Testing Autos: Car Care Articles

Car Care

We not only write about cars, we work on cars

Timing chain

When does the timing chain need to be replaced?

Car Care
Updated: July 23, 2022

Phone pairing

Why a phone won't pair with a car Bluetooth

Car Care

Key fob battery

When does the key fob battery need replacing?

How to check key fob battery?

Wheel locks

What to do if a wheel lock nut key is missing or broken?

Car Care Advice

Car Care

Engine Maintenance:

Checking oil

How to check the oil level in your engine and read the dipstick

Timing chain

When does the timing chain need to be replaced?

Spark plugs

When do spark plugs need to be replaced?

Timing belt

When does the timing belt need to be replaced?

Drive belt

When should a drive belt be replaced in your car?

Fuel induction service

Fuel Induction Service: does your car need it?

Non-interference engine

Interference versus Non-Interference engine

Water Pump

When does the water pump need to be replaced?

Throttle body

When does a throttle body need to be serviced?

Valve cover gasket

When does the valve cover gasket need to be replaced?

Four-stroke engine

Four-Stroke Engine: Animation, Each Stroke Explained

Battery and Electrical

Car battery

When to replace the 12-Volt car battery?

Car alternator

Alternator: when to replace, symptoms of a weak alternator.

Starter

When does the starter motor need to be replaced?

Side mirror

Broken side mirror: What are the repair options and cost?

Broken taillight assembly

Broken Tail Light Repair Options and Costs

Key fob battery

When does the key fob battery need replacing?

Phone pairing

Why a phone won't pair with a car Bluetooth

Transmission and Drivetrain

Transmission fluid

When to change your automatic transmission fluid?

Wheel bearing

What are the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing?

CV axle

When does a CV axle need to be replaced?

axle seal

When does the axle seal need to be replaced in a car?

Rear differential

How often should front or rear rear differential oil be changed?

Chassis, Suspension, Steering

Front strut

When should struts and shock absorbers be replaced?

Updated: December 07, 2022

Control arm

Control arms: when to replace?

Tie rod end

When does the tie rod end need to be replaced?

Coil spring

Coil springs: problems, when to replace?

Leaf spring

When do leaf springs need to be replaced?

Leaf spring

Squeaking leaf springs: causes, repair options

Sway bar link

Sway bar links: when to replace?

Wheel alignment

How often should the wheel alignment be done?

Undershield

When to replace engine splash shield and fender liners?

Ball joint

When do the ball joints need to be replaced?

Top strut mount

Top strut mounts and upper shock mounts: when to replace?

Rusted car

Should you rust proof your vehicle?

AWD, 4WD

Transfer Case

When should the transfer case oil be changed?

FWD vs AWD diagram

Are AWD cars more expensive to maintain than FWD?

Heating and Air Conditioning

Heating system in a car

How the heating system works in a car

A/C temperature

A/C blows cold on one side and warm on the other: 2 common reasons

Wheels and Tires

Tires

When Should Tires be Replaced in a Car?

Wheel locks

What to do if a wheel lock nut key is missing or broken?

Brakes

Brake caliper

When does the brake caliper need to be replaced?

Brake service

How often do brakes need to be serviced?

More Articles

Door check arm

Why does a car door make a 'popping' noise when opening or closing?