Lisa Conant

Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts and isn't afraid to get some grime under her own fingernails. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, writing numerous product round-ups and reviews, how-to-guides, and research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. When she's not writing about lift kits and paint chip solutions, you can find her hanging out in New Hampshire with her family and her car-hating cats.

Lisa has written automotive reviews and features for Car Bibles and The Drive.

Tips on Good EV Charging Etiquette

Summary There are only a limited number of public charging stations, so it’s important to follow proper charging etiquette.Examples of…

1 year ago

Why Are Car Dealerships Closed on Sunday?

Summary Blue laws prohibit some activities on specific days such as Sundays to honor the Sabbath, which is the day…

1 year ago

At What Age Should I Buy My Last Car?

Summary Most states have no clear rules about the maximum age for driving. It’s just a matter of asking yourself…

1 year ago

Are Recalls Free? Your FAQs on Recalls Answered

Summary Federal law requires recall repairs to be free of charge for vehicles up to 15 years old.You are eligible…

1 year ago

Why Are Tires Black?

Summary Tires are black because of the material called carbon black. It increases the overall durability of the rubber by…

1 year ago

How Does the Gas Pump Know When to Stop?

Summary Gas pumps stop at the right time thanks to the venturi tube. It's a small tube that draws air…

1 year ago

What Happens to Unsold New Cars at a Dealership?

Summary Unsold vehicles stay in the dealer’s lot until someone buys them.Unsold new cars may be sold at a discounted…

1 year ago

How to Remove Leaf Stains from Your Car Paint

Summary Leaf stains occur when the waxy cuticles of fallen leaves bond to your vehicle’s coat. This waxy substance is…

1 year ago

What to Do if You Locked Your Keys in Your Car

Summary If you accidentally lock your keys inside your vehicle, try unlocking the door with the keypad, if possible.If you…

1 year ago

How to Harness Your Baby to Car Seat Straps

Summary When driving with a baby on board, make sure the harness straps lie flat against your child’s chest and…

1 year ago

Are Extended Warranties Worth It?

Summary Extended warranties cover major vehicular repairs, roadside assistance, and reimbursement from rental cars.The total cost of an extended warranty…

1 year ago

How To Roll Down Your Windows with a Key Fob And More Hidden Features

Summary Modern key fobs are full of unique features, such as the ability to roll down your vehicle’s windows from…

1 year ago

Undercarriage Wash: Should You Clean the Underside of Your Vehicle?

Yes, it’s best to keep your vehicle’s undercarriage clean. Though people rarely look at the underside of their vehicle unless…

1 year ago

How Often Should You Wash Your Car? Ways to Do It and More

Summary It’s strongly recommended to wash your vehicle at least twice a month. If it looks too dirty, don’t hesitate…

1 year ago

Essential Tips for Driving in a Hailstorm Plus Other Related FAQs

Summary According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the annual cost of hailstorm-related property damage is $1.07 billion.When driving in…

1 year ago

The Adventurous Driver’s Ultimate Car Camping Checklist

Summary Car camping allows you to enjoy the outdoors in style. It’s a safe way to enjoy nature, and it…

1 year ago

How To Clean Your Rusty Tools and Keep Them Shiny

Summary You can clean rusty tools by sanding them down with sandpaper or wire brushes, so long as you avoid…

1 year ago

How to Stay Safe From Fall Driving Hazards

Summary Dead leaves can cover up potential hazards like potholes, so exercise caution when driving.Drivers can also expect to deal…

1 year ago

What Is Auto Stop-Start?

Summary Auto stop-start is a feature that turns off a vehicle’s engine whenever it comes to a complete stop.This is…

1 year ago

What Does LTZ Stand For in a Chevy Vehicle?

Summary LTZ stands for “Luxury Touring Z,” and this is a trim level used by Chevrolet for vehicles that are…

1 year ago

Full-Size SUV: What Is It?

Summary Sports Utility Vehicles or SUVs are categorized by their large size, 3-row seating, large cargo space, and excellent towing…

1 year ago

What Is a Midsize Car? The Pros of Owning a Midsize Vehicle

Summary Midsize cars refer to vehicles with interior volumes between 110-120 cubic feet and a maximum length of 196.8 inches.The…

1 year ago

What Exactly Is a Subcompact Car?

Summary Subcompact cars refer to vehicles smaller than compact cars. They measure between 157-165 inches long and can typically accommodate…

1 year ago

Where Is the Battery Located?

Summary The battery is what powers your vehicle’s electronics, making it one of the most important components.You can find the…

1 year ago

What Is a VQ Car? A Look at One of Nissan’s Most Popular Engines

Summary Nissan’s VQ cars are some of the manufacturer’s most popular models that are powered by the iconic VQ engine.…

1 year ago

What’s a Dually Truck? Advantages and Disadvantages

Summary Dually trucks are larger and heavier compared to your average vehicle. They’re usually used in construction work to carry…

1 year ago

What is a SuperCab and What Makes it Special?

Summary The SuperCab can accommodate up to six passengers without sacrificing too much storage space. It comes with a lot…

1 year ago

What Does DAC Mean in a Car?

Summary The DAC is a special safety system that helps vehicles go downhill in a safer, more controlled way.Once the…

1 year ago

Late Night Driving: A Night Owl’s Escape

Summary There are many reasons why driving late at night is enjoyable. For starters, there’s less traffic on the freeways,…

1 year ago

Making the Smart Choice: Your Guide to Selecting the Ideal Family Car

Summary When buying the ideal family car, it’s important to consider size and seating capacity, cargo space, and budget. Consider…

1 year ago

Enhanced Road Safety: A Comprehensive Guide to Rumble Strips

Summary Rumble strips are a safety feature on the road that alerts drivers of potential dangers ahead by causing a…

1 year ago

What is the Most Stolen Car in the US?

Summary Car thefts are incredibly common all across the 50 states. California is the state with the most motor vehicle…

1 year ago

What Does All-Terrain Mean?

Summary All-terrain (A/T) tires are good for both weekend off-road adventures and your daily work commute. A/T tires can technically…

1 year ago

In-Car Tech Evolution: What Year Did Cars Start Having Bluetooth?

Summary Cars started to have Bluetooth in the early 2000s. One of the first automakers to incorporate Bluetooth into its…

1 year ago

What Size Of Speakers Can Fit In My Car? A Buyer’s Guide for Car Speakers

Summary If you want to know the exact measurement of your speakers, you can always check your owner’s manual or…

1 year ago

What Does SS Stand For On a Car? Meaning, Examples, and FAQs

Summary “SS” on Chevy cars means “Super Sport.”The qualifications for SS cars vary depending on the model, but they’re generally…

1 year ago

What Is a Touch-Free Car Wash?

Summary Touch-free car washes don’t use brushes or cloths to clean the vehicle’s surface. It relies on a high-alkaline soap…

1 year ago

What Does WRX Stand For? A Look Into Subaru’s Iconic Sports Car

Summary WRX stands for World Rally eXperimental. It’s essentially a turbocharged version of Subaru’s Impreza.The WRX is fast and versatile.…

1 year ago

What Is a Soft-Touch Car Wash?

Summary Soft-touch automatic car washes scrub your car with mild friction using felt brushes. They also use mild soap and…

1 year ago

What Is the RSCA Off Button?

Summary Roll Sensing Curtain Airbags (RSCA) are side-curtain airbags installed in the ceilings of certain Toyota vehicles.The button to turn…

1 year ago

What Are Upfitter Switches?

Summary Upfitter switches are also called auxiliary switches, and they’re essentially switches that allow drivers to turn on various features…

1 year ago

Six-Wheel Drive: What’s 6×6 or 6WD in Vehicles and Why Is It Important?

Summary Six-wheel drive (6WD or 6x6) refers to a vehicle configuration with three axles and six wheels. Vehicles with 6WD…

1 year ago

What is a Hemi eTorque Engine and What Makes It Special?

Summary The Hemi eTorque is a hybrid engine in RAM vehicles that combines efficient hemispherically shaped combustion chambers and hybrid…

1 year ago

What Does CUV Stand For? Pros, Cons, and How It Differs From SUVs

Summary The crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is slightly bigger than a sedan but smaller than a sports utility vehicle (SUV).CUVs…

1 year ago

What Is Considered a Compact Car?

Summary Compact cars are North American vehicles between the mid-size and subcompact categories. The typical compact car carries four passengers,…

1 year ago

The Top 5 Ford F-150s in History

Summary Few vehicle models are as popular as the Ford F-150, which has been the best-selling truck in the US…

1 year ago

What Is a Tow Package, and Do You Need One?

Summary A towing package is a set of parts that you install on a truck or SUV to enhance the…

1 year ago

Tips and Tricks for Using a Self-Service Car Wash

Summary Using a self-service car wash can be cheaper than an automatic car wash and gives you a lot of…

1 year ago

What Is the Best Household Soap to Wash Your Car With?

Summary There are plenty of household items you can use to wash your car. For the car exterior, you can…

1 year ago

What’s a Hellcat? Plus Other Facts About Dodge’s Last Hemi

Summary Dodge SRT Hellcat models are upgraded versions of the automaker’s flagship muscle cars, the Challenger and Charger. The Hellcat…

1 year ago

What Is Accessory Mode?

Summary Accessory mode operates some accessories on battery power while the engine is turned off.The benefits of accessory mode include…

1 year ago

What Is Hill Start Assist and How Does It Work?

Summary Hill start assist stops your vehicle from rolling backward when you start it while parked on a hill or…

1 year ago

What Does a Valet Key Do? Is Having One Inside Your Vehicle Dangerous?

Summary Valet keys are shortened versions of the master key that can start your car but can't open the glove…

1 year ago

What Is a BSD System?: Blind Spot Detection Explained

Summary A car’s blind spot detection (BSD) system alerts the driver whenever another vehicle gets close to the sides of…

1 year ago

What Does Snow Mode Do In a Car?

Summary Snow mode alters the vehicle's driving dynamics to get better control and grip.You should use snow mode when you're…

1 year ago

What Is the Safest Car Brand?

Summary Genesis offers some of the safest vehicle models on the market today.The IIHS and the NHTSA both awarded numerous…

1 year ago

Knowledge Bank for Drivers: What Voids a Recall?

Summary Vehicle manufacturers issue a recall on certain models if they have safety-related issues. An existing salvage or flood title and…

1 year ago

What Does Launch Control Do?

Summary Launch control is a common feature in many performance-oriented vehicles. It helps the driver achieve maximum acceleration from a…

1 year ago

What Is Axle Ratio in Trucks?

Summary Axle ratio refers to the number of revolutions the driveshaft needs to spin the drive wheels once.Manufacturers typically have…

1 year ago

What Exactly Is Auto Hold?

Summary Auto vehicle hold is a feature that automatically helps your vehicle maintain the braking force when you step on…

1 year ago

Racing Stripes: History, Meaning, and Iconic Cars

Summary Racing stripes are the two vertical lines running up the racecar’s hood down to its rear. They were first…

1 year ago

Thunderstorm Driving: Tips to Drive Safely During Heavy Rain

Summary The best thing to do when driving during heavy rain is to find a safe spot and wait it…

1 year ago

Driving Tips: How to Maintain Control When Your Car Is Skidding

Summary Skidding occurs when the tires lose their traction on the road.Driving on low-friction surfaces and failure to replace worn-out…

1 year ago

The Ins and Outs of License Plate Transfers

Summary The rules for transferring a license plate from one car to another vary per state. You can usually transfer…

1 year ago

Buying a Used Car from a Private Seller? Here’s What You Need to Know

Summary Dishonest sellers, overpricing, and hidden damages are things you should be wary of when buying a used car from…

1 year ago

How To Get Gas at a Station

Summary When pulling up at a gas station, always make sure that the fuel tank is facing the pump. You…

1 year ago

Choosing the Tires For Highway Driving

Summary Precipitation, extreme temperatures, and state road conditions can greatly affect your highway driving experience.If you frequently drive on highways,…

1 year ago

What Is Speed-Compensated Volume and How Does It Work?

Summary Also known as speed volume compensation, speed-compensated volume (SCV) automatically adjusts your audio system’s volume based on your driving…

1 year ago

What Is Skyactiv in Mazda Cars?

Summary Skyactiv is Mazda’s engine tech that helps the engine produce more power without sacrificing fuel economy.  Skyactiv engines are…

1 year ago

What Does the S Mean On Gear Shift?

Summary The S on the gear shift stands for “Sport Mode.”Sport mode is ideal for highway driving when there aren’t…

1 year ago

What Is a Passive Disabling Device?

Summary Passive disabling devices or passive anti-theft devices are security features that automatically turn on by themselves and help prevent…

1 year ago

What Is D3 in a Car? How to Use It, Advantages, and More

Summary The D3 you see on the gear stick on an automatic transmission car stands for Drive 3. Using the…

1 year ago

What Is EV Mode? (Plus Other Unique Hybrid EV Features)

Summary EV mode (or motoring mode) is a feature typically found in hybrid EVs. Once activated, it restricts fuel usage…

1 year ago

What Does Range Mean and How to Make the Most Out of It

Summary Range means miles to empty or the maximum distance your vehicle can travel before it runs out of fuel…

1 year ago

Floor Mat Maintenance: Car Floor Mat Cleaners and Upkeep Tips

Summary Use heavy-duty cleaners or DIY solutions to clean your car's floor mats.Different types of car floor mats require appropriate…

1 year ago

Repainting Your Vehicle: Picking the Best Car Paint Color and Finish for You

Summary Painting a vehicle is a process that involves sanding, cleaning, sanding again, applying primer, painting, finishing, cutting, and buffing.You…

1 year ago

What Do Curb Colors Mean In California?

Summary Curb colors identify the curb zones in California and who can use those zones. White curbs are solely for…

1 year ago

Removing Lingering Dog Odors from Your Car: Effective Tips and Tricks

Summary Most dog odors are usually caused by molecules created by yeast and bacteria from your dog’s fur. These microorganisms…

1 year ago

How To Perform a Vehicle History Check

Summary The vehicle history report is a treasure trove of information about the used car. It shows the accident record…

1 year ago

How To Adjust the Car’s Mirrors for Maximum Visibility

Summary Side mirrors can only extend a driver’s field of view if they’re adjusted properly. Before you start adjusting your…

1 year ago

What Are the Fees When Buying a New Car?

Summary Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) fees include vehicle title and registration fees, sales tax, and inspection and emissions fees.…

1 year ago

Is It Illegal To Drive With a Mattress on Your Car Roof?

Summary Driving with a mattress tied to your car roof isn’t illegal, but you can still get pulled over if…

1 year ago

Is Your Chevy’s Radio Locked? Here are Some Tips and Tricks To Unlock It

Summary Radios in Chevy vehicles typically display “locked” if they need to be reset. To get the radio working again,…

1 year ago

Euro-Metric and P-Metric Tire Sizes Explained

Summary The “P” in P-metric stands for passenger, because this type of tire was originally designed for passenger-type vehicles. P-metric…

1 year ago

What Is a Low-Profile Tire and Are They the Right Choice for You?

Summary Also known as “low-pro tires”, low-profile tires have an aspect ratio of 50 or less, which means they have…

1 year ago

What’s So Great About Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicles? A Guide to PZEVs

Summary PZEV stands for partial zero-emission vehicle, which has fuel systems that produce no evaporative emissions, meets the strict tailpipe…

1 year ago

How To Get Spilled Milk Out of Your Car’s Carpet

Summary Milk is one of the worst fluids that can spill in your car because it can spoil and leave…

1 year ago

How To Make Your Own Bumper Stickers

Summary Making a professional-grade bumper sticker is easy, and there are two popular methods: printing at home and making bumper…

1 year ago

How to Clean Egg Splatter Off Your Car

Summary There are several ways you can clean egg splatter off your car. You can use wiper fluid, waterless wax,…

2 years ago

Tips for How To Remove Car Emblems

Summary Removing car emblems, or debadging, is something that vehicle owners do to give their rides a sleeker, cleaner look.Before…

2 years ago

Tips On How To Get Used to Driving On the Right Side

Summary If you come from a country with left-hand driving, you must acclimate to driving and traffic on the right…

2 years ago

Tips On How To Get Paint off Leather

Summary Paint can ruin the look of your vehicle's leather details and seats, but you can clean the material safely.Check…

2 years ago

Can You Safely Use a Magic Eraser on Your Car?

Summary Avoid using a Magic Eraser on car paint, but take extreme care if you use it on a car…

2 years ago

Georgia Speed Limits, Laws, and Fines?

Summary The speed limits in George vary according to the road type and range from 30 miles per hour (mph)…

2 years ago

How to Make Your Own Car Freshener: 5 Simple Ways

Summary Felt-based air fresheners, clothespin air fresheners, and wax air fresheners are examples of DIY-friendly car air fresheners you can…

2 years ago

What Are Body Kits on a Car? How to Pick One, Types, and More

Summary Body kits on a car are aftermarket upgrades that alter a vehicle’s exterior appearance, including bumpers, side skirts, fenders,…

2 years ago

How to Choose a High-Quality Bumper

Summary When choosing a new bumper for your car, consider the material, price, and whether you’re going for an aftermarket…

2 years ago

What Color Cars Are More Expensive To Insure?

Summary Color does affect car insurance, but not as directly as you might expect. For instance, because certain vehicle colors…

2 years ago

Tips on How To Get a Mildew Smell Out of Your Car

Summary To get rid of the mildew smell in your car, try airing out your vehicle by rolling down your…

2 years ago

How to Check for a Lien on a Car

Summary A car with a lien is essentially a car that comes with extra loans to pay. In other words,…

2 years ago