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Car Questions (Page 76)

Car Questions

Auto reporters cover and answer to simple car questions.

By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s an informative guide that will answer many of your timing chain questions: What is a timing chain and how does it work? Which is better---a timing chain or a timing belt? Should timing chains or belts be serviced/replaced periodically to prevent catastrophic engine damage? Will a broken timing chain or belt always result in a damaged engine? What does it take to replace a timing chain or belt and how difficult is it?
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest on recommendations Consumer Reports analysts made covering those trucks buyers wound up liking and disliking after purchasing to help you find the truck you really want.
By Timothy Boyer on
Thinking about buying a used Chevy truck, but not sure which model in what eras are the keepers worth investing in? Here’s the latest from an experienced Chevrolet truck owner and mechanic who offers this guide about Chevy truck specifics and which you should and should not buy…and why.
By Timothy Boyer on
According to a recent Consumer Reports newsletter, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released their findings about problems with this important safety feature car owners rely on to avoid a lawsuit.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a demo video of what you can do maintenance-wise on a used Toyota Rav4 that are cheap DIY options you can try before having to take it to a mechanic.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here is some pertinent advice for Presidents’ Day car shoppers from a mechanic who warns why buying the first year of a new vehicle should be avoided.
By Timothy Boyer on
Looking to buy a used Toyota Corolla? Many smart used car shoppers do. However, before buying that used car it helps to know ahead of time what common problems to look for in particular generations of Corollas during your pre-purchasing inspection. That said, here is not one, but two analyses offered by two different Toyota mechanics on whether you should buy their reviewed generation of used Toyota Corollas.
By John Goreham on
Jeep’s Wrangler 4xe offers many new technologies such as downhill assist, crawl control, max regen, EV Mode, and more. These augment 2H, 4H, 4A, and 4L along with locking differentials to give you a tremendous list of drive mode options.
By Timothy Boyer on
Is Tesla’s “Bioweapon Defense Mode” feature more of a gimmick than living up to its name? Here’s a demo that shows what happens when Tesla’s Bioweapon Defense Mode is put to the test in a smoke-filled bubble.
By Timothy Boyer on
Will skipping an oil change on your vehicle result in its manufacturer’s warranty really being voided? Here’s what one 2018 Ram 1500 Eco Diesel owner discovered the hard way and how he is trying to blame it on the dealership that sold him the truck brand new.
By Timothy Boyer on
Discover now which 2022 model of the Lexus IS may very well be the best of the last modern day internal combustion engine vehicles before the world goes totally electric.
By Timothy Boyer on
You have a new or special make of car you love, but the engine has exploded. Should you agree to having an engine swap as recommended by a mechanic or that guy in the office who says he knows cars? Here are some engine swapping considerations all car owners need to know and understand before agreeing to one and what could happen if you go for it. Plus, a bonus video of a V8 engine swap in a 1998 Honda Civic Hatchback doing a quarter mile in 10 seconds.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s an interesting math-based argument for why EV owners will want to buy the Ford F-150 Lightning over investing in a solar powered Tesla Powerwall system.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here is why used car shoppers should add high-end used luxury cars to their car search shopping list, but don’t---when they should. Plus, why the seller is as important as the car.
By Timothy Boyer on
Are you unsure as to whether or not your Corolla’s sealed CVT fluid should be replaced long before your car reaches 100,000 miles? This Toyota mechanic demonstrates what that fluid looks like when it has gotten too old; how often you really should consider exchanging your transmission fluid; and, how that this is a DIY maintenance task that will help your car last for many more miles.
By Timothy Boyer on
Is owning the safest vehicle possible high on your new car shopping list? Here’s the latest on what important safety feature makes winners and losers of 5 popular auto makes. Plus, learn how CR analysts are modifying their car inspection ratings.
By Timothy Boyer on
Learn how to diagnose one of the reasons why your Toyota might be burning so much oil lately. And, whether the problem is worth fixing or you are better off condemning the vehicle to the junkyard.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest from Consumer Reports on how Ford’s assisted driving tech---BlueCruise---differs from Tesla’s Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest from a popular and trusted YouTube channel former Honda technician on how he got duped into buying counterfeit Honda parts while shopping online with Amazon. Plus, a recommended aftermarket parts source for when you can’t find the OEM part you want from your local dealership.
By Timothy Boyer on
Avoid these popular luxury SUVs a seller may be trying to unload on you in the used car market that turn out to have reliability issues.
By Timothy Boyer on
Remember the toilet paper shortage of 2020 made in-part from consumer panicking that set off a hoarding frenzy? We may not be too far off from that when it comes to auto parts this year. Here’s the latest on auto parts price increases and availability on how it could lead to another hoarding frenzy. Plus, what you can do to save money on parts.
By Timothy Boyer on
As hard as it is to believe, many car owners who do their own basic maintenance work on their vehicles make this one common maintenance mistake that can turn their car into a death trap.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here are the latest selections car buyers need to know on what 2022 models right now that are the best and worst deals available today.
By Timothy Boyer on
In spite of the vehicle shortage and inflated new car pricing, Consumer Reports’ analysts recently found 10 models that right now are now selling below their MSRP sticker price---one of which is a surprising popular truck find.
By Timothy Boyer on
Finding a reputable mechanic is not an easy task and relying solely on a garage having an ASE certification is not an absolute guarantee. Here’s a lesson learned the hard way with one car owner who should have seen the biggest red flag many car owners face too often.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here are some car tune-up truths from a popular mechanic who explains to car owners whether tune-ups are still a thing for car owners to be concerned about; how the automotive industry deliberately forces car owners to seek help from dealership service departments; and, how much you can expect to pay and why, toward maintaining your engine with a “modern” tune-up today.
By John Goreham on
Jeep has released a nifty infographic that can help you to see the benefits of modern electrification technology in winter driving.
By John Goreham on
A common question for many shopping for an EV is how much can be saved in energy costs by opting for an electric vehicle instead of a vehicle with a traditional powertrain. Here’s your answer.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s some sound advice on why you should buy the correct battery for your car in spite of what someone else may tell you about why this type is actually a better battery; but in reality, could be damaging your car.
By Timothy Boyer on
Looking to buy a new or used car? Before going to any car lot, here is some must-know advice on tips, tricks and red flags offered by two Toyota Dealership insiders that will help you save money while buying the right car for you.