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Maintenance and Care
  • Every car needs a car wash every once in a while but sometimes you need to perform a more thorough cleaning. Some members of our editing team have been washing cars since before they could legally drive, so they know a lot about achieving a perfectly detailed automobile. Detailing is cleaning your vehicle inside and out like you’re preparing it for a car show. These days, you can find complete kits of car detailing tools that covers all the bases. No matter the vehicle you drive, these ten steps to a perfectly detailed car are sure to get the job done.
    February 01, 2022
  • Has your car’s paint job begun to fade? It’s never too late to put the shine back! Every car owner should always be on the lookout for ways to improve their vehicles’ condition, and a nice glow is a good look on any automobile.
    February 01, 2022
  • Compared to planes or trains, cars are a great way to see the country while maintaining a high degree of social distancing. The surrounding atmosphere may seem surreal, but that won't change the basics of making sure your ride is prepped for a long road trip. Since there's a fair bit of information to digest, we've split it up into several parts.
    July 28, 2020
  • Even though we're all driving less than usual due to coronavirus restrictions, many of us will be relying on our vehicles for a vacation or extended road trip. Being stranded anywhere is an unpleasant experience, but it's even worse when it happens in an unfamiliar environment. To minimize the risk of that happening, we can perform a series of inspections to identify potential issues before they have a chance to ruin a much-needed getaway.
    July 31, 2020
Road trips are a summer staple. Visions of long stretches of open highway, windows down, your playlist blaring on the radio. Beef jerky. Lots of beef jerky. Road trips are also a great way to test a vehicle, especially one marketed to the adventurous types and outdoor enthusiasts. One of the latest entrants in this field is the Honda Passport, which is now in its second model year.
September 01, 2020
The Nissan Titan (stylized TITAN) first debuted in December 2003 as a 2004 model, surprising the industry with class-leading interior space, a powerful dual overhead cam 5.6L Endurance V8 engine producing 305 horsepower and 379 lb-ft of torque, and a 5-speed automatic transmission when 4 speeds was the accepted norm. Maximum tow capacity for the 2004 Titan was 9,400 lbs when properly equipped. It was beyond competitive for its class, and Nissan made a big splash against the established domestic rivals. Nissan made minor improvements over the years: in 2007, the output of the 5.6L V8 increased to 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. A Long Wheelbase version and a new PRO-4X trim was introduced in 2008. 2016 marked the debut of the second (and current) generation and split the Titan lineup into two models: the half-ton Titan and the heavier-duty Titan XD, which sits in-between a half-ton and three-quarter ton truck. The latter was initially available with an optional 5.0L Cummins Turbo Diesel V8. Meanwhile, the standard V8 gained technical enhancements that increased output to 390 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, mated to a then-new 7-speed automatic transmission.
July 13, 2020
If you're looking for a great performance sedan and you're not shopping badges, the Kia Stinger holds its own against stalwarts like the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A5 Sportback. It’s that good, no excuses needed. Kia has been on a roll lately with world-class products such as the Telluride and newly launched Seltos; the Stinger is no different and can stand toe-to-toe with the stiffest competition from Germany.
May 30, 2020
LATEST REVIEWS
  • The 2019 Nissan KICKS is a subcompact crossover competing in a segment that has exploded in growth lately. All trims come with front wheel drive; all-wheel-drive is not available.
    May 28, 2020
  • The 2021 Kia Seltos competes in the subcompact crossover segment. With a segment explosion as of late, the all-new Seltos makes a case for itself as a practical blend of performance, technology, and cargo space.
    May 27, 2020
  • If you love your car, almost nothing is more satisfying than washing it yourself and admiring the finished product. Sure, you can take it to an automatic car wash, but no one will take better care of it than you. Properly washing your car is key to the paint's longevity as well as its resale value. Although there are countless products on the market to help make car washing faster, easier, and more convenient all around, the proper steps to washing your car hardly ever change. This article will help you properly wash your car with some of the best products on the market to keep it looking new for years to come.
    April 28, 2020
  • We spent a week with the 2019 Cadillac XT4 AWD Premium Luxury, and used it as a daily driver. We commuted to work with it, went on shopping trips with it, and did just about anything you would do in an average working week. Here are some great features that stood out during its stay with us.
    March 04, 2020
  • GMC’s Sierra 1500 was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year, bringing a bold design and useful tech features such as the nifty MultiPro split-opening tailgate. For model year 2020, GMC's updates to its bread-and-butter Sierra 1500 are designed to assist in towing, fuel economy, and commuting.
    March 02, 2020
  • Tesla may take up the majority of the day-to-day headlines, but did you know Nissan’s LEAF was until very recently the world's best-selling electric vehicle? The LEAF has sold nearly half a million units around the world with a full third of those sold here in the United States. The standard LEAF has a range of approximately 150 miles, but it's been joined by a longer-range model sporting the "PLUS" moniker. With many new competitors to the market such as the Chevrolet Bolt (238 miles), Hyundai Kona (258 miles), and Kia Niro EV (239 miles), the LEAF PLUS (215 miles) is still down compared to the competition but now has enough range to compete directly. Any advertised range over 200 miles has the potential to reduce range anxiety significantly, but don’t expect to take long road trips unless you have access to chargers on your route. Given that the range estimate comes in lower than other popular electric cars, can the LEAF PLUS make up for it with other features? I had a week to find out.
    February 26, 2020
  • The 2020 Kia Telluride competes in the three-row crossover segment. With no shortage of competitors, the Telluride is looking to make a splash among some recognizable nameplates.
    January 23, 2020
  • Nissan's Rogue has been on the market for over a decade, with the very first examples wading into the hot compact crossover market in late 2007. Now in its second generation, the Rogue nameplate has steadily become one of America's best sellers, and is Nissan's top seller by a long shot. In 2018 alone, 412,110 buyers chose the Nissan Rogue over its two main rivals, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. We spent a week with a 2019 Nissan Rogue SL AWD to find out why nearly half a million people found a reason to park one in their driveway.
    October 04, 2019
  • We spent a week with the 2019 Nissan Rogue SL and used it as a daily driver. We commuted to work with it, went on shopping trips with it, and did just about anything you would do in an average working week. Here are some great features that stood out during its stay with us.
    October 04, 2019
  • Even though many new cars sold today have the option of adding an in-dash global navigation satellite system, nothing beats the convenience of having a portable unit. However, one glance at the market can confuse anyone who simply wants a global positioning system (GPS) navigator with useful features and good performance. We’ve narrowed down the best GPS in 2022 selection and categorized them with respect to their particular advantages. For more information about how to pick a good GPS receiver, have a look at the buyer's guide below.
    September 25, 2019
  • Tinting your car windows provides a lot of benefits -- a more stylish look, lower interior temperatures, and more privacy. But there are several different types of window tinting films on the market, and each one has its own set of pros and cons. Check out our list of the best window tinting films in 2022 below to help you make the best decision depending on your application, budget, and desired look.We definitely recommend professional installation for best results. That said, if you're determined to try installing window tint yourself, you'll need a basic tint installation tool kit to start. You can find DIY window tint films on Amazon, too.
    August 29, 2019
  • Synthetic oils have become ubiquitous in modern cars, and it's becoming increasingly rare to find a new vehicle that doesn't come from a factory filled with synthetic oil. Most experts agree that the main benefit of using synthetic oil is the convenience of longer oil change intervals. While conventional non-synthetic oil is recommended to be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles, you can typically go 7,500+ miles on the more premier synthetic blends. Synthetic is much more expensive than conventional motor oil, but it's worth the extra cost for drivers who don't want to change their oil frequently.One of the most notable automotive trends in the past decade is the widespread adoption of turbocharging. What was once a niche technology reserved for high-performance sports cars and top-spec race cars can now be found in popular mainstream models like the Honda Accord and Chevy Equinox. Turbochargers are a great way to boost power output from smaller engines, but the extreme heat and high turbine speeds tend to place heavy demands on the oil used to lubricate and cool their inner workings. If your car is equipped with a turbocharged engine, it's important to ensure that the synthetic oil you select will function well with turbochargers.That said, when shopping for oil, it's hard to go wrong if you use a brand approved by the manufacturer and the correct viscosity. We've narrowed down our selection based on performance and availability, and we also factored in user feedback, including used oil analysis results. Our picks for the best synthetic oil show consistent performance over long drain intervals.
    August 28, 2019
  • "Jack of all trades, master of none." This is the perfect description of the best all-season tires in 2022, which promise to offer reliable performance year-round. Unlike what their name implies, all-season tires are heavily biased towards dry and wet road conditions, sacrificing winter traction for longer tread life. With a few notable exceptions, drivers who deal with snow, ice, and slush in the winter months are better off equipping winter tires.
    August 27, 2019
  • Car batteries are often overlooked during general maintenance. While this may not be much of an issue with modern-day maintenance-free battery designs, the real problem may not show up until the temperature drops and your battery cannot supply enough cranking amps to start your engine. If your vehicle is already displaying signs of struggling to start, you may want to preemptively replace it with the best car battery in 2022 before you're left stranded.
    August 09, 2019
  • As the name 'summer tire' implies, these tires are best suited for high performance driving when the weather is good. Important characteristics for a summer tire are overall grip and steering response above all else, with road manners coming in second. That's not to say you have to live with an unbearably loud or harsh-riding tire to get maximum performance - the best summer tires in 2022 manage to blend both high traction levels with refined road manners. Less important are factors such as treadwear and price, while winter traction is not considered at all.
    February 03, 2016
  • Subwoofers are specially-designed speakers built to handle extra-low frequencies that make up the ’bass' in music. While not strictly necessary for basic bass reproduction, a good subwoofer goes a long way towards adding that extra low-end punch which is lacking in most factory audio systems. Car subwoofers are normally installed in 'sealed' or 'ported' enclosures, with each enclosure type offering distinctive playback characteristics. Sealed enclosures generally deliver tight, accurate bass hits while ported enclosures specialize in loudness and low frequency response. Check out our list of the best car subwoofers in 2022 and if you’d like to learn more about the different considerations that go into picking a new car subwoofer, check out our buyer’s guide below.
    May 14, 2015
  • Often called the “secret weapon” of show car detailing, a quality glaze is used just before waxing to impart a rich depth and glow to make the finish look just so, deep. These products fill any swirl marks and/or micro fine scratches, resulting in a smooth finish with some containing a small amount of micro fine polish to remove small imperfections at the same time. Since car paint glazes are intended for cosmetic use they'll only last around a week or two without an added layer of protective wax or sealant on top.We've selected the very best car paint glazes in 2022 which when properly applied, produce some of the most amazing results possible. All of our picks will reduce the appearance of light scratches and swirls, while leaving behind a glossy that’s deep and reflective. Some of these products might be easier to find than others, but each offers excellent paint rehabilitation as proven by their cult followings and continuing popularity.
    April 14, 2015
  • There’s lots of reasons why you might be looking for a replacement stereo for your vehicle. Maybe your current car stereo doesn’t offer the technology you want or perhaps the stock stereo which came with the vehicle stopped working. Whatever the reason, there are hundreds of available options which can make the shopping process quite daunting to even begin. Fortunately, we've narrowed down the field to select the best car stereos in 2022 which offer some of the best options currently available. To learn more about choosing the right car stereo for your needs, check out our car stereo buyer’s guide down below.
    March 31, 2015
  • Coaxial speakers are so named after their configuration – the woofer and the tweeter are mounted on the same axis. This carries the benefit of projecting a full range of sound from a single location. Coaxial speakers also tend to be easier to install than their component system counterparts, as all of the wiring is grouped in a single location. This also means that there is no need to drill into panels to install tweeters in non-factory locations. Check out our list of the best coaxial speakers in 2022.
    January 23, 2015
  • Let's face it - not all cars come with stellar sound systems. One of the best ways to improve any stereo system is to replace the factory speakers with a good set of component speakers. Decent speakers are capable of superior performance, bringing out minute details in your music without sounding shrill, tinny, or harsh. Higher-quality speakers can pump out music at higher volumes without distortion or loss in sound quality. Be advised, though - you'll pay a premium for the privilege of increased performance.Although this list features multiple picks, it is ultimately your decision that you will have to live with. Therefore, be sure to sample each system and check out our list of the best component speakers in 2022 before deciding which one is right for you.
    November 21, 2014
  • No matter what, it's always an inconvenience to be in a situation where your car won't start. One of the most common causes of this problem is a flat battery which can’t provide enough power to crank the engine. The usual solution to this is to ask someone to help out and hope they have jumper cables. Alternatively, you can spend a little money and solve a big problem by having around a portable jump starter. A battery jump starter can range from a basic model with the sole purpose of jump starting your cars battery to being more of a multi-purpose emergency power source.This list of the best battery jump starters in 2022 is focused on the best budget-friendly jump starters that don't sacrifice stable starting performance that is, the ability to reliably start a vehicle with a dead battery. The focus on affordability means sometimes having to sacrifice extra features such as built-in air compressor, but all of the following picks will usually be sufficient for those who want the security and convenience of a battery jump starter, without having to pay a lot of money.
    November 21, 2014
  • When it comes to protecting both your car and your valuable possessions inside, there is no substitute for a good car alarm. A good car alarm should serve as both a deterrent and a response system. The better ones include a 2-way pager system that alerts you when your car is being broken in to, which can give you those critical few moments to take action to stop a burglary from taking place. Otherwise, the sound of the alarm should draw enough attention and radar to the car thief that the burglary attempt either is aborted or foiled by law enforcement officials. Take a look at our list of the best car alarm systems in 2022.
    November 21, 2014
  • A lot of people use these products on their cars instead of a traditional wax because they’re easy to apply, produce a great shine, and last for months. If you’re not a car hobbyist, then one of these best car polishes in 2022 is probably what you are looking for. However, you must have the car very clean before you use one of these products because they are sealants, not polish, and therefore have no abrasives. These are basically what you use after the car is clean to make it shine. These are all modern synthetic products designed to work with today’s clear coat automotive finishes. With almost no work by traditional standards, you can get an impressive shine that will last for months. Although they range in price and availability at major retailers, each of the following best non-abrasive car polishes will deliver shine and protection for your vehicle's paint. They might not be true polishes, but they all offer extra depth, shine without abrasives, ease-of-use and overall excellent results.
    November 21, 2014
  • Wax is a product designed to protect the finish it’s applied on. It’s not intended to clean, remove grit, grime, oxidation, or scum from the finish— all that work has to be done to make the finish as good as possible first, then you wax to protect and preserve it. Cleaners, polishes, and sealers go on first; then you wax.All the products here claim to be pure carnauba wax with no abrasives. However even a “pure carnauba” product is only about 30 percent wax, otherwise, it would be a wax brick. The rest is a mixture of liquefiers, oils, emoluments and whatever the manufacturer thinks will work best. That’s why there are so many car waxes out there.The goal with these best car carnauba paste waxes is not a blinding sharp sparkling shine as there are better products to achieve that look. What you do get is depth, warmth, and some provide protection from the elements along with long-lasting durability.To keep your car looking good as new, here are the best car waxes available in 2022. For more information, check out our buyer's guide below to help you choose the best wax for your vehicle and budget.
    November 21, 2014
  • In-car entertainment has become necessary for long road trips and one solution is the flip-down DVD player, which can be relatively easily installed and seen by everyone in the back seats. Some flip-down DVD players offer the option of direct integration with your car's audio system, while virtually all of them support headphones for a more personal viewing experience.Though prices may vary, all of these best flip-down DVD players in 2022 have a good blend of features, including a screen large enough to be visible to all the occupants in the back; even better if the screen swivels or rotates to improve viewing angle. These best flip-down DVD players also have good connectivity, being compatible with multiple devices and able to play audio through the vehicle's speakers or otherwise. Finally, we've chosen options that are overall good value for the money, meaning relatively good reliability ratings, solid build quality, and picture quality for a consistent and pleasant in-car viewing experience.
    November 21, 2014
  • Properly-functioning fuel injectors and the fuel system as a whole are vital to a smooth and efficient running engine. Systems in older and neglected cars can become clogged with corrosive deposits and contaminants over time; negatively affecting your vehicle's performance.Having the fuel system of your vehicle cleaned can be rather costly, leaving people to seek ways to improve performance on their own and with minimal effort. Fuel system cleaners are capable of removing deposits and contributing to better performance overall. These improvements include a smoother idle, better fuel economy, more power, and reduced emissions.We've scoured the internet to find some of the top fuel injector cleaners on the market. We've also ensured each of our picks is relatively affordable, making it possible to use them as a regular part of maintaining your vehicle. Finally, most of the following fuel system cleaners are easy to find at major retailers, meaning you won't have any trouble getting one whenever you need it!
    November 06, 2014
  • Radiator Stop Leak products are somewhat debated as to their effectiveness, or whether they’re worth using at all. Although they generally are able to temporarily stop a leak in some cars, they’re not a long term solution as they can cause more issues further down the line by clogging up engine systems. Some people do use these products without any issue, however, and it's worth knowing which the best are in the event that you need a stop gap measure.We've chosen the best radiator stop leak products in 2022 that are well-rated for their effectiveness, and have been around long enough to note any long-term issues likely to arise following their use. Each of the following products is relatively affordable and simple to use, making them good to have on hand for emergency situations.
    November 06, 2014
  • As high mileage vehicles tend to have more wear than new engines, gaps between components can form, leading to leaks. As a car engines ages, seals and gaskets have a tendency to dry out, crack and oil begins to burn off between changes. All of this can ultimately contribute to the buildup of oil sludge and deposits in the engine, potentially shortening the life of your car's engine.High mileage motor oils are designed to include additives that provide better lubrication, help protect engine seals, and prevent sludge from building up. This minimizes engine wear and extends the life of the engine, while ideally improving performance in the meantime.We've chosen the best high mileage motor oils in 2022 from leading companies proven to perform over time and contain all the positive traits we've described above. Price varies quite a bit depending on oil sales at the time as well as your local market, so it's best to simply pick the oil that best suits your needs.
    November 06, 2014
  • Every new car today comes with ODB2 which is a federally mandated on board diagnostics computer which is used for service related matters. OBD2-equipped cars have a distinctive port hidden somewhere in the passenger compartment, into which a diagnostic device is connected. When your car is running rough or the check engine light is illuminated, a scan tool is often the first instrument deployed to isolate the issue.While many auto parts stores will perform a scan for you either for free or for a nominal fee, nothing beats the convenience of having your own scan tool. We’ve chosen the best OBD2 scanners to keep handy in case things ever go wrong.These selections of best OBD2 scanners in 2022 were based on each scanners overall value, although most are not packed full of features. We've also opted to select well-rated and extremely user-friendly models which allow almost anyone to perform diagnostics on their own vehicle. All of the following selections offer a good balance of features and price, providing excellent all-around choices for even novice users.
    November 06, 2014
  • Keeping your wheels clean can be a labor-intensive and messy process, with brake dust and grime seeming to get everywhere and yet stick relentlessly to the wheels. However, when not done on a regular basis, the corrosive residues can begin to damage the wheels.The best wheel cleaners in 2022 need to not only cut through and dissolve brake dust and other residues, but suspend the particles to avoid scratching your wheels. We've ensured the following best wheel cleaners are safe on most surfaces, although it's important to always check if the product you want to use is suitable for your wheels.For those who regularly wash their wheels with soap and water, using these cleaners regularly is likely to be overkill. However, if it's been a while since you cleaned your wheels or your car is particularly prone to brake dust, these picks will effectively remove build-up.These products are also helpful for cleaning the hard-to-reach areas of your wheels, reducing the amount of scrubbing that is needed. However, a small bottle of cleaner can be used deceptively fast, so keep that in mind if you plan on using a wheel cleaner on a regular basis.
    November 05, 2014