Cars these days can do a lot, but despite being high-tech machines with hundreds of sensors, they aren’t great communicators. Often times your vehicle speaks in code, flashing a check engine light to let you know you need to plug in a code reader to find out what’s wrong. And even then, it can be tough to nail down the underlying problem. Furthermore, many issues trigger the check engine light … but not all do. There are other ways your ride might be asking for help. When you

A few car interior cleaning tips make a huge difference for the time you and your riders spend in the car, while also greatly affecting resale value. You shouldn’t have to deep clean a car’s interior but a few times a year, so when you do, get in there and do it right. Devils In The Details Remove all garbage first, clean from the top down and keep a vacuum with multiple attachment options handy. Don’t forget how much of your car moves, slides or folds to reveal more places t

Proper filter maintenance is essential for keeping your car in working order and each needs to be changed following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Even following those guidelines, how you use your vehicle might mean you need to change some filters more often. If you drive in harsh conditions, then your filters may need more frequent attention. Here’s an explanation of what the filters in your car do and when they need to be changed. Cabin Air Filters This filter keeps th

A clear view of the road is essential to safely operating a car. With rain, snow, dirt and bugs fighting to block your view, a good pair of windshield wipers is indispensable. Before you start thinking about how to change windshield wipers, you should first identify which wiper blades you’ll need for your specific vehicle and climate. Replacement Wiper Blade Types • Conventional blades. Conventional blades are the everyday wiper blades that you see on practically every car, c

Knowing when it’s time for a brake pad replacement can save you a significant amount of money when it comes to maintaining your car. It’s best to wait until they’ve served their last useful mile and you’ve received maximum value from each set, but if you go too long, you run the risk of damaging other brake components — not to mention hurting your car’s stopping power. Check out these three smart tips for knowing when to replace your brake pads. 1. Listen for the Squeal You’v

A failing starter usually gives you a little bit of warning before that morning when you slide behind the wheel, turn the key and … nothing happens. Learning how to recognize the signs that your starter is on its way out can save you significant hassle — and help prevent you from being stranded at the worst possible time. Let’s take a quick look at four signs that your starter needs to be replaced. 1. A Long, Slow Crank A modern vehicle starter should be able to turn the engi