Car Questions (Page 75)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Toyota, as a brand built a reputation of reliability in the 80s and 90s. The 2000s seemed a little rocky for them, with vehicles like the Solara and Venza not being the star performers that companies hope for. Regardless of their foibles, the Japanese automaker has managed to regain a lot of that reliability cred. The RAV4 is one of Toyota’s most popular choices and hopefully a BEV version will be on the way soon.

Tesla is having a Model S Plaid event tonight at its Fremont, CA, factory at 7PM PST. There hasn't been a lot of updates on what is going to be shown here besides the Model S Plaid and I believe Tesla has a chance to surprise on the upside.

Recently, Lordstown Motors warned it may not be able to stay in business for another year. This is called a going concern issue, meaning, the company may not be able to meet its financial obligations for the next 12 months. Are they going to go out of business? Are other electric vehicle companies going to face the same issue? Let's find out.

If you are shopping for a new electric vehicle you may have noticed that inventory is not equally distributed in the US. Here’s why that is.

One of the most obvious and easy to correct problems with cars today is how the seats are made and formed for the human back and spine. The problem is, the seats are not designed well for proper spinal alignment. With a billion cars on the road, this is a huge problem. I know - I have had 2 back surgeries and have issues with my neck. Let's talk about it.

Walmart just made getting tires an easier process. Here's how to save time and money and get back on the road quickly when you need tires.

Car Talk employed a secret shopper for a month to call every notable vehicle extended warranty company for a price. Here are the ones the group found will annoy you most if you call them.