Car batteries have an average life of 3 to 5 years, and when it’s time for a replacement, it’s important to dispose of the old one safely. [1] If you have a new battery installed at a shop, they’ll typically take care of the disposal for you. But if you handle it yourself, you can...
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A broken car thermostat can significantly impact how a car runs. Learn about a thermostat’s function, signs that it may be faulty, and how to troubleshoot problems. What does a thermostat do in a car? A thermostat regulates the temperature of coolant in a car, helping the engine operate at an ideal temperature. The thermostat...
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When it comes to winter driving, snow tires and chains can help you navigate the roads more safely. Learn about how they work, the conditions they’re best for and how to choose the best option for you. What are snow tires? The rubber in snow tires is made to be flexible in the cold, which...
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Everyone wants to maintain the new car smell as long as possible. But what do you do when the air turns musty? Here’s a look at 6 common causes of car odors and how you can remove them. How to check for hidden odor sources Cars are full of hard-to-reach spots, so make sure you...
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Taking time to prepare your car for winter weather is a smart way to help make time on the road safer and more comfortable. Why car winterization is essential Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can affect the way cars operate and make driving more difficult and hazardous. Ensuring your car is prepared for winter can...
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To understand whether you have a bad alternator or a bad battery, you need to understand how a car’s engine starts. Engines start using a cyclical process – the battery sends electricity to the starter, which then starts the engine and turns on the alternator, which then charges the battery so it will last longer...
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If you notice the headlights on your car are dim or your engine has a slow crank, then it might be time to test your car’s battery. Knowing when and how to test a battery is crucial for maintaining your vehicle. Testing your battery regularly helps catch potential issues before they leave you stranded. Please...
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An ignition coil, as its name suggests, plays a vital role in igniting the engine. This small yet potent device delivers up to 60,000 volts of power to the spark plugs to ensure your vehicle’s smooth operation. You can find the ignition coil nestled within the engine compartment. The heart of your vehicle’s performance lies...
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Knowing what your car dashboard symbols mean is extremely important. This guide breaks down the most common dashboard warning lights and icons.
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Antifreeze sounds pretty self-explanatory, right? You might think it’s just something that keeps your car from freezing in the winter months, but there’s more to it than that. Antifreeze keeps your car from overheating on scorching summer days and keeps your vehicle running smoothly despite extreme weather conditions. What is antifreeze? Antifreeze, also known as...
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Keeping your tires in good condition can be the difference between a safe ride and an accident. If your tires wear or get misaligned over time, this can lead to a more dangerous ride. That’s why it’s important to get your tires serviced so they can be rotated and wear more evenly. [1] What is...
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Have you ever been confused as to the sounds coming from your vehicle when you brake? From grinding and rattling to thumping and squealing, you can learn how to decode the sounds, pinpoint their root causes, and figure out what they might mean for the health of your car. 4 Common brake noises and their...
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One minute you’re driving your car and everything seems fine, and the next moment you hear a strange noise coming from your car as you accelerate. There are some normal noises that you could hear, from tires humming and windshields wiping to mirrors whistling in the wind. Take a listen for those so you can...
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While wheel alignment and balance both contribute to a smoother ride, the services are quite different. A wheel alignment makes sure your tires contact the road in the correct way by adjusting the angles of your tires, while a tire balance corrects the weight imbalance on the wheel and tire. Here’s a deeper dive into...
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How to use cruise control The location of the cruise control buttons can vary per car. For your car, check the manufacturer’s manual for the location and specific instructions. To set cruise control, press the ON/OFF button or switch. If you press this button again, it typically turns the system off. The Res + (resume...
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