Read Auto Repair Guides vetted by our Team of ASE-certified Master Automobile Technicians
Accessories
Reading Time: 4 minutesA car’s audio system can make or break road trip enjoyment. Whether you’re driving alone or with friends, nothing beats… Read More
Reading Time: 5 minutesRoof racks are accessories that you can install on your vehicle’s roof. You can use them to carry extra cargo,… Read More
Reading Time: 5 minutesParking space is never a guarantee when you’re away from home. Whether you’re parking for a few minutes for a… Read More
Air Conditioning and Heating
Reading Time: 5 minutesCar swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are a cost-effective alternative to standard air conditioning for vehicles. Before modern… Read More
Reading Time: 6 minutesIf there’s one thing you and your engine have in common, it’s that you both need clean air to function…. Read More
Reading Time: 5 minutesCar air conditioning (A/C) systems run on the power generated by the engine’s crankshaft. While this power allows the A/C… Read More
Ask CarParts.com
Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: I have a 2012 Ford F-150 with a direct-injected, 3.5L EcoBoost engine. To combat carbon build-up on the valves,… Read More
Reading Time: < 1 minuteQ: I have a 2002 Kia Sportage. Recently, my car’s windshield washers stopped working. I can no longer hear the… Read More
Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: I have a 2007 Toyota Tacoma. The truck has a minor steering wheel shimmy on the freeway when traveling… Read More
Braking System
Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where Is the Brake Typically Located? A: Regardless of whether you’re driving an automatic or manual, the brake pedal… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesHave you ever heard stories about shifters that become stuck and refuse to budge no matter how much the drivers… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesBrake lubricants prevent corrosion and ensure your vehicle’s brake system components continue moving smoothly. However, improperly applying them could lead… Read More
Car Body
Reading Time: 4 minutesMost people wax their car after every wash, which should typically be done every two weeks. While regularly waxing your… Read More
Reading Time: 5 minutesPaint oxidation on vehicles refers to the chemical process that breaks down the paint and ruins its shine and color…. Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesA clear coat shields the rest of the vehicle’s paint job from harsh conditions and minor damage. Unfortunately, exposure to… Read More
Car Lights
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe federal government has required third brake lights on cars in the US since 1986 to improve the brake light’s… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesIf your vehicle’s tail light or brake light goes out, it’s essential that you repair it as soon as possible…. Read More
Reading Time: 8 minutesIf one or all of your brake lights isn’t working, it can be a cause for alarm. After all, brake… Read More
Cooling System
Reading Time: 4 minutesPower steering fluid is crucial for a car’s steering system. It facilitates smooth turning by transmitting hydraulic pressure and lubricating… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesYour vehicle’s engine air filter is a necessary component that keeps the engine running smoothly no matter what the environmental… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesYou’ve probably heard that faulty parts need replacement as soon as possible. That rule applies to the water pump, the… Read More
DIY
Reading Time: 2 minutesWhere is the Transmission Located? The exact location of the transmission differs depending on whether you’re driving a front-wheel drive… Read More
Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where Is the Kill Switch Typically Located? A: In most vehicles, the kill switch can be found behind the… Read More
Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where Is the Brake Typically Located? A: Regardless of whether you’re driving an automatic or manual, the brake pedal… Read More
Drivetrain
Reading Time: 7 minutesIt’s not the biggest part, but the axle can cause various problems for your ride if it’s damaged or broken…. Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesSix-wheel drive refers to a vehicle configuration that uses six wheels instead of the standard four. This means these vehicles… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe transfer case control module is one of the many computers in modern four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, especially the models… Read More
Electrical System
Reading Time: 3 minutesA vehicle’s electrical system depends on a constant flow of power to keep its many devices running properly. The alternator… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe instrument cluster is a crucial component of any vehicle, housing a collection of gauges and displays that provide drivers… Read More
Reading Time: 6 minutesThe Nissan Frontier is certainly a tough workhorse that anyone can depend on. But as reliable as it is, the… Read More
Engine
Reading Time: 4 minutesA vehicle that suddenly shuts off when you stop isn’t just a nuisance. It’s also a big red flag that… Read More
Reading Time: 3 minutesYour engine control unit (ECU) is considered the brain of your vehicle. It monitors and controls different systems that affect… Read More
Reading Time: 3 minutesMore often than not, a smoking engine can point to two major problems: a leak in the engine or too… Read More
Exhaust System
Reading Time: 3 minutesIf you upgrade your vehicle’s engine, don’t forget to enhance the exhaust system. Otherwise, the increased exhaust gases produced by… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesReplacing your vehicle’s exhaust pipe is a must once it has become rusty. Rust can cause the pipe to crack… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesIf you’re at an emissions center having your vehicle tested, its catalyst or converter monitor needs to work to complete… Read More
Ignition System
Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where Is the Kill Switch Typically Located? A: In most vehicles, the kill switch can be found behind the… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe key fob has replaced the traditional car keys in modern models. It lets you unlock the doors, start the… Read More
Reading Time: 5 minutesModern vehicles often have an anti-theft system to protect the vehicle from being driven off by a thief or other… Read More
Interior
Reading Time: 4 minutesMold is always bad news. It’s ugly, stinks, and spreads quickly. Finding it in your car is even worse. If… Read More
Reading Time: 6 minutesMost cars have a security alarm system that alerts everyone nearby when someone tries to break into the vehicle. However,… Read More
Reading Time: 5 minutesWhen milk goes bad, it develops an unpleasant, sour smell that can be hard to tolerate, especially in a confined… Read More
Maintenance
Reading Time: 4 minutesJust like you need a checkup at the clinic every year, your vehicle will benefit from going through a diagnostic… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesAt some point, your car may start making unusual sounds that will require attention. These noises are audible warnings that… Read More
Reading Time: 6 minutesIf you have a vehicle that’s been sitting in your garage or elsewhere unused for a long period of time,… Read More
OBD-II Trouble Codes
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe P1497 fault code has plagued many Mini Cooper S vehicles, particularly the 2008 and 2009 model years. But what… Read More
Reading Time: 3 minutesModern vehicles are equipped with camshaft and crankshaft position sensors that send data to the powertrain control module (PCM). The… Read More
Reading Time: 3 minutesA “no-start” condition isn’t uncommon. There’s a plethora of reasons why a vehicle wouldn’t start, and it can be hard… Read More
Suspension
Reading Time: 5 minutesThe suspension is arguably one of the most important systems in your vehicle. Without it, driving would simply be insufferable… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesWhat is a control arm? A control arm is a suspension component that guides a vehicle’s front wheel assembly, allowing… Read More
Reading Time: 5 minutesCoil springs are part of the MacPherson strut assembly. While you can buy fully assembled struts, they are notoriously difficult… Read More
Transmission
Reading Time: 2 minutesWhere is the Transmission Located? The exact location of the transmission differs depending on whether you’re driving a front-wheel drive… Read More
Reading Time: 5 minutesYou might have heard about the differential as a part of the vehicle’s drivetrain. If it fails, it can cause… Read More
Reading Time: 5 minutesWhat’s the Definition of a Transmission Fluid Exchange? A transmission fluid exchange replaces all the fluid in the transmission rather… Read More
Warning Lights
Reading Time: 4 minutesImagine driving about normally, when you notice lights flashing on your dashboard. It’s not just the check engine light. Other… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesBefore driving off, you may hear beeping or a chime and see a warning light on your dashboard signaling that… Read More
Reading Time: 5 minutesThe dashboard has many warning lights that activate when something goes wrong with their associated part. Newer vehicles have instrument… Read More
Wheels and Tires
Reading Time: 4 minutesTemperature affects tire pressure, changing how the tire performs and altering its service life. It’s vital to know what cold… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesMost tires last around 6 to 10 years in storage, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises against… Read More
Reading Time: 3 minutesWinter tires are a necessity if you traverse snow or ice-covered highways. Some areas like the Rocky Mountains and other… Read More
Auto Repair
Reading Time: 2 minutesWhere is the Transmission Located? The exact location of the transmission differs depending on whether you’re driving a front-wheel drive… Read More
Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where Is the Kill Switch Typically Located? A: In most vehicles, the kill switch can be found behind the… Read More
Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where Is the Brake Typically Located? A: Regardless of whether you’re driving an automatic or manual, the brake pedal… Read More
Reading Time: 3 minutesA vehicle’s electrical system depends on a constant flow of power to keep its many devices running properly. The alternator… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesImagine driving about normally, when you notice lights flashing on your dashboard. It’s not just the check engine light. Other… Read More
Reading Time: 4 minutesA vehicle that suddenly shuts off when you stop isn’t just a nuisance. It’s also a big red flag that… Read More