Your car is composed of multiple moving parts with many dependent on fluids to keep them lubricated. Likely, you know the importance of changing your oil, replacing the battery and checking tires on a regular basis. But there are three top car problems you may overlook, especially if you don’t familiarize yourself with your owner’s manual. 1. Coolant Flush Also known as antifreeze, coolant is a 50-50 mixture of antifreeze and water. It’s used to keep your engine from overheat

Diesel exhaust fluid is a common component in the effort to clean up modern diesel tailpipe emissions. Known as DEF, or by various trade names such as AdBlue, the fluid is periodically injected into the exhaust where it works with a catalyst to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. If you own a late-model diesel car or truck, there’s a good chance you’ll need to learn how to manage your vehicle’s DEF. Check out these helpful tips on what to do if a low-DEF warning light show

You’re in luck — car battery maintenance is one of the easier types of DIY work you’ll encounter with an automobile. While some modern battery designs are called maintenance-free, this really only means they don’t have to be filled with water like the maintenance accessible designs used in the past. You still have to keep up with the proper storage, cleanliness and inspection cycle on a maintenance-free design as you would with any other battery, so it helps to know what to w

Brake noise is annoying, but that doesn’t mean you should just roll up the window and ignore it. When the brakes on your car make noise they are trying to tell you something, and usually that message is that something’s wrong. Some sounds indicate that they’ve worn out, while others hint at damage that’s been done over time. Either way, you need to pay attention and get this crucial component serviced as soon as possible. Here are three kinds of brake noise you should never i

Confused as to the difference between single grade or multigrade engine oil? Wondering which type you can safely put in your vehicle, or whether one might be better than the other when you’re staring down a rack of options? You’re not alone. Fortunately, the answer is simpler than you might think. Let’s take a look at the key differences between these two classes of lubricant, and see where each one performs best in real-world driving. Viscosity Is Key All engine oil — synthe

There’s no denying it, your vehicle’s brakes can be a very dirty place. Between brake dust, petroleum-based brake fluid, grease, grime and road debris, it’s never long before your brakes are in need of a good cleaning. Keeping your brakes clean not only helps them last a lot longer but it can also significantly improve their ability to stop your vehicle. It’s as easy as choosing the right product. Here’s a look at the benefits of brake cleaner. Keep It Simple With all the ser

The right car repair tips can make a seemingly complex job that much easier. Techniques that can speed up a process without compromising its quality are a valuable ally when working on your vehicle. They’re also a great way to benefit from someone else’s experience without having to explore every potentially dead-end path along the way. Check out these five car repair tips and see which ones you can add to your repertoire. 1. Mark It Up Making adjustments to your engine timin

Restoring a classic car is akin to competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race: It’s a challenge that takes endurance, skill and patience. The final result can be astounding, but so can the repair bills. If you are interested in beginning your first major overhaul, these classic car restoration tips can get you started. 1. Start With the Right Car Choosing an ideal candidate for restoration may be the most important of all classic car tips. It often means the difference between