Common Problems & How to

The table below lists manufacturers’ maximum towing capacity ratings based on the year, make, model, trim and engine. For safety, a towing setup should not exceed the GVWR, GTWR, GCWR, or GAWR as these ratings are absolute maximums that the vehicle can handle. Otherwise, the vehicle’s brakes, tires, hitch, engine and transmission may be overloaded. This may cause them to not perform as expected, be subjected to excessive stress and wear, become damaged or even fail. Contents Towing capacity lookup table What is towing capacity? How is towing capacity determined? How to calculate towing capacity? Towing terminology & definitions Impact … Read more

In This Guide Do it Yourself Find a Coupon Car Wash Specials Holiday Specials Free Oil Changes for Life Cost Comparison Study Fresh oil lubricates, protects and extends the service life of your engine. For an engine to operate at peak performance, you need to change your oil and the filter at regular intervals. The cost of this essential maintenance can vary widely depending upon where you have the work performed. These expenses can add up over the years. Getting a complimentary change is a nice bonus that people may not expect. When something is offered free, there is usually … Read more

The difference between 10w30 and 10w40 is the thickness of the oil at operating/high temperatures, at which 10w40 is thicker than 10w30. In This Guide When to Use 10w30 vs 10w40 High Mileage Vehicles How Oil is Graded Single Grade Oil The first viscosity number, “10” in the case of both of these oils, rates how easy it pours at starting/low temperatures, such as starting the engine during winter. The lower this number is, the easier it pours when cold, so an oil rated “5” will pour faster than one rated “10.” The second number, “30” and “40” for these … Read more

What’s the difference between 5w30 and 10w30 oil? These oils are different thicknesses in cold temperatures with 5w30 being the thinner of the two. For this reason, it’s recommended to use it instead of 10w30 for vehicles operating in cold climates. In This Guide When to Use 10w30 vs 5w30 High Mileage Vehicles How Oil is Graded Single Grade Oil The first number, 5 or 10 in this case, is a measurement of how easily the oil pours at low temperatures. The lower the number, the thinner it will be in these conditions: a 0 pours easier than a 5, … Read more

It is exciting to see the odometer on your car, truck or SUV reach 100,000, 200,000 and if you’re lucky, 300,000 miles. These milestones are testaments of a well-built and properly maintained automobile. While most people seem to trade in their cars every few years, some have been known to look after their used vehicle for an extended period. In rare cases, a few owners have racked up more than a million miles on a single vehicle. This phenomenal number is equivalent to driving around the equator 40 times. At 60 mph, it would take two years of continuous driving … Read more

The following 29 proven-to-work car hacks will help you keep the interior clean and organized, make car maintenance cheaper and easier and the time you spend in your vehicle more enjoyable. 1. Clean Cloudy Headlights with Toothpaste Apply a small amount of whitening toothpaste to a clean cloth. Rub the toothpaste gently onto the headlight until the entire lens is covered. It will take some time and a little pressure to brighten the lens. Use clean water to rinse off the toothpaste. Apply a thin coat of car wax or furniture polish to protect the lens from UV rays. 2. … Read more

If you have it done professionally, it can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes to have your vehicle’s oil changed depending on the location you take it to and the services performed alongside the oil change. If you do it yourself, it can take anywhere from a 30 minutes to an hour. Quick lube shops that specialize in quick oil changes can do the job in under 15 minutes. With this setup, the customer can drive into the bay and have the work done on the spot. Even payment can be done from inside the car, so the owner … Read more

In This Guide How often do you need to change your oil? Supplies You’ll Need Run your engine Raise the car Get the drain pan in place Remove the drain plug Drain old oil Replace oil plug Remove existing oil filter Lubricate the new filter and screw into place by hand Start the car and look for leaks Pour in new oil Check the oil level Dispose of old oil and filter properl Record the date and mileage Complete Video Tutorial Next to maintaining the coolant, the most important thing you can do to ensure the life of your car’s … Read more

In addition to detracting from the appearance of your vehicle, a cracked windshield make can also reduce your visibility. While many people think that a small crack is a minor issue and ignore it for days or even weeks, the imperfection can spread quickly and make your car unsafe to drive. The damage may be referred to as a chip, a stress crack, a star break or a bull’s-eye depending upon the size and shape of the flaw. Regardless of its type and size, the crack will eventually spread as the glass expands and contracts in response to changes in … Read more