CARS.COM — Most major oil brands market oil made specifically for engines that have more than 75,000 miles of wear, claiming that additives help reduce engine wear and provide anti-aging benefits. They are often a blend of synthetic and petroleum-based oils, and they typically cost at...
CARS.COM — Yes, though how often this service should be performed varies by manufacturer and vehicle, and it's open to debate. The manufacturer's maintenance schedule for many automatic transmissions doesn't call for fresh fluid until 100,000 miles or, with some Ford...
CARS.COM — While it may seem like a mundane task, inflating tires is much more crucial to your car than you may think, and it results in a safer and more economical experience on the road. Your vehicle's handling also will be greatly improved as the larger a tire's inflated...
CARS.COM — The recommended intervals for changing brake fluid are all over the board depending on the manufacturer, from as often as every two years to never. Really. For example, Chevrolet says to change the brake fluid on most models every 45,000 miles, but Honda says to do it every...
Smooth driving is a balancing act that requires getting the wheels and tires to rotate at high speeds without vibrations. That's not a slam dunk; a dirty little secret about wheels and tires is that they usually aren't perfectly round, even when brand new. What's more, their...
CARS.COM — Most vehicles have a rubber belt on the front of the engine that drives accessories such as the air-conditioning compressor, power steering pump and alternator. If this accessory drive belt (also called a V or serpentine belt) breaks, the battery won't get charged, the air...
CARS.COM — Though battery problems are often associated with cold weather, Consumer Reports magazine says heat is a bigger enemy of car batteries and will take a bigger toll on performance and reserve capacity. The magazine recommends that vehicle owners in hotter parts of the country have...
CARS.COM — Stickers on cars can symbolize just about anything under the sun. They can show support for a certain political candidate, identify you as a proud parent of an honor student or the fact that you just love that one special dog breed. Others are required by local laws, like city...
CARS.COM — The cabin air filter, a feature found on most late-model vehicles, cleans the air that comes into the interior through the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system. It catches dust, pollen and other airborne material that can make riding in a car unpleasant, particularly...
CARS.COM — No, you don't, according to every auto manufacturer we've talked to. The main advocates of the 3,000-mile oil change schedule are those who would profit by it: repair facilities, quick-lube chains and service departments at some new-car dealers. Years ago it was a...
CARS.COM — Replacing power-steering fluid generally is not listed among the regular maintenance items that should be performed, so on most vehicles replacing it is at the owner's discretion. Related: More Service Advice When you take your car in for routine service you may hear an...
CARS.COM — All vehicles have an accessory belt that drives features such as the alternator and air-conditioning compressor, and perhaps the power steering and water pump. This belt is usually mounted externally so you can see it on the front end of the engine (the engine is mounted...
CARS.COM — They are where the rubber meets the road. I'm talking about ... your tires. They're the one thing — OK, the four things — standing between you and the pavement. And yet proper tire inflation is among the most misunderstood of car maintenance activities. ...
CARS.COM — If your vehicle is giving off an unusual or sickening odor instead of that new-car smell, follow your nose and find the source of the aroma. Bad smells can lead to expensive repairs or health hazards and shouldn't be ignored. Here are some common odors and their possible...
You can safely replace only one tire if the others still have most of their tread. Unlike the old days, when a pair of "snow tires" would be mounted to the drive wheels only for winter use, today we recognize that a vehicle should have four matching tires: same type, same model and,...