CarParts.com Research Team

Car Temperature Gauges: Mechanical vs. Electric

Summary Your vehicle’s temperature gauge is a part of its emissions control system. The gauge measures engine coolant temperatures, relaying…

5 months ago

Tips on How To Use a Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner

Summary To clean your MAF sensor, you’ll need to prepare the necessary tools, let the engine cool down first, and…

5 months ago

Tips on How to Test the Radiator Fan

Summary There are a few ways to test the radiator fan. You can connect the radiator fan to the car…

5 months ago

Can You Skip Gears When Downshifting?

Summary It’s generally safe to skip gears when downshifting as long as you release the clutch when the vehicle has…

5 months ago

Causes of Excessive Play on the Steering Wheel, Explained

Summary Excessive play refers to when the steering wheel feels loose. It typically forces the driver to overcompensate while steering…

5 months ago

A Brief History of Automotive Mirrors

Summary The first rear-view mirror was introduced when part-time racer Ray Harroun installed one on his Marmon Wasp during the…

5 months ago

Handy Tools and Tips for a DIY Oil Change

Summary Regularly changing the oil keeps your engine clean. It also prevents dirt and debris from damaging the engine.Some tools…

5 months ago

Exhaust Coupling Alternatives (No Welding Needed)

Summary Installing an exhaust coupler is a cost-effective way to save a damaged exhaust pipe.You can use U-bolts, band sleeves,…

5 months ago

When to Junk Your Car: Signs to Look Out For

Summary Perhaps the most obvious sign to junk your car is if your repair bills are worth more than the…

5 months ago

Bad Strut Mount Bearing Symptoms: When Should You Replace It?

Summary Common signs a strut mount bearing needs replacement include steering difficulties, uneven tire wear, and squeaking noises when driving.If…

5 months ago

How Does a Steering Wheel Return to Center?

Summary The caster angle and self-aligning torque work together to make the steering wheel return to the center position. If…

5 months ago

Possible Causes of a Hard-Shifting Automatic Transmission

Summary Low transmission fluid, faulty speed sensors, bad shift solenoids, and a damaged valve body are some of the reasons…

5 months ago

Suspension Upgrades for Better Ride Quality

Summary Suspension parts are all about absorbing road impact to give you a smooth and comfortable driving experience. Air suspension…

5 months ago

Tips and Vehicle Upgrades for Better Handling

Summary Handling is always an important factor to consider when in the market for a new or used vehicle. Essentially,…

5 months ago

Automotive Window Glass: A Brief Guide

Summary The common types of automotive window glass are laminated glass and tempered glass.Laminated glass is very tough, deflects outside…

5 months ago

What Exactly Are Suicide Doors on a Car?

Summary Unlike traditional doors that hinge near the front tires, suicide doors are rear-hinged doors on the side of a…

5 months ago

When Should You Replace Your Vehicle’s Weatherstripping?

Summary You can expect your vehicle’s weatherstripping to last anywhere between 5 to 10 years. Once your vehicle reaches this…

5 months ago

Cheapest Car Mods Under $100

Summary There are hundreds of affordable upgrades in the market that won’t cost you thousands of dollars but are enough…

5 months ago

Why Don’t Sedans Have Rear Windshield Wipers?

Summary Sedans generally don’t have windshield wipers on their rear windshields. Some of the reasons for not putting a rear…

5 months ago

Flat, Ball, and Acorn Lug Nuts: Seating Styles Explained

Summary The seat is the part of the lug nut that sits flush against the wheel surface. Different wheels have…

5 months ago

Is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Battery Replacement Possible?

Summary TPMS sensor batteries aren’t designed to be replaced. A layer of potting material seals the battery and other electronic…

5 months ago

How To Drain a Torque Converter

Summary Some believe that torque converters don’t need flushing. They claim that dirty transmission fluid actually improves the transmission’s grip…

5 months ago

Refrigerant Leak Detector vs. UV Refrigerant Dye

Summary UV leak detection injects refrigerant dye into the A/C to locate refrigerant leaks. Electronic leak detection uses a sniffer…

5 months ago

What To Do When Metal Is Showing In Your Tire

Summary When a tire starts to show its wire bead, it’s either been damaged or driven past its expected lifespan.…

5 months ago

Do Diesel Cars Need To Be Started Daily?

Summary You don’t have to run your diesel car every day. Most modern diesel vehicles are equipped with common rail…

5 months ago

What Is a Transfer Case Range Position Sensor?

Summary The transfer case position sensor is a component that communicates the transfer case’s position to the vehicle’s computer. Your…

5 months ago

Overfilled Coolant Reservoir: Consequences, Causes, and Solutions

Summary You shouldn’t overfill your coolant reservoir. Doing so will cause the cooling system to push the coolant out of…

5 months ago

How To Use Fuel Injector Cleaner and Other FAQ

Summary Fuel injector cleaners remove carbon buildup and other debris from fuel injectors.Buying the correct fuel injector cleaner, taking the…

5 months ago

EMI Vs. RFI: A Quick Guide

Summary EMI stands for electromagnetic interference, and RFI stands for radio frequency interference.EMI and RFI can interfere with electrical parts…

5 months ago

Tips and Tricks for Routing a Wiring Harness

Summary Routing a wiring harness can be a complicated task because there can be up to 5,000 feet of wires…

5 months ago

What Is a Mild Hybrid?

Summary Mild hybrid systems rely on a battery-powered, low-output electric motor to start, brake, and slow the vehicle. The motor…

5 months ago

Does Battery Reconditioning Really Work?

Summary Also known as battery refurbishing, battery reconditioning is the process of cleaning sulfate crystals from the battery plates and…

5 months ago

Can Electric Cars Drive Through Shallow Water Safely?

Summary EVs can handle shallow bodies of water just like gasoline and diesel vehicles.Electric cars have features like a robust…

5 months ago

How Do Headers Improve Engine Performance?

Summary An exhaust header gives an engine longer and wider pipes. These pipes reduce engine back pressure and create a…

5 months ago

How To Inspect Car Coolant Hoses

Summary To inspect your coolant hoses, let your engine warm first. Then, you can perform a squeeze test and visually…

5 months ago

Power Seat Switch Replacement Tips

Summary You need a trim removal tool, a pry tool, and a screwdriver to replace a faulty power seat switch.The…

5 months ago

Is Your A/C Stuck On Defrost Mode? Possible Causes and Fixes

Summary Over time, the defrost door actuator in your car’s air conditioning system can fail. If the actuator is electric,…

5 months ago

Refurbished Car Batteries: What You Need To Know

Summary As a battery ages, it begins to discharge in a chemical process called sulfation. A discharged battery takes longer…

5 months ago

Brake Light Wiring 101: How It Works and Fixing Common Issues

Summary While the exact design can vary depending on your car’s year, make, and model, most brake lights are red…

5 months ago

Hydraulic Brake Conversion FAQ

Summary Hydraulic brake conversion replaces mechanical brakes with more modern and efficient hydraulic brakes.You’ll need a hydraulic brake conversion kit…

5 months ago

Tips on How to Remove a Window Crank Handle

Summary A crank handle is attached using a metal retainer clip that latches onto the crank handle and a notch…

5 months ago

How to Change Rear Turn Signal Bulbs: Steps and FAQs

Summary A faulty tail light is a non-moving violation and a ticketable offense.To change the bulb sockets, you'll have to…

5 months ago

The Best Car Upgrades For Improved Performance

Summary If you’re interested in drastically improving your vehicle’s acceleration and power, tuning your engine can improve its performance without…

6 months ago

Dynamic and Static Roof Load Capacity Explained

Summary An overloaded roof rack can seriously damage your vehicle if it rips off the roof or spills onto the…

6 months ago

Bad Car Air Suspension Systems: What You Need To Know

Summary Popularized in the 1950s, air suspension systems use air instead of springs to cushion the vibrations that jostle a…

6 months ago

How To Fix an Oil Filter Housing Leak and Other FAQ

Summary To fix an oil filter housing leak, it’s best to prepare the necessary tools first, check the engine oil…

6 months ago

A Brief Guide to the Receiver Hitch Lock

Summary A receiver hitch lock is a pin with one or two locks on one or both ends.A receiver hitch…

6 months ago

What Is a Brake Rivet Tool and When Should You Use One?

Summary Brake rivet tools help remove and install the rivets that hold down the brake lining to the brake.Brake rivet…

6 months ago

How To Safely Limp a Broken Vehicle Home

Summary Limp mode shuts down various non-essential systems and significantly slows down your car. You should still be able to…

6 months ago

Oil Drain Plug Torque Specs and Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Engine Oil

Summary The oil drain plug threads into a hole at the lowest point of the engine oil pan so that…

6 months ago

How to Check the Tire Pressure Without a Gauge (Not Recommended)

Summary Checking tire pressure without a tire gauge is not recommended. It should only be considered in the rare scenario…

6 months ago

Why Your Brake Pedal Goes to the Floor

Summary A brake master cylinder with internal leaks is the most common culprit for a sinking brake pedal, particularly if…

6 months ago

Temperature Gauge Not Working? Here’s How To Fix It

Summary To fix a temperature gauge that isn’t working, you have to take the necessary safety noprecautions, prepare all your…

6 months ago

Is Using a Reverse Brake Bleeder a Good Idea? Pros and Cons

Summary A reverse brake bleeder is a specialized tool that generates the brake bleeding pressure needed to push brake fluid…

6 months ago

Caliper Bracket FAQs: Straight Answers

Summary The caliper bracket is the cage in which the caliper is encased and is bolted to the spindle with…

6 months ago

Worm Gear Clamps vs. Spring Hose Clamps: Differences and Advantages

Summary Worm gear clamps are metal band clamps that have a helical-threaded screw called the captive screw that lets you…

6 months ago

Car Won’t Take Gas: Why Won’t My Car Take Gas?

Summary If your car won’t take gas at the pump, there might be something wrong with the EVAP system. Other…

6 months ago

How to Deal With a Seized Spark Plug: Tips, Causes, and More

Summary Spark plugs create the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture. Spark plugs are usually pretreated with anti-seize additives before…

6 months ago

List of Car Repairs (Beginner – Pro): Search a Repair

Search car repairs based on level of difficulty. Find accurate repair resources, whether you're a beginner, seasoned DIYer, or someone…

6 months ago

Why Do Trucks Use Diesel Instead of Gasoline?

Summary Fuel efficiency is the main reason why diesel is used in semi trucks. A liter of diesel has more…

6 months ago

What Is Steer-by-Wire?

Summary Steer-by-wire cars don’t have a mechanical connection between their steering wheel and their wheels, instead relying on sensors to…

6 months ago

How To Test a Speed Sensor

Summary Troubleshooting a faulty transmission sensor requires you to find the sensor, remove it from the transmission, and test it…

6 months ago

How to Tell the Difference Between Hybrid and EV Batteries

Summary EV and hybrid batteries differ in various ways, such as their charging method, capacity, and range. Their similarities include…

6 months ago

Do Electric Cars Have Catalytic Converters?

Summary Catalytic converters are devices installed along a vehicle’s exhaust pipe that transform harmful hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides…

6 months ago

If My Airbags Deploy, Is My Car Totaled? Straight Answers

Summary Your car isn’t automatically deemed “totaled” if its airbags are deployed during a crash. The deployment only indicates the…

6 months ago

Chassis Lubrication: Why, When, and How to Grease Your Car Chassis

Summary Chassis lubrication involves applying grease or oil to the chassis and its connection points to reduce friction and ensure…

6 months ago

How to Remove the Tire From the Rim: Manually vs. With a Machine

Summary You'll need tools like a tire-changing machine, tire irons, lug nut wrench, and safety equipment to properly remove the…

6 months ago

Wheel Bearing Noise vs. Tire Noise: How to Know What’s the Issue

Summary It can be hard to differentiate tire noise from wheel bearing noise. You’ll have to verify the location of…

6 months ago

How to Bypass an Ignition Switch Plus FAQs

Summary The ignition switch is operated by the ignition cylinder, but is a separate part and is usually connected to…

6 months ago

Muffler Replacement Cost Estimates, FAQs, and More

Summary The muffler silences the engine exhaust. The average cost to replace a muffler can range anywhere from $50 to…

6 months ago

Engine Ticking: Possible Reasons and Repairs

Summary Possible reasons your engine is ticking include lifter tick, dirty lifters, exhaust leaks, bad bearings, a cracked flywheel, loose…

6 months ago

How to Install a Fuel Pump Properly

Summary Fuel pumps deliver fuel to the engine’s fuel rail.Common mistakes people make when installing them include incorrectly wiring the…

6 months ago

Bedding in Brakes: What is a Brake Bed-In and How Does It Help?

Summary “Bedding in” or “burnishing” new disc brakes improves the compatibility of your vehicle’s brake pads and rotor, and it’s…

6 months ago

What Are Hypoid Gears?

Summary A hypoid gear is a type of spiral bevel gear that transfers power and distributes torque. Hypoid gears are…

6 months ago

Wind Buffeting and Wind Noise: Causes and Prevention

Summary Wind buffeting refers to the phenomenon where air from outside a vehicle mixes with air inside the vehicle. You…

6 months ago

Why Don’t All Vehicles Have Their Gas Tanks on the Same Side?

Summary Design requirements, driver preference, and vehicle regulations are some of the reasons why vehicles don't have gas tanks on…

6 months ago

Tips for Cleaning Your Garage Floor

Summary Before cleaning the garage floor, park your vehicle elsewhere and remove unnecessary things like toolboxes and old bikes. It’s…

6 months ago

Stiff Steering Wheel: Common Causes and How to Prevent It

Summary Problems that can result in a stiff steering wheel include a bad steering rack, misaligned wheels, power steering fluid…

6 months ago

Why Won’t My Car Door Close? Possible Reasons and Fixes

Summary Possible reasons your car door won't close include a stuck seatbelt, a closed latch jaw, a dirty or corroded…

6 months ago

Inflate on the Go: What Are Portable Tire Inflators?

Summary A portable tire inflator is a compact device that can be used to inflate a vehicle’s tires. Handheld inflators…

6 months ago

What Is a BMS Reset? When and How to Do It

Summary BMS stands for “Battery Management System.” It’s the assembly that houses and keeps the batteries operational. The BMS monitors…

7 months ago

A Definitive Guide to Understanding Parallelogram Steering Linkages

Summary The steering linkage relays steering forces from the steering gear to the front wheels based on the driver’s input…

7 months ago

A Look at Portable Battery Chargers for Cars

Summary Portable battery chargers are designed to recharge dead car batteries anytime and anywhere. There are three types of car…

7 months ago

Car Ramps vs. Jack Stands: Advantages and Disadvantages

Summary Car ramps and jack stands are assemblies used to lift the front or rear of a vehicle. Ramps are…

7 months ago

A Beginner’s Guide On How to Burp a Coolant System

Summary Burping or bleeding the coolant system is the process of removing air pockets for an efficient system operation. In…

7 months ago

The Right Way to Clean the MAP Sensor

Summary The powertrain control module uses the MAP sensor to sense engine load on speed-density-type fuel injection systems. MAP sensor…

7 months ago

What is a Transaxle on a Car?

Summary The transaxle is a combination of the transmission and differential in one assembly. It’s in any vehicle where the…

7 months ago

What You Should Know About Engine Cylinder Deactivation

Summary Cylinder deactivation is a feature found in many multi-cylinder engines that lets the powertrain control module (PCM) disable a…

7 months ago

What Are Side Pipes in a Vehicle? Plus Pros and Cons

Summary Side pipes, or side exhaust pipes, let fumes from the exhaust exit through the side rather than the rear.…

7 months ago

Swollen Car Battery: Causes and Other Related FAQs

Summary Your car battery can bulge or swell due to several reasons like overcharging, extreme temperature, short circuit, natural wear,…

7 months ago

Engine Oil Analysis: A Brief Guide

Summary Engine oil analysis evaluates your car’s engine and its lubricating oil.Running an engine oil analysis test can reveal vital…

7 months ago

Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray: Function, Uses, and Tips

Summary Dust, dirt, or grease on electrical contacts can increase electrical resistance and cause connectivity and circuit issues. These problems…

7 months ago

How Can I Tell Which Wheel Bearing Is Bad?

Summary You can follow the noise made by the faulty wheel bearing until you find its location.Inspect the tires for…

7 months ago

Why Tire Blowouts Are More Common During the Summer

Summary Tires are more likely to fail during the summer because high temperatures weaken tires. When a tire is underinflated,…

7 months ago

What Does an Intercooler Do?

Summary Intercoolers absorb the heat from the compressed air in turbocharged and supercharged engines, regulating the temperature and preventing engines…

7 months ago

What Exactly Is Drive-by-Wire?

Summary Drive-by-wire electronic systems either augment a vehicle’s traditional mechanical controls or replace them entirely.The three common types of drive-by-wire…

7 months ago

What Is the Redline of an Engine and Why Is It Bad for Your Vehicle?

Summary A redline refers to the maximum revolutions per minute (RPM) that’s safe for an engine. It’s usually displayed as…

7 months ago

How Car Washing Affects Your Vehicle’s Electrical System

Summary In general, car washes are safe for your car’s electrical system. Exterior and undercarriage car washing don’t cause problems…

7 months ago

How To Clean Air Vents in Your Car

Summary Dust and pollutants can settle inside air vents and get blown by the air conditioner’s (A/C) blower. Your vehicle’s…

7 months ago

What Are Cylinders in a Car?

Summary A cylinder in an engine is where combustion happens to generate the power necessary to make the car move.Common…

7 months ago