OH CRAP! IT’S MR. TWO! This automotive supervillain has junk not in the front, not in the trunk, but in the rear-middle of its bodacious figure. It’s the Toyota MR2 mid-engined sports car, and it’s responsible for popularizing affordable, mid-engine enthusiast cars for those that want to get around a … Read more
The average motorist gives little attention to their vehicle’s performance when all is operating as intended. However, this laid-back mentality quickly disappears the first time one’s vehicle bucks, jumps, or stutters when taking off from a stop or cruising at high speeds. In fact, the sudden onset of such symptoms … Read more
Petersen Automotive Museum expands its collection of Hollywood rides. Think “Hollywood Icons” and names such as Greta Garbo, James Stewart, and Meryl Streep come to mind. But these decidedly human professionals have automotive counterparts or at least vehicles we recognize immediately. And even if we do not recall their precise … Read more
Transmission replacement can damage your budget. Car trouble can cost you dearly, especially if you ignore problems or put off repairs. Your car’s transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels. When it fails, you might face thousands of dollars in repair costs, an expense you could have avoided … Read more
The hidden gem of the Toyota Experience Center. Toyota Motor Corporation is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world. It also has a strong presence in North America, a market that outsells its Japanese home market, 2-to-1. Comprised chiefly of the Toyota and Lexus brands, the company has … Read more
If you find yourself needing to remove the window tint from your vehicle it can be a little nerve-wracking at first. How do you take something that’s glued to your window off without creating a big mess and a ton of work? Compounding the problem is that there’s a lot … Read more
When cars first began to be capable of faster speeds, a major problem arose, no pun intended. As the air flows over a car, it forms a low pressure area at the back of the car. This, in turn, can cause the back of the car to lift off of … Read more
Car owners can theoretically make dozens of modifications to their vehicles’ interior and exterior. However, just because a particular mod is available doesn’t mean a car enthusiast should buy it. Some have no relevant impact, but in some cases, they can negatively affect the vehicle’s performance. Here are a few … Read more
Torque wrenches are most often used in automotive applications, but can also be applied in tasks where a certain amount of torque is required on a bolt or nut. Knowing how these tools work and selecting the right one for your tool cabinet can be a very rewarding endeavor. The … Read more
Car shows are among the most fun a classic car owner can have. They spend weeks and months preparing their pride and joy for these events. Organizers give trophies and prizes to the winners, so there’s a lot on the line. Classic car shows are unique because they take participants … Read more
Let’s take a look at one automotive item we take for granted that has changed a lot since it was first created. In an increasingly digital age, car keys have gone from something totally foreign to us today to fobs that can start a car from inside your home on … Read more
The rapid acceleration of automobile technology over the last 100 years has resulted in some amazing innovation. Manufacturers worldwide have each made their contributions, leading to unique cars and intense disagreements. Here are 10 of history’s most heated automaker rivalries and how they’ve affected the evolution of vehicles. 1. Ford … Read more
There are many things we see in our day to day life but rarely give much thought to. This is a shame, because what we take for granted today was often not even imagined throughout most of history. One really good example of this is roads. We walk on them, … Read more
A vehicle’s ignition system is made up of numerous components, each of which plays a pivotal role in facilitating an engine’s combustion process. The failure of one or more of these components can severely hamper engine performance as a whole, even potentially leaving one stranded along the side of the … Read more
Automotive OBD2 scanners and car code readers are the easiest and least expensive ways to find out why your engine light is on and get it to turn off. Even a basic car code reader under $50 will give you most of the same basic information you’d get from the … Read more
Probably the most important routine maintenance any vehicle needs is an engine oil change. Many consider changing oil an easy “do it yourself” auto maintenance task that anyone can take on, but you might wonder why you should bother. Is there a benefit to doing an oil change at your … Read more
Motorists have been modifying their vehicles’ exhaust systems for decades, in hopes of enhancing performance and achieving the desired exhaust note of their liking. However, not all exhaust modifications are one and the same, with certain upgrades achieving more noticeable results than others. One of the simplest and most common … Read more
The average motorist is relatively familiar with their vehicle, quickly realizing when something is amiss. While this level of awareness is of significant benefit when attempting to minimize the impact of issues as they arise, it can also lead one to fret endlessly until the source of such issues is … Read more
There are many pests that can infest your home: ants, cockroaches, termites… and most guides are geared towards treating these pests indoors. But sometimes pests crop up elsewhere, and dealing with the infestation may require a very different touch. Such is the case with cars. Whether you own an SUV, … Read more
Today’s internal combustion engines are far more equipped to sustain consistent operation than engines of yesteryear. Most notably, modern internal combustion engines come equipped with a host of specialty control modules, sensors, and intelligent devices, allowing them to adjust key operating criteria on the fly. Of all sensors found on … Read more
The Genesis brand continues to make a name for itself, thanks to stylish and value-oriented models such as the GV70 SUV. This compact model seats five and comes in two well-equipped grades with up to three package choices available. The challenge for consumers is deciding which of the two turbocharged … Read more
Some of the most critical, yet often overlooked of all mechanical components are those contained within a vehicle’s steering and suspension systems. These components are not only key to efficient vehicle operation, but serve an essential role in ensuring safe travels. However, in order to operate as intended, each of … Read more
Like other manufacturers, Mazda is heavily invested in the utility vehicle market. In the compact segment, this automaker offers two distinct models – the CX-5 and the all-new CX-50. The first choice targets mainstream buyers; the second aims for premium shoppers. Both offer design flair, standard all-wheel drive, and an … Read more
As motorists, we often think about the value of our vehicles’ engines and transmissions. After all, a critical malfunction related to either of these essential components can quickly leave us stranded without recourse. However, we seldom give the same consideration to various structural components that are responsible for supporting the … Read more
There is little arguing against the notion that today’s vehicles are far cleaner for the environment to operate than those of yesteryear. Of course, reaching this level of cleanliness was not achieved overnight. In fact, efforts to reduce the internal combustion engine’s carbon footprint began in the early 1970s, when … Read more
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover utility vehicle with room for five. Every manufacturer offers at least one such model. Nissan distinguishes the Rogue with its styling, amenities, and price. The company also avoids the hybrid bandwagon by powering every model with an efficient, yet potent three-cylinder engine. 2023 … Read more
Back in the 1980s, cars and vans began to employ darker window tints as a means of boosting privacy and adding a little more insulation to the single-pane windows. Gone were the days of having to hang actual curtains in your station wagon or van, and the improved affordability meant … Read more
Sporty cars are typically very expensive, but there remains a breed of entry-level models to satisfy budget-minded consumers. The Toyota GR86 and its Subaru BRZ sibling are two of them and along with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, prove that driving fun is attainable. The GR86 marks its 10th anniversary this … Read more
The purchase of tires for any vehicle comes as a significant investment, requiring consumers to part with a fair sum of cash in any event. In order to make the most of such an investment, one must go to every length possible to maintain the condition of their vehicle’s tires. … Read more
Today’s family livery is often a three-row utility vehicle, represented by more than one dozen crossover models. The Nissan Pathfinder is in the thick of things, a model that seats up to eight and delivers class-leading towing capabilities. For 2023, the Pathfinder gains a Rock Creek edition, a special grade … Read more