With any luck, you shouldn’t have to replace a water pump even if you keep a vehicle for 10 years or more; they often last that long. Unless a water pump starts to leak, makes unusual noises or quits working, there’s generally no need to replace it. An exception is that, on some...
Catalytic converters are located in the exhaust system, between the engine and the muffler, and are one of the last lines of defense against air pollution from vehicles. They use ceramic-coded beads and various precious metals (the catalysts) to convert pollutants like unburned gas and nitrogen...
AutoAfterWorld.COM — In a move to change how its cars drive, Toyota announced wide-ranging plans to roll out new vehicle platforms and engines over the next five years. The automaker says it will offer its next generation of powertrains in at least 60 percent of the cars it sells in the...
With any luck, you shouldn’t have to replace a water pump even if you keep a vehicle for 10 years or more; they often last that long. Unless a water pump starts to leak, makes unusual noises or quits working, there’s generally no need to replace it. An exception is that, on some...
By Rick Popely, Cars.com Rust is the No. 1 enemy of exhaust systems, but it is by no means the only one. For example, bottoming out over bumps can cause physical damage to car parts; mufflers can get clogged by internal parts coming loose; and a faulty oxygen sensor, a $100 part on many...
AutoAfterWorld.COM — Ford's performance accessory division, Ford Performance, is taking a good thing and making it better. New performance packages boost the power and torque of the 2015-17 Ford Mustang with the EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder and the GT with 5.0-liter V-8 engine....
AutoAfterWorld.COM — It may still be a while before you can buy a car that drives itself, but a deal announced today by automakers, safety regulators and safety advocates will speed up the availability of cars that stop themselves. A coalition of 20 automakers have agreed with the...
If your brakes are squeaking, squealing or making ominous grinding noises when you apply the pedal, you might need new brake pads and/or rotors. Ditto if the pedal has more travel than usual before you feel much braking force, or if it just feels like your car requires longer distances to stop....
Cars get old and if you're part of the vast majority of Americans who own a set of wheels at least 11 years old, we're pretty sure those front headlights could use a makeover. Clean headlights not only make your vehicle look like new, but they allow for safe and unobstructed travel by...
If you have the know-how to do your own brake work or know someone who does and is willing to share their expertise for free, the do-it-yourself approach to replacing pads and rotors can save you lots of money. But be sure you know what's wrong before you get started, or you could waste a...
AutoAfterWorld.COM — The first thing to check is whether the charger or whatever it is you're plugging into the outlet isn't the problem. Try plugging it into a different outlet to see make sure it's working. Once you're sure that what you're plugging in...
By Rick Popely, Cars.com ABS stands for antilock braking system, and if the ABS warning light is illuminated in your gauge cluster that means the antilock system has been deactivated because of a malfunction. Your vehicle's regular brakes should work fine, but the antilock feature that...
The promise that you'll be able to connect to the internet, listen to music you bring on your own device, get step-by-step navigation instructions and do it all by barking commands at your car like a drill sergeant make the infotainment systems available in today's vehicles...
Brake life depends mainly on the amount and kind of driving you do, such as city versus highway, and your driving style. Some drivers just use the brakes more than others. For that reason, it’s hard to recommend time or mileage guidelines. On any car more than two years old, it’s a...
Squeaks, squeals and metal-to-metal grinding noises are typical signs you’re past due for new brake pads and/or rotors. Other signs include longer stopping distances and more pedal travel before you feel significant braking force. If it’s been more than two years since your brake...