Car advice, organized by topic.
Find guides by topic — from warning signs to repairs and buying tips.
Symptoms & warnings
Dashboard lights, noises, and signs something is wrong.
Symptoms & warnings
Dashboard lights, noises, and signs something is wrong.
Guides starting with A
Guides starting with B
- Bad axle symptoms
- Bad brake booster symptoms
- Bad control arm bushing symptoms
- Bad CV joint symptoms
- Bad distributor symptoms
- Bad ignition coil symptoms
- Bad MAF sensor symptoms
- Bad motor mount symptoms
- Bad oxygen sensor symptoms
- Bad piston ring symptoms
- Bad rack and pinion symptoms
- Bad radiator cap symptoms
- Bad serpentine belt signs
- Bad spark plug symptoms
- Bad starter symptoms
- Bad sway link symptoms
- Bad throttle position sensor symptoms
- Bad tie rod symptoms
- Bad timing belt symptoms
- Bad timing chain symptoms
- Bad torque converter symptoms
- Battery discharge warning
- Battery saver active
- Blend door actuator symptoms
- Blown head gasket symptoms
Guides starting with C
- Camshaft position sensor symptoms
- Can a car battery be too dead to jumpstart?
- Can a car battery die while driving?
- Can you drive with check engine light on?
- Car battery corrosion
- Car warning lights triangle meaning
- Check engine light after oil change
- Clogged fuel filter symptoms
- Clutch slip symptoms
- Crack engine block symptoms
- CVT transmission problems and symptoms
Guides starting with D
Guides starting with H
Guides starting with I
Guides starting with K
Guides starting with L
Guides starting with M
Guides starting with N
Guides starting with S
Guides starting with T
Guides starting with V
Guides starting with W
Maintenance & repairs
How-to guides, fixes, and everyday car care.
Maintenance & repairs
How-to guides, fixes, and everyday car care.
How-to guides
- How to avoid the glare from oncoming headlights
- How to change a tire
- How to defrost the windshield
- How to dispose of old gas
- How to get a replacement car key without the original
- How to get better gas mileage
- How to get over the fear of driving
- How to get rid of roaches in car
- How to get sap off a car
- How to get smoke smell out of the car
- How to measure bolt pattern?
- How to measure rim size
- How to prevent rust on cars
- How to protect a car from hail
- How to reset tire pressure light
- How to rev a car - by transmission type
- How to stop a windshield crack from spreading
- How to tell if the rotor is bad
- How to tell which tire is out of balance
- How to unlock a car door without a key
Timing, distance, and specs
- How close to sidewall can a tire be patched?
- How do I find out what options my car was ordered with?
- How do I know if my Ford has a remote start?
- How does a jake brake work?
- How far can electric cars go on one charge?
- How far can you drive an overheating car?
- How far can you drive on a flat tire?
- How fast can a Lamborghini go?
- How fast can you drive in 4WD High?
- How fast can you drive on a donut
- How fast do NASCAR cars go?
- How fast does a Tesla go?
- How fast does an airbag deploy?
- How long can you drive on a spare tire
- How long can you drive with a bad U joint?
- How long can you go without an oil change?
- How long do brake pads last
- How long do brakes last?
- How long do car inspections take?
- How long do Honda Accords last?
- How long do Honda Civics last?
- How long do hybrid batteries last?
- How long do Jeep Wranglers last?
- How long do oil changes take?
- How long do rotors last?
- How long do tires last?
- How long do windshield wipers last?
- How long does a BMW last?
- How long does a car starter last
- How long does a car wrap last?
- How long does a tire alignment take?
- How long does a tire rotation take?
- How long does it take a car to cool down?
- How long does it take for engine to cool down?
- How long does it take to build a transmission?
- How long does it take to change brake pads?
- How long does it take to detail a car?
- How long does it take to learn how to drive?
- How long does it take to paint a car?
- How long does it take to rebuild a transmission?
- How long does it take to replace an alternator?
- How long does it take to replace motor mounts?
- How long does it take to tint a car?
- How long is a car?
- How long is gas good for?
- How long to drive after resetting computer to pass emission test?
- How long to leave a car running to charge the battery?
- How many axles does a car have?
- How many lumens are car headlights?
- How many miles can a Tesla last?
- How many miles on a car is bad?
- How many seats does a Toyota Highlander have?
- How many spark plugs does diesel have?
- How many wheels are in the world?
- How much coolant should be in the reservoir?
- How much does a Jeep Wrangler weigh?
- How much does a Tesla weigh?
- How much does a transmission weigh?
- How much does it cost to straight-pipe a car?
- How much gas does idling use?
- How much horsepower does a cold air intake add?
- How much HP does a turbo add?
- How much rhodium is in a catalytic converter?
- How much transmission fluid do I need?
- How often should I rotate my tires?
- How often should I tune up?
- How often should you wash your car?
- How often should you wax your car?
- How often to change spark plugs?
- How often to change the fuel filter
- How often to change transmission fluid
- How often to replace the air filter in a car
- How old you need to be to sit in the front seat?
- How wide is a car?
Rules, safety, and common questions
- Are alloy wheels aluminum?
- Are drilled and slotted rotors better?
- Are electric cars worth it?
- Are Interstate batteries good?
- Are struts and shocks the same thing?
- Are SUVs safer than sedans?
- Can I drive without a catalytic converter?
- Can you add oil to a hot engine?
- Can you clean a catalytic converter?
- Can you drive by yourself with a permit?
- Can you drive with a bad alternator?
- Can you jump a car in the rain?
- Can you jump a motorcycle with a car?
- Can you jumpstart a car with a bad alternator?
- Can you mix coolant colors?
- Can you mix premium and regular gas?
- Can you pump gas with the car on?
- Can you sell a car without a title?
- Can you tint a leased car?
- Can you use water as coolant?
- Can you use Windex on car windows?
- Is it illegal to drive with both feet?
- Is it illegal to drive without a shirt?
- Is it illegal to sleep in your car?
- Should I check oil when engine is hot or cold?
- Should you warm up your car before driving in cold weather?
What, why, and when
- Brake pedal goes to the floor
- What are bushings on a car?
- What are directional tires?
- What are the hand signals for driving?
- What can damage an alternator?
- What causes a car to backfire?
- What causes a catalytic converter to go bad?
- What causes car to stall while driving?
- What causes tire cupping?
- What causes tire wear on the inside?
- What color is gasoline?
- What color of cars gets pulled over the most?
- What does a car radiator do?
- What does a car title look like?
- What does a slipping transmission feel like?
- What does a thermostat do in a car?
- What does a transfer case do?
- What does eco mode do?
- What does RST stand for in Chevy?
- What does service StabiliTrak mean?
- What does the S mean on a gear shift?
- What does the throttle body spacer do?
- What does tow haul mode do?
- What does TRD stand for?
- What happens if you don't change your oil?
- What happens when the fuel pump goes out while driving?
- What happens when the timing belt breaks?
- What is D3 in a car?
- What is frame damage on a car?
- What is paint correction?
- What is the speed limit in a parking lot?
- What is the trim of my car?
- What oil does my car take?
- What to do after replacing the mass air flow sensor
- What to do when you have a flat tire
- What voltage is a car battery?
- What wires go to the ignition switch?
- When will the car shortage end?
- Why are my brakes grinding after new pads and rotors?
- Why does gas pump keep stopping
- Why does my car jerk when I accelerate?
- Why does my car smell like gas
- Why does my car smell like rotten eggs?
- Why does my steering wheel shake at high speeds?
- Why does my tire keep losing air?
- Why is ABS light on?
- Why is my airbag light on?
- Why is my car smoking under the hood?
- Why is my steering wheel hard to turn?
- Why should you drive slower at night?
Everyday care
- A/C clutch not engaging
- A/C only works when driving
- Air cabin filter explained
- Best car wash soap alternatives
- Best way of cleaning leather car seats
- Best way to clean inside windshield
- Car buffing explained
- Drivetrain malfunction BMW
- Driving with the emergency brake on
- Flipping cars explained
- How do they get cars in the mall?
Comparisons
Side-by-side answers when you are choosing between options.
Comparisons
Side-by-side answers when you are choosing between options.
- All-season tiresall-weather tires
- All-terrainsmud-terrains
- Carb cleanerbrake cleaner
- Convertible car seatinfant car seat
- Crew CabDouble Cab
- DOT 3DOT 4 brake fluid
- Ford MaverickRanger
- HatchbackSUV
- Hubcapsrims
- Hybridplug-in hybrid
- LEDhalogen headlights
- Low beamhigh beam
- Lowering springscoilovers
- Muffler deletestraight pipe
- Rebuiltsalvage title
- Resonatormuffler
- Semi-metallicceramic brake pads
- SuperCabSuperCrew
- Tail lightbrake light
- Timing belttiming chain
- Tire balancealignment
- Tire plugpatch
- Wheel offsetbackspacing
- WhippleProcharger
Reliability guides
Model years to avoid and common problems by vehicle.
Reliability guides
Model years to avoid and common problems by vehicle.
A
Acura
B
BMW
C
Cadillac
Chevrolet
- Chevrolet Camaro years to avoid
- Chevrolet S-10 years to avoid
- Chevy Avalanche years to avoid
- Chevy Blazer years to avoid
- Chevy Cobalt years to avoid
- Chevy Colorado years to avoid
- Chevy Cruze years to avoid
- Chevy Equinox years to avoid
- Chevy HHR years to avoid
- Chevy Impala years to avoid
- Chevy Malibu years to avoid
- Chevy Silverado years to avoid
- Chevy Sonic years to avoid
- Chevy Spark years to avoid
- Chevy Suburban years to avoid
- Chevy Tahoe years to avoid
- Chevy Trailblazer years to avoid
- Chevy Traverse years to avoid
- Chevy Trax years to avoid
- Chevy Volt years to avoid
- Corvette C3 years to avoid
- Corvette C4 years to avoid
- Corvette C5 years to avoid
- Corvette C6 years to avoid
- Corvette C7 years to avoid
- Duramax years to avoid
D
Dodge
- Dodge Caravan years to avoid
- Dodge Challenger years to avoid
- Dodge Charger years to avoid
- Dodge Cummins years to avoid
- Dodge Dakota years to avoid
- Dodge Dart years to avoid
- Dodge Durango years to avoid
- Dodge Journey years to avoid
- Dodge Ram 1500 years to avoid
- Dodge ram 2500 years to avoid
- Ram 3500 years to avoid
- Ram EcoDiesel years to avoid
- Ram ProMaster years to avoid
F
Ford
- 6.0 PowerStroke years to avoid
- 6.7 PowerStroke years to avoid
- Ford 7.3 Powerstroke years to avoid
- Ford EcoSport years to avoid
- Ford Edge years to avoid
- Ford Escape years to avoid
- Ford Expedition years to avoid
- Ford Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid
- Ford Explorer years to avoid
- Ford F-150 years to avoid
- Ford F-250 years to avoid
- Ford Fiesta years to avoid
- Ford Flex years to avoid
- Ford Focus years to avoid
- Ford Fusion years to avoid
- Ford Mustang years to avoid
- Ford Ranger years to avoid
- Ford Raptor years to avoid
- Ford Taurus years to avoid
- Ford Transit years to avoid
- Ford V10 years to avoid
G
H
Honda
Hummer
I
J
K
L
Lexus
- Lexus CT200h years to avoid
- Lexus ES 330 years to avoid
- Lexus ES 350 years to avoid
- Lexus GS 350 years to avoid
- Lexus GX 460 years to avoid
- Lexus GX470 years to avoid
- Lexus IS 250 years to avoid
- Lexus IS 350 years to avoid
- Lexus LS 460 years to avoid
- Lexus NX years to avoid
- Lexus RX years to avoid
- Lexus SC430 years to avoid
M
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
N
Nissan
- Nissan Altima years to avoid
- Nissan Armada years to avoid
- Nissan Frontier years to avoid
- Nissan Juke years to avoid
- Nissan Kicks years to avoid
- Nissan Leaf years to avoid
- Nissan Maxima years to avoid
- Nissan Murano years to avoid
- Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid
- Nissan Quest years to avoid
- Nissan Rogue years to avoid
- Nissan Sentra years to avoid
- Nissan Titan years to avoid
- Nissan Versa years to avoid
- Nissan Xterra years to avoid
P
S
T
Toyota
- Toyota 4Runner years to avoid
- Toyota Avalon years to avoid
- Toyota Camry years to avoid
- Toyota Corolla years to avoid
- Toyota FJ Cruiser years to avoid
- Toyota Highlander years to avoid
- Toyota Land Cruiser years to avoid
- Toyota Matrix years to avoid
- Toyota Prius years to avoid
- Toyota RAV4 years to avoid
- Toyota Sequoia years to avoid
- Toyota Sienna years to avoid
- Toyota Solara years to avoid
- Toyota Tacoma years to avoid
- Toyota Tundra years to avoid
- Toyota Venza years to avoid
- Toyota Yaris years to avoid
V
Volkswagen
Car advice
Buying tips, ownership questions, and general know-how.
Car advice
Buying tips, ownership questions, and general know-how.
Problems and diagnostics
- AC off due to high engine temperature
- Black smoke from the exhaust
- Blue light on dashboard
- Brake light flashing
- Brakes squeak when stopping slow
- Brakes squeaking
- Burning oil smell through vents
- Burning smell from the car - symptoms and causes
- Car A/C blowing hot air
- Car A/C not blowing cold air
- Car A/C smells like vinegar
- Car hesitates to start
- Car horn is not working
- Car is overheated and won't start
- Car jerks when slowing down
- Car leaking antifreeze when parked
- Car makes noise when turning
- Car overheating then going back to normal
- Car overheating when idle
- Car overheats when AC is on
- Car pulls to the right
- Car shakes at idle but smooths out while driving
- Car shakes when accelerating but not when coasting
- Car shakes when braking
- Car squeaks when turning
- Car stutters when starting
- Car turns off when stopped at light
- Car turns off while driving but turns back on
- Car vibrates at high speeds
- Car vibrates when idle and AC is on
- Car with the lock symbol meaning
- Car won't accelerate, but RPM goes up
- Car won't go in reverse
- Car won't shift out of park
- Car won't start after getting gas
- Car won't start, but the lights come on
- Car won't start, but the radio works
- Check fuel fill inlet
- Chevy dashboard symbols
- Clicking noise when braking
- Clunking noise when braking
- Common problems after changing fuel pump
- Coolant in oil
- Coolant reservoir overflowing
- Creaking noise when braking
- Cruise control not working
- CV joint noise when driving straight
- Do new brakes squeak?
- Electric parking brake problems
- Electronic throttle control light
- Evaporative emission system leak
- FCW system failed
- Ford 2.0 EcoBoost problems
- Fuel gauge not working
- Green liquid leaking from car
- Grinding noise when driving
- Honda emissions system problems
- Humming noise in car getting louder with speed
- Humming noise while driving - what's the cause?
- If airbags deploy, is a car totaled?
- Key stuck in ignition - causes and fixes
- Metal shavings in oil
- Mold in the car
- Nissan dashboard symbols and meaning
- Noise when braking at low speed
- Normal oil pressure at idle
- Oil coming out of exhaust
- Oil smells like gas
- Park assist blocked
- Parking uphill with a curb
- Pink fluid leaking from the car
- Power steering fluid leak
- Pre-collision system malfunction
- Prius won't turn off
- Problems after fuel injection cleaning
- Problems after using Cataclean
- Radiator leak
- RPM going up and down
- Service theft deterrent system
- Slow leak in tire
- Speedometer not working
- Squeaking noise while driving but not brakes applied
- Squeaky brake pedal
- Squealing noise when A/C is turned on
- Starter relay fuse symptoms
- Starting system fault
- Steering assist is reduced, drive with care
- Steering wheel locked up while parked
- Taillights not working
- Temperature gauge rising but car not overheating
- Tire pressure sensor fault
- Traction control light won't turn off
- Transmission fluid leak when parked
- Turn signal blinking fast
- VW EPC light on and car shaking
- Water coming out of the exhaust
- Water leaking inside car passenger side
- Water spots on the car won't come off
- Whining noise when accelerating
- White smoke from exhaust on startup then goes away
- Why is my car shaking when stopped?
Ownership and buying
- 44% can’t identify KIA’s new logo
- A safe speed to drive your car
- Boot on a car
- Brake caliper sticking
- Bypass Ford PATS without key
- Car idling rough
- Car price change 2023 report
- Car repossession loopholes
- Ceramic coat benefits
- Clutches in automatic transmissions
- Cold air intake benefits
- Difference between diesel and gas
- Disadvantages of ceramic coating
- Do diesel cars have catalytic converters?
- Do electric cars have transmissions?
- Do electric cars use oil?
- Do exhaust tips change the sound?
- Do hybrid cars use gas?
- Do Teslas need oil changes?
- Do you have to bleed brakes after changing pads?
- Do you need a CDL to drive a box truck?
- Do you need a CDL to drive an RV?
- Does AC use gas?
- Does coolant affect AC?
- Does coolant evaporate?
- Does cruise control save gas?
- Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft?
- Does motor oil expire?
- Feathering the accelerator
- GM transmission identification
- Here’s how AI thinks the stereotypical driver for each car brand looks like
- Hidden costs of owning an electric car
- License plate screw size
- Most hyped electric cars that are NOT Tesla! [Study by Rerev]
- My car starts sometimes and sometimes it doesn't
- Negative offset wheels
- Nitrogen in tires
- No air coming out of car vents
- Overdrive off or on?
- Pros and cons of hybrid cars
- Recommended tire pressure
- Resonator delete explained
- Riding the clutch meaning
- Rotor resurfacing explained
- RV accidents
- Secondary air injection system
- Side effects of bypassing heater core
- Signs of a bad A/C compressor in my car
- Signs of a bad fuel pump relay
- Smart car weight
- Smith System 5 Keys
- Soft brake pedal
- SRS light explained
- Stripped bolt in a car
- Stripped screw in a car
- The car alarm keeps going off
- Tire balancing
- Tire number meaning
- Tire sidewall damage
- Tire tread depth
- Tire wear bars
- Transmission temperature
- Types of headlights
- Types of scratches on cars
- Unrepairable nail in tire
- Waterless car wash
- What are the pros and cons of head gasket sealer?
- What are tire wear patterns?
- What causes a bubble in a tire?
- Where does antifreeze go?
- Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converter stolen?
- Which Mercedes class is the best?
- Who makes Everstart batteries?
- Who makes Mazda?