Your car needs regular care to keep it running. However, at some point, you may begin to wonder if it’s worth it to keep putting money into it—especially if your vehicle is getting older and needs a major repair. Should you pay for the repair, or would it make more sense to invest in a…
The mass airflow sensor (MAF) is a vital component of a vehicle’s electronic fuel injection system. Located between the air filter and the engine’s intake manifold, the MAF measures how much air is being drawn into your engine. This is important because it allows the engine to maintain the proper balance of air and fuel…
Car batteries are responsible for starting your car and powering the electrical system. Once your vehicle is running, the alternator takes over and charges the battery. This is a cycle that happens over and over again—your battery starts the car and powers equipment, and your alternator recharges it. Over time, the battery will eventually wear…
Depending on what your car needs, auto repairs can be pricey! According to Cars.com, the average cost of repairs is generally between $400-$600. Although that’s a good ballpark figure for many types of repairs, your actual repair costs can vary quite a bit depending on which part is being repaired or replaced, the make and…
It might be a question you have every time you pull up to the gas pump: what’s the best type of fuel for my car? Does the octane matter? Can one give you better mileage than another? Understanding Octane Regular fuel is 87 octane; premium fuel is 91 or 93. Mid-grade octane falls in the…
Most drivers have heard of a differential—but what does it actually do? When making a turn in your vehicle, the outer wheels travel faster and further than the inner wheels. The differential is a specialized gearbox that transfers power from the engine to the wheels, while also allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds…
Whether you have a manual or an automatic, the transmission is one of the hardest working (and expensive!) systems in your car. Like the engine, transmissions contain a fluid that helps keep the moving parts lubricated, cleans and protects the metal surfaces, conditions the gaskets, and prevents excessive wear. In an automatic transmission, the transmission…
When it comes to vehicle sounds, noise coming from the brakes can be the most disconcerting. After all, your braking system is one of the most important features keeping you safe on the road. Some brake noises are benign; others are more worrisome and should be checked out right away. Here are some of the…
Most of us have experienced a dead battery at some point. You turn the key, and instead of hearing the roar of your engine coming to life, there’s either silence or a series of repetitive clicks. The engine refuses to turn over—and this is the only time you should jump-start your car. If you’re driving…
Today’s engines are quite a bit different than engines in the past. They need less maintenance, are more powerful, and need less fuel. Since they don’t require as much maintenance as older engines, oil changes have become even more important for keeping your engine in good shape. All oil used today is “paraffin-based” oil; this…
