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Car Questions

Auto reporters cover and answer to simple car questions.

By Timothy Boyer on
Here is a summary of Consumer Reports recently recommended reliable and fuel efficient 10-year-old sedans that consumers who were so satisfied with the models they bought, stated in a questionnaire that they would definitely buy their vehicle again.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a recent review pitting several brands of extension cords against each other under a wide range of tests that reveal whether some of the less expensive brands are just as good as those that cost 4 times as much for your garage.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s why a dealership service department might not bother to diagnose your car problem and why you should always have a backup mechanic plan for a second opinion. Plus, how to diagnose a spongy brake problem on your own.
By Timothy Boyer on
Too many of us have bad habits when it comes to driving a car or truck with a manual transmission. Here’s a good reminder on things you should never do to a manual transmission car or truck that while might not seem to be a problem immediately, does result in premature wear of your clutch as well as damage to your transmission.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a good example of where a DIY mechanic follows sensible attempts at a repair only to wind up in trouble and confusing a repair job because of an unexpected problem that is not so unexpected with experienced mechanics---faked online auto parts.
By Timothy Boyer on
Trying to decide if painting a car yourself is or is not the best idea for a car project, but at least doable with satisfying results? Here’s one car owner’s journey that is a must-watch for anyone looking for an affordable way to DIY paint their car and what to expect in the process before making a commitment.
By Timothy Boyer on
According to this car consumer advocate, don’t be fooled by used luxury cars that look nice and can be found at a relatively low price. Here’s his list of the worst cheap luxury cars that you can buy used today that will wind up bankrupting you.
By Timothy Boyer on
Thinking about a car paint repair project while your spouse is away because you live by the “Tis easier to ask for forgiveness tomorrow, than it is to beg for permission today” motto? You are not alone as many DIY live-free die-hard husbands can attest to. That said, here are some important considerations to make before tackling a DIY car paint project in your home.
By Timothy Boyer on
Is a turbocharged engine vehicle the right choice for you? Here’s a recent reveal from one automotive expert on the truths you need to understand about turbos and the vehicle examples where problems and issues have been evident and affected car reliability. Of particular note is a warning about why a turbo is a bad idea with Hybrid cars.
By Timothy Boyer on
Thinking about buying the latest 2022 Rav4 fresh off of the assembly line? Here’s a Toyota Mechanic’s take from this review of what you need to know about it before buying one and why you should always choose the midyear version of a model if you want the best of the best in a particular model.
By Timothy Boyer on
A bogus towing threat shows that there are few protections for car owners even when they are in the right.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a smart investment tool for new model car owners, older model car owners, used car shoppers, and DIY mechanics looking to save a lot of money by avoiding scams and/or wasting money firing the parts cannon at their ailing vehicle.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a recent warning to Ford owners and used car shoppers considering buying any of the 4-cylinder EcoBoost engines that are known to have this common problem that can be prohibitively expensive.
By Timothy Boyer on
Are you for the 2035 ban against the production and sale of internal combustion engine vehicles? Do you believe FSD really exists today? Here’s the latest on the real risks of EVs and what happens when you are in a collision involving one that is food for thought before deciding on where you stand on these issues.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest on the updated version of the 5.2L supercharged Ford V8 Raptor engine that shows just how this ICE monster really does earn its name.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here are seven 2022 Hybrid vehicle recommendations recently listed by Consumer Reports analysts with their projected gas savings benefit to expect when buying a new Hybrid car over buying a comparable gas-only model.
By Timothy Boyer on
Have you bought a 2022 model of the popular Toyota Tundra or its Hybrid version this year or last fall? If so, then you will want to know this important recall warning that could save the life of a child in or around your home.
By Timothy Boyer on
Looking to buy a new car, but not sure which deals are good, and which are bad? Here’s a recent updated list from Consumer Reports analysts who recently reported the worst deals on new cars right now with some models as high as 23% above MSRP.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest revised Consumer Reports Best Midsized SUV listing that showcases their choices of the best SUVs that you can buy today for under $35,000 that will help keep you and your family safe.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest listing of 5-year-old used hybrids and hatchbacks Consumer Reports analysts recommended as great options when looking for a used car that has the best fuel economy.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s a quick fix toward a common engine misfiring problem with this generation of Ford engines that you can DIY without having to resort to taking it to a mechanic.
By Timothy Boyer on
Are you a Ford F-150 Lightning owner or thinking about buying one with plans to go cross country into remote areas such as Dead Horse, Alaska? Then this is a must-watch video to find out whether this is really possible and some precautions you must take before attempting a trip that can easily turn into a doomed quest.
By Timothy Boyer on
Find out now what gas guzzling truck shoppers are overlooking that is actually a great deal today that can be a working man’s best money-making heavy duty truck choice over a modern---or even a comparable used model---diesel Cummins outfitted truck.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s some handy advice that explains everything you need to know about how you can make your wheel bearings last as long as possible with this classic wheel bearing and maintenance show and tell on what to do and what not to do when it comes to your car’s wheel bearing health.
By Timothy Boyer on
Believe it or not spinning the wheels and listening for a tell-tale noise on a jacked-up vehicle is not the best way to determine if your wheel noise is due to a bad wheel bearing. Here’s a recent bit of advice from a Toyota mechanic on how to diagnose a bad wheel bearing like a pro on your Toyota or Lexus. Plus, a demo on how to DIY on your car’s wheel bearings to save money.
By Timothy Boyer on
Have you had a speeding ticket and swore you would buy the best speed trap evasion radar or laser-based tech available to avoid ever getting another speeding ticket again? You are not alone. However, there are some speed trap evasion need-to-know info you need right now not only to avoid being scammed from speed trap scan products, but also avoid paying a fine high enough to buy a new car and/or spend some time in jail.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest tool test review results on selecting the best “Made in the USA” tools and products for car owners and shade tree mechanics that will save you money while getting the job done the best way.
By Timothy Boyer on
Here’s the latest on hybrid car winners in Consumer Reports’ exclusive real-world fuel-economy tests. Plus, find out how long it will take for the gas-saving payoffs to put money back into your pocket on some hybrid models compared to their non-hybrid counterpart.
By Timothy Boyer on
Just how devious can some mechanics be? How about quoting $7,000 for an engine rebuild when all a Corolla really needed was new spark plugs and other minor maintenance! Here’s the story behind the biggest scam witnessed by this honest Toyota mechanic