Summertime! Everyone wants to go cool off at the river, lake or ocean. And you’ve got the car to carry them all. Besides, you’d rather drive than ride, right? So Let’s Go! Nothing beats a day at the beach and nothing tests the patience of a meticulous car owner more than the day after when you try to figure out how to remove sand from your car. And if you’re not that picky, you should be. That sand isn’t just unsightly — it can cause real damage to the interior of your car.

The summer is the best time to go cruising with your convertible top down. However, situational awareness on your part can avert potential trouble and costly repairs. As you prepare to drop the top of your convertible, keep in mind the following points: Soft Top Considerations Soft tops are either manually or power-operated. Models that have power-operated tops come equipped with a manual override, which allows you to bypass the folding mechanism. Your owner’s manual will out

Engines are complex machines with rapidly moving metal parts and small clearances. And as such, they generate a lot of heat. You already know that coolant is an integral part of keeping your engine from exploding, and you probably also know that you have multiple coolant options that aren’t interchangeable. But how do you know which is OK to use? Color is not a reliable indicator in choosing between OAT, IAT and HOAT, so you better choose wisely … and what is HOAT coolant any

When you start working on cars it is common to acquire a starter tool set to cover most repairs. A set of wrenches and a socket set are great, but a few key specialty tools can be a real time saver. We’ve listed a few of our favorite specialty tools that we think should be in every toolbox. Hose Clamp Pliers One of the most hated parts under the hood of a car is the dreaded spring clamp. These clamps are a universal favorite of automobile manufacturers due to their extreme ea

As summer approaches and the weather warms up, your tire pressure fluctuates rapidly, regardless of your driving habits. Knowing how to check tire pressure can go a long way toward helping your tires last longer, keeping a good grip on the road and improving your fuel economy. Seasons of Change The temperature of the outside air directly affects the pressure in your tires. Tires lose pressure naturally, at a rate of approximately one to two pounds per square inch per month. T

Boat enthusiasts know there’s nothing quite like spending a day out on the water, but mechanical issues can bring that fun to a grinding halt. Because your boat’s motor is exposed to some of the harshest conditions, regular outboard motor repair and maintenance is essential. Here are six things you can do to get your boat ready for the season and help you avoid needing a tow back to the slip. 1. Spark Check One of the most common boating problems is an engine that won’t start

Over the years, there have been all kinds of packages and sub-models for GM’s answer to the Mustang and the champion of all pony cars, the Camaro. From the base model to the RS, SS, RS\SS, Z\28, IROC, and Berlinetta, the pinnacle version is the ZL-1. Unlike the others, the ZL-1 Camaro was never actually supposed to be available to the public; in fact it was never supposed to be built at all. ZL-1 was the GM factory code for the aluminum 427 cubic-inch big-block designed only

Wondering how to prepare your car for summer? The season’s warm weather can be hard on your ride, placing stress on everything from its air conditioner to its battery. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your vehicle cruise through the heat without breaking a sweat. Read on to learn how to get your car ready for the dog days of summer. The tasks listed below are easy to tackle and can be completed in just a few minutes. Check the Air Conditioning System Your car