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Wrenching
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Wrenching

  • A Megazilla Ford engine on a stand against a white background
    4

    What's The Difference Between Ford's Megazilla And Godzilla V8 Engines?

    Ford's recent Godzilla and Megazilla engines can output some serious power. But they also have some pretty big differences despite their similar names.

    By Shane Schmid 23 hours ago Read More
  • A distributor ignition system from an old truck
    13

    Why Did Cars Switch From Distributors To Coil Packs?

    Older models of cars used to rely on distributor-based ignition systems. Today, though, modern vehicles rely on coil packs instead. Here's why.

    By Alvin Reyes 3 days ago Read More
  • A mechanic with gloves holding a car's alternator.
    4

    Should You Replace Your Car's Serpentine Belt When Replacing The Alternator?

    The alternator and serpentine belt are part of the same system in your car. But does that mean you should replace the belt when you're replacing the alternator?

    By Charles Krome 3 days ago Read More
  • Man inflating a car tire.
    42

    Inflating To The PSI Number On Your Tire Is A Terrible Idea: Here's Why

    The PSI number on the tire sidewall isn’t the one you should use. Here's how to find the correct pressure to stay safe and avoid ruining your tires.

    By B. L. Johnson 6 days ago Read More
  • Several iridium spark plugs lined up next to one another.
    6

    What's The Difference Between Ruthenium And Iridium Spark Plugs?

    Spark plugs are made from many different materials. Ruthenium spark plugs are able to offer some different benefits from iridium and other plug types.

    By Alvin Reyes 8 days ago Read More
  • A hand holding a blue clay bar
    10

    What A Clay Bar Does For Your Car (And How To Use It)

    If you really want to see your car shine, there's a lot more to it than just a thorough wash. A clay bar could be the first step in upping your detailing game.

    By Chino Ortiz 8 days ago Read More
  • An automotive technician holding a vehicle's shock absorber.
    5

    Should You Replace Struts When You Replace Shocks?

    Shocks and struts often, but not always, go together. So if you're replacing one, do you need to replace the other at the same time, or can you wait?

    By Ron King 8 days ago Read More
  • Car fuel gauge pointing to empty
    22

    Why You Should Stop Letting Your Fuel Tank Run Low

    You may think it's harmless, but running low levels of fuel in your car, especially on a regular basis, is a bad habit that you should definitely break.

    By Alvin Reyes 8 days ago Read More
  • Mechanic replacing car battery
    3

    Should You Disconnect Your Car's Battery Before Going On Vacation?

    Not sure what to do with your car's battery before a long trip? Here's how long a battery can sit, what drains it, and whether unplugging is worth it.

    By Nishant Jayaram 9 days ago Read More
  • Two spark plugs isolated on white background.
    4

    Yes, Fake Spark Plugs Are A Thing: Here's How To Avoid Getting Scammed

    Counterfeit spark plugs are everywhere online, and they can ruin your engine fast. Here’s how to check yours, avoid sketchy sellers, and protect your car.

    By B. L. Johnson 10 days ago Read More
  • A close-up view of a foggy car headlight
    12

    Can Baking Soda Actually Clean Foggy Headlights?

    Baking soda is useful to have for cooking and cleaning. Anyone trying to keep up with car maintenance might even be tempted to use it to clean foggy headlights.

    By Chino Ortiz 10 days ago Read More
  • A person holding an OBD-II scanner in a car
    6

    Using An OBD-II Scanner: What It Can And Can't Tell You

    An OBD-II scan tool is an incredibly useful automotive diagnostic device, but it's not magic. Here's what it can and can't do.

    By Chloe Clougher 12 days ago Read More
  • Technology Connections EV charger boil water tea kettle
    15

    Just Because You Can Build An Adapter That Lets You Boil Water With Your EV Charger Doesn't Mean You Should

    I must emphasize that you shouldn't do this at home. It's all risk and zero reward. Unless you film what happens, in which case, I'm sure it isn't that risky.

    By Collin Woodard 14 days ago Read More
  • V10 swapped Lincoln Continental problems Build It Yourself
    10

    Turns Out, Making A V10-Swapped Lincoln Continental Work Correctly Is Hard Or Something

    Unfortunately, making a car good enough for SEMA and making a car good enough to drive regularly are two different things.

    By Collin Woodard 14 days ago Read More
  • A head gasket placed on top of a cylinder head
    20

    These Subaru Model Years Were The Worst Affected By Head Gasket Problems

    Starting in 1996, Subaru models began to face serious problems with their head gaskets. Check out the model years where these problems were at their worst.

    By Nishant Jayaram 15 days ago Read More
  • A mechanic holding a piston with gloved hands
    8

    Are Aluminum Pistons Better Than Cast Iron? Here's What You Need To Know

    Aluminum pistons are used in numerous vehicles over cast iron pistons. But are aluminum pistons really better, or can cast iron come out on top?

    By Shane Schmid 15 days ago Read More
  • Man applying wax on the hood of a black car.
    4

    Here's How Often You Should Wax Your Car For Best Results

    Are you waxing your car as often as you should? The answer depends on factors like the type of wax you use and whether your car is exposed to harsh weather.

    By Alvin Reyes 16 days ago Read More
  • A person measuring lug nut patterns with a measuring tape
    2

    How To Measure Lug Nut Patterns

    Lug nut patterns are important to keep track of if you want to fit a new tire on your wheels. There are a few different ways you can measure them.

    By Chino Ortiz 16 days ago Read More
  • An old VW bug with multiple stickers on the rear window.
    3

    This Is The Best Way To Remove Stickers From Car Windows

    As necessary as they sometimes are, stickers can be annoying, especially the ones that refuse to come off cleanly or leave stubborn residue behind.

    By Alvin Reyes 16 days ago Read More
  • Visible rust, corrosion, and sludge on the radiator filler neck
    1

    How To Stop Sludge From Clogging Your Car's Radiator

    Sludge can clog your car's radiator due to issues with your maintenance schedule or coolant. Luckily, there are some ways you can prevent it.

    By Alvin Reyes 17 days ago Read More
  • A man holding a jumper cable on the side of a street
    15

    Jumper Cables Or Portable Jump Starter: Which One Should You Have In Your Trunk?

    Jumper cables are useful to jump start your car battery, but they require the help of another vehicle. Are portable jump starters a viable alternative?

    By Chino Ortiz 17 days ago Read More
  • Custom engine bay of Honda Civic Type-R
    9

    11 Cheap Ways To Dress Up Your Engine Bay

    The engine bay is too often overlooked, meaning it could really benefit from some TLC. Here are 11 ways to improve the engine bay without breaking the bank.

    By Max Larsen 22 days ago Read More
  • Skoda diesel engine.
    9

    These Mistakes Are Ruining Your Diesel Engine

    Diesel engines are tough, but they need to be treated with extra care. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your diesel engine running smoothly.

    By Nishant Jayaram 22 days ago Read More
  • Old four-cylinder car engine with visible oil stains on the valve cover.
    3

    The Best Way To Clean A Greasy Engine Bay

    Your engine bay needs cleaning too, but you have to approach it carefully to avoid soaking sensors, wiring, and other parts that react badly to moisture.

    By Alvin Reyes 23 days ago Read More
  • Mechanic removing the oil drain plug from a car engine
    1

    How To Remove A Stuck Oil Drain Plug

    Removing a seized oil drain plug can be difficult, but it's not impossible. Here are some of the best methods to try when removing a stuck drain plug.

    By Alvin Reyes 24 days ago Read More
  • Man holding the worn-out spark plugs of a four-cylinder engine.
    5

    Why Do Spark Plugs Wear Out?

    Engine behavior changes as spark plugs wear, with symptoms like misfires and rough idling. But what causes them to wear down in the first place?

    By Alvin Reyes 26 days ago Read More
  • A person using a car's parking brake.
    7

    Why You Should Skip The Parking Brake If You're Going On Vacation

    Going away on a long trip? You shouldn’t leave the parking brake engaged if you want to keep your car in tip-top shape until you return -- here's why.

    By Shane Schmid 29 days ago Read More
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