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Car Questions (Page 3)

Car Questions

Auto reporters cover and answer to simple car questions.

By Timothy Boyer on March 12, 2024 - 1:32PM
The average cost of a used car today is approximately $25,328. Here are 7 easy steps you have to follow in order to avoid being swindled during a used car sale.
By John Goreham on March 6, 2024 - 2:35PM
Electric vehicles offer one-pedal driving, which is wonderful. However, your brakes will last longer if you use them and maintain them periodically. Here’s what you should do. 
By Armen Hareyan on March 4, 2024 - 10:46AM
A 2024 Toyota RAV4 owner is wondering if an extended warranty that costs about $4.500 is necessary if he wants to keep his new RAV4 for 10 years.
By Timothy Boyer on February 25, 2024 - 3:18PM
Don't pay Snap-On $333 for one important tool all DIY garages must have that Harbor Freight recently bested in a new tool review…that only cost me $40!
By Timothy Boyer on February 25, 2024 - 1:51PM
Why Home Depot is a top target for thieves and how the police needs your help in locating criminals they’ve identified.
By Timothy Boyer on February 25, 2024 - 9:07AM
Your coolant system has one leaking hose. Do you really need to replace all of them?! This and other maintenance advice from an engine repair specialist.
By Timothy Boyer on February 24, 2024 - 6:18PM
Here’s a minimalist tool recommendation for car owners who only want the bare minimum of tools in their car for repair emergencies.
By Timothy Boyer on February 24, 2024 - 2:02PM
Does your car have a burning oil smell? Here’s a simple diagnosis you can make that is easy and a good way to save money by avoiding “The Diagnosis Trap” I see at dealerships.
By Timothy Boyer on February 23, 2024 - 11:52AM
Here’s a DIY horror story that no one is sure exactly what happened (including myself, but I do have a few ideas) where one car owner claims to DIY his oil changes.
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.