Engine misfiring is not something to dismiss. It points to a range of problems that, if left ignored, can lead to engine damage and serious repairs. What causes engine misfire? There’s no simple answer — several underlying issues could be responsible. Identifying the exact source of the problem is something you can do with the help of your mechanic. Here are the signs that it’s time to take your car into the shop for an engine inspection. A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On A shak

For some drivers, a vehicle’s new car smell is one of the most intoxicating fragrances on the planet. You may associate this smell with a time when a car’s cabin is fresh and pristine, unblemished by things like juice stains and shoe scuffs. This smell isn’t caused by just one substance. In fact, it’s created by a variety of elements that are used to construct a car’s cabin. An Unusual Potpourri The elements that create your vehicle’s new car smell are perhaps less rare than

Cruise control can be a valuable ally on long highway trips. It allows you to maintain a constant speed without needing to keep your foot on the throttle, and this can reduce leg strain. Below, we’ll cover the history of this helpful feature and offer some tips on how to use it. We’ll also take a look at its most modern variant and how it could impact a generation of self-driving cars. Cruising Through a Crisis Cars made as early as 1900 used some form of speed control, but m

Your brakes serve a very basic purpose: stopping your car. But there are choices to make when dealing with your brakes, not least of all choosing the right kind of brake rotor. Brake rotors can be made of six different materials, each with its own advantages. Let’s take a look at each. 1. Cast Iron This is the very definition of old school when it comes to a brake rotor. It’s one or two pieces and gets the job done. In fact, it’s the most common material for brake rotors. The

It’s moving day! There’s a lot of excitement, but a lot to consider too. Here are some moving safety tips to help things go smoothly, keep your car and belongings in good condition, and make sure you get to your new home safely. Avoid Bedlam With a Poorly Secured Mattress Besides being unsightly, tossing a mattress on the roof of your car and securing it with bungee cords, rope or the clinging hands of the people inside is unsafe. Don’t do it. There’s a lot of mass to a mattr

Electric vehicles began taking the market by storm when Nissan introduced its mass-production Leaf model in 2011. Since then, nearly every manufacturer has brought its own EV to the market. The future appears bright for EVs, especially as engineering improvements make them more efficient and cost effective. That said, we’ll examine the good, the bad and the ugly of electric vehicles to help you make an informed decision about this emerging technology. The Good 1. No emissions

Chase Elliott led a season-high 112 laps en route to a third-place finish in Saturday night’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. The result gives Elliott his fifth top-three finish of the season. Elliott started Saturday night’s 500-lap event at Bristol from the outside pole. Elliott ran inside the top five for the vast majority of the first segment. During the competition caution at Lap 60, crew chief Alan Gustafson elected to bring Elliott to pit road for fou

Your car’s transmission sends power to the driven wheels, but the wheels themselves need assistance to operate effectively. If they were forced to rotate at the same speed, it would place a strain on the axle and hamper your car’s ability to turn. A differential helps prevent these issues by allowing each of your vehicle’s driven wheels to spin at a different speed. Check out these common problems with differentials, along with the serious consequences that can result if they

For homeowners and renters alike, mowing the lawn is a normal part of life. Though lawn mower safety is something that may be taken for granted, it is still of the utmost importance. Here are four quick tips to keep you safe, whether you’re mowing your lawn or performing repairs on your machine. 1. Mowing Safety 101 For owners of both push and riding mowers, it’s essential to bear in mind that you’re handling a heavy piece of machinery that includes a powerful engine and shar

Replacing the master cylinder for your brakes or clutch is a fairly simple task – unbolt the old one, bolt the new one in place, swap the lines and you are done, right? Not exactly. While the actual swap process is easy, there is one more step in the middle that you absolutely must do before you take the new unit to the car: bench bleed the air out. What Is A Master Cylinder? The master cylinder is a hydraulic pump. As you pump the pedal, it forces the brake fluid into the c