Car Questions (Page 71)

Here’s an important warning about one mechanic-in-a-bottle product used on a Toyota Tacoma that this mechanic recommends avoiding the temptation of trying on your car, and know that some used car scammers rely on this product to unload a problem car.

Is your vehicle truly prepared for a roadside emergency? Find out now how these non-electric and electric roadside jacks combo kits compare that includes everything you need to handle a flat tire emergency.

Should you buy a used Toyota primarily because you found a used one that was made in Japan? Find out what “Made in Japan” model of Toyota (which looks like a Lexus, but isn’t) that if you find one used in the U.S. you might not want to buy it for a very good reason despite its manufacturer origins.

Should you buy a certified preowned car? Find out now with the latest advice from Consumer Reports on what you need to know before considering signing that used car deal.

Some Toyota and Lexus models had a known problem with external head gasket leaks. Find out now why this problem is there, what you can do to prevent it, and the one thing you should never allow a garage to do when fixing a head gasket leak problem in Toyota and Lexus models with this engine.

Here’s the latest on a used car purchase quick inspection tip recommendation from a well-respected Toyota mechanic who states that this is a test you can do to have “…a perfect idea in what condition is the engine, despite the fact it has super high miles.”

Here’s your chance to learn more than you probably ever wanted to know about Honda and Toyota models over the years unless you are serious about buying an older model Honda or Toyota and want to know those to avoid and those worth investing in when shopping for a good used car that has potential.

Project car recommendation from a mechanic that makes good economic sense today.

Advice from a Toyota mechanic on why buying a used car---even a Toyota 4Runner---in 2023 might be a bad idea for car shoppers torn between keeping their old declining Toyota or buying a used one while waiting for the new car market to improve.

Looking for ease of use in a car or SUV that does not have a console like a space shuttle? Here are the latest picks from Consumer Reports on cars and SUVs with the easiest controls for drivers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here’s the latest news from Consumer Reports listing their recommended cars, SUVs, trucks and minivans that produce the least amount of harmful emissions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here’s why that low mileage car might actually be a bad deal…and it’s not because of odometer fraud.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.