Category : Learning Center

We break down the hundreds of models for sale today into a tidy group of car body types for easier shopping. There's a world of choice in today's car market, what with more than 400 different models and many car types available. Making sense of it all can be difficult. What are the different types of cars? The first thing to know is that "cars" means "passenger vehicles of all types." For the purposes of keeping it simple, we've broken down all of those vehicle choices into nine major categories covering all of the basic types of vehicles from coupes to full-size sedans to crossover SUVs.

If you drive your car long enough, you are bound to need parts replaced. From routine maintenance to parts that wear out, repairs are a fact of life when you own a vehicle. An important part of the repair process is selecting the right auto part for the job. Picking the correct part means striking the right balance between price and performance.

Winter driving can be a challenge With snow, ice, sleet and freezing rain, driving in the winter calls for a different skillset. We all strive to be good drivers, but sometimes bad habits can creep into our driving routine. The effect of bad driving habits is often amplified in the winter – many times with disastrous results.

Engine trouble and a diagnosis After years of faithful service, your vehicle begins to experience engine troubles. A trip to your mechanic reveals a grim diagnosis – either rebuild or replace the engine or start shopping for a new vehicle. After the initial shock wears off, your mechanic presents you with a few options.

Paying for technology It’s no secret that as our vehicles become more complex and technologically advanced, the parts that are in our cars, trucks and SUVs become more expensive. We love the technological advances but they come with a price.

No one likes to think about having their car break down while they are on the road. But things happen – you can get a flat tire, your engine can overheat or your brakes can give out - and suddenly you find yourself in an emergency situation. Being prepared with an emergency car kit can help you handle anything that comes your way.

Just like a cross-country road trip, college is an adventure. From late-night pizza runs to driving around campus, you need your vehicle to be in peak condition. While you are busy getting your class schedule and living arrangements finalized, take some time to ensure that your car is ready for another school year. Here are some items that should be on your back-to-school checklist.

Whether you drive a car, truck or SUV, you are likely trying to maximize your gas mileage. You may think that there is nothing you can do to improve your vehicle’s miles per gallon, but the truth is that you play a big role in the mileage of your car. From changing your driving habits to keeping up on your vehicle’s maintenance, there are many things you can do to attain better gas mileage. By implementing one or more of these tips, you can achieve what everyone wants – fewer trips to the gas station!

It’s one of those things you hope not to have to do, but you never know when you might have to change a tire. Maybe you drive over a nail in a parking lot, hit some debris in the road or fall victim to a pothole – if you are on the road long enough, it is likely that you might find on the side of the road with a flat tire.

As vehicles become more advanced, so have their dashboard displays. With a variety of symbols and warning lights, your vehicle is like an advanced computer on wheels with the ability to tell you when something is wrong.

You love the holiday season; it’s the perfect time to show your friends and family how much you care about them. Your shopping list includes all those special people…mom, dad, your siblings, your significant other, your best friend and that co-worker that makes time fly during the work day.

There are three common types of connectors for conventional blades: Side Pin -- a small pin on the wiper arm snaps into a hole on the wiper blade attachment. Bayonet -- a flat, square piece of metal slides into the wiper blade attachment. Hook -- a curved, u-shaped hook goes over and around the wiper blade attachment.

As car manufacturers develop advanced technologies like crash avoidance, auto braking and lane departure warnings, they’re quickly moving toward the next generation of cars – autonomous vehicles. While the Big 3 automakers are working on driverless vehicles, others such as Tesla, Apple and Google have also joined the race to get an autonomous car on the road.

Ooooh, that smell From that ‘new car’ scent to the odor of old fast food bags, your car has many different smells. Some are normal and harmless while others signal that there is something wrong with your vehicle. When that new car smell has been replaced by something more noxious, it’s time to pay attention. Use the power of your nose to detect when your car has a problem. Read on to learn about some smells that could spell trouble for your vehicle.

The critical element here is taking your time. Try to spend at least 20 minutes with the vehicle. Try to make sure your route includes some freeway, as well as rough surface streets. So, you can experience the vehicle in different conditions. Also use the following test drive checklist: