Tips and Advice

Cars are so expensive now—with average new vehicle transaction prices creeping towards $50,000 and the used market still obscene and absolutely full of grifters, looking for a good cheap car can seem an impossible task.

Functionally, the cabin filter cleans the air entering your vehicle through the heating and air conditioning system. Airborne dirt, dust, pollen, and debris are trapped in the filter so they can’t enter the cabin area. It’s important to change them regularly, particularly for those with allergies or breathing sensitivities. Most automakers recommend changing your cabin filter at least once annually, or every 12,000 miles.

As new vehicle prices continue to creep ever higher, used cars remain a practical option for saving money on your next vehicle. However, the excitement of snagging a bargain can quickly fade if and when repairs and maintenance costs start to pile up.

The 2024 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list features a variety of powertrains, offering something for every type of car enthusiast. From turbocharged engines to hybrid systems, this year's winners come from a diverse range of manufacturers. Let's take a look!

According to the latest study from iSeeCars.com, the average vehicle has an 8.6 percent chance of lasting 250,000 miles or more.

After picking up my Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in June, I reached out to the pros at Meguiar's to get some tips on how to care for matte paint. The team provided me with their product recommendations and a wealth of knowledge on how to keep my matte paint in pristine condition. Over the past couple of months, I've been testing numerous products and decided to compile a collection of my recommended products for matte paint care.

One of the best ways to do this is to create your own crash structure for your dog. After all, your car provides the same to you. Arguably the best way to tackle this is with a crash-tested dog crate. The Center for Pet Safety is a nonprofit that tests dog-friendly restraints, crates, and other travel accessories to keep your dog safe in the car. They recommend a number of crate options for various sizes of dogs.

Skid plates are protective metal plates or panels installed on the undercarriage of a vehicle that are designed to shield important components from damage caused by rocks, debris, and rough terrain.

Overlanding combines the spirit of adventure with the practicality of road travel, allowing you to explore remote locations with the comfort and autonomy of your own vehicle. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a novice explorer, planning an overlanding trip requires careful consideration and thorough preparation. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure a successful and memorable journey.

Going back to my youth growing up on a farm, my grandfather would always say that having the right tools was very important, and having those tools be good quality was a vital part of being successful. He never saw the value in having a tool that wouldn’t last and/or could get the job done. One thing he always had handy was a good, high-quality battery charger. As an adult with a small hobby farm of my own, and a lot of stuff like ATVs, boats, vehicles, and yes, even tractors around my place, I can attest that having a quality battery charger is a must. When I decided to test out the TOPDON TB6000 Pro, I thought, why rush it. Let’s see if it can handle some serious usage. What I found surprised me.

For years now, I've been mainly using a pressure washer to take care of my cars. Oftentimes, when friends or family ask me how to best take care of their brand new car, the first thing I always recommend is getting a pressure washer and a foam cannon. Not only does it make washing your car much easier, but it also provides a better and safer wash. Up until now, though, I've always just used the wand and pressure gun that came with my pressure washer—including the recent Chemical Guys ProFlow PM2000 I recently tested.

Being a car enthusiast on a budget can be tough. I know as I’ve firmly been a member of the limited funds for automotive fun camp since I got my license. But not having endless cash to throw at a weekend toy doesn’t mean it’s impossible to have fun.

As electric vehicles become more popular, so does the demand for quality home chargers or EVSEs. The latest charger to cross our path at the AutoGuide.com garage for testing and evaluation comes from TOPDON, with the PulseQ AC Portable EV Charger. We opted for the 32A model with a NEMA 14-50P at the end so that we could evaluate its Level 2 charging capabilities. The unit also comes with a 5-15P adapter if you need to do Level 1 charging off a standard household outlet. My test vehicles for this evaluation were a 2022 Toyota Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid) and a 2023 Polestar 2.

When overlanding, it's crucial to be prepared for any situation that may arise.

Owning a dog is a lot of fun, especially if you live somewhere that allows you to get out and do things with your pet. Whether it’s heading out to the backcountry for some camping or down the street for a drink, you probably need a car to get there. Thing is, some cars are better for dog owners than others. That’s exactly what this list is for, so take a look at the best new cars for dog owners.

The decision to invest in a Level 2 home electric vehicle (EV) charger depends on various factors and personal preferences. This type of charger isn’t for everybody, but it can be a very beneficial way to improve the convenience of owning an EV. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:

The 2024 Jaguar F-Type Convertible offers a luxurious and high-performance driving experience. Available with powerful engine options, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, it ensures exhilarating acceleration and responsive handling. Its lightweight aluminum structure and advanced suspension provide agility and smoothness. Inside, the F-Type features premium materials, an updated infotainment system, and a digital instrument cluster. The soft top operates efficiently, enhancing the open-air driving experience. The exterior boasts sleek lines, a distinctive grille, and modern LED headlights. Safety is prioritized with advanced driver-assistance features, making the 2024 Jaguar F-Type Convertible a compelling choice for enthusiasts.

Starting overlanding is an exciting and rewarding endeavor that requires a thoughtful approach to preparation, gear acquisition, and skill development. The journey begins with understanding the essence of overlanding, which is an adventurous blend of off-road driving and camping, often undertaken in remote and challenging environments. This form of travel allows you to explore the great outdoors and experience the freedom of self-sufficient travel.

If you’ve set out to do a bit of at-home auto maintenance, you’ve probably noticed some of the parts commonly found online can vary greatly in price.

Recently, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. While I had an internal debate on which paint color to get, I ultimately decided on Performance Blue Matte. I was hesitant at first because owning and caring for matte paint seemed a bit daunting to me. But as a friend said, choosing another color for the Ioniq 5 N is like buying a Type R and not getting Championship White. Yeah, Phoenix Yellow is cool and all, but we all know Championship White is where it's at.

All-terrain tires are the best of both worlds when it comes to a tire for a truck or SUV. They offer increased traction off-road over standard highway counterparts while minimizing on-road detriment that usually comes in the form of ride quality, performance, noise, and fuel efficiency. We’ve tested a substantial array of A/Ts over the years, and a stretch of testing the Toyo Open Country A/T III on our do-it-all Lexus GX460 build project tells us it very well might be a contender for the absolute best all-terrain tire available today.

A winch stands is an indispensable tool for off-roading. It serves a multitude of purposes in various work scenarios, too, but gains our appreciation for the ability to extract a stuck vehicle. While the process of selecting an appropriate winch is already a challenging endeavor, the decision about the type of line to use adds another layer of complexity. The traditional steel cable, a tried-and-true option, is contrasted with the modern synthetic line, each presenting distinct advantages and drawbacks. In this exploration, we delve into the pros and cons of both, shedding light on the considerations that users should weigh when making this crucial decision.

Being the so-called "car expert" to all my friends and family means I'm often the one fielding questions about car care.

When considering whether a pickup truck or an SUV is better for overlanding, several factors need to be taken into account, including cargo capacity, passenger comfort, off-road capability, durability, modifications, and fuel efficiency.

When you need car-related information quickly, a picture can be worth way more than a thousand words. That’s why we’ve put together six easily digestible infographics you can refer back to time and again, wherever you’re at in your automotive journey. PRO TIP: Save yourself time and stress down the road by downloading these infographics to your computer or phone.

There’s nothing like feeling the wind on your face, whether you’re cruising down the highway on your motorcycle or riding the waves on your boat or jet ski. The last thing anyone wants is to have a perfect day on the road or water ruined by an accident, but the situation will be made even worse if you find yourself without the proper insurance coverage to help you in the aftermath. Due to their unique natures, boats and motorcycles require special insurance coverage in addition to your existing homeowner and auto policies. Read on to learn what to look for in a policy, tips for shopping around, and more.

Buying a home is a lengthy, complex process that tests the patience of even the most organized individuals. When it comes to protecting the place you call home, it is imperative that finding appropriate insurance coverage is part of the home buying process. If you are financing your home most banks and mortgage lenders require home insurance to approve your loan, but regardless of how you go about purchasing, home insurance is a practical step you can take that can help you mitigate financial hardship down the road. Like car insurance, not all policies are created equally, making it important to shop around to find the right combination of coverage and price. To help, we have put together a practical overview of all the information you will need to decide on a policy that fits your lifestyle and budget—read on and shop with confidence!

Driving has become such a normal part of our everyday lives that it’s easy to forget the risks we take when getting into a vehicle.  While some take safety to heart at an early age, it can be an eye opener for others when they become parents and begin a journey with their precious cargo. Luckily, the rules for keeping your children safe while driving are the same for safe driving in general, but car safety also extends beyond on-the-road practices. Knowing how to keep your family safe in, out, and around your vehicle will help instill good safety habits in children, ease stress and worry in parents, and reduce the number of accidents your family is involved in overall.

In the internet age, it’s quicker and easier than ever to gather loads of information on any pre-owned vehicle. The license plate lookup tool at Bumper.com is one information source worth looking into.

So you’re in the market for a used car. Congratulations. Whether trading up or acquiring your first car, car-shopping is one of life’s biggest milestones. After all, a car is likely the second-most-expensive thing you’ll buy in your life next to real estate. Whether you’re a veteran or shopping the market for the first time, here are some tips on what to look for when buying a used car, presented as a handy used car checklist.

We all love the idea of travelling with our best friends—whether they have two legs or four! But before you hit the road you need to make sure you understand how to keep your pets safe in the car, as well as how they fit into your insurance coverage.

Maybe your current car is worn out beyond justifiable repair. Maybe it just doesn’t suit your needs anymore. Maybe you’re looking to buy a car for the first time in your life. Maybe your kids have graduated college and you’re looking for a special ride to celebrate. Whatever the occasion, buying a car can often be both stress-filled and exciting. Here are some tips on how to buy a used car from a dealer or a private seller without getting taken for a ride.

Just 25 years ago car buying was relatively simple, if still a headache. Unless you were after a high end luxury, sports, or collector car, all your new car choices were on the lot at your local dealership; and there were 100 pages of used car classifieds at every checkout. Or you could always bring your wallet down to Yetarian’s Premium Deluxe Motorsport and take your chances with their low, low, prices. Only a few diehards would think about having a car shipped in from somewhere or taking European delivery of their Volvo or BMW.

Every vehicle has a story, and before you pull the trigger on any pre-owned car, truck, or SUV, a VIN lookup can help you learn what that story is.

Shopping for insurance has changed dramatically in recent years. Smaller companies have entered the marketplace (there are now nearly 6,000 insurance companies and 39,000 independent agencies serving consumers across the US!), new technologies have made pricing more accurate, and comparison shopping has become a regular part of the insurance buying process. Some consumers prefer to work with an insurance agent and others are content to complete the entire process on their own online.

You’ve heard the promise in every insurance commercial: bundle your policies and save!

Looking at bringing home a new truck? It might be time to review your insurance policy to make sure you have the right coverage. Truck insurance for your pickup is largely the same as car insurance for your car. So, switching to a pickup doesn’t necessarily mean you have to switch to a different policy, but there are differences. Here are some tips to help you shop for truck insurance that fits your needs.

You know the scene… You’re driving along, taking in the sights, when suddenly – WHAP. A pebble, or stone, or other piece of road debris flies into your windshield, putting a chip or crack in the glass. Go to  Safelite.com and schedule an appointment. It could start spreading immediately, or maybe you say to yourself  “I’ve got time – I’ll take it to Safelite® next week”. And before you know it, the damage has spread. Now it’s obstructing your view and distracting you while you drive.

The biggest leaps in automotive technology over the past few years haven’t been in propulsion; they’ve been in driver safety. The average new vehicle is safer than it’s ever been, with highly advanced, sophisticated systems that can literally “see” the road and warn of – or react to – potential threats.

If you are an experienced off-roader, you have likely used a winch more than a few times. If you have vast experience pulling yourself or others out of sticky situations, you have likely had a traditional winch hook slip and cause an even bigger problem. The little safety latch that holds a rope or cable in place will help in some situations, but that piece is not load bearing, so if the line shifts, that little latch quickly breaks. When that happens, you can suddenly lose your load, but this can be prevented with a closed system winching set up from Factor 55.

If you spend much of your free time off-roading with your truck or SUV, the odds are good that you are familiar with closed system winching products like the lineup offered by Factor 55. If you are not, you should be, as closed system winching is safer, preventing the cable or D-ring from shifting against the passive latch in a traditional winch hook. The closed system winching components also look a whole lot nicer than the hook that came with your winch, tucking neatly against your fairlead.

Great road trips are the perfect time to leave behind the worries of urban life for something a little simpler – just you, your car, and the open road. But that doesn’t mean you  can’t leave all your tech accessories behind. That’s precisely where the Jackery Solar Generator 500 comes in – the ideal road-trip companion, keeping your gadgets fully loaded, so you can make the most out of all your exciting car adventures, travels and journeys.

If you’ve entered the rideshare side hustle game, or are considering it, you’re not alone.  More than one million Americans are already driving for at least one of the two big rideshare companies, Uber, and Lyft. You’ll need to think about your ride as well as gas prices and more vehicle maintenance, but are you properly insured for rideshare driving? You should be, and products like  Toyota Auto Insurance can help you make sure you are.

Not everyone can say that they discovered their lifelong passion at the age of nine, but this racecar driver has always been a gearhead with a need for speed. As a pro drag racer in the Top Fuel category of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Alex Laughlin was bitten by the adrenaline bug at a young age, starting things off with go-karts and continuing to ramp up the speed from there.

Your car’s battery is what makes everything in your car go. From your ignition to your radio, if you have a bad battery, none of them will work properly. A car battery, even the best one, won’t last forever. Five to seven years is the typical lifespan of a high-quality battery, less in areas of extreme heat and cold. When it’s time for a new one, you can change your car battery yourself. Here’s how to do it.

Psst! Hey, you. Yeah, the gearhead with the modified car. Bet you’re tired of pawing though various and sundry online classified sites trying to find decently priced speed parts, right? After sifting out the help wanted ads, fake dating profiles, and that guy who’s still trying to sell those beat up frying pans, there’s a chance that maybe – just maybe – you’ll find the Holley carb you heard the guy across town has for sale.

Changing your own oil is the cheapest way to perform the most important piece of maintenance on your car, truck, or SUV. It’s also a great way to keep a close eye on the state of the rest of your vehicle, giving you the chance to check your brakes and other fluids as well as look for rust and other damage, every time you get under for an oil change. What if you’re not handy with a wrench and aren’t sure what to do? No problem, here’s how to change your own oil.

With a twist of the key or poke of its start button your vehicle’s engine should fire up with the urgency of a physician responding to a code blue.

Everyone has little tricks they have learned that make their lives easier.

I’d like to introduce you to a long-time friend and enemy of mine. It’s called the Snow Belt.

A dead car battery can ruin your day in a hurry…but it doesn’t have to.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one formidable SUV, offering its owners plenty of utility straight from the factory. But no vehicle is perfect when you pick it up from the dealership, which is why a few accessories can make a world of difference for your daily driver. Below, we’ve selected some of the most helpful accessories you can get for your Grand Cherokee, adding more versatility and functionality to your SUV, whether you’re a fan of going off-road or simply packing up your kids and going on a road trip.

Unless you own an electric vehicle, routine oil changes are part of keeping your car’s engine in good running condition. You don’t necessarily have to head to your dealership or local mechanic to get an oil change however, as most vehicles can have their oil changed within the comforts of your garage or driveway. Some of the tools you’ll need when doing your own oil change include a jack, jack stands, oil filter wrench, and an oil drain pan to catch all your old oil. This is, of course, in addition to a replacement oil filter and new oil for your engine.

If you have a strong passion for working on cars, you may want to consider learning how to weld. Metal fabrication comes in handy, whether it’s to do some body repair or fixing an exhaust. Regardless of whether you’re an amateur or an expert when it comes to welding, you’ll want to invest into a quality welding helmet. Designed to protect your eyes, face, and neck from flash burn, ultraviolet lights, sparks, and other similar elements, a welding helmet is extremely important for safety reasons. And that’s why it’s particularly important to make sure you’re getting a quality welding helmet, as it’s the thing that stands in between you and potential disaster.

Dropping your car off at a professional mechanic can be costly, in terms of both time and money.

Looking for a project to tackle with your newfound free time? Tired of forking over heaps of hard-earned cash for automotive repair jobs you could have just as easily done yourself? Then DIY auto repair might be for you.

Shopping for engine oil can be daunting, with numerous brands and options available in today’s marketplace. How do you choose from all the different companies offering motor oil when they all sound the same? Well, truth be told, most reputable brands will offer similar products, and in the case of this list, you really can’t go wrong with any of the options. Some oils are better quality than others, offering more performance and working harder to keep your engine clean. But many would argue that the general consumer won’t even notice the difference between Quaker State or Pennzoil. In fact, there have been studies conducted that show most oil brands have similar products.

If you’re looking to seriously upgrade your car’s stereo system, you’ll want to invest in a set of component speakers. Unlike coaxial speakers, which combine the tweeter and woofer into one speaker, a component system separates the woofer and tweeter. Even though it’s a bit more difficult to install the woofer and tweeter separately, the addition of an in-line crossover with a component system allows each speaker to perform better on its own. The result is cleaner and better sound, since the woofer and tweeter can each focus on delivering their frequencies.

Whether you’re a seasoned shade tree mechanic, or a newbie just looking to get your feet wet, brake pad replacement is one of the best maintenance procedures you can do yourself. All it takes is a jack, some jack stands, a few basic hand tools, and of course, your replacement pads and pad hardware. In just the span of an afternoon, you can take your car from squealing, ineffective braking to like-new stopping performance, and you can save a substantial chunk of money doing it.