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Auto Maintenance & Care

  • Non-synthetic oil (also referred to as dino or conventional oil) is extremely cheap and performs very well as long as you change your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles. In fact, if you don’t mind the added cost and hassle of short oil change intervals, it can be difficult to justify the cost of much more expensive synthetic oils.Typically, any conventional oil that has an API SM or SL rating will do well in most applications, but our top picks of best conventional oils in 2022 were chosen because they’re cheap compared to synthetic oils, and are widely available at major retailers. They also all offer consistent performance as rated by users over the course of many years, meaning with proper maintenance your vehicle will run smoothly and reliably.If you are a regular grease monkey or somebody looking to change their own engine oil, check out our best conventional oil buying guide.
    October 06, 2014
  • Too often, drivers ignore the condition of brake fluid in their cars. Not only does brake fluid have to serve as an incompressible medium within the brake lines, it must maintain a consistently high boiling point in order to function properly.Over time, the boiling point of brake fluid slowly drops due to deterioration, contaminants, and moisture. This leads to decreased brake performance, and can result in a dangerous situation where the heat generated from the brakes can cause the fluid to boil. To avoid this, using a high-quality brake fluid and performing regular changes are both highly recommended.Brake fluid is an important component in car safety, so make sure that your choice offers more performance than you are likely to need.Since brake fluids with much higher performance are often considerably more expensive, it's best to evaluate your needs first. However, not needing racing brake fluid for your driving doesn't mean an inferior product will do.These are some of the best brake fluids in 2022 on the market, based on their overall performance. All of the following picks offer performance which exceeds the needs of most regular drivers, with several picks that are suited for the high demands of track driving.
    October 06, 2014
  • Spark plugs are a critical component of engine maintenance, yet many drivers remain unaware of this requirement. Old, worn, or dirty spark plugs will decrease your engine's ability to perform, as they will be unable to ignite the fuel/air mixture as efficiently as they should. Having good spark plugs will make your engine run smoother, cleaner, and consume less fuel.We've scoured the internet to find high-quality spark plugs that make use of the latest technology and materials and can achieve both high performance and durability without compromise. While these highest-performing spark plugs may come with a higher price tag, their ability to increase your engine's overall performance will be worth the added cost.
    October 06, 2014
  • One of the easiest ways to scratch up the paint or clear coat of your car is to use an unsuitable material for cleaning/drying. The rough textures of standard towels or old t-shirts leave minute scratches in the finish, leading to the characteristic ‘swirl’ marks found on many cars on the road.Microfiber cleaning cloths prevent this phenomenon by utilizing a state-of-the-art texture which is soft to the touch and gentle on paint surfaces. The name ‘microfiber’ is derived from the cloth itself, which is a texture that extends into the microscopic realm and does wonders to pick up dirt and dust without roughing up the surface that it is used on. These cloths are often inexpensive, and should always be used when washing your car as opposed to throw-away clothing or towels.We've chosen the best microfiber cloths in 2022 for washing your cars, thanks to their softness and durability. Each of our picks is suitable for absorbing water, applying products, or simply removing dust and dirt. We've also ensured the following selections are reasonably priced and readily available, making them easy to replace when necessary.
    October 06, 2014
  • If you are serious about caring for your car, then you want to keep it clean. These car wash soaps are formulated to remove dirt and road grime without removing your car’s wax job. It's important to use the right cleaning products on your car, because using the wrong ones (such as dish soap) will leave the finish totally exposed to the elements.The advantages of each of the following selections are that they’re all designed to generate suds and increase the lubricity of the water so the soap lifts the dirt and grime without stripping the wax, scratching, or creating swirls. Another benefit of the best car wash soaps and shampoos in 2022 is they’re formulated to totally rinse in cold water while other soaps are not. To find the best car wash supplies for your vehicle, take a look at our favorites below.
    October 02, 2014
  • Let’s face it, no matter how well you try to take care of your car, scratches are bound to happen. Whether this happens due to careless people in parking lots or something as simple as accidentally grazing your car with a sharp object, scratches on the paint show up sooner or later.While deeper scratches extending into the bare metal of your car require professional attention to repair, lighter ones can often be taken care of with a good scratch remover. These products work by polishing the surface of the scratch until it blends in with the rest of the paint, making it nearly unnoticeable. However, the quality of the repair varies depending on the person performing the repair.We've chosen the best paint scracth removers in 2022 that require minimal effort while producing maximum results. Suited for light surface defects, each of the following picks will effectively reduce the appearance of scratches, swirls, and other minor paint issues. Most are also quite affordable, making them a no-brainer to have on hand for when the inevitable scratches and scuffs happen.
    October 02, 2014
  • It's no secret that the Honda Accord is seen as a more sporting choice than its archrival, the Toyota Camry. This is due to livelier engine options and suspension tuning which trades what some would consider excessive isolation exhibited in the Camry for a more driver-oriented feel. Thus, it's important to match the tires to suit the Accord's characteristics.Sometimes Simplicity is Key: TheAs with any tire recommendation, individual drivers will have different preferences when it comes to what they like their tires to do. Consider any of the tires listed here to be top picks for your Accord, though some may not be available in the size needed for your particular model. All of our selections of the best tires for honda accord in 2022 will complement the relatively sporting nature of the Honda Accord while maintaining a quiet, comfortable, and compliant ride.
    September 30, 2014
  • While no single tire is the “best” for the Toyota Camry, different drivers have different preferences. Many drivers live in areas where winter traction becomes an issue when the seasons change, while those who live in warmer climates have the luxury of leaving summer tires on year-round.The best tires for Camry in 2022 listed here should not be viewed as first, second or third best. Rather, all of these are excellent choices for the Camry. Depending on your personal needs and wants, any one of these tires can be considered best tires for your Camry. However, each of our selections offers excellent overall performance, featuring high levels of grip, comfortable and quiet ride quality, and good tread life.
    September 30, 2014
  • Buying tires for your Prius can turn out to be quite a bit more difficult than anyone could have imagined. Tire selection for this car has to be very specific in order to not wreck the delicate balance of fuel economy and road holding that Toyota has achieved.Though the Prius is no sports car, installing ultra low-grip tires which give up traction in exchange for low rolling resistance and maximum fuel efficiency can become dangerous in critical situations. On the flip side, it makes absolutely no sense to install maximum performance summer tires on the Prius.If the tires on your Prius are worn out, consider the options listed here for the best tires for Prius in 2022. We've selected tires that offer good basic traction and handling in most conditions, while having a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. We've also included tires to fit a variety of budgets.
    September 30, 2014
  • Antifreeze, or engine coolant, is a liquid solution designed to regulate engine temperature within a vehicle and wick away excess heat to the radiator. This auto maintenance product is used with internal combustion engines, although some engines require specialty formulas to comply with vehicle regulations, especially newer engines. Antifreeze is poured into the coolant chamber, typically found under a vehicle’s hood although often installed in different configurations based on the model of vehicle. The best antifreeze in 2022 products below were chosen based on their wide temperature range of performance, their compatibility with many car models and for their long service life.
    August 15, 2013
  • A tire pressure gauge is an important tool that can help improve fuel efficiency on a vehicle and promote a longer service life for tires. Auto tires should be kept to an optimum range of air pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), so the treads wear evenly and the car doesn't waste fuel. All of these best tire pressure gauges in 2022 fit directly onto valve caps and can take measurements of at least 10 PSI to 99 PSI. These tire pressure gauges were chosen for this list based on their ability to provide clear readings, attach easily to a valve cap, their cost-effectiveness and their accuracy; all gauges listed are accurate within 1 PSI.
    August 07, 2013
  • When the freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and black ice arrive for the winter season, there is no substitute for dedicated winter tires. All-season tires are a misnomer no single tire can perform well in all weather. Unless you enjoy the idea of sliding into the ditch or barrier for something as simple as an emergency lane change, the best winter tires in 2022 are a must on your car. Needless to say, it is not wise to leave winter tires on your car year-round as the warmer temperatures will wear out the soft compound within a matter of weeks.
    February 08, 2013