When your air conditioner blows only mildly cool air or no cool air at all, it's probably low on refrigerant. That means it's probably time for an air-conditioning recharge, but there's more to it than just filling up. Because the refrigerant operates in a closed system, the most...
Want cold air in the summer or clear windows in the winter? Then you'll want a functioning air-conditioning compressor. It is the power unit of the air-conditioning system that puts the refrigerant under high pressure before it pumps it into the condenser, where it changes from a gas to a...
The antilock braking system control module is a microprocessor that runs diagnostic checks of a vehicle's ABS. It processes information from wheel-speed sensors and the hydraulic brake system to determine when to release braking pressure at a wheel that's about to lock up and start...
Yes, it does matter, because some brands contain more detergent additives that can prevent carbon deposits from forming inside your engine. These are the so-called Top Tier brands that use considerably more detergent additives than is required by the EPA. Several vehicle manufacturers...
If your car is usually parked in a garage or otherwise sheltered from the elements, waxing it twice a year should be enough to protect the paint finish. But if your car is frequently exposed to snow, rain, road salt or even just spends most of the time outdoors, it probably should be waxed every...
If your car is making a squealing or squeaking sound when you turn the steering wheel, there could be any of several culprits at play. One common cause is low power-steering fluid. When the fluid that powers and lubricates conventional power-steering systems gets low, it can lead to a...
The only guaranteed result of using premium gas in an engine designed for regular is that you will spend more money. As far as any tangible benefits, the chances are slim to none. If your engine runs fine on regular, filling it with premium is unlikely to boost acceleration or fuel economy by...
Using regular gas in an engine that requires premium could void your warranty. That is most likely to happen if using regular causes severe engine knock or pinging (premature ignition of the fuel, also known as detonation) that damages the pistons or other engine parts. For example, here is...
Because technology changes so rapidly, we hesitate to answer with an unequivocal "Yes," but we feel safe in saying that Bluetooth will remain the most common form of wireless connectivity for the foreseeable future. Its prevalence — especially among expensive products such as cars — will induce...
When it comes time to replace windshield wiper blades, does it serve you best to spend more money on pricier brands? Prices depend mainly on type and brand. There are three basic types of wipers. The most common is the frame type, which uses a metal framework to support the wiper. This is the...
Several aftermarket manufacturers sell engine air filters that they claim provide better airflow and increase horsepower and acceleration as a result. Some of these companies have many loyal customers who swear that they have benefited, particularly in performance, from using these high-flow...
Among obvious signs that your headlights aren't properly aimed are oncoming drivers flashing their lights at you because your lights are blinding them, or the road ahead is brightly illuminated for only 20 feet or so, meaning the headlights are aimed too low. Suspension problems or a...
Unless an engine overheats or fails to reach normal operating temperature after being driven for several miles, the thermostat that regulates the flow of coolant is probably working properly. Thermostats generally last for years — even for the lifetime of a vehicle — so why bother...
CARS.COM — The answer to that question hinges on several variables, including how many miles a vehicle is driven, on what kinds of roads it's driven, and whether it's driven gently or with abandon. Those variables make it virtually impossible to assign a number of years or...
Worn ball joints allow too much movement in the suspension, so the driver may feel more vibrations -- or hear squeaks or rattles on bumpy surfaces or when turning -- caused by looseness in the suspension. Other signs of worn ball joints include uneven tire wear and steering that wanders instead...