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Car Questions (Page 42)

Car Questions

Auto reporters cover and answer to simple car questions.

By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest from Consumer Reports for car shoppers looking to find out which car brands and models actually save you money and their recommendation of those that cost the least to maintain.
By Timothy Boyer on
Have you had a check engine light warning on your dash and been told that you need a new EVAP (evaporative emission control) installed in your vehicle? Find out more about what your EVAP system is and 3 causes common to this check engine light warning. Plus, one warning about the worst thing many car owners do that can damage their car’s EVAP system and why we do this to rental cars.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s why something as simple as a fake Toyota gas cap can cause problems for your vehicle. Plus, find out where the common rust areas of a Toyota 4Runner are that you should keep an eye on.
By Justin Hart on
The other day, a Torque News reader asked me a series of questions about Kia’s plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) vs hybrids (HEVs). I own a Kia Sorento PHEV and have written several articles about my experience with it, comparing it to other similar vehicles, and what kind of fuel efficiency results I get from it. This piece will address the reader’s questions by linking to other articles I have written and also includes new information I haven’t previously written about or that weaves the articles together.
By Timothy Boyer on
Find out now which brand of locking lug nuts is the best in a review that says there’s only one real winner among some brands tested. Plus, discover some creative ways to fail a locking lug nut (in an emergency of course) and find out what wheel rim style type makes theft easier than other rim types.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a good opportunity to learn what the different exhaust colors mean and how you can diagnose the cause of the problem your engine might be having.
By Timothy Boyer on
Are you a car enthusiast who is tempted from time to time to “open her up and see what she can do” on the highway? Here’s some good advice for Cannonball Run wannabes and an example of one of the dumbest things you can do while doing it.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest news from Consumer Reports listing their recommended cars, SUVs, trucks and minivans that produce the least amount of harmful emissions.
By Timothy Boyer on
Is your Ford---or one you are considering buying---running a little rough? Here’s a quick and simple check you can do to find out if this common problem is the cause. Plus, a warning about potentially setting your truck on fire while working on it.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest selection from Consumer Reports on what they found to be 10 non-Hybrid and Hybrid models that are the best deals toward buying the most fuel-efficient cars based on overall fuel-economy test results, recent consumer car shopping data, and current MSRP pricing.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here are the latest selections car buyers need to know on what 2023 models right now are the best SUV deals available today with current incentives offered by dealers that are good until May 1, 2023.
By Timothy Boyer on
Which year of the Toyota 4Runner rates as the best of its model? Here’s what one Toyota expert has to say about his recommendation and why he rates it above the rest.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s why that low mileage car might actually be a bad deal…and it’s not because of odometer fraud.
By Timothy Boyer on
Looking for a used Toyota? While Toyota does not normally have the major issues other car makes do, there are some minor issues that can affect that used Toyota’s worth. Follow along with this mechanic who explains what you should do before test driving not just a Toyota, but any used car as well when used car shopping.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here are the test results of four levels of motor oil from one brand to see if there really is a difference in the higher mileage formulation that makes paying $4 more per quart a smart investment for your car’s engine.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a recent overview of essentially everything you need to know about servicing and maintaining your Toyota or Lexus transmission that includes warnings about the types of transmission fluids you should and should not be pouring into your car. Plus, some surprising advice you will not find in your owners’ or service manual when it comes to older Toyota and Lexus models.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a recent true horror story about why no one trusts automotive mechanics revealed by a Ford mechanic about what another mechanic did to a customer’s 2016 Ford F-150 that is nearly unbelievable! Plus, some good to know info about exhaust manifold stud options in the EcoBoost engine should you ever need to have your exhaust manifold replaced and decide to choose an aftermarket part.
By Timothy Boyer on
Are specialized tools really needed for DIY car repair and maintenance projects? Or can you get by with just a toolbox of general automotive tools? Here’s one example demonstrating why if you are a DIY type, you just might want to consult a repair manual to see what it takes to perform repairs before buying a new or used vehicle you are not familiar with.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s your chance to avoid paying too much for a trendy SUV or large sedan and find an automotive analyst-recommended reliable midsized sedan that performs well under Consumer Reports testing.
By Timothy Boyer on
Discover why this mechanic states that the new 2023 Toyota Sienna has a fatal flaw that will cause many Toyota shoppers to avoid this model.
By John Goreham on
Our two-year-long test and review of the Michelin CrossClimate2 all-weather tire conclude on a positive note.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a good example of something to watch out for the next time you have your Toyota Tacoma serviced at a garage or dealership whenever your front end is being realigned or tires rotated.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest from Consumer Reports on the most reliable used pickup trucks you should consider with models ranging from 2014 to 2020 that proved to be exceptional when it came to reliability and repairs.
By Timothy Boyer on
Fake tools are a real problem for car owners rebuilding engines needing a precision measuring tool that is accurate and consistently precise. Discover now 17 warning signs that your Mitutoyo tool is a fake.
By Timothy Boyer on
Are aftermarket high-performance parts a good way to either upgrade or replace reputedly non-available OEM parts for your Toyota? Find out how one Toyota owner had to get a second new clutch installed after only 1000 miles. Plus, a rare opportunity to see a pre-Tundra T-100 Toyota truck from the ‘90s.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a good example of something to watch out for the next time you have your Toyota Tacoma (and other models as well) serviced at a garage or dealership whenever your spark plugs are changed. Plus, find out how to tighten your spark plugs properly without the use of a special torque wrench.
By Timothy Boyer on
Car insurance rates are often unfair, and systematically gamed to cost many owners more than they should really pay. Here’s how you can make your insurance premiums as low as possible and still get the coverage you need.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest by a popular Ford mechanic on some good to know info if you should ever be faced with an EcoBoost engine swap with your Ford F-150 that includes an important point about why you cannot totally rely on repair manual instructions.
By Armen Hareyan on
How much savings is Tesla already getting with the dry electrode process?, asked us one of Torque News Youtube channel subscribers. It can't be far from 25%. Current 4680 is a starting point for this cell, he wrote.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here are some useful warnings from the staff of Haynes Manuals on what common problems you can expect with a used Ford Explorer. Plus, an instructional video that demonstrates changing the rear disc brake pads on those older models is well within the DIY mechanic’s capabilities.