Category : Vehicle Repair & Maintenance

A VIN is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications and manufacturer. The VIN can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage.

For many car enthusiasts, there is nothing like a manual transmission. Pushing down on the clutch and shifting through the gears is a rush that an automatic transmission just can’t provide. While your clutch is designed to be durable and long lasting, it is a part that can wear out.

If you drive long enough, there’s always a chance that you will experience car trouble while you are driving. From engine issues to a blown tire, in the blink of an eye you can find yourself on the side of the road.

The calendar doesn’t lie – winter is fast approaching. You get yourself ready for cold weather with warm clothes like a winter jacket and boots, but is your car ready for the snow, ice and freezing temperatures that the winter season brings?

Winter… the season that doesn’t seem to end From freezing temperatures that strain your battery to snow and ice that can stop your car in its tracks, winter is hard on your vehicle. While winter weather has its icy grip on many parts of the country, fight back with these tips that can help make winter a little more bearable for you and your car.

Spring Fever You spent all winter dreaming about those road trips you want to take once Old Man Winter leaves the scene, so as the temperatures rise, it’s time to put your plans into action. Before you hit the road, you need to make sure that your vehicle is ready for travel. To get a jump on preparing your car, truck or SUV for spring, be sure to check out the Winter Wrap Up - End of Season Maintenance Tips article. Once you have taken care of the items in that article, you’ll be ready to move on the tips outlined below. At the end of the process, you’ll feel confident that your ride is ready for the road.

Why is my car making weird noises? A chugging sound could mean there's a blockage in the exhaust system. [2] A rattling sound might mean it's out of alignment. A hissing sound could mean there's a crack in the exhaust system. Take your car in for an exhaust system check.

A majority of auto manufacturers recommend performing coolant replacement every 50,000 – 100,000 miles. For those who travel primarily in severe conditions, coolant should generally be flushed every 30,000 – 50,000 miles.

Snow tires outperform all-season tires under snowy and icy conditions. They'll give you better traction, more stability in turns and better stopping power. If you wonder whether your “all-season” tires perform just as well in snow as the best snow tires, we have the answer. They don't, and it's really not even close.

There is a dizzying array of car bulbs on the market, and it's easy to buy the wrong ones if you don't know what you're looking for.

Lots of hard braking can overheat your brakes and damage your rotors, wearing them out way faster than someone who drives with a smoother touch. Hard braking also strains suspension parts, tires and engine mounts.

The Car AC System This feature in your car is responsible for a relaxed and comfortable drive. Although one can drive without it, we can only imagine all the sweating and discomfort in the cabin. It is now a standard feature across all cars, in fact, it’s a necessity. The AC is your escape from the prickling heat and humidity.

If pads or shoes and their respective counterpart rotors and drums become worn, the pistons that operate the pads or shoes can become hyperextended, breaking the cylinder seals and weeping fluid to the affected area.

Hot weather means high temperatures under the hood, which accelerates corrosion inside the battery. It can also cause water to evaporate out of the battery's liquid electrolyte. The result? Decreased battery capacity, a weakened ability to start an engine and, ultimately, shorter battery life.