your monthly maintenance routine in...


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This Clever Hack Will Keep Your Cup Holders Squeaky Clean

Is your ride essentially a junk drawer on wheels? Check out five quick and easy tips to clean and organize...


Does Driving Without the Air Conditioner On Actually Save Gas?

Sure, you can sweat it out without turning on a vehicle's air conditioning. But is it worth the sacrifice?


How to Find a Car’s Engine Code in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Identifying two key codes will help you buy the right parts for your car. Here's how you can find the...


This is the Dirtiest Thing at a Gas Station

And no, it's not in the bathroom.


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Check Out This Incredible Camper Trailer Makeover

After almost 50 years of exposure to the sun, snow and rain, every exterior surface of this camper trailer needed work.

What Is a Brake Caliper—And How Can You Tell If It’s Damaged?

If your car is equipped with disc brakes, brake calipers are critical to slowing and stopping your car. Here's what...


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20+ Secrets Your Mechanic Won’t Tell You

Before you spend more money on car repairs, get the inside scoop from real auto mechanics on which expensive, unnecessary...


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The Best Way to Clean Inside Car Windows

Banish fingerprints, smudges and dust for a crystal-clear view through your windshield and windows.


What to Do When Your Engine Is Knocking

Ignoring this problem could result in costly repairs down the road.


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10 Myths You Need to Stop Believing About Your Car

Don’t let mechanics trick you! These common car myths could be costing you—and even putting you in danger.


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How to Clean Rubber Car Mats

Cleaning the dried mud and spilled coffee off your rubber car mats is quick and easy with a high-pressure garden...