A car battery is a crucial component that plays a vital role in the operation of a vehicle. Its primary function is to provide electrical energy to start the engine and power various electrical systems when the engine is not running. Testing a car battery is a straightforward process that can help you determine its health, which can prevent unfortunate situations while keeping the vehicle in its best condition. In this article, we will explain the steps for testing a car battery, as well as what the battery does and why a healthy battery is important for your vehicle.

The Toyota Crown is strange. It’s a lifted, hybrid, luxury-ish sedan offered here in the US, named after a famed luxury sedan that, for years, has been used to shuttle around members of Japanese high society. The Crown everyone thinks of when they hear that name (should they even recognize it) is Japan’s S-Class, and here in North America, it’s a $40k sedan wearing lifts that would make Ron Desantis blush.

Subaru of America, Inc. has introduced the 2025 Subaru Forester, with availability expected in late spring 2024. This iteration marks the sixth generation of the Forester and features updates such as a refreshed exterior design, improvements in interior noise reduction, and advancements in ride and handling. The vehicle is priced starting at $29,695.

Long-roof fans, rejoice!

In celebration of 4x4 Day this year, Jeep is returning one of its best colors to the lineup. Tuscadero, the automaker’s solar-flare-bright magenta, will be available to order on 2024 Wranglers. The color first debuted in 2021, and according to Jeep, around 30,000 customers placed an order for the loud color that same year. The addition of the color back into the lineup brings the total number of available colors up to nine: Anvil, Earl, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal, Silver Zynith, Hydro Blue, Bright White, and black.

...and every existing owner breathes a collective sigh of relief.

Our internet sleuths, as well as those at CarBuzz, have uncovered trademark filings suggesting Lamborghini has chosen a name for the Huracan’s successor: Temerario. Seeing as the V10 entry-point to the Lamborghini sports car lineup isn’t long for this world, it makes quite a lot of sense. Alternatively, we think that whatever that car will be called, Lamborghini has held the trademark far longer. You don’t just trademark the name of your next-generation supercar a handful of months before its alleged debut. These filings were made in early February this year, though earlier versions may exist. Point being, someone could well have snatched the Spanish name, which translates to “reckless,” much sooner, leaving what are likely years of planning a total mess.

Welcome to the 12th episode of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors. This week we discuss a bunch of new debuts from the New York Auto Show as well as other car news. We have a review from an unsuspecting PHEV sleeper and discuss the best Subarus of all-time.

When Porsche set out to produce its first electric car it had to make sure that it went about it in a way that captured the essence of the brand.

Recently, we spent a week with a 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce Q2. Although there were plenty of issues with the car during our time with it, a few other unexpected surprises emerged. Below we summarize the top three things we were not anticipating during our test drive.

BFGoodrich’s All-Terrain T/A KO2 has been a dominant force in the all-terrain tire game since its launch. It carries the torch once lit by the original BFG A/T which helped develop the category and made its mark by becoming one of the most popular and easily recognizable choices in the off-road, truck, and SUV tire world. To see if the KO2 is worth the hype, BFG sent us a set to test on our ongoing Lexus GX460 daily-driver-meets-off-roader build.

Only 25 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Edition 1 examples will be made. That’s fewer cars than even boutique high-end automakers like Koenigsegg and Bugatti produce in a few years. Given the exclusivity, Mercedes wants a lot of money for such a limited run of cars. $82,435 including destination, to be exact. In fairness, Mercedes includes a ton of otherwise optional extras as standard. This includes the AMG Aerodynamics Package, which adds a front splitter and rear spoiler, as well as a larger diffuser (which here features red accenting). Anything once shiny is made black by the included AMG Night Package, and all Edition 1 models will come finished in AMG Manufaktur Mountain Grey Paint.

After too many years of being neglected, GM has decided to throw some money and attention at their premium brand, Buick and according to the General, it’s working.

The R1T and R1S lineup will now encompass three total trims: Entry, Adventure, and Premium, likely in that order. Currently, Rivian offers the R1T and S Adventure with dual-motor AWD, a Performance dual-motor AWD setup, and a quad-motor AWD setup. There’s no telling exactly how the new trim levels will change these offerings, but we should find out soon- Rivian’s NHTSA paperwork shows these changes could take effect for 2025 model year trucks and SUVs.

Findings from a 2024 survey indicate that skepticism and unease are prevalent among American drivers when it comes to fully autonomous vehicles. A significant 66% of participants have expressed fear, while 25% remain unsure about the prospect of self-driving cars. This data suggests that driver trust in these technologies has not seen an upward trend, mirroring last year’s spike in skepticism. Nonetheless, there is a clear interest in semi-autonomous features that suggests a path forward for the automotive industry.

A torque wrench is a valuable tool for anyone serious about their mechanical work. Professional mechanics understand the importance of properly torqued fasteners, which is why they keep a selection of ¼”, ⅜”, and ½” drive torque wrenches in their toolboxes.

Toyota has begun to lift the cover off the latest 4Runner, sharing the first teaser image of the new off-roader. Toyota is known for keeping its models around for some time, and the current 4Runner debuted 14 years ago, back in 2010. Conceivably, someone reading this story right now could have lived their entire lives without seeing a new 4Runner generation. While keeping a model around for a while isn’t so terrible from an environmental and economic standpoint, it’s certainly safe to say people are excited for the new one.

Autoguide has discovered a new Nissan trademark, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), for “Tetra.” It’s reasonably safe to assume the name could be used for a new vehicle. After all, Nissan recently announced it would launch seven new models, in addition to refreshing the majority of its US lineup, by 2026. Globally, that total rises to 30 new models.

The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) brings into focus the importance of home charging systems, which offer a preferable alternative to the less predictable public charging stations. Insights from a detailed study by J.D. Power reveal a growing satisfaction among EV owners with their home charging setups, emphasizing the critical role these systems play in supporting the EV lifestyle.

The all-new 2025 Kia K4, fresh with a new design, upgraded interior, and loads of new tech, made its global debut at the New York International Auto Show.

During the latest episode of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay motors, we talked with special guest Craig Keeys, group Vice President, Infiniti Americas. Our main discussion was on the recently introduced all-new 2025 Infiniti QX80.

For 2025, Hyundai brings the Tuscon into the modern age with a load of design and tech updates including numerous hybrid, ICE, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. In addition to the new looks, which include a redesign, Hyundai has dramatically updated the interior.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is getting exactly what it needed.

The biggest difference between Michelin's most sustainable tire yet and its more conventional rubber is that there's no difference. That's the lesson I'm learning while braking hard into the notorious turn 11 at Sonoma Raceway in Northern California in the fastest track machine ever made: A rental Ford Explorer.

Recently on an episode of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors, we chatted with special guest Craig Keeys, group Vice President, Infiniti Americas. Our discussion focused primarily on the all-new 2025 Infiniti QX80, which has undergone a major redesign.

In case you’ve missed it, the Land Rover brand recently split into three, distinct sub-brands. Land Rover of course is one of the three brands, as is Range Rover. The third sub-brand is Defender, making the iconic nameplate a model-line all to its own.

It's clear Genesis is aiming even further upmarket for its upcoming range-topper. Look out, Mercedes.

Genesis is targeting BMW M and Mercedes-AMG with its new (liquid hot) performance division.

There’s a new G Wagen. After the last model ended production some time ago, the latest Mercedes-Benz G550 and G63 are here. Noticeably, the G63 still packs a big V8 under the hood- but the electric Gelandewagen won’t be here until “a later date.” So, for now, it’s worth knowing the gas-powered G-Class is still the off-roader it has always been, with a ladder-frame body, three mechanical locking differentials, a low-range gear set, and a solid rear axle.

Technology has made an extreme improvement in the accessibility of diagnosing vehicular issues. Long gone are the days of timing lights and tearing apart carburetors (at least in the instance of modern vehicles), and now we live in the time of plugging a piece of metal and plastic into another piece of metal and plastic to learn everything happening with a vehicle. OBD2 scanners are a dime a dozen, and we recently tested the Carista EVO to see how it does. Can it stand out?

Welcome to the 11th episode of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors. This week we discuss first drives of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, the 2024 Ford Ranger, and the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor. We test drive the Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce and discuss another interesting new patent.

As the ancient texts dictate, it is once again time for the Easter Jeep Safari, and that means four new Jeep concepts will accompany the brand and scores of off-road enthusiasts to Moab, Utah for a solid week of off-roading. This year, not all concepts are Wranglers, but there is a notably important Wrangler concept. Following the death of the Wranger 392, the Jeep Low Down Concept could be the last V8-powered model the brand produces.

As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction among a diverse consumer base. With advancements in technology and an increasing focus on sustainability, potential car buyers are showing a growing interest in electric mobility. This shift is not only evident in the rising sales numbers but also in the satisfaction levels and future intentions of current EV owners. The study by CDK encompassing 300 participants provides a window into the demographic profiles, usage patterns, and overall sentiment towards EVs, painting a detailed picture of the current state of electric vehicle ownership.

Nobody wants gremlins. Whether it be the kind that appear when feeding a mogwai after midnight, or the type that cause electronic/mechanical components to fail, gremlins can ruin your day.

According to the Consumer Reports survey, capturing the preferences of car owners for their automotive repairs, there is a clear leaning towards independent shops and, in some cases, chains over dealership service departments. This preference is rooted in the experiences shared by 10,973 Consumer Reports members across 11,670 repairs at various service facilities, including 36 auto repair chains, independent shops (analyzed collectively), and dealerships.

Way back in 2013, Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker filed a trademark application with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EU IPO) for the word “Venator.” The filing was approved, and Spyker held the trademark until March 4th. The automaker never did anything with it, and it was perhaps reserved for a future model before the brand declared bankruptcy in December 2014. But just yesterday, on March 22, Aston Martin filed to retain the trademark on Venator for itself. Why isn’t exactly clear, but the name has some history elsewhere too.

The Kicks will join the Infiniti QX80 at next week's New York Auto Show.

On one hand: a lot of money. On the other: 641 horsepower.

A comprehensive survey by FLO, an electric vehicle (EV) charging network in North America, has shed light on the charging behaviors of nearly 40,000 EV drivers across the United States and Canada. A significant finding from the survey reveals that a majority of these drivers depend on direct current (DC) fast charging stations for their long-distance travel needs. Specifically, 42% of participants reported using fast chargers at least once a month, while 60% rely on them for trips that extend beyond their city limits.

After a series of teasers, Infiniti has finally taken the cover off the all-new 2025 QX80 SUV. The vehicle remains the brand’s flagship and incorporates a lot of firsts for the manufacturer. Most noticeable is the newest version of Infiniti’s double-arch grille, which the brand claims mimic a bamboo forest.

It hasn’t officially been said yet, but the Kia Forte is likely headed to the grave. What can be seen in the images here is its replacement- the Kia K4. As the name suggests, it’ll not only serve as the replacement for the aging Forte but fit more neatly into the Kia lineup beneath the K5. While we don’t have hard specifics yet, Kia did unveil the car’s full design today, and the updates over the outgoing Forte are easy to see.

It’s no secret that sedans are losing favor with consumers. As Trucks and SUVs continue to rise in popularity, less and less sedan offerings remain on the market. So why is Volkswagen putting so much effort and development into a new all-electric sedan? The upcoming ID.7 is a large, tradition sedan that will be the brand’s halo vehicle.

The Neue Klasse X is a 90-percent-there look at the upcoming EV SAV offerings from BMW.

Mazda stated a few years ago the brand's ambitions of moving upmarket. Maybe not quite ready to go up against the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Cadillac just yet, the Japanese manufacturer had initial sights on premium automakers like Volvo, Acura, and Infiniti.

For the 2025 model year, the Lexus NX sees some minor changes, with a similarly minor increase in pricing. Now, the NX starts at $41,765 MSRP, up from $41,105. For whatever reason, pricing for the full lineup has not been released yet, only for the base, front-wheel drive NX.

The automotive service landscape has observed an uptick in customer satisfaction levels this year, with the overall satisfaction index rising to 851 out of 1,000 according to a study done by J.D. Power. Despite this positive development, the industry continues to face significant challenges, primarily due to the ongoing shortages of parts and labor. These issues have resulted in prolonged waiting times for customers seeking service appointments.

Perception is everything. So which legacy automaker is poised to capitalize the most when it comes to how its brand is perceived by consumers in the marketplace?

On Episode 10 of The AutoGuide show brought you by eBay Motors, we had Jeffery Lear, Director of Product and Strategy for Volkswagen USA. Our discussion centred around the brand’s upcoming electric vehicles, specifically the ID.Buzz and ID.7.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT43 will serve as the entry point to the GT lineup. Rather than making use of the larger car’s V8, this coupe will use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (with a 48v mild-hybrid system) to produce 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. These specs might sound familiar to those up to speed on their AMG news- it’s the same four-cylinder found in the latest C43, albeit with just a hair more horsepower (14 to be exact). 60 mph is a respectable claimed 3.9 seconds, notably due to the way power is delivered- this Mercedes is rear-wheel drive. The GT43 will also make use of the brand’s 9-speed automatic transmission.

It was too wild to ever live for too long.

Could we see Mazda's mid-sizer back as an EV?

Last week, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced an investigation into a fatal accident involving a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Per Reuters, the vehicle was involved in the accident while an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) was active. It isn’t clear which of the Mach-E’s many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) were active, but the San Antonio Police Department report stated “partial automation” was on at the time of the incident.

Welcome to episode 10 of The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors. This week we talk to Jonny Lieberman about Rivians, Toyota GR Corollas, and more. We recap a review of an appealing small Mazda, a bunch of safety fails, and a cool Ford patent.