#CarMaintenance

Gas and diesel engines still power most vehicles and look poised to be with us for some time to come, even if their dominance is waning. Any engine that develops its power from burning fuel depends on vast amounts of air for the combustion process and efficient operation.

Interested in doing your own oil change and confused by all the different oil filters available? Given their cost, oil filters may not seem all that important to your engine’s performance but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Although they’re small and affordable, oil filters play an extremely important role in how your engine performs and its life. A poor quality oil filter could potentially cause damage to your engine and that’s definitely not something you want to experience.

For those unfortunate enough to have driven a vehicle without power steering, you’ll know how much of a struggle it is compared to a modern vehicle with a power steering system. Of course, there are those automotive enthusiasts that will argue power steering takes away from a “true” driving experience—but let’s be honest, very few would want to actually drive a vehicle daily without power steering. That’s why it’s extremely important to keep your power steering system in good condition, and that means using quality power steering fluid.

Want to start saving some money by changing your own oil? Most vehicles can have their oil changed from the comforts of your garage or driveway with a little bit time and labor. Some of the tools you’ll need to change your own oil include a floor jack, jack stands, oil drain pan, and an oil filter wrench. While it’s possible to take off most oil filters with your bare hands, spending a few bucks on an oil filter wrench will make your life a lot easier. Some oil filters feature a slick finish, and depending on where it’s located on your car, could be a pain to grip.

Giving your engine fresh spark plugs should be part of your car’s regularly scheduled maintenance. But you don’t necessarily have to go to the dealership or pay a mechanic to swap in a new set of plugs. Instead, get yourself an affordable spark plug socket and do it yourself in your garage or driveway.

Stroll down the oil aisle of a typical auto-parts store and you’ll be confronted with a literal wall of lubricant.

Cars are vehicles, vehicles are machines, and as machines, cars (and trucks, SUVs, vans, sedans, coupes, and most all other means of road-going conveyance) are all built of parts and components that will eventually wear out, wear down, and need replacement.

If you live in a condo, apartment, or anywhere that space and infrastructure to clean, maintain and care for your car is limited, it’s still possible to give your beloved car the TLC it deserves, provided you’ve got the right products and tools for the job.

The cost of fixing a check engine light on your car can vary greatly from state to state.

Not all cars are created equal and as a result, some cost significantly more to maintain than others.

If your check engine light is on, there’s a good chance it’s for one of these 10 reasons.

The cost of maintaining your car’s health held steady last year.

After one of the harshest winters in memory, America’s northern extremities are finally starting to thaw out. Along with chirping birds and sunshine, spring has brought warmer temperatures. But just because nice weather has arrived doesn’t mean you should ignore vehicle maintenance.

Car owners nationwide are taking advantage of complimentary or prepaid maintenance programs.

With summer now on the way, there’s a good chance you and your family are planning a road trip. This year, AAA estimates it’ll aid over eight-million motorists between Memorial Day and Labor Day; so avoid being a statistic by planning ahead.