Among nature’s most beautiful scenes is the morning sun reflecting its dazzling light off newly fallen snow. The beauty of this scene, however, lasts only as long as it takes to realize you now have to shovel. To that end, the following are several shoveling tips created with your back’s preservation in mind: Shovel in Small Batches While the snow is still falling, get out your shovel and begin the snow-removal process. You’ll have to shovel again once the storm has finished,

“Do I need to warm up my car” is a question posed by anyone living in a climate where the mercury often drops well below the freezing point. Whether you’re getting ready to go to work in the morning or heading out to the parking lot after a full day, the prospect of a cold car is uninviting, to say the least and, according to some automotive folklore, potentially damaging to your mechanical components. Is warming up your car really that important? Are you shortening the life

There are several types of car filters that keep your vehicle running smoothly. Filters are important because they keep dirt and other debris that’s on the road and in the air away from crucial engine components. Ever wondered how many filters your car has? Here’s a list of the filters in your car and what they do to keep your engine running. Oil Filter Oil is a lubricant that travels through your engine, ensuring parts move smoothly. It starts off clean, but over time it pic

Brake rotor replacement is something every driver eventually faces, and it helps to understand a little about how this component fits into your car’s braking ecosystem so you can make smart choices when talking to your mechanic. Brake rotors are some of the most durable parts on your car, but over time the stress of daily driving takes a toll, even on steel. What Is a Rotor? On all modern cars, the front brakes, and usually the rear brakes, make use of a rotor and pad design.

Car batteries are generally out of sight and out of mind. Tucked under the hood, you don’t think much about them as long as they do what they’re supposed to do — start your vehicle. But what if you need to remove one, temporarily or permanently? We’ve got some tips on handling a car battery. Safety First Even if you think the battery is dead, always treat it as though it’s charged. A shock can be nasty — even fatal. And that warning sticker that says “DANGER — EXPLOSIVE GASES

Buying a used car is often a purchase that can’t be undone. Only a handful of states have lemon laws, and even those offer limited protection. It’s up to you to fully evaluate the vehicle first. Worried about getting stuck with a clunker? Use these tips for buying a used car to ensure you bring home the best vehicle you can afford. 1. Do Your Research Many free resources exist online for consumers buying a car. Take a bit of time to look up information specific to the make, m

There are some essential tools that no garage should be without, whether you plan to tackle a large-scale project or just handle basic maintenance on occasion. No matter the size of the job you’re working on, having the right tools on hand can be the difference between success and frustration. Here’s a look at five essential tools that should be in every home garage. 1. Socket and Driver Set Nuts and bolts are the basic fasteners of car construction, and a good socket and dri

With winter’s grasp firmly upon us, the issue of getting stuck becomes more prominent in our daily lives. Whether you are just slipping a little or the wheels are buried to the axles, these 10 tips on how to get your car unstuck are not only helpful, but can prove to be a lifesaver. All of these tips have been compiled through years of getting stuck ourselves. Don’t stop! If you are sliding off the road, headed towards a drift, slush pile, etc, do not stop. Your vehicle’s mom

If your car or light truck is relatively new, it may be equipped with traction control or its more sophisticated cousin, electronic stability control (ESC). These systems are designed to help you maintain control of your vehicle in dangerous circumstances. Certainly, automotive technology can help save lives, but there are limits to its capacity to protect you and your passengers. Knowing how systems like ESC work helps you understand how they contribute to improved automotiv

If your vehicle gets 36 mpg, you’ll burn one gallon of fuel on the average daily drive of an American, along with some 9,000 gallons of air, enough to fill a 12 x 20-foot pool to five feet. That air isn’t just air, however. There’s dust, pollen, insects, sand, dirt and even bits of rubber. The engine air filter keeps this stuff from damaging the engine, and a dirty air filter is a sign it’s actually doing its job. How Much Dirt Is Too Much? With regular scheduled maintenance,