Jalopnik - Obsessed with the culture of cars

10 Motorcycle Upgrades That Can Improve Comfort And Performance

staff@jalopnik.com (Josh West) — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 12:45:00 +0000

You don't necessarily need to compromise on performance to make your motorcycle more comfortable. Some upgrades improve both without forcing major tradeoffs.

Connecting Car Batteries Backwards Can Have Shockingly Bad Results

staff@jalopnik.com (Michael Frank) — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 16:25:00 +0000

What happens when you connect a car battery backwards? The answer is bad things, which you probably know already, but just how bad can it actually get?

California's Car Culture Is Codified With Passing Of Leno's Law And New Lowrider License Plate Design

staff@jalopnik.com (Logan K. Carter) — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:49:46 +0000

These new laws will make it easier for car enthusiasts in California to celebrate their passions, and share them with generations to come.

What Sort Of Entertaining Damage Happens When You Replace Engine Oil With WD-40?

staff@jalopnik.com (Peter Nelson) — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:25:00 +0000

What happens when you take a beater and replace its engine oil with WD-40? No need to speculate when you can watch a Ford Probe burst into massive flames.

Why Cheap Engine Oil Filters Could End Up Costing You Dearly

staff@jalopnik.com (Viraaj Bhatnagar) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 22:25:00 +0000

It's just an oil filter, right? Well, not exactly. Here's how replacing your filter with a budget option might end up being a costly mistake.

7 Rare Engine Issues And The Signs One Of Them Is Happening To You

staff@jalopnik.com (B. L. Johnson) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:25:00 +0000

Some engine issues are common, and most folks can recognize them. But some are so unusual, you may never have seen them. Here's how to tell when they're here.

What Does It Take To Straighten A Bent Axle?

staff@jalopnik.com (Amber DaSilva) — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:25:00 +0000

A bent axle will set your car to wobbling, vibrating, or even not being able to turn. Before it becomes undrivable, what do you need to fix it?

The Consequences Of Low Engine Oil From Mild To Severe

staff@jalopnik.com (Brontë Wieland) — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 23:45:00 +0000

If the engine oil level gets too low, you're in trouble, but you probably know that already. What you may not know is how quickly your engine can seize up.

How Often Should You Bleed Brakes (And How Long Does It Take)?

staff@jalopnik.com (Peter Nelson) — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:25:00 +0000

Brake fluid absorbs moisture, which reduces its boiling point and performance and can cause corrosion. Here's how to know it's time to bleed your brakes.

10 Essential Tools Every Motorcycle Owner Should Have

staff@jalopnik.com (Josh West) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 16:45:00 +0000

Working on your motorcycle requires numerous gadgets and tools. Even if you're a novice, here are some critical devices that you should keep in your garage.

8 Things You Can Find In The Auto Parts Section Of Home Depot

staff@jalopnik.com (Josh West) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:45:00 +0000

Did you know that Home Depot secretly doubles as an automotive-supply store? Yes, you can get what you need for your car at the same place you get your hammers.

So Your Car's Infotainment System Is Painfully Old: What Are Your Options?

staff@jalopnik.com (Brontë Wieland) — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:25:00 +0000

Driving an old car doesn't mean you have to be stuck with an old infotainment system. Here are a few options worth exploring if you want a modern upgrade.

How To Clean Out A Blocked Fuel Line

staff@jalopnik.com (Chris Tsui) — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:25:00 +0000

While keeping your car's fuel lines clean can be as simple as adding a cleaner additive in the tank, more serious clogs require a manual flush such as this.

Here's How To Fix Common Power Tailgate (And Liftgate) Problems

staff@jalopnik.com (Brontë Wieland) — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:25:00 +0000

If your power tailgate or liftgate is refusing to cooperate, there are a few simple fixes you can try before heading to the mechanic and parting with your cash.

How To Live With A Car From A Defunct Brand When Parts Have Nearly Disappeared

staff@jalopnik.com (Chloe Clougher) — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 01:25:00 +0000

Driving a car from a defunct brand can be incredibly cool, but keeping one on the road requires serious planning, foresight, and resourcefulness.

Is There An Ideal PSI When Pressure Washing Your Car?

staff@jalopnik.com (Viraaj Bhatnagar) — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 14:25:00 +0000

You don't want to strip your car's paint by using water pressure that's too high, or not get it clean by going to low. So what's the right range?

Bugatti Is Making Larger OEM Veyron Wheels That Don't Need To Use $40,000 PAX Tires

staff@jalopnik.com (Daniel Golson) — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:27:57 +0000

The new wheel setup debuted in Monterey on a Veyron that underwent Bugatti's full recommission program, receiving a fresh color scheme and other new options.

Your LED Light Bar Is Ugly, Get Vintage Halogen Fog Lamps Instead

staff@jalopnik.com (Brad Brownell) — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:25:00 +0000

Ultra-bright lights have their place in the off-road racing world, but you can have these much better-looking fog lights for much less money.

7 Common Mistakes That Could Be Damaging Your New Tires

staff@jalopnik.com (B. L. Johnson) — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 23:45:00 +0000

New tires are expensive, so don't let bad habits ruin them. Here are the common mistakes you might be making and how to keep your rubber lasting longer.

This Aftermarket Battery Gives Your McLaren P1 (You Have One Of Those, Right?) Less Weight And More Electric Range

staff@jalopnik.com (Chris Tsui) — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 21:05:00 +0000

V Engineer's lithium-ion battery is 12.4 kWh rather than the original's 4.72 kWh, and it saves 51 pounds.