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Car Questions (Page 62)

Car Questions

Auto reporters cover and answer to simple car questions.

By John Goreham on
New Hampshire’s Public electric vehicle charging infrastructure is horrendous. Here is one popular destination in New Hampshire's White Mountains that offers EV-driving visitors ample charging options.
By John Goreham on
If you have rusty brake rotors and are concerned that something is wrong, this story will help explain when you need to take action and when to stop worrying.
By John Goreham on
We break down four common brake issues and tell you how much you can expect to pay.
By Timothy Boyer on
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) the number of car thefts increased by 9.2 percent per their most current statistical analysis. To help car owners prevent becoming part of this growing statistic, here is a summary of some helpful tips from Consumer Reports on car theft prevention, plus a Toyota Tundra crazy theft story from our favorite Toyota Maintenance mechanic.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest used car buyer alert from Consumer Reports that warns some dealerships will scam used car buyers with bogus pre-owned car certifications that originally were intended to protect used car buyers from buying lemons.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a must-see video if you are concerned about protecting your Prius from catalytic converter theft with a DIY solution.
By Timothy Boyer on
Have you ever wondered if you were being scammed into paying more on your oil and filter change because the service tech told you that if you switched to synthetic oil then you would actually save money in the long run with less-frequent oil changes needed? Find out what really matters according to Consumer Reports car experts who have this to say about your car’s oil changes.
By Timothy Boyer on
Transmission service does not always require a licensed mechanic with specialized tools to do the job correctly. In fact, in many cases it is almost as easy as changing your engine oil and filter. Here’s a well-made video about how servicing an automatic transmission is basically done that can save you hundreds of dollars by doing it yourself; or at the very least, provide you with an understanding of what is involved so that you do not get gouged by a service center or garage.
By Timothy Boyer on
To flush or not to flush---that is the question a former car dealer and now-popular YouTube channel mechanic answers as he explains the sealed automatic transmission deception to car owners and why spending $200 in fluid is a much more sensible approach than spending six to eight thousand dollars for a new transmission.
By Timothy Boyer on
Consumer Reports mechanics listed 9 models you should keep an eye on if you are a current owner (or totally avoid, if you are looking to buy a used car among the models listed) and want to significantly decrease your risk of having to pay for one of the three biggest repair bills common to cars.
By John Goreham on
Our long-term test is interrupted by a puncture. Here’s our 3,600-mile update and why we continue to be impressed with Michelin.
By Timothy Boyer on
Do you find yourself trying to work out whether you should choose a 4-wheel drive over an all-wheel-drive or just stick with a 2-wheel drive vehicle when buying a new car? Here’s a summary of a Consumer Reports guide that explains the differences and which is best for you.
By John Goreham on
One of your tires was damaged and cannot be repaired. Your tire shop says you need four tires, not just one. Here’s why they are correct.
By John Goreham on
Your electric vehicle is attached to a charging station or wall-mounted charger, and you cannot pull the handle out. Here’s what to do to make it let go.
By Timothy Boyer on
Not all brake repair scams are obvious. Especially when the car repair center or garage appears to be saving your day, but is actually going after your savings. Here’s one example of how some dishonest service techs and mechanics manage to gouge you with a brake repair scam that is hidden in the paperwork. As an added bonus, this article is also a warning to Tacoma owners about one common problem that should be monitored regularly in their vehicle.
By Timothy Boyer on
Looking to buy an older model used Prius, but not sure how to inspect the transaxle fluid to see what kind of problems may be lurking in the purchase? Here’s an informative video by a popular Toyota Maintenance channel that demonstrates where to find the transaxle drain and filler plugs and what the color in the transmission fluid could look like after 176,000 miles, telling you something about the car’s history.
By Timothy Boyer on
Time to buy a new car, but dreading dealing with a car salesman? You are not alone. However, once you’ve learned how to keep the conversation focused on this singular important negotiation point with a salesman, you can expect to walk away with a good---if not great---deal on a new car.
By Timothy Boyer on
Are you under the impression that many cars are too complicated for the owner to do any maintenance of their own? Would you like to avoid lube center scams? Here is your chance to learn not just good, but great technique as this popular YouTube channel mechanic demonstrates how easy it can be to change the oil and filter on your car.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a common brake repair scam that everyone who has ever owned a car long enough to need a tire change can probably attest to having been approached with at least one time or another. Watch this must-see video of a popular Toyota Maintenance YouTube channel where the mechanic shows and tells what goes on in many major name tire centers.
By Timothy Boyer on
While buying your leased car is usually not very beneficial financially, there are the right times and conditions to do so---according to Consumer Reports car experts. Here’s how some car leasers actually made some significant money back by deciding to buy their leased vehicle after the lease ended due to a specific point in the contract when they first signed their lease.
By Timothy Boyer on
Save yourself thousands of dollars in repair bills and keep you and your family safe by following this automotive expert’s advice on how service centers damage your brakes during a simple tire change and what you can do about it.
By Timothy Boyer on
Looking to buy a used car, SUV, or truck? Worried about getting stuck with a lemon and not 100% sure how to protect yourself and your wallet? Here’s the latest advice from Consumer Reports’ mechanics on what you should look for to spot hidden problems in a used car before you commit to buying one.
By John Goreham on
Honda America has had a tough time with AC condensers in recent years. Here is why if your Honda's AC condenser has failed the cost of the repair may be covered
By John Goreham on
Tesla vehicles do not come with spare tires, but many owners add kits to help prepare for the inevitable. Here’s one item not to forget.
By Timothy Boyer on
Looking to save money on your new or used car by buying used tires? Here’s what Consumer Reports analysts have to say and their recommendation against buying a certain type of tires for passenger vehicles.
By John Goreham on
You are buying a new electric vehicle and are starting to consider a Home charger. Here’s your easy checklist to get what you need.
By Timothy Boyer on
Are you a new Tesla owner or new to Tesla, but unsure of exactly why Tesla battery tech dominates all other EV makers? Here’s a refresher video from one year ago with Tesla battery tech experts Sandy Munro and Mark Ellis who explain the real battery tech secrets of how and why Tesla dominates all other Electric Vehicle makers.
By Timothy Boyer on
Are you buying, have already bought, or are hanging onto a used car to save money only to discover it has developed transmission problems? Here are three options you need to know about and why only one is the correct choice for most used car buyers.
By John Goreham on
We take a look at Mazda's CX-30 and determine that its cargo area is more than large enough for shoppers in the compact crossover class.
By Frank DiMuccio on
With vehicles like the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan being able to charge several miles worth of power in a single minute, the era of range anxiety appears to be approaching its end. Many potential owners felt that the long charge times required for many electric vehicles were prohibiting them from purchasing one, but as fast charging stations pop-up across the world, that may be less of an issue.