The Ride-Along Mechanic
Cars built since the mid-late 1990s have a kind of ride-along mechanic in the form of the OnBoard Diagnostics (OBD) computer which not only runs the show but lets you know...
Ubering is a Bad Idea
How does anyone make money using their car as a taxi?
Well, we’re not supposed to use that word, for openers. It’s ride-sharing. That’s just a dodge, of course. And there’s nothing...
Not a Four Wheeled-Indenture
The more I work on the ’72 Beetle - aka Sexual Chocolate, the car I am helping my teenage protege learn to work on - the more I realize why most...
“Safe” Today . . . But How About Next Month?
Do state-mandated "safety" inspections ensure a "safe" car? On the day of the inspection, sure. The tires are ok, the brakes check out. Fine.
But what about next week?
And six months down...
Make Winter Less Cold
If Al Gore is right, all we’d need to do is collectively rev our SUVs’ engines and the cold of winter would shoo away - or at least dial back a...
“No Scheduled Maintenance Needed!” . . and Other Vile Lies
One way that car companies attract business is by advertising that their vehicles are low-maintenace and - sometimes - no maintenance. This sounds too good to be true and - as...
Trannies . . .
Well, no - it’s not what you thought. This column isn’t about Caitlyn (nee Bruce) Jenner. It is about your car’s transmission. About pros - and cons. And about how to...
Oil Change Pratfalls
Changing a car’s oil is pretty simple - so it’s surprising it gets done wrong so often.
Sometimes, by “professionals” . . . who actually aren’t.
See that part above about “simple.”
Many places...
Gadget Review: INGEAR Flashlight/Emergency Tool
Occasionally, I get sent products to try out - and let you guys know about. INGEAR just sent me a flashlight/emergency tool to have a look at.
It’s about eight inches long,...
Avoid a Harvey Hooptie
As the waters recede from Houston, thousands of flooded cars will be aired out - and shipped out - to unsuspecting used car lots all over the country. Their titles as...