Cars View All →
Dodge Challenger Extreme
Dodge Challenger Extreme Who says the era of fast cars was going away? In spite of a recession and high gas prices, high performance sports cars keep coming down the production pipeline. GM recently made a splash at the New York Auto Show with the 500-horsepower 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. Not to be outdone, Chrysler’s [...]
Read More →2014 Roush Mustangs
Originally introduced to the public in 1964, the Mustang became one of Ford’s classic muscle cars. Also known as the “Pony Car,” this incredible classic has continued as one of the company’s most successful products. The car has gone through a number of redesigns with the 2014 Roush model providing an exciting update in automotive [...]
Read More →2014 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid
While it looked like the first of Porsche’s planned line of plug-in hybrid cars would be the upcoming 918, the supercar will be beaten to market by the Panamera S E-Hybrid. Set to debut at the Shanghai Auto Show, this sedan skips the F1-inspired KERS system for a more traditional hybrid experience. However, if the [...]
Read More →2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe
From the creator of the first four door sports cars comes a new four door coupe that aims to be the halo car of BMW‘s lineup: the M6 Gran Coupe. With an M5 sedan, M6 coupe, and M6 convertible already on the market, a four door coupe may seem redundant. However, the result is a [...]
Read More →Volkswagen Design Vision GTI
Off-road enthusiasts are familiar with Jeep’s special edition. The show truck debuts at their Easter Safari meet, but they’re not the only brand that sends their concepts directly to their enthusiasts. Volkswagen is bringing their own products to the GTI meet at Reifnitz, Austria’s Lake Wörthersee. One of the cars debuting this year is a [...]
Read More →2013 Mini Cooper S Paceman AII4
How Many Minis? When BMW debuted its initial Mini Cooper model back in 2002, it came in two varieties: two-door hardtop and convertible. In just over a decade, however, the marque’s very simple and straightforward lineup has ballooned into a wide array of outwardly similar but distinctly different vehicles. In all, now buyers can choose [...]
Read More →Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster
The Aventador Roadster’s A Unique, Low Compromise Approach to Open-Air Motoring The Aventador Roadster’s predecessor, the Murcielago Roadster, featured a traditional, folding soft top. While it worked fine in most circumstances, Lamborghini wanted to do even better this time around. To that end, the forthcoming LP 700-4 Roadster features a high-tech two-piece removable hardtop. Crafted from [...]
Read More →2014 Cadillac ELR
2014 Cadillac ELR This new vehicle is not only very stylish, but is also environmentally-friendly with its electric propulsion system and many other advancements in automotive technology. GM has continued its legacy of producing luxury vehicles with the introduction of the new 2014 Cadillac ELR. Performance As one of the outstanding new fast cars, this [...]
Read More →Trucks View All →
Jeep RESQ1
Jeep RESQ1 Discount Tire and Jp Magazine are working together to build a promo vehicle they can bring to off road events, but it will be more than just a show piece. Together with Fullerton, California’s Off Road Evolution, they are creating a support vehicle that has the capability to reach broken down off road [...]
Read More →Chevy Silverado Texas Edition
One out of every six full size trucks sold in the U.S. go to buyers in Texas, so it should be no surprise that truck manufacturers try to cater to this market with models tailor-made for the state. The Lone Star and King Ranch have long been a part of Ram’s and Ford’s full size [...]
Read More →Volkswagen Amarok
Recently, European designs have come to dominate the domestic van market with the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Fiat Ducato-based Ram Promaster, but what about their trucks? The Volkswagen Amarok shows why a European pickup truck import might be interesting but highly unlikely. The Truck Overall size is in line with small U.S. market trucks [...]
Read More →Devolro Diablo
Earthquakes, global warming, zombies – these are just a few of the things that come to mind in an “end of the world” scenario. But a well-stocked bunker full of food and ammo will only get you so far in a post-apocalyptic environment. But nothing says you’re ready for anything than a fully customized pickup [...]
Read More →Ford F-150 Atlas
The annual North American International Auto Show is well-known for bringing previews of what’s to come down the Big Three’s product pipeline. This year’s show proved no exception thanks to a number of notable unveilings. Among these was the reveal of Ford’s Atlas concept pick-up truck. The Atlas, Improving the Breed The veteran automaker’s [...]
Read More →Chevy V8 vs Ford V6
The Gen IV small block made a splash with its debut in the C7 Corvette, and now details have been released on the version that will be used in the 2014 Silverado and Sierra trucks. Dubbed the EcoTec3, this direct injection 5.3 liter Chevy V8 will produce 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of torque. They [...]
Read More →2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Diesel
For years, rumors of diesel engines in the Big Three’s half-ton light-duty offerings have circulated throughout the auto industry, only to come to naught every time. When rumors circulated of Ford’s F150 pickup getting a diesel engine, the company instead introduced its V6 Ecoboost engine –not a diesel, but definitely out of the ordinary at [...]
Read More →2014 Toyota Tundra
Since the T100 was introduced 20 years ago, Toyota has been fighting an uphill battle to take its place alongside Detroit’s Big Three in the profitable and popular full-size truck market. In some ways, their offerings seemed like they should have been a shoe-in: Their used trucks have high resale values thanks to the brand’s [...]
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Kia Cross GT
Ahead of the upcoming 2013 Chicago Auto Show, KIA offered a sneak peek of its latest crossover SUV concept in a shadowy teaser image, one that hides most of the concept’s looks. Nevertheless, anyone looking at the photo can make out the bulk of the so-called urban vehicle’s looks. The concept is a sneak peak [...]
Read More →Volkswagen Crossblue Concept
A New Standard in Efficiency A version of the Crossblue’s hybrid drivetrain was first displayed in last year’s CrossCoupe TDI concept cars. It consists of a 2.0-liter turbo diesel inline-four engine, which produces 190 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque, coupled with an independent, battery-powered electric motor at each axle. In all-electric mode, Volkswagen claims [...]
Read More →Honda Urban SUV Concept
The tiny SUV category is the one hot spot in Europe’s declining auto market. Unsurprisingly, Honda has been working toward a personal entry in the market segment. However, what is a surprise is the debut of the concept for this car dubbed the “Urban SUV” at this year’s North American International Auto Show. The Detroit [...]
Read More →Honda Urdan Concept
It appears that Honda has a brand-new compact crossover on the horizon, one that’s slated to slot below the current CR-V. The Urdan SUV is based on the Fit’s subcompact platform, giving compact car fans a sporty and dynamic package with the same sensibilities that made the Fit such a hit. Judging from its overall [...]
Read More →2014 Subaru Forester
Evolution, Not Revolution There is nothing radically different about the 2014 Forrester compared to the outgoing version. Rather than make sweeping changes, Subaru’s engineers and designers instead focused on making lots of little additions and improvements to the news cars. Taken together, these various refinements make a big overall impression. They help to ensure that [...]
Read More →Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept
A Winning Entry This exiting sport utility vehicle was created as an entry for the 2012 Los Angeles Design Challenge. The theme of this year’s contest was to imagine what a California Highway Patrol vehicle would look like in the year 2025. The principal inspiration for the Ener-G-Force was the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. In production [...]
Read More →2013 Toyota RAV4
Toyota’s latest generation of RAV4 compact crossovers recently made its official appearance at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. All new for 2013, the small CUV offers bold styling with plenty of familiar cues. Of course, there are also a few big changes to the Japanese automaker’s small crossover offering. New Styling, New Features As [...]
Read More →2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel
Diesels have long been popular among European car buyers. From tiny econo-boxes to high-end luxury cars, most models “across the pond” are available with an optional diesel engine. In the U.S., though, oil burners still have somewhat of a bad reputation. Americans think of them as slow, loud and foul-smelling. This is partially a result [...]
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Fiat Espresso Maker
While most of the world gets the practical, yet boring Panda, the only choice for American motorists who want a Fiat for their commute is the tiny Panda-based 500. To help draw in U.S. customers who need to seat more than two people, the company has developed a stretched four-door version called the 500L. That [...]
Read More →Bushwacker Flares
Why Install Flares? Fender flares are among the most popular aftermarket 4×4 accessories. They are commonly installed on pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). People choose to install them for two main reasons: utility and style. Flares are ideal for driving in wet and muddy conditions. They prevent the tires from throwing water and [...]
Read More →Dubs
Custom Wheels: Then and Now Customized wheels are nothing new. Believe it or not, the practice predates even the invention of the automobile. In Old West times, pioneers and settlers were known to decorate the wheels of their wagons and stagecoaches. The term hub cap, in fact, originally referred to metal or wooden caps fitted [...]
Read More →Jeep Camper
The new camper is designed to be hooked to the back of your off-road vehicle and can be towed to any remote locations where your vehicle can travel. Whether you are just going camping at a designated campground or going off-road to some rural location, your camper will be right there with you, providing you [...]
Read More →Autodromo
There is something beautiful when a driver looks down at the steering wheel and sees his hands wrapped around the control mechanism of a high performance sports car or even just that hobby vehicle. The only thing that could make the view better is looking down to see that the view is enchanced by some [...]
Read More →Banks Power
Company History Started in 1958, Banks Power began as an engineering firm that specialized in automotive engineering. The company has grown consistently, and it currently employs over 200 people. Banks has also expanded into areas of product innovation, research and development, testing and manufacturing of its various products and designs. Company Products Banks has designed [...]
Read More →Will the Used iPad Market Resemble a Used Car Lot?
Gadget fans enjoy the cachet of having the latest model of the blockbuster iPad tablet. Others are just as well-served by older models, especially since all of the tablets from Apple represent useful and original technological advances. The manufacturer, as well as outside trading platforms such as Nextworth and Gazelle, enables owners of the tablets [...]
Read More →Open Source Maps Revolutionize the GPS Industry
Users of GPS navigation systems have had to buy proprietary maps for regions that were not included with their original purchase. In addition, GPS manufacturers have issued and charged for updated maps that their customers have felt compelled to purchase in order to get the most out of their navigation devices. Now, however, users of [...]
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J.D. Power and Associates Tire Survey
J. D. Power and Associates may be best known for its vehicle initial quality ratings, but this is just one of many research studies it does on the automobile industry. The group just released the results of its tire survey, showing what drivers think about the rubber that comes with the company’s new cars. The [...]
Read More →Airless Tires
A Host of Exciting Advantages Tire technology has not changed all that much in nearly a century. While standard inflatable tires do their jobs well, they have some definite weaknesses. Chief among them is durability. Even the best tires can easily become punctured and render the vehicle unusable until they are repaired or replaced. Particularly [...]
Read More →Chevy Corvette Engine
Not many details have come out for the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. General Motors’ iconic flagship sports car is slated to be all-new for 2014, with a completely new exterior and interior design. Not only is Chevrolet going all out with redesigning its world-renowned, two-seater sports car on the outside and inside, it also has plans [...]
Read More →2014 Corvette 6.2 liter LT1 Engine
GM’s latest tease leading up to the reveal of the C7 Corvette this January is the release of information on their new Gen 5 motor. Dubbed the “LT1,”it will give even the basic version of these sports cars the power to hang with the current Z06, while also improving fuel economy. “New” LT1? Confusingly, this [...]
Read More →Continuously Variable Transmissions
There is no single car part debated about more than the transmission. While the debate between manual, DSG and automatics rages on, another option, the CVT, has been added to automotive drivetrains. How does it work? Anyone who has ridden a multi-speed bicycle will have an idea about how the CVT functions. Shifting the lowest [...]
Read More →Are Batteries 100% Recyclable?
The increase in automotive battery usage begs the question: What happens to them when they need to be replaced? Unlike other car parts, a battery can be a major environmental hazard, making the prospect of electric and hybrid cars look less green. The reality is that nearly every part of every battery can be reclaimed, [...]
Read More →Goodyear Developing Soybean Tires
Goodyear recently announced that they’re working on a tire that replaces previous versions of the oil used in the tread compound with soybean oil. The switch could cut the company’s petroleum use by seven billion gallons per year. The benefits of a soybean tire don’t end at conservation. Tires made with this new process should [...]
Read More →Body Kits
Why would someone want to add a body kit? Despite popular belief, they probably won’t make a vehicle faster. The testing needed to design a kit that effectively reduces aerodynamic drag requires a lot of time in a wind tunnel, and that costs money. At the low volumes these kits sell at, this is not [...]
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How Alternators Work
How Do Alternators Work? Newer vehicles have a 12-volt direct current (DC) electrical system, while older cars and most motorcycles use a 6V system. Hybrid vehicles separate the electrical system into a 12V section for lighting and in-cabin systems, and use a high voltage system for the drive motor. Older vehicles use a generator that [...]
Read More →Squeaking Brakes
Brake squeal is a phenomenon that most drivers don’t want to put up with. The brakes are a critical component of any vehicle, since they’re the only things that are able to bring your car to a safe halt. When drivers start hearing unfamiliar noises emanating from their wheels, they usually become a bit panicked. [...]
Read More →Carbon Fiber Repair
Once strictly the domain of exotic cars, improvements in construction have lowered the price of carbon fiber (CF) enough for it to be used in mass production sports cars and aftermarket performance parts. Over the next 10 to 15 years, experts are projecting that the cost of this material could drop below that of aluminum, [...]
Read More →Air Cleaner Replacement
How often should an air cleaner be changed? The user manual should list the service interval for the filter, but vehicles regularly driven on dirt roads may need the filter changed twice as often. If you’re unsure, inspect the filter visually and replace or clean it if the filter element looks black. How do I [...]
Read More →Five Things to do After Buying a Used Car
Few people are concerned with car maintenance immediately after purchasing a car. In fact, most people want to focus on showing it off to their friends and family. Taking a few simple steps immediately after purchasing a used car, however, can protect you financially and save you a lot of time and headaches related to [...]
Read More →Choosing a Repair Shop to Rebuild After a Collision
Even when insurance covers reconstruction after a collision, most consumers have a choice of service centers to which they can take their cars for major repair. Five factors that consumers should look for when choosing between collision repair shops are: 1. Trade Certification and Consumer Agency Rating Many collision repair centers are members of the [...]
Read More →What to do about the “Check Engine” Light on Used Cars
Nearly all vehicles made in the United States feature a “check engine” or “service engine” light of some sort. This feature is designed to notify drivers of possible problems that could affect your vehicle’s performance. Unfortunately, many used cars will have this lamp appear at any point of their operating life. When the “check engine” [...]
Read More →Auto Body Repairs
What does it take to get quality, affordable autobody work done on a vehicle? The whole process from start to finish can be divided into these seven steps: Before You Get Into an Accident 1. Get the Right Insurance Coverage Look over your policy and answer these questions: Is the deductible low enough that you [...]
Read More →Restoration View All →
Auto Restoration
Get a top-notch auto restoration education at McPherson College. McPherson College offers a quality education in auto restoration. Learn to restore classic cars as part of McPherson’s Automotive Restoration Technology Program. McPherson College, located in McPherson, Kansas, offers several degree programs in automotive restoration. The Automotive Restoration Technology Program at McPherson College was founded in [...]
Read More →DIY Auto Restoration
Old cars, especially those that showcase the best designs of their era, can be good long-term investments, or simply very enjoyable to drive and collect. Auto restoration, however, is a separate interest in and of its own, and restoration costs incurred by an enthusiast are quite a bit higher than the usual price for a [...]
Read More →The Effect of Tire Choices
Low Rolling Resistance As a tire spins, the bottom flattens out to provide a larger contact patch. Bending the tread like this requires energy. A low rolling resistance tire reduces this effect by using a sidewall that is designed to flex vertically. As a side benefit, this helps the tire absorb bumps, improving the ride. [...]
Read More →FREEZE!!! Put down the oil change!
Common Practice It has been commonly known for years that the most optimum time between oil changes is every 3,000 miles. It has been that way since most of us can remember. So why the rush to change the tried and true? Are there any real rules when it comes to changing your engine oil [...]
Read More →PPG Industries: The Leader in After-Market Car Paint
PPG Industries manufactures a wide range of car paint that has earned a top place among the leading brands of automotive coatings. PPG Industries manufactures and markets a full line of car paint that it sells to automotive restorers via a network of authorized dealers. Automotive paint and coatings from PPG include everything from acid-wash [...]
Read More →Depreciation of New Cars: Methods for Keeping Up the Value of Cars
Introduction Depreciation occurs when new cars become less valuable over a period of time. Cars become less valuable because of mileage, mechanical problems or damage due to accidents or natural causes. Cars also become less valuable because newer models come out on a regular basis. People often have a difficult time keeping their vehicles from [...]
Read More →Five Things You Want to Consider Before Restoring Your Car
The Purpose of Your Restoration The purpose for your auto restoration is a strategic first consideration when thinking of restoring a car. You may already have a grip on your personal reasons for restoring a car but understanding the implications of your goal will help you in planning out your job. For example, the restoration [...]
Read More →Wrenches View All →
DeWalt Tools
The DeWalt Tool Company has long been the gold standard in handheld tools and devices. The company was originally founded in 1936 by Raymond E. DeWalt as a manufacturer of woodworking tools. DeWalt invented the radial arm saw, and turned the success of it into a thriving business. The company was purchased by Black & [...]
Read More →Milwaukee Power Tools
Milwaukee Electric Tool Company has developed a reputation with contractors for a tool that is reliable, heavy-duty and high quality. The company got its start when A.H. Petersen agreed to provide Henry Ford with a drill that was small enough to be held in one hand but powerful enough to perform any task required by [...]
Read More →Dependable Wrenches and Power Tools; Makita Tools
Company History The company began in 1915 in Japan building electric motors and soon expanded to designing and building electric planers. Through the years, they have expanded their product line, producing many power driven tools and other mechanical systems. In 1935, they began producing electric generators, and in 1962, the company went public on the [...]
Read More →Dremel MM40-01 Multi-Max Oscillating Tool
Just a few years ago, buyers had only one choice in oscillating tools: the Fein Multimaster. Once the company’s patents on the tool expired, Dremel jumped into the market with their own take, the 6300. Although it was far less powerful than the Multimaster, it was also far less expensive, quickly finding favor with handymen [...]
Read More →Wrenches: Craftsman Hand Tool Warranties
Craftsman tools have been atop the pack since the 1970s. Several other brands of wrenches have come and gone, but none have made quite the impact that the Craftsman brand has. All Craftsman hand tools have a lifetime waranty, but surely this can’t be the sole reason for their success as many of their contemporary [...]
Read More →The LED Lenser X21 Flashlight is a Great Beacon of Intense Light
For most people, most of the time, a good flashlight that produces 120 lumens of brightness is more than enough to shed light on the dark inner chambers of an engine, deal with a power outage or light the way during an outdoor adventure. However, for those who truly want to illuminate a large area [...]
Read More →Apartment Basics
Wrenches, Screwdrivers, and Basic Tools are an Apartment Dweller’s Best Friends. Living in an apartment assumes much of the living space and basics are taken care of by a landlord; however, if something fails not knowing how to perform a basic fix with wrenches or common tools can mean waiting days for a repair person [...]
Read More →Wrenches In Space
Getting there Between July 1969 and December 1972 twelve people walked on the moon as part of the Apollo space mission. Apollo 11 and Apollo 12, as well as Apollo 14 through Apollo 17 all reached their destination. A Command Module, which was manned by one astronaut in lunar orbit, deployed two astronauts in a [...]
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Vehicle Dependability Study
How Does the Study Work? The results of the study are compiled from owner surveys. Owners are asked to list how many problems they experienced with their cars during the first three years of ownership. The 2013 Vehicle Dependability study, therefore, deals with model year 2010 vehicles. Problems include both large and small issues, everything from [...]
Read More →E15 Fuel
With the new E15 fuel blend being rolled out nationwide, the American Petroleum Institute is warning drivers and Congress that it may damage their vehicles. Is this true, or is the API using scare tactics to keep Americans using more gasoline? What makes this new E15 formula different? Ethanol, the same type of alcohol in [...]
Read More →Water Activated Seat Belts
A Relatively Rare but Very Dangerous Scenario While they’re not among the most frequent causes of auto-related deaths, in-vehicle drownings do consistently occur. In the United States, approximately 400 people drown each year in their cars. This typically occurs following a collision or accident that leads to the vehicle being submerged in a lake, river [...]
Read More →1400 Mitsubishi Cars Are Lost
An Uncommon Tragedy Ship-based cargo transport, due to the slow speeds of the vessels and a generally effective system of regulation, is typically safe and reliable. When things go wrong, though, the results can be catastrophic. One of the worst such accidents in recent years occurred late on the evening of December 5, 2012. The [...]
Read More →Bad day for Toyota at IIHS
What is the New “Small Overlap” Test All About? The new test is designed to simulate a frontal impact with a tree, telephone pole or other stationary vehicle. For the test, the subject vehicle is first accelerated up to 40 miles per hour. Twenty-five percent of the front of the vehicle is then subjected to [...]
Read More →Camaro moves to US
An American Icon Returns Home While there are few contemporary vehicles with a more American look and feel than the current fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro, every example of the car has been assembled by Canadian workers. Since its debut in 2009, GM’s Oshawa Car Assembly plant in the Canadian province of Quebec has been tasked [...]
Read More →GM to End Hybrid Truck Production
General Motors recently introduced its new for 2014 pickup truck lineup that includes the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra. However, astute truck fans might notice a couple of players that are missing from this vast lineup. In light of lagging sales, the famed American automobile manufacturer has decided to pull the plug on the [...]
Read More →GM renews El Camino and Nomad Trademarks
The truck bed-equipped El Camino and the Nomad station wagon are two of the most memorable cars in Chevrolet’s history, so it’s no surprise that enthusiasts are excited by the news that General Motors recently renewed the trademarks for both names. What would these cars be like? The most obvious candidates are vehicles that could [...]
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