Ford F-150 Pickup Truck

One of the bestselling and popular vehicles of all time, the F-150 is a rare breed that begins its journey close to home and doesn’t travel far. To ensure the F-150 remains a “built in the U.S.A. vehicle,” Ford has invested billions of dollars in modernizing and making sustainable its Dearborn, Michigan and Claycomo, Missouri truck assembly plants—the F-150’s final assembly plants.

• The F-150 starts in either Lima or Brook Park, Ohio, where its engines are assembled.
• Transmissions are assembled in Ford factories in Livonia, Michigan, and Sharonville, Ohio.
• Many different brand tires come standard on the F-150, but virtually all the tires, even those by foreign tire manufacturers, are made in the U.S.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, 32 percent of the parts content comes from the U.S. or Canada.

NOTE: I spent a summer at Ford Electronics as part of a business and industry-sponsored “Educator In The Workplace” program. There, I saw first-hand how a Mass Air Flow Sensor was built and tested piece by piece for quality control before assembly. Circuit boards from China, thermal plastic housings from the U.S., heating elements from Europe, and temperature sensors and wiring harnesses were built inside the same facility.

Toyota Camry

Toyota is truly a global manufacturer of several popular vehicles, which is why three models are included in this list. Each Toyota has its own travel story, with final assembly plants located in any number of countries, including the U.S., Canada, Japan, Mexico, and China. Let’s begin with one of their best-selling cars, the Toyota Camry.

• For the North American region, Camry’s start and finish is being assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky, the largest Toyota production facility outside of Japan.
• The engine and drivetrain are made in the U.S.
• Toyota lists that 55 percent of Camry’s parts are manufactured in the U.S. or Canada.
• Japan is the other major country that supplies 30 percent of the Camry’s foreign parts content.

Toyota Tacoma 4X4

• Fifty percent of the Tacoma’s parts come from Japan or Mexico.
• Thirty-five percent of its parts, including the engine and transmission, come from the U.S. or Canada. (Building the majority of its drivetrains in the U.S. lowers Toyota’s production costs by standardizing platforms for various Toyota makes and models.)
• Thailand and India supply various electronic and metal components.
• All of the parts and components end up in Baja California, Mexico, for final assembly for the North American region.

Toyota RAV 4

• Seventy percent of RAV 4 parts are sourced from the U.S. and Canada, and like the Camry, the drivetrain is of U.S. origin.
• According to Huang, “copper used for wiring, electronics, and motors is produced in Chile, Peru, China, and the U.S.” Several manufacturers, including Toyota, use copper to maintain quality and costs when constructing their vehicles.
• Ontario, Canada, is the final assembly point for RAV 4 for the North American region.

Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra

• General Motors stalwarts, both of these trucks, which are virtually twins, have 37 percent of their parts sourced from the U.S. and Canada.
• Another 37 percent of their parts are sourced from Mexico.
• Huang adds that rare earth elements extracted from China, the U.S. and Australia are used in electronic components,” including engine and ABS (anti-lock brake) sensors, speakers, and battery management systems.
• The Silverado’s engine is sourced from Mexico, the transmission from the U.S., and the final assembly takes place in Roanoke, Indiana.
• The Sierra’s engine and transmission are sourced from the U.S., but the final assembly takes place in Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico, and could be regarded as an import.

General Motors uses several different factories to build these two trucks. This helps manage production and logistics costs, as well as enriching brand identity within different markets.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit two General Motors assembly plants, a vehicle assembly plant and an electronics assembly plant. Even with all my years in the industry, it was amazing to see rolls of sheet metal being formed, welded, painted, and then installed as fenders, doors, roofs, hoods and trunk lids. I was not surprised to see pallets filled with other parts shipped from not only General Motors/AC Delco, but from other countries and places around the world. At the electronics assembly plant, semiconductors attached on plastic rolls were “pressed” into circuit boards to build any number of electronic components. Most rolls were made in foreign countries.

Nissan Rogue

• Another global vehicle, parts from Japan and Mexico, including the engine and transmission, make up 65 percent of a Rogue’s parts.
• Nissan sources 25 percent of its Rogue parts from the U.S. and Canada.
• Parts and components from around the globe meet at Smyrna, Tennessee for the Rogue’s final assembly and distribution in the North America region.

“Car parts are sourced from manufacturers all over the globe,” says Mike Rocchi, retired former president of Faulkner Mazda. “Individual or unique parts from specialty manufacturers may be included with parts from other manufacturers to build a component. Globalization helps bring new vehicles and new technology to the market quicker while reducing overall operating costs for manufacturers.”

But Rocchi also adds that “it [globalization] also creates challenges, like controlling complex supply chains and safeguarding quality control across diverse manufacturing sites.” Remember, he says, “It took 18 months to resolve supply chain issues, especially computer chips, after the pandemic.”

Subaru Crosstrek

• The engine and transmission of the popular Crosstrek are sourced from Japan.
• The U.S. and Canada supply 45 percent of its parts, while 35 percent of components are sourced from Japan.
• Other parts, such as plastics used to build dashboards, door panels, or air vents are manufactured from crude oil refined in the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Russia and Canada.
• Rubber from Thailand, Indonesia, or Vietnam are sourced to fabricate tires, belts, hoses, and seals in the U.S. and Canada.
• Platinum and palladium from South Africa and Zimbabwe are used in catalytic converters to reduce exhaust emissions of internal combustion engines.

Tesla Y

• With 70 percent of the parts content for this popular electric vehicle coming from the U.S., including the drivetrain (gearbox and motor assembly), except for its battery, it is as close to an all-American car as there is.
• Mexico supplies 20 percent of the Model Ys parts.
• Other Tesla plants that support Model Y component manufacturing and production are located in China and Germany. The lithium and other minerals used to build Tesla’s high-voltage battery are sourced from Canada, China, Australia, Argentina, Chile, New Caledonia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• The Model Y high voltage battery and onboard charger, as well as vehicle final assembly, all take place in California.

Other Countries Where Cars May Travel

• Taiwan and South Korea supply microchips and semiconductors to virtually every major automobile manufacturer.
• The Philippines and Romania assemble and fabricate labor-intensive, complex wiring harnesses.
• According to Huang, “Luxury and high-performance models are usually assembled in their home markets. For example Germany for BMW, Italy for Ferrari, to preserve craftsmanship and exclusivity” before exporting to other countries.

FAQ

What defines an import versus a domestic brand?

“Historically, the location of the automaker’s headquarters and the origin of the vehicle’s production” are what have defined an import or a domestic vehicle, explains Rocchi. “General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are all considered domestic brands.”

He adds, “Due to globalization, some ‘domestic’ brands may use more foreign parts than an ‘import. Or, as we saw with some Chevrolet models, the final assembly takes place in Mexico. On the other hand, many import manufacturers, such as Toyota and Subaru, have manufacturing plants in the U.S. but are still considered imports because their corporate headquarters are based in countries other than the U.S.”

Although some domestic brands depend on foreign-made parts, many imports are now produced in the U.S. For practical reasons, the line between domestic and imported cars is blurred based on customer perception factors, not which country their vehicle was assembled or where the parts came from.

Experts

• Mike Rocchi has over 50 years of experience in every area of the automotive industry. He was former president of Faulkner Mazda (retired), Chairperson of the Mazda National Dealer Advisory Committee, and is now Director of Technical Training for the Faulkner Automotive Organization. (Phone and live interviews Mar 28, and Apr 1, 2025)
• Leon Huang attended Hunan University and is the CEO of RapidDirect, located in Shenzhen, China. Under Huang’s guidance, RapidDirect has become an ISO-certified, high-precision manufacturer focusing on speed, quality, and cost efficiency and is a global provider of custom manufacturing solutions to the automotive manufacturing industry. (Electronic communication Mar 23, 2025)

Resources

• All American Made: “Where Are Goodyear Tires Made? 2025 Overview” (Aug 19, 2024)
• Car And Driver: “The 25 Bestselling Cars, Trucks, and SUVs of 2024″ (Jan 8, 2025)
• Investing News Network: “Where Does Tesla Get its Lithium?” (Jan 21, 2025)
• New York Times: “The Problem With Car Tariffs: What’s an Import?” (Mar 26, 2025)
• NHTSA: “My2024 American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) by Percentage Content” (Mar 31, 2025)
• USA Today: “No vehicles truly ‘Made in America” Bucks County Courier Times (Apr 1, 2025)
• CarsTrucksRoads: “The Globalization of Car Manufacturing: Impact on Production, Sustainability, and Competition” (Nov 11, 2024)
• AOL: “Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: How Will They Affect Car Prices?” (Apr 1, 2025)
• Cars.com: “How Will Tariffs Affect Car Insurance Costs?” (Apr 8, 2025)
• EconomicsHelp: “Definition of economies of scale” (Jun 28, 2019)
• One Money Way: “Mass Production” (Oct 24, 2024)
• All American: “Tires Made in the USA” (Jan 16, 2025)
• Money: “Your Next Car Could Cost 10% More” (Apr 1, 2025)
• USA Today: “Looking for an American-made vehicle?” (Apr 8, 2025)

The post Here Are All the Countries Where Your Car Is Actually Made appeared first on Family Handyman.

How Is GM Fixing This Engine Failure Problem?

GM “dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine.” They also say that “for vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install a new oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner’s manual.” Dealers will perform all these repairs free of charge, so don’t put off scheduling this maintenance.

Source

Engine Failure, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.

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The post GM Recalls 600,000 Vehicles Over Defective Engines appeared first on Family Handyman.

Should You Fill Up Your Gas Tank On a Monthly Schedule?

To some degree, the answer will vary. Everyone has different driving habits. This is true both in terms of the frequency and length of their drives as well as the kinds of roads they’re driving on. Someone who barely uses a quarter of a gallon every two weeks is going to have to refill far less often than someone who uses a half tank a week. It can be helpful to designate a specific day as “gas day” to make it easy on yourself. But that day should be much more heavily influenced by your own driving habits than by the calendar.

How Low Can Your Gas Tank Get Before Refueling?

For practicality’s sake, most auto enthusiasts recommend keeping your car at at least a half tank of fuel. This way, if you’re caught in a storm or some other emergency, you can still get to safety. Contributors to the Subaru Forester Forum have stressed the dangers of letting your vehicle’s tank get too low. They often explain that your chances of ending up stranded are much higher if you drop below a half tank. You should always be prepared for the unknown. So, for practicality’s sake, the general consensus is that it’s best to refill when you hit a half tank.

Will Too Little Gas Damage Your Car?

In addition to practicality, another oft-cited reason to keep your tank full has to do with the potential damage to your car itself. Contributors to the Honda Odyssey Forum warn that too little fuel in the tank can damage your fuel pump. Progressive Insurance backs up these claims. According to them, too little gas in the tank can overwork the fuel pump, causing it to draw in too much air and overheat. Additionally, the insurance company warns that low fuel can cause your engine to misfire and your catalytic converters to overheat. Their recommendation is that you always keep at least a quarter tank of fuel in your car at any given time to offset these risks.

Source

Fuel Light – how much gas is left when it lights?, SubaruForester,org, 2018.

Running on Empty Gas, OdyClub.org, 2023.

Is driving on empty bad for your car?, Progressive.

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• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

The post Is It Bad to Wait Until Your Tank Is Empty? Fueling Frequency Explained appeared first on Family Handyman.

“Blind spots are one of the most underestimated dangers on the road, and a major factor in lane-change and turning collisions,” says Lucas Waldenbäck, co-founder of Zutobi Drivers Ed.

Even though many new cars offer blind-spot sensors, it’s still vital to manually check your blind spots through mirrors and by looking over your shoulders. Here’s how to adjust your mirrors for blind spots, to keep yourself, your passengers and fellow drivers safe.

What Are Car Blind Spots?

Blind spots are the areas outside of your vehicle that you can’t see in your side or rearview mirrors.

“For many cars, they are usually found just behind, and to the left and right of the vehicle,” says Marin Cristian, CEO of Online Games. “These are the most common spots where another car can easily be invisible to you.”

Where are the blind spots while driving?

Most people are aware of one or two. There are actually eight key blind spots.

• Directly in front of the hood;
• At the left and right crossbars (aka A-pillars);
• Directly over your left and right shoulders;
• At the rear-left and rear-right pillars, and
• Directly behind the vehicle, especially low to the ground.

These blind zones exist because of structural obstructions like door pillars, the vehicle’s frame and your limited line of sight. “For instance, when backing up, you won’t see a small child or pole below the rear windshield, even if you’re using your rearview mirror,” says Waldenbäck.

How to Properly Adjust Your Side Mirrors

There are two recommended methods for adjusting your side mirrors.

• Setting A, the standard commonly taught in driving schools, is to adjust your mirrors so the tip of your door handle appears in the lower inner corner of the side mirror. “This gives a familiar visual reference for most drivers,” says Waldenbäck.
• Setting B, the way SAE international standards recommend, is to push the mirrors farther outward, until they barely overlap with the rearview mirror’s field of view. “This setting helps minimize blind spots and reduces the need to turn your head as far,” says Waldenbäck. “However, it may feel disorienting at first,” he says.

How to Properly Adjust Your Rearview Mirror

Tilt the mirror so that you can see as much of the rear window as possible without shifting your seating position. That should give you a complete view of the lane directly behind your vehicle and work in conjunction with your side mirrors to create almost continuous field of vision around your car.

How to Test If Your Mirrors Are Correctly Adjusted

Once you get on a multilane road, watch a car pass you. It should transition smoothly from your rearview to your side mirror, then from your side mirror to your peripheral vision.

“If the vehicle disappears from all mirrors before appearing beside you, that’s a clear indicator of a blind spot and that your mirrors may need fine-tuning,” says Waldenbäck.

FAQ

How often should I adjust my mirrors?

You should check and adjust your car’s rearview and side mirrors for blind spots:

• Whenever you adjust your seat;
• Before long drives or freeway trips;
• Every time someone else has driven your car.

“Even a slight change in your sitting position alters your field of vision,” says Waldenbäck.

Do I still need to adjust my mirrors if my car has blind spot sensors?

Absolutely, you should still adjust your mirrors even if it has blind spot sensors. Sensors are a supplement to mirrors, but not a replacement. “They may miss fast-approaching vehicles, motorcycles or fail altogether,” says Waldenbäck. “Good habits like mirror checks and shoulder glances are irreplaceable.”

About the Experts

• Lucas Waldenbäck is Co-Founder of Zutobi Drivers Ed, a driver’s education app that helps students become safe and confident drivers.
• Marin Cristian is CEO of Online Games, and has a background in creating simulations for cars and driving mechanics and studying fundamental principles of road safety.

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• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For? 
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You 
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For 

The post The Right Way to Adjust Your Car Mirrors to Eliminate Blind Spots appeared first on Family Handyman.

Ahead, we spoke with two car experts about the impact of tariffs on car prices and whether or not now is a good time to buy a car.

How 2025 Tariffs Are Impacting Car Prices

If the car you want has not already been impacted by higher prices from tariffs, it probably will soon. A new analysis by the Center for Automotive Research has found that President Trump’s 25 percent auto tariffs will increase costs for automakers in the U.S. by about $108 billion.

“New cars with parts from outside the U.S. and new cars assembled outside of the U.S. will now be more expensive,” says Chris Pyle, former transition technician and auto expert with JustAnswer. “This price increase will likely spread across many cars, so each goes up a couple thousand instead of one model making a price jump beyond what any consumer would pay for.”

According to Kevin Roberts, director of economic and market intelligence at CarGurus, the brand estimates that the average list price for a new vehicle could rise from approximately $49,500 as of month-end March to over $53,000 in the coming months as the cost burden from tariffs is passed down to consumers.

“It is important to note that price increases will stem not only from the direct impact of tariffs on imported vehicles, but also from reciprocal tariffs imposed by other countries and existing steel and aluminum tariffs,” Roberts says. “These additional cost pressures will affect both imported and domestically assembled vehicles.”

Will used cars be more expensive because of the tariffs?

The tariffs won’t directly impact the price of used cars; however, it’s likely that more people will look towards them as a more affordable option. As a result, Pyle says you can expect the pool of used cars to decrease and the price to rise due to supply and demand.

Additionally, the prices of car repairs and parts will likely go up so maintaining your used car will also cost you more than it had in the past.

Is It a Good Time to Buy a Car in 2025?

Yes, now is a good time to look into getting the car because waiting will likely just result in the price going up even more. “A $50,000 car today may be $60,000 a month from now,” Pyle tells Family Handyman.

In a similar vein, for those with leases ending soon, Roberts says it may be worth considering a buyout or extending the current agreement, as replacement vehicles are likely to be more expensive. “Shoppers should be aware of available incentives being offered by automakers, as some are rolling out limited-time offers to help consumers offset rising costs,” he adds.

Should You Wait to Buy? Pros & Cons of Delaying Your Purchase

If you’re wondering if you should buy a car now, consider the pros and cons before making the decision.

Benefits of buying a car right now

According to Roberts, buying a car now could lock in lower prices than what might be available in the market in the coming months as tariffs start to take hold on newly imported inventory and car parts.

Also, right now, a number of automakers have unveiled limited-time employee pricing deals in the face of tariffs. “You might be able to find a deal that wouldn’t have been possible several months back,” Roberts says. “Plus, the future of auto incentives could be in question if profits are strained because of tariffs.”

From a more logistical standpoint, if your car has safety issues or something mechanically wrong that makes it unsafe to drive, then you should buy a car now. Regardless of the potential price increase, it’s most important that you’re in a safe vehicle that’s up to date and functioning properly.

Cons of buying a car right now

A con of buying a car right now is that they are going to be more expensive, as prices have already started going up. This can be a dealbreaker for some folks who don’t have extra money to spend on a vehicle that was significantly cheaper only a few months ago.

Aside from price, you may find that there’s limited availability due to supply chain issues and the sheer number of people buying a car to lock in a price before it gets any higher.

At the end of the day, whether or not you should buy a car now is up to you based on your circumstances and finances. It’s best to do your research and see what options are available that meet your needs.

About the Experts

• Chris Pyle, former transition technician and auto expert with JustAnswer.
• Kevin Roberts, director of economic and market intelligence at CarGurus.

Sources

• CAR: CAR Releases Tariff Impact Analysis (2025)

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• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For? 
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You 
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For 

The post Should You Buy a Car Now? How Tariffs Could Impact Your Decision appeared first on Family Handyman.

Which Vehicles Are Chrysler Recalling?

Why Is Chrysler Recalling These Vehicles?

According to the NHTSA brief, Chrysler is recalling these vehicles because “a software error may cause an incorrect tire inflation pressure message to display on the instrument panel.”

Knowing your tire pressure is very important. Too high, and you run the risk of a blowout. Too low and you’re likely to damage your rims. There’s a bit of a margin for error, but tire pressure issues should be remedied as soon as possible. If the software isn’t displaying the right, you may over- or underfill your tires. And improperly inflated tires can make a car accident more likely.

How Will Chrysler Fix This Issue?

Since this problem is a software issue, Chrysler “dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge.” Schedule your repair as soon as possible, and in the meantime check your tire pressure with a manual gauge to determine whether or not it’s at the correct level. You can consult your owner’s manual to determine what the right PSI is.

Source

The post Chrysler Recalls 10,000 Trucks Over Incorrect Tire Pressure Warnings appeared first on Family Handyman.

Which Ford Vehicles Are Being Recalled?

The NHTSA says that Ford is recalling over 120,000 vehicles with these brake problems, including the:

• 2017 Ford F-150
• 2018 Ford F-150
• 2017 Ford Expedition
• 2018 Ford Expedition
• 2017 Lincoln Navigator
• 2018 Lincoln Navigator

If you own one of these vehicles, keep an eye on your mailbox. Ford will mail out owner letters with further instructions in late April 2025. Exercise as much caution as possible until you’ve confirmed whether or not you own one of the impacted vehicles. Drive less if possible, go as slow on the road as is safe, and leave extra stopping distance between yourself and the vehicles ahead of you.

Why Is Ford Recalling Some of Its Vehicles?

According to the NHTSA brief, the affected Ford vehicles have brake problems. The brake master cylinder isn’t sealed properly and “may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.” In addition to costing you money, as you’ll have to replenish your brake fluid more often, “a brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.”

How Will Ford Fix This Issue?

Source

Loss of Brake Function from Brake Fluid Leak, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.

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The post Ford Recalls Over 120,000 Cars in U.S. Over Brake Problems appeared first on Family Handyman.

Here are a few of the less well-known benefits that come with driving a modern electric vehicle.

Drive in the Carpool Lane

If you spot someone driving an electric vehicle in the carpool lane without any other people in the car, save your dirty looks. Chances are, they’re actually not doing anything wrong. A growing number of states are offering carpool lane passes to electric vehicles regardless of how many people are in the vehicle. If you drive a solo commute regularly, getting access to a carpool or HOV lane could greatly improve your daily life.

Tax credits

If you’ve been in the market for an electric vehicle, you’re likely already aware that they’re not exactly cheap. The good news is that the Department of Energy offers a handful of tax credits that can make purchasing an EV much more achievable. Currently, all new electric vehicles purchased in 2023 or after are eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500.

Local rebates

Buying an electric vehicle is far from the last time you’ll have to spend money on it. But thanks to local rebate programs, things like the EV charger in your garage can often be much less expensive. Before you buy an electric vehicle, do some research on potential rebate programs and other incentives that might be offered by your local government.

Sources

• California Air Resources Board, “Carpool Stickers” (2025)
• U.S. Department of Energy, “Federal Tax Credits for New Plug-in Electric and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles” (2o25)

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• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

The post Electric Vehicle Benefits That You Didn’t Know About appeared first on Family Handyman.

Which Ford Cars Are Being Recalled?

Over 105,000 Ford vehicles have this seat belt issue, including:

• 2018 Ford Expedition
• 2019 Ford Expedition
• 2020 Ford Expedition
• 2018 Lincoln Navigator
• 2019 Lincoln Navigator
• 2020 Lincoln Navigator

Owner notification letters will be sent out in mid-April 2025, so keep an eye on your mailbox to ascertain whether or not your vehicle is on the recall list.

Why Is Ford Recalling These Cars?

According to the NHTSA brief, hundreds of thousands of Ford vehicles have faulty seat belts. They cannot retract or extend properly because “the seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt.”

Seat belts are a crucial safety feature in vehicles. They save lives and greatly reduce the chances of injury in the event of a car crash. The NHTSA says that “seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.”

If this problem sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Ford previously recalled many of these same vehicles last year. Unfortunately, “some vehicles in this recall that were previously inspected under recall 24V-099…did not have parts replaced will need to have this new recall remedy completed.”

Is There a Fix for This Seat Belt Issue?

Ford dealers will “inspect the seat belt retractor date codes and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary.” They’ll do this repair free of charge, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment to get your vehicle inspected. You don’t want to put this repair off at all, both for your own sake and your passengers.

If you have further questions, you can call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25S31. You can also reach the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236; just be sure to explain that you’re asking about recall number 25V197000.

Source

• Seat Belt May Fail to Retract or Extend, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.

The post Ford’s Latest Recall Affects 105K Vehicles—See If Your Car Is on the List appeared first on Family Handyman.

Replacing the Battery

Most batteries last 30,000 to 50,000 miles and usually come with a three to five year prorated warranty. Check the battery cables (and battery fluid if your battery has removable fill caps) at every oil change and service the battery and battery terminals once a year, especially before the cold winter months set in. For peace of mind, even though there are jump starters in all of my cars, and I have AAA Roadside Assistance, I replace the batteries in my vehicles every three years.

Replacing Coolant Hoses

When it’s time to flush the coolant system, it’s also an excellent time to replace the coolant hoses. Since the mid-1990s, most automotive coolants have had a 50,000-mile or five-year live span. The coolant in newer cars can last 100,000 miles or up to ten years. The extended life and corrosion protection properties of long-life coolant, plus years of extreme temperature fluctuations, weaken, deteriorate and cause the inside of coolant hoses to crack and fail without warning.

Replacing Spark Plugs

Many manufacturers expect spark plugs to last 30,000 miles, others, depending on the material the spark plugs are made from, up to100,000 miles. Removing spark plugs to check for wear at the halfway mileage point, or if your car is running or idling rough or backfiring, is a good idea to see how they are wearing. That said, if you’re going to pull the spark plugs to just take a look, you might as well replace them while you’re at it. With today’s sensitive engine monitoring and emission systems, it’s critical to replace spark plugs with the same type (copper, platinum or iridium) and brand recommended by your car’s manufacturer.

Replacing The Timing Belt (and Water Pump)

Some manufacturers recommend replacing the timing belt every 30,000 miles, while others suggest 120,000 miles. Always replace the water pump when replacing the timing belt (even if it’s not leaking). Several other factors should be part of the equation when considering replacing a timing belt before the suggested mileage, including:

• A poor running engine could indicate a loose timing belt.
• An engine misfire places undo stress on a timing belt, shortening its life.
• Missing teeth can cause a timing belt to make a ticking or squealing noise.
• Lots of city stop-and-go driving, heavy acceleration and extreme temperatures reduce the number of miles timing belts last.
• If you buy a used car with more than 50,000 miles and the seller cannot show proof the timing belt was ever replaced.

Better safe than sorry: replace the timing belt sooner than the manufacturer recommends. “Driving a car with a worn timing belt can lead to the timing belt snapping, which can definitely cause catastrophic [engine] damage,” says Jorge Pinto, a mechanic based in New Jersey.

Replacing The Serpentine Belt

Serpentine belts can last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. However, they wear slowly and may not show signs of wear and tear, but they will appear to be in good condition when they’re actually ready to fail. Inspect your serpentine belt during every oil change, not only for wear and tear but also for deterioration from an oil or coolant leak. Serpentine belts are affected by the other parts and accessories they “drive” (air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, alternator) and should be inspected regularly, especially if they are chirping or squealing. Replacing a serpentine belt (and mounting brackets, pulleys, tensioners and idler wheels if necessary) is a simple DIY job.

Replacing Brakes

There is no mileage replacement recommendation for brakes and rotors. Brakes wear based on how you drive. All city or stop-and-go driving will cause brakes to wear as quickly as 20,000 miles. If you’re doing all highway driving, you can expect brakes to last 75,000 miles or more. Inspect brake pads for wear when rotating your tires (six months or 6,000 miles), or if your brakes are noisy, locking up, pulling to one side, or braking distance increases. The minimum thickness for brake pads is 3 mm to 4 mm—new brake linings are 12 mm thick. Replace brake pads when the brake friction material reaches 6mm, or less. Any thinner and the pads can’t dissipate heat, causing the brake pads, brake calipers, mounting hardware and rotors to overheat and fail. Replacing brake pads is a DIY project.

Replacing Disc Brake Rotors

Under normal driving conditions, disc brake rotors should last 30,000 to 70,000 miles or longer. The brake rotors on many modern cars are not very thick, and usually, it’s better, safer (and in some cases less expensive) to replace them rather than resurfacing them. In addition to overheating due to worn disc brake pads, mechanical problems such as binding brake calipers, a bad wheel bearing, or semimetallic pads that may have been installed at some point cause cracking, glazing, scoring or excess rotor wear. And although often ignored, rust build up and uneven or over-tightening lug nuts with an impact wrench can also warp rotors. Replacing rotors yourself can save you hundreds of dollars.

Replacing Shock Absorbers and Struts

Unless you drive recklessly, go off-roading, drive mostly on rough, uneven or bumpy roads or do lots of hard stop-and-go driving, shock absorbers should last about 50,000 miles or four to five years. MacPherson struts, which are similar to shocks, provide a smoother ride, absorb vibrations, and usually last 100,000 miles. Here are signs your shocks or struts are bad:

• Longer stopping distances.
• Abnormal tire wear.
• Strange noises.
• Excessive vibration.
• Always have your car’s alignment checked after replacing shocks or struts (be sure to rotate and balance your tires and wheels every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, and have the alignment checked every 12,000 to 15,000 miles as part of your regular maintenance routine.)

Depending on your car’s year, make and model, your level of expertise and having the right tools, you can replace shocks and struts yourself saving hundreds of dollars, as well as the sense of pride of DIY.

Replacing Engine and Cabin Air Filters

Both engine and cabin filters should be replaced between 15,000 and 30,000 miles (or one to two years). But it really depends on your driving conditions. Check the air filter every 12,000 miles, or at every oil change if you drive in dirty dusty conditions or do lots of city stop-and-go driving, replace both filters sooner. Replacing a dirty engine air filter can greatly increase gas mileage and improve overall engine performance and reliability. Besides affecting passenger compartment air quality (a cabin air filter removes allergens, odors, and other pollutants) a clogged cabin air filter causes the HVAC system to work harder (causing excess wear and tear on expensive components), reduces the ability to properly maintain passenger compartment temperatures and restricts air flow to the defroster making defogging the windshield take longer. Replacing these two filters is a simple DIY task.

Replacing the Fuel Filter

Fuel filters are a small but critical part of a vehicle’s fuel supply system. While some manufacturers recommend replacing the fuel filter between 20,000 to 40,000 miles (or two years), others suggest 60,000 miles. A few manufacturers use fuel filters that never need replacing. Driving in dirty, dusty conditions, having a dirty air filter, using poor-quality fuel or moisture from condensation or contaminated fuel will cause your fuel filter to clog and will need to be replaced. Signs your fuel filter needs replacing include:

• Poor engine performance
• Hard starting
• Stalling
• Random misfire or rough idle
• Fuel system part failures.

In most cases, you can replace the fuel filter yourself.

Replacing the PCV Valve

The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve should be replaced every 24,000 miles or two years, again, depending on your driving condition. Checking the PVC once a year by removing the valve and shaking it. A small spring-loaded check valve inside the housing should rattle, meaning it is moving freely and the valve is working. Replace the PCV valve if you don’t hear the check valve rattling. Signs the PCV valve should be replaced include:

• Poor acceleration.
• Increased oil consumption or oil leaks due to pressure building up inside the crankcase
• Check engine light on
• Excess smoke or smog from the tailpipe.

You can easily replace the PCV Valve yourself.

Replacing Oxygen (O2) Sensors

O2 sensors wear out and should be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles or every five to six years. A failed or failing sensor affects fuel economy, drivability, increased tail pipe emissions and will turn on the check engine light. An O2 sensor contaminated from poor quality fuel, an overheated catalytic converter from an engine misfire, impact damage from road debris, or slow reacting O2 sensor results in a rich or lean air/fuel mixture and possible backfiring. Replacing an O2 sensor can be a DIY project, but you may need to have your repair shop determine which (some cars have four O2 sensors) are bad.

Replacing the Gas Cap

Gas caps may not have a specific mileage replacement, but they are a critical component of the emission control system that is often ignored. Rule of thumb is to replace them every 50,000 miles, if the cap is cracked, if the sealing gasket is torn, or if the cap will not tighten properly. A loose gas cap that is not fully sealed can trigger the check engine light and set multiple trouble codes that only a scan tool can clear. It takes only a minute to replace a gas cap, and it can save you time and money.

Replacing Brake Fluid

FYI: Brake fluid goes bad. The fluid is exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, tremendous pressure and can absorb moisture from the air. This contaminates the fluid and turns brake fluid into a caustic, corrosive substance that deteriorates the hydraulic brake system from the inside out. While you can just suck out old brake fluid from the master cylinder and add new fluid, replacing all of the old brake fluid every 30,000 miles (or two years) keeps your brakes working safely. If you have the correct tools, replacing brake fluid is a DIY undertaking. If not, leave this to the pros.

Replacing Differential and Transfer Case Fluids

Most manufacturers recommend replacing differential (front and rear differentials on all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive cars) and transfer case fluids between 30,000 to 60,000 miles, again depending on how and where you drive. Check your owner’s manual for specific mileage and correct type differential and transfer case fluid, and possible additional fluid additives, which your car may need. Symptoms differential fluid need replacing include:

• Differential(s) making whining, groaning or grinding noises.
• Tires jumping, unusual clicking or popping noises, or severe steering wheel vibrations when turning.

Symptoms transfer case fluid needs replacing include:

• Difficulty shifting into or out of all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive modes.
• Whining, groaning, chattering or grinding noises from the transfer case.

Check around the differentials and transfer case for leaks during every oil change. Replacing differential fluid is a DIY project. Leave replacing the transfer case fluid to the pros.

FAQ

Based on mileage, when should I replace other fluids or parts in my car?

Family Handyman has plenty of valuable information on this question. Including:

• Replacing motor oil, automatic transmission and power steering fluid.
• The thermostat regulates engine temperature and is critical for maintaining optimal performance, helps maintain proper emission levels and prevents overheating. Most manufacturers no longer have a recommended mileage replacement for an engine thermostat. I replace my thermostat every time I replace engine coolant (five years or 50,000 miles) and in most cases is a DIY project than can increase the life of your engine.
• Even windshield washer fluid if inside of the reservoir shows signs of rust, dirt or muck build-up.

Do turbocharged cars need fluids replaced more often?

Yes. Turbocharged engines run much hotter and at much higher RPMs. This causes protective additives in motor oil and coolant to break down faster, losing their lubricating properties and ability to regulate engine temperatures, as well as spark plugs wearing out quicker than in a conventional internal combustion engine. If you own a turbocharged car, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

What is more important, miles or months?

Whichever comes first!

Rule of thumb:

• If you drive 50,000 miles in less than 60 months, you should make replacements at 50,000 miles — don’t wait until 60 months.
• Conversely, if you drive less than 50,000 miles in less than 60 months, you should make replacements at 60 months — don’t wait until 50,000 miles.

About the Experts

Jorge Pinto is an auto mechanic based in New Jersey.

Resources

• GMC: “Vehicle Support, Manuals and Guides” Mar 19, 2025
• Monroe: “Specialty Products” Mar 20, 2025
• Seeger Toyota of St. Louis: “Toyota Maintenance Intervals” Mar 20, 2025
• Volkswagen Group of America: “Factory Recommended Maintenance” Mar 18, 2025

The post 15 Most Common Car Repairs By Car Mileage appeared first on Family Handyman.

On newer cars, the switch often happens automatically. But on older cars you’ll have to physically toggle between your day and night rearview mirror settings using the rearview mirror tab.

Where Is the Rearview Mirror Tab?

It’s almost always located on the bottom of the rearview mirror if you have a manual adjustment to toggle between night and daytime modes. Sometimes it’s called a prismatic mirror, which just means your mirror has the option to switch between day and night modes. Just push it down to switch into night mode, and pull the tab back up when it’s daylight.

Day Setting

The “day setting” on your mirror is the default setting. It doesn’t reduce the glare from headlights. It simply shows you what’s behind you on the road.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 owner’s manual warns that you should always check to confirm that your mirror is in this setting before you make any adjustments to it so that you can be certain you’re working with maximum clarity.

Night Setting

You can switch your mirror to the “night setting” by pulling the tab on the bottom of your rearview mirror towards you. According to the Kia Sonet manual, this angle of the mirror will “reduce the glare from the headlights of the vehicles behind you during night driving.” The manual cautions, however, that you will be sacrificing some level of clarity in the mirror in order to dim the reflection of the headlights.

To dim the glare from other headlights on the road, the mirror is repositioned so that the light refracts off of a different surface first to diffuse the light. If you look closely while you’re toggling the switch, you can see the shift happen.

Automatic Adjustments

The Kia Sonet manual explains that in cars equipped with automatically adjusting mirrors, sensors on the mirror will note how bright it is around your car and adjust accordingly to reduce the glare. There is an exception, however. If your vehicle is in reverse, “the mirror will automatically go to the brightest setting in order to improve the driver’s view behind the vehicle.”

So the next time you find yourself driving at night and frustrated with the glaring headlights of the drivers behind you, double check that your rearview mirror is switched over to the night setting instead of the day one.

Source

2022 Mazda CX-30 Owner’s Manual, Mazda.

Sonet Manual, Kia.

The post Do You Know What That Little Tab on Your Rearview Mirror Is For? appeared first on Family Handyman.

What Is The Barnacle?

Much like the tire boot you may be familiar with, The Barnacle is a tool used by parking enforcement. It’s touted as a faster and easier method to collect fines. They’re slowly making their way through new cities. New York City, for example, began using them in 2024. Instead of a traditional boot that locks your front tire, The Barnacle sits on your windshield and fully obstructs your view so that you cannot drive.

The company positions itself as the future of parking enforcement, demanding obedience from all drivers. They explain that “the highly-visible Barnacle reminds other motorists to follow parking rules, driving compliance faster.” It also boasts GPS tracking and a “lightweight design” so that it’s easy for parking enforcement to deploy.

How Does The Barnacle Work?

According to the company website, a parking enforcement officer can apply The Barnacle to the windshield of the offending car. Unlike parking boots, which can be removed with the right combination of leverage and determination, The Barnacle claims to be nearly impossible to remove thanks to its “commercial-grade suction cups [that] latch onto the glass with 1,000 pounds of force.” The company also equipped this device with an alarm that will sound if you tamper with it.

In addition to being difficult to remove and noisy, The Barnacle also has your vehicle information linked to it upon deployment. This means that there’s no way to avoid paying the fine. Even if you did manage to remove it, the electronic record would still be there. You’re forced to call the provided number or go to the website to pay your fine. Once you do so, you’ll receive a code to release the device.

In cities where The Barnacle devices are used, there should be a nearby receptacle for you to return yours to once you’ve paid the fine. After all that, you can finally go on your way.

Source

How the Barnacle Works, Barnacle Parking.

The post If You Spot This Yellow Device on Your Windshield, You’ve Been Barnacled appeared first on Family Handyman.

“Unfortunately, this is becoming more common,” says Kris Barber, an attorney who specializes in vehicle theft and personal property damage. “Modern cars are essentially networked computers on wheels, loaded with hundreds of microchips that communicate with one another. If a thief can tap into even a single point in that network, like the headlight wiring where it’s the easiest to access, they can potentially access the entire system.”

Here’s what to know about car thieves hacking into headlights and how to safeguard your vehicle.

How Are Car Thieves Stealing Cars Through Headlights?

Some modern car thieves can steal vehicles by fooling their electronic sensors, using a homemade device called a CAN injector. CANs injectors are sometimes assembled from cheap electronic components, stuffed into the shell of an innocent-looking bluetooth speaker.

Once thieves access the wires powering the headlights, they can connect the CAN injector into the wiring harness. From there, they are in communication with the car’s CAN system, which is the network many modern car modules use to communicate with one another.

“There’s nothing inherently special about headlight wires, except that they’re often easy to reach,” says Barber. “That makes them the no-brainers for hackers.”

Once inside they CAN system, thieves can send a signals that enable them to steal the car. “If you can get to that connector or wiring, you can send signals to turn off the anti-theft system, unlock doors, start the engine, basically anything,” says Chris “Moose” Pyle, an automotive expert with JustAnswer.

However, this will not work on all vehicles, especially ones 2010 and older, says Pyle. It also won’t work on newer cars that don’t have CAN wiring in their headlamps, like some smart headlights that use a small electronic board instead. Also, some headlights are difficult to access or remove, or have too tight of a space in them for a thief to insert the CAN injector.

Is There Anything That Can Be Done to Prevent This?

The ultimate solution to this new brand of car theft is better vehicle network encryption by automakers. This is still in the works, and won’t be of any help to car owners just yet. One option is to purchase an anti-theft device, but some of these work better than others.

Luckily, there’s one simple measure you can take that will stop thieves dead in their tracks. It’s a bit of a pain to implement, but well worth it if you’re concerned about your car disappearing. Every time I park my car somewhere sketchy, I pop the hood, lock the doors and pocket the keys. I then use a 10-millimeter wrench to disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of my battery. Then I close the hood and walk away. A car thief won’t get far in a vehicle with a disconnected battery. In fact, they’ll get nowhere. A more elegant version of this same idea is to install a hidden kill switch somewhere in your vehicle so you can disconnect the battery from the starter motor with a flick of your finger. Are you familiar with HID headlights?

FAQ

How can I protect my car from theft?

Barber emphasizes to:

• Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
• Use a steering wheel lock.
• Use an immobilizer, which can block CAN injectors via a hidden PIN code system.
• Install a cloud-based dash cam with an interior-facing hidden camera, audio and GPS tracking.
• Check with your auto manufacturer for software updates that prevent this hack.
• Maintain adequate auto theft insurance.

“You can also go old-school,” says Barber. “Consider older vehicles with physical ignition keys. Fewer electronics often mean fewer vulnerabilities.”

What should I look for when buying a used car to avoid purchasing a stolen vehicle?

Make sure the VIN (Vehicle iIdentification Number) matches on all parts of the vehicle that display it, as well as on the vehicle’s documents. It’s also a good idea to use a VIN lookup tool to check for red flags like accidents, recalls or theft, says Barber.

“A well-documented service record usually means the vehicle was legitimately owned and well cared for,” says Barber. “Also ask how many owners the car has had. Too many, too fast, can be a sign something’s off.”

If you’re purchasing a car from a car lot, there’s little chance it’s stolen, as they have to check the vehicle’s history. Be more wary, though, when purchasing a car through a private party. “If the seller’s name matches the title, you are 99% good to go,” says Pyle. “If something seems off, you can call the local police station to have the VIN number checked.”

About the Experts

• Kris Barber is lead attorney at The Barber Law Firm in Dallas, who regularly deals with the legal and insurance ramifications of vehicle theft and property damage.
• Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer since 2006, where he answers hundreds of car maintenance and repair questions a day.

The post Car Thieves Are Hacking Into Headlights— Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Family Handyman.

Virginia’s HB2096: Intelligent Speed Assistance Program Explained

The Virginia governor recently signed HB2096: Intelligent Speed Assistance Program into law, which is slated to take effect July 1, 2026. According to the bill, there will now be an additional penalty that the state can use to deter drivers from reckless driving.

If someone is pulled over for going over 100 miles per hour, the typical penalty is getting their license suspended. But with this new law, that’s no longer a certainty. Instead, frequent speeders can opt to enroll in a program and install an intelligent speed assistance system. They may also be subject to this if you have too many demerits on your license.

How Do Speed Limiters Work?

Intelligent speed assistance systems, or speed limiters, artificially limit a vehicle’s speed. When you accelerate a regular car with no special limiter, there is a max speed it can go to. Despite speed limits in the US topping out at 85 mph, an average car’s top speed can range anywhere from 120 to 155 mph.

However, when you’ve got a speed limiter installed, this to speed can be artificially lowered. According to BMW UK, the speed limiter uses sensors to measure your vehicle’s speed and shares this information with your car’s engine control unit (ECU). If the sensors detect that you’ve hit the limit programmed into the device, it tells your ECU to “restrict airflow and fuel to the engine” to prevent your car from going any faster.

Can You Circumvent Speed Limiters?

While it is technically possible to tamper with and circumvent the speed limiters, the Virginia law makes such tampering a Class 1 misdemeanor. So, while it may be tempting to opt for this program in lieu of losing your license and then fiddle with the limiter after the fact, that’s a bad idea. You’ll quickly find yourself in more legal trouble than before.

Source

The post How One State Plans to Force Repeat Speeders to Slow Down appeared first on Family Handyman.

Which Cars Is Ford Recalling?

Ford is recalling over 33,000 vehicles, including the:

Why Is Ford Recalling These Cars?

According to the NHTSA brief, the affected Ford vehicles are at risk of engine fires. The fuel injectors in these vehicles may crack, causing them to leak fuel inside the engine compartment. “A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire,” the brief warns. If you own one of the affected vehicles, minimize your use of it as much as possible and exercise additional caution when you do need to be behind the wheel until you can get it repaired.

What Is the Proposed Fix?

In order to reduce the engine fire risk, Ford dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software. As is standard with repairs due to recalls, dealers will complete this fix free of charge. Don’t delay setting up this repair; engine fires are nothing to ignore.

If you want more information about this recall, or are confused by anything in your owner letter, you can reach out to Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Clarify that you’re asking about recall number 25S21. You can also call the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 with any further questions. Their number for this recall is 25V165000.

Source

The post Ford Recalls 33,000+ Vehicles Over Potential Engine Fire Risk appeared first on Family Handyman.

Lower Your Windows and Open the Sunroof

Features vary by manufacturer, but one of the universal features is the ability to lower your windows by pressing the unlock button on the key fob once, then pressing it again within 10 seconds and holding it down until all the windows have opened. CNET conducted an internal poll, scoured Reddit and tapped CNET user comments to determine which models this works for.

Fold in Your Mirrors

Some vehicles can automatically detect when you’re parked in a tight space, and will fold in your side view mirrors automatically. If your car doesn’t have this feature, you can try holding the key fob lock button for 10 seconds. Recent models of Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks have this feature.

Set Seat Adjustment Memory

Some car models, like those from GMC, allow you to set a memory of where you like your seat. Each key fob is assigned its own number, so when you get in the car, it automatically knows who’s driving. Set your seat preference while in your car, and every time you hop in, you’ll be good to go!

Memorize Radio Presets

Just like memory seats, if more than one person is sharing a vehicle and there are two key fobs, each one can be used to remember the driver’s preset radio stations.

Summon Your Vehicle

The Tesla key fobs can be used to move the car in and out of tight parking spaces while the driver stands outside the car. “Summon” must first be enabled, once, and only once, on the car’s center screen. From there, every time you go to your Tesla and it’s in a tight spot, you can remotely press the button in the center of the fob until the hazard lights flash. To pull the car forward, press the button on the front of the fob. To stop it, press the same button again. To make the car go backward, press the roof button until the hazard lights flash. Then press the button on the back of the fob to put the car into motion.

Extend the Range of Your Key Fob

This one sounds like an urban legend, but apparently, it truly works! By holding your key job against your chin and pushing the unlock, lock or panic button, you can increase the range of your key job.

“That’s because behind the scenes—or, rather, inside the scenes—the fluids of your head act as a conductor,” notes tech critic David Pogue, who has a video to prove it. “Your body becomes part of the antenna—a much bigger one. If you’re old enough to remember when TV sets had “rabbit ears” antennas, you may recall that you sometimes got the clearest picture when you were touching the antenna. Same principle here.”

FAQ

What should I do if my key fob stops working?

Start by replacing the battery first, since that is usually the main cause of a faulty key fob.

What should I do if I lose my key fob?

If you lose your key fob, you should contact your dealership or a locksmith to get it replaced.

The post The Secret Powers of Your Key Fob You Need to Know appeared first on Family Handyman.

“Today’s fuel is altered in a way that it can have a great impact on your vehicle’s performance and durability,” says Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot. “With years of experience working on high-performance vehicles, I know too well how the right fuel can add years to your engine’s life, and how the wrong one can reduce it to a frame.”

Here’s what to know about gas additives, and how they affect your vehicle.

Do Gas Stations Add Water to Gas?

No, gas stations do not add water to gas, especially because water does not burn or mix well with fuel. Still, water may unintentionally end up in gas due to condensation or leaks in the underground tanks, and that can damage your engine.

Can Gas Be Diluted With Other Additives?

Yes, gas is often diluted with other additives, most of which are aimed at enhancing your vehicle’s performance.

“In fact, the best gas for your vehicle has additives,” says Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with Autoinsurance.org. “For example, cars that use only gas from Top Tier stations have better performance and reliability than cars that use gas that doesn’t have the additives.” (Top Tier gas stations sell gas that exceeds EPA minimums on quality.)

The exception to this is the gas additive ethanol, says Chris “Moose” Pyle, a master-certified technician with JustAnswer. “Ethanol does not make as much power as gasoline, so even though it is a tad cheaper to buy, you get fewer miles per tank, so the benefits are not really there,” he says.

How Do Additives Impact Gas Quality?

“They impact it big time,” says Alex Black of EpicVIN. “Good additives maintain your engine, keeping it clean and running smoothly, and even improve mileage by a little. Bad or missing additives cause deposits and reduce performance.”

One of the most common yet potentially problematic gas additives is ethanol. “Not all cars, boats and small engines can use high levels of ethanol,” says Pyle.

What Additives Are Added to Gas?

Ethanol

The overwhelming amount of gas sold in America is up to 10% ethanol. “It is a cleaner-burning fuel that decreases emissions and stretches fuel supplies, but it is also a moisture absorber, so it can destroy older engines, boats and smaller equipment like lawnmowers,” says Black.

How ethanol impacts gas quality: It lowers energy content (and therefore overall MPG) and can create fuel system issues in some vehicles. “You can actually test the fuel at home with a beaker to see the percentage of ethanol in your fuel,” says Pyle. “It is very quick and easy, and a fun project and learning experience.”

Detergents

Detergents remove carbon deposits from intake valves and injectors, helping your engine stay clean and improving gas mileage and long-term performance. Most Top Tier gas stations add these.

How detergents impact gas quality: Using high doses may sometimes compromise lubrication.

Corrosion Inhibitors

Corrosion inhibitors help keep prevent corrosion in the fuel system, which in turn helps the system last longer. They’re especially helpful for vehicles that are seldom used or used in humid conditions. They are also good for counteracting the moisture attracted by ethanol blends.

How corrosion inhibitors impact gas quality: Black says keeping your fuel system free of rust helps keep your gas cleaner.

Octane Boosters

Octane boosters, like Toluene, prevent knocking and improve performance, especially in high-performance and turbocharged engines and other vehicles that require premium gas.

How octane boosters impact gas quality: On the negative side, some compounds like MMT, a gasoline octane enhancer, can harm spark plugs and sensors over time, says Gelfand.

Lubricants

Lubricants help keep the moving parts of an engine running smoothly. “The ethanol has a tendency to dry out things to some extent, and these keep fuel system parts and seals lubricated,” says Black.

How lubricants impact gas quality: They help preserve rubber and plastic parts, especially on older engines.

Fuel Stabilizers

Fuel stabilizers are good for cars and boats that are in storage or tend to sit around for a month or two at a time because they slow down fuel breakdown, so the gas will remain viable for a longer period.

Demulsifiers

These keep water and gas separated and make it easier to filter out water before it enters your engine. How demulsifiers impact gas quality: They help avoid stalling or engine ruin resulting from water-contaminated fuel, says Black.

Fragrance Additives

These are used infrequently in certain boutique or racing fuels and don’t impact performance too much since they only change the smell of the exhaust.

Cold Flow Additives

These help keep diesel fuel in liquid form during cold weather so engines can function during below-freezing conditions.

Dyes Off-road diesel fuel contains red dye, so it can be monitored for tax purposes and to signify that it’s illegal for on-road use. The dyes do not impact gas quality.

FAQ

What additives does each gas station use?

What brand of fuel you buy can make a difference in your car’s performance and longevity.

“Gas stations that sell fuel cheap or fuel at a discount are usually giving you the most basic fuel,” says Pyle. “It is still good fuel and meets the requirements of the law, but may not have additives to help for winter use, nor additives to help clean the fuel system.”

Conversely, Top Tier stations add various additives that are beneficial for your car. For example;

• Shell uses “nitrogen-enriched” detergents to improve the flow of the fuel.
• Chevron’s Techron is widely known for its ability to prevent rust and is recommended for use to avoid clogging of the engines, says Gelfand.
• Costco is top-of-the-line certified with a high level of detergents. “Interestingly, Costco uses Top Tier gasoline from other refineries, so the gas at Costco may be exactly the same as the fuel from ExxonMobil, Shell and so on, depending on the location and contract,” says Musson.
• BP has “Invigorate” technology to prevent deposit formation in the fuel injectors.
• ExxonMobil’s Synergy additives claim to enhance mileage.

“As for the drivers of German cars, I would suggest using premium fuels with good detergent treatment from good gas stations,” says Gelfand. “Your engine is a delicately constructed unit; therefore, it is important to use the right fuel for your car as opposed to thinking all fuel is the same.”

About the Experts

• Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer, the expert on-demand platform, since 2006.
• Alan Gelfand is owner of German Car Depot, an independent automotive service center in Hollywood, Florida, which specializes in the service and repair of German vehicles.
• Melanie Musson is an auto industry expert with Autoinsurance.org, where she has worked for nearly a decade.
• Alex Black is chief marketing officer at EpicVIN. He has been car expert for more than 15 years, working at car auctions, vehicle history providers and more.

The post Are You Buying Watered Down Gas? appeared first on Family Handyman.

When it comes to headlights, one might think the biggest worry would be them going out, but another serious problem one might experience is high beams that won’t turn off. This could be dangerous for a few reasons. Besides blinding oncoming traffic, in foggy weather, the bright light from high beams bouncing off the fog can also blind you. It also indicates something’s amiss with your electrical system.

When I first started as a mechanic, “dimmer” switches were simply floor-mounted levers that you pushed to turn the high beams ON and OFF. For safety reasons, by the 1970s, manufacturers replaced the floor-mounted switches with multi-function, steering column-mounted levers (AKA “stalks”) that control headlights, high beams, turn signals, windshield wipers and washers. Today, auto settings that sense when you do and don’t need headlights or high beams and turn them on or off accordingly are very common.

Ahead, an ASE Master Technician and I will explain the most common reasons your high beams won’t shut off.

Reasons Your High Beams Won’t Turn Off

There are several possible reasons your high beams won’t turn off, including:

• Failed or damaged headlight or dimmer switch.
• Misadjusted or loose headlamp lever actuator rod linkage or switch.
• Failed or shorted relay.
• Loose, damaged or corroded wiring.
• Dirty, damaged, or failed automatic headlamp and or high beam sensor.
• Software communication or sync issues between different components.

Depending on your car’s year, make, and model and whether you have the skill and tools to disassemble some tricky assemblies, you may find some simple DIY repairs, while others are dealer-only fixes. Before you begin to troubleshoot the reasons your high beams won’t turn off, check your owner’s manual or service manual to pinpoint where the headlight, high beam dimmer switch, sensors, relays, and fuses are located.

Headlamp or high beam dimmer switch

If a headlamp or high beam dimmer switch is located on the floor, it can be simple to replace. Pull up the carpet and install the new switch.

If the switch is located in the steering column, try using compressed air to clean out any dirt or debris from around the switch level. If you can see the switch wires at the base of the actuator lever, lightly spray with an electrical contact cleaner.

If the switch is located at the bottom of the steering column, spray the actuator with silicone spray (do not use WD-40 o other flammable or harsh chemicals), then move the lever back and forth to lube the switch and actuator.

If the steering column headlamp/dimmer switch needs replacing, it’s best left to the pros.

Headlamp lever actuator rod linkage

On many cars, the dimmer switch is located at the base of the steering column. When you pull back on the lever, a rod (or linkage) activates the switch on and off. After a few years, said ASE Master Technician Joe Simes, “the [dimmer] switch can become loose, or the [actuator] rod may come out of adjustment.”

Many years ago, something similar happened to me. A loose ignition switch at the bottom of the steering column was keeping my vehicle on, draining the battery. Simes explained that “loosening the dimmer switch mounting screws at the bottom of the steering column and adjusting the switch position [and spraying with silicone spray] is something any DIYer should be able to do. But he warned, “leave this to the pros if any SRS (Supplemental Restraint Systems—airbags) components are involved or need disassembly.”

Relays

Relays permit a small amount of current to control a larger, second high-current circuit. When you turn on a switch (the input circuit), a small amount of current activates a coil or electromagnet inside the relay. This closes the relay’s contacts, allowing a much bigger current to flow (output—from a high-current second circuit) to a high-current device, such as high beams. This allows manufacturers to install smaller gauge wires inside the car and steering column.

Stuck or corroded contacts or coil can keep your high beams from turning off. Use your owner’s manual to identify and try replacing the headlight or high beam relay.

Wiring problems

Wiring can cause all kinds of headaches inside a car. Loose or corroded wire connectors and switch contacts due to moisture and road salts, short circuits, wires chaffed inside the steering column, or poor grounds can play all kinds of havoc with your high beams.

Many wiring repairs are DIY. If a device is not working properly, disengage and separate the suspect connector and inspect the terminals to determine if they have backed out of the connector, are bent, damaged or corroded. Clean corroded terminals with electrical contact cleaner. Or repair wires using crimp connectors. Loosen or remove ground cables where they connect to the body. Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the connector and body panel, then firmly retighten the ground cables. Use a DVOM to check the suspicious connections for voltage drop. If none of this works, it’s time to visit your mechanic.

Automatic high beam sensor and cameras

Automatic dimming high beam systems have been around since the 1950s and are often the most overlooked problem of headlight and high beam malfunctions. “Many modern cars have two automatic high beam sensors and or cameras that are components of ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems),” said Simes. Sensors or cameras are usually [located] on the top of the dashboard or rearview mirror, the other near the front grille,” added Simes.

Check your owner’s manual to locate camera or sensor locations and make sure they are not covered by dirt or debris. Simes added, “Thoroughly clean the sensors and camera lenses [with a clean microfiber towel] so they can detect daylight, streetlights or headlights from oncoming cars.” He added “use caution when cleaning any lenses. Refer to [your] owner’s manual for any special cleaning procedures, or you may damage them.”

Software and electronic communication issues

“Modern cars use a ‘BUS’ (Binary Unit System) to ensure individual devices [like sensors, actuators, switches, relays, controllers] can quickly exchange data,” says Simes. This greatly improves vehicle systems management, operations, and safety.

Sometimes these extremely complex systems get out of sync—causing the high beams to not turn off—calling for a system restart.

BEWARE: A BUS sync issue (Simes called it a “handshake”) can also cause ADAS system errors, drivability and false trouble code issues. Some manufacturers use a button on the infotainment touch screen you hold down for “X” seconds, or a combination of buttons, holding the high beam lever in the “on” potion for “X” seconds or powering the ignition off and then on “X” number of times. Again, it is important to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your year, make and model car.

Below are generic steps you can try to “reboot” the system. PRO TIP: If you’re not completely confident following these steps, take it to your dealer’s service department or mechanic to resync the high beam system.

• Fully discharge the electrical system by disconnecting the negative battery (-) cable for 15 minutes. NOTE: Disconnecting the negative battery  (-) cable can cause the loss of saved radio station presets, clock, seat position and other custom settings.
• Reconnect the negative battery (-) cable.
• Start the engine and let it idle for five minutes to help the BUS recalibrate.
• Use a scan tool to check and clear trouble codes.
• You may need to drive your car to reset the engine monitors.

The Expert

Joe Simes has spent over 20 years as an ASE and Toyota Master Technician. He is a certified Pennsylvania Department of Education automotive technology instructor, preparing the next generation of automotive service professionals at North Montco Technical Career Center in Lansdale PA., as well as a PA certified emissions and safety inspection instructor and inspector. Email interview Mar 19, 2024.

Resources

Popular Mechanics: “Carchaeology: 1952 Oldsmobile and the First Headlight Dimmer Along with Cadillac, Oldsmobile introduced the idea of an automatic headlight dimmer back in the early 50s, when GM called it the Autronic Eye

The post 6 Reasons Your High Beams Won’t Turn Off appeared first on Family Handyman.

Gear shift issues are often indicative of transmission problems, so it’s important to remedy them as soon as you can. Transmission problems can get very expensive very quickly, and the faster you catch them, the better the outcome for your vehicle and your wallet.

Why Is Ford Recalling These Vehicles?

According to the NHTSA brief, in certain Ford vehicles “the transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly.” Faulty transmission valve bodies “can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.” This is incredibly dangerous; any “unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.”

If you have one of the vehicles listed below, avoid driving it as much as possible until you can get the vehicle repaired. If the vehicle lurches forward while you’re trying to reverse, you could hit a wall and damage your vehicle. And if you leave your car in neutral, you might roll into traffic or hit a pedestrian.

Which Ford Vehicles Are at Risk For Driving Forward?

The NHTSA reports that Ford is recalling nearly 300 vehicles including the:

• 2024 F-150
• 2025 F-150
• 2024 Bronco
• 2025 Bronco
• 2024 Ranger
• 2025 Mustang
• 2025 Explorer
• 2025 Aviator

If you own one of these vehicles, refrain from driving as much as possible until you can get this issue addressed. Ford will mail out owner letters in early May, so keep an eye on your mailbox.

Is There a Proposed Fix?

Ford dealers “will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge.” Don’t hesitate to get this issue remedied at your earliest convenience. While transmission issues are often expensive, this repair is free so you don’t need to wait and save up for the repair.

If you have further questions or don’t want to wait for your owner letter, you can reach out to Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332; clarify that you’re asking about recall number 25S19. You can also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236; their recall number for this issue is 25V164000.

Source

Unexpected Vehicle Movement, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.

The post Ford Issues Recall for Cars That May Move Forward While in Reverse appeared first on Family Handyman.

Don’t Leave the Engine Running

Make sure you put your vehicle in park and turn the engine off before pumping gas. You should also switch off any auxiliary 12-volt power sources such as phone chargers and cigarette lighters because, while rare, they can be a potential igniter of a fuel fire.

Don’t Get Back in Your Vehicle

Don’t get back in your vehicle when re-fueling. A small amount of static electricity can build up and cause a spark when you touch the metal, which could be dangerous when mixed with gasoline vapors. Here’s how to protect your engine with additives.

Don’t Use Your Cellphone

Gas stations are busy places. While you probably won’t cause an electrical spark when using your cellphone around a gas tank, you should avoid using your phone so you stay more alert and focused on what you are doing. This is why you shouldn’t charge your phone in your car.

Don’t Overfill

Stay alert and be sure not to overfill your gas tank. Most fuel tanks shut off automatically when the tank is full, so trust the tank so you don’t end up spilling gasoline everywhere. Here’s how to lubricate your car locks, hinges and latches in just 10 minutes.

“Folks think they’re getting more miles out of it, but overfilling is plugging up the vapor recovery system, destroying your vehicle’s emissions control,” says Alex Black of EpicVIN.

Keep Gas Off Skin, Eyes

If you do get gasoline on your skin, wash the affected area in lukewarm water and soap. If you get gas in your eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic, you should flush them with tap water for at least 15 minutes and remove contact lenses. Avoid rubbing your eyes.

Did you know that these 10 household items are extremely flammable?

Keep Children in the Car

While you should stay outside the vehicle when pumping gas, children should be left inside the car. Not only will this help them stay away from toxic fumes, but it will help you keep your attention focused on what you’re doing.

Of course, never leave children alone in the car if you have to walk away from the pump.

Don’t Smoke

Never smoke around the gas pump. And this should be obvious, but never ignite lighters or light matches anywhere near a gas pump.

In Case of Fire

If you do experience a fire when refueling, back away from the vehicle. Leave the nozzle in place and notify a gas station employee right away.

These 20 hidden things in your home may be a fire hazard.

Use the Right Container

If you are filling a container with gas, make sure it is an approved portable container. Leave it on the ground when filling and then place it in the vehicle. Make sure the cap is tightly closed and remove the container from your car as soon as you reach your destination. Learn why stale gas could be killing your small engine.

Transport Gas Safely

If you are transporting gasoline in a portable container, make sure it is secure in the vehicle so it doesn’t tip over and spill. You should also never leave gasoline in sunlight or in the trunk of a vehicle. This is the correct way to store gasoline.

FAQ

What should I do if I spill gasoline?

If you spill less than two or three ounces on the ground, there is no need to worry about it. “It will evaporate before you can get it cleaned up,” says Pyle. “If more has been spilled, inform the cashier, who will use quick dry absorbent to clean up the mess.”

If you spill gasoline on your skin, promptly wash it with soap and water to prevent irritation. If it’s on your clothes, you’ll probably need to wash them multiple times to get it out. Do not put them in a hot dryer if they still smell like gas, as the dryer could ignite the gas fumes.

If gasoline gets on your car, wash it off with soap and water, then apply wax, since the gas probably removed that from the paint surface.

“If it is in your car, roll down your windows and let it ventilate,” says Black. “Driving with gasoline fumes is more than annoying, it is hazardous.”

What are skimming devices and how do I spot them?

Skimming devices are small electronic components that thieves place on the credit card readers of gasoline pumps. They are not easy to detect, but there are ways to protect yourself from them. Pyle and Black recommend:

• Using a tap-to-pay credit card, as those cannot be hacked by skimmers;
• Avoid using debit cards, as skimmers can record PINs;
• Avoid card readers that look loose, misaligned or dissimilar from others in the station.
• Check for tamper seals. “Security tape is often placed over the panel by many stations,” says Black. “If it is broken, use another pump.”
• Regularly check your credit card or bank account for fraud, so you can promptly cancel a skimmed card and get your funds returned.

About the Experts

Alex Black is chief marketing officer at EpicVIN. He has been car expert for more than 15 years, working at car auctions, vehicle history providers and more.

Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer since 2006.

The post 10 Things You Should Never Do While Pumping Gas appeared first on Family Handyman.

Sure, there’s the chance that it’s mistakenly on (you can reset the light, though it’s only wise to do that if you know for sure it’s a false alarm). But there’s also a good chance it’s a warning that there’s an issue needing to be addressed. You should reach out to your mechanic sooner rather than later, especially if that check engine light is blinking.

Blinking Check Engine Light

According to Subaru, a blinking check engine light indicates that “an engine misfire condition has been detected.” Typically this means that one or more of the cylinders cannot spark correctly, perhaps because of a faulty cylinder or a bad spark plug. This “may damage the emission control system.”

Subaru recommends immediately minimizing the strain on your vehicle and getting it serviced as soon as possible. If you don’t, you risk more severe damage to your car, and those repairs won’t come cheap.

Solid Check Engine Light

A solid check engine light isn’t a good sign either, but it’s less drastic than a blinking one. On Subaru vehicles, a steady light indicates that “an emission control system malfunction has been detected.” This could be something like a clogged air filter or a failing sensor. While an emission control system malfunction isn’t the same as an engine misfire, it’s still a problem that needs to be remedied immediately.

When the check engine light is on steadily, there is one other possibility: the light “also illuminates when the fuel filler cap is not tightened until it clicks.” This is a fairly easy problem to troubleshoot. If you’ve just gotten gas before this light turns on, simply double-check your fuel filler cap.

Subaru clarifies that “tightening the cap will not make the CHECK ENGINE warning light turn off immediately,” however. They say that “it may take several driving trips.” So, if you check your gas cap and find it wasn’t adequately tightened, you don’t need to make an appointment immediately. But the gas cap wasn’t the only issue if the light persists after a few driving trips. At that point, you need to take your car in to be serviced before the other problems damage your car.

Source

Vehicle Resources, Subaru.

The post Never Ignore a Flashing Check Engine Light—Here’s Why appeared first on Family Handyman.

What’s Wrong With the Tesla Cybertrucks?

The NHTSA brief cautions that the impacted Cybertrucks may leave road hazards in their wake. “The cant rail, a stainless-steel exterior trim panel, can delaminate and detach from the vehicle,” the brief says. And if these detached panels land on the road, they increase the risk of a crash.

This Tesla recall is the eighth Cybertruck recall so far. While some of the recalls target smaller issues than others, all of them should be taken seriously. For example, an earlier Cybertruck recall concerned trunk beds that weren’t attached properly. So, you should read each announcement carefully to ensure that you’re getting the right problems addressed.

If you’re a Cybertruck owner, be mindful of this problem so that you don’t endanger yourself or others on the road. If you live somewhere where there are several Cybertrucks around, keep a lookout for these dropped panels when you’re driving around town.

Which Cybertrucks Are Tesla Recalling?

According to the NHTSA brief, the Tesla recall includes 46,096 2024-2025 Cybertruck vehicles. Tesla will be mailing out owner letters in mid-May 2025, so if you own a 2024 or 2025 Cybertruck, refrain from driving your vehicle as much as possible until you can get the problem repaired. If you’re friends with a Cybertruck owner, make sure that they’re aware of the recall so that they can take the appropriate steps to protect themselves and the people around them.

Is There a Proposed Fix?

Tesla says that service centers will replace the faulty cant rail assembly at no cost to customers. Make an appointment as soon as possible; having your car fall apart mid-drive is bad enough, but contributing to road debris also endangers the other drivers on the road with you.

Source

• NHTSA.gov: “Exterior Trim Panel Can Detach While Driving” (2025)
• CNN: “Gravity may be finally catching up to Elon Musk as Tesla stock tumbles” (2025)
• PBS: “As Musk takes prominent role in Trump White House, violent attacks on Tesla dealerships spike” (2025)

The post Tesla Recalls 46,000 Cybertrucks Amid Plummeting Stock appeared first on Family Handyman.

That bares out in the data: Until the 1940s, standard transmissions were the only ones available in cars and trucks. By the end of the 1950s, however, over 80 percent of new cars purchased in the U.S. came equipped with automatic transmissions. By 2020, standard transmissions accounted for only 2 percent of car sales in the U.S.

Automatic transmissions are more complex, require scheduled maintenance, are affected by heat and engine glitches, and are less forgiving to aggressive or high-stress driving. While the valuable advantages of manual transmissions have weakened, that doesn’t mean driving standard doesn’t have its benefits. Some drivers still favor them for their control and overall driving experience.

Ahead, master technicians and automotive industry experts offer their insight into whether standard transmissions are going extinct.

What Is a Standard Transmission?

A standard or “manual” transmission is a drivetrain component that goes between the engine and axles, capturing engine power and helping deliver it to the drive wheels. A clutch assembly connects the engine with the transmission. Pressing on the clutch pedal disengages the engine from the transmission. This allows the driver to move the gear shifter, which physically moves gearsets inside the transmission. The moving gearsets mesh with and lock and unlock with other gearsets, changing gear ratios depending on vehicle speed and power requirements.

“Manual transmissions require more effort and skill from a driver than an automatic transmission but offer greater precision and control when it comes to the output of the engine in different driving conditions,” says Bill Kirkpatrick, ASE and Volkswagen master technician.

What’s the Difference Between Standard and Automatic Transmission?

Although manual transmissions and automatic transmissions do the same thing (meshing and releasing interlocking gearsets that ultimately turn the drive wheels), they do it in completely different ways.

On a standard transmission, the driver engages in precise choreographed movements of the shifter and clutch, gas and brake pedals depending on the task, which could be:

• Starting the car
• Shifting into gear
• Accelerating from a stop
• Changing gears
• Downshifting (engine braking)
• Slowing down and stopping
• Parking

“Each step requires combinations of either pressing or releasing the clutch pedal, moving the gear shifter, pressing or releasing the accelerator or brake pedal,” says Kirkpatrick.

Automatic transmissions, on the other hand, shift gears using pressurized automatic transmission fluid (ATF). The ATF is routed by a valve body through a sophisticated network of channels and passageways to various internal clutch packs that lock and unlock compound planetary gearsets.

Automatic transmission shifts—both up and down—are controlled by engine load, throttle position, and other factors, while, on standard transmissions, shifting and gear selection are all controlled by the driver’s actions.

Why Don’t Many Cars Come With Standard Transmissions Anymore?

According to Kye Grisham, Vice President of Procurement and Automotive Technology at Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation, “Consumer preference for convenience, advancements in automatic transmission efficiency, and regulatory shifts toward fuel economy and emissions standards have made automatics the norm. Plus, gear engagement on automatics allows drivers to keep both hands on the steering wheel, making driving safer, simpler and more pleasurable.”

Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org, added, “Not everyone has learned how to drive a stick, so the market for standard transmissions is smaller. In a world where manufacturers try to appeal to as many people as possible, a standard transmission decreases their pool of potential customers.”

Factors that led to standard transmissions being phased out

• Improvements in modern automatic transmissions have made them highly efficient and offer better fuel economy, lower tailpipe emissions and higher performance than manual transmissions.
• Driver convenience, particularly when driving in heavy, stop-and-go traffic.
• Manufacturers find it more costly to design and produce two different transmissions and adapt engines, interiors and other car systems for manual and automatic transmissions.
• Technology innovations focusing on making cars safer and more comfortable present unique challenges for manufacturers to install in cars with standard transmissions, reducing their need.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs) use a one-speed automatic transmission (hybrids use continuously variable automatic transmissions—CVT) to transfer all the motor’s power directly to the wheels, which affects the number of automatic transmissions needed while also deterring new standard transmission technology.
• It is difficult, dangerous (and probably banned in most states) to shift gears if you’re holding a cell phone — which you shouldn’t be doing while driving!

What Cars Come With Standard Transmissions?

Modern models available with a standard transmission option include the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro, Subaru BRZ, and Mazda MX-5 Miata. Several Jeep models, including the Wrangler, also offer manual options for those who love the outdoors. Budget-friendly cars such as Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Versa have manual transmission options to help lower costs.

“You are likely to see standard transmissions in vehicles that are marketed for a particular use—sports car enthusiasts, off-road explorers, and commercial trucks requiring heavy-duty use,” says JulieAnna Petrosky, owner and operator of Southwest Auto in Dallas, Texas. According to Edmunds.com, “Both the highly rated Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupe and the Chevrolet Corvette C8 are sold without a manual gearbox option. Even Ferrari and Lamborghini no longer offer any vehicles with a clutch pedal or gearbox.”

FAQ

Do standard transmissions last longer than automatic transmissions?

According to Kirkpatrick, standard transmissions do last longer than automatic transmissions. “Standard transmissions lack the complex parts automatics [transmissions] have, such as torque converters, pumps and valve bodies. Nevertheless, how long they last also greatly depends on the driver’s habits,” he says.

Harmful driving habits, like riding the clutch or resting your hand on the shifter while driving, can cause premature wear and tear. Standard transmissions are very dependable and “generally considered less complex as they have fewer moving parts and less moving parts can equate to a longer lifespan,” says Petrosky. However, she adds that “a properly maintained automatic transmission can have a lifespan of 200,000 miles.”

Proper use and regular maintenance, such as timely clutch replacements and checking transmission fluid (gear oil, gear lube) during every oil change, will help prolong a standard transmission’s lifespan.

Are standard transmissions cheaper to repair?

Repair costs can depend, according to Tom Ham, owner of Auto Centric in Grand Rapids, MI. “A standard transmission’s most common repair is likely going to be a clutch replacement, which can get up into four figures depending on make and model.” However, “replacing or rebuilding an automatic transmission or valve body replacement would be significantly more expensive than a clutch replacement though if the fluid and filter were not properly maintained,” says Ham.

Standard transmissions are typically more cost-effective to be repaired. They are made up of fewer components than automatic transmissions, meaning less labor and less cost if parts need replacing.

Do standard transmissions need maintenance?

Yes, standard transmissions do need maintenance, says Kirkpatrick. “While many cars have self-adjusting clutch linkage, you still need to inspect and check ‘free-play’ (the distance the clutch pedal moves before the clutch begins to disconnect from the engine). Also, check the hydraulic fluid [usually brake fluid] if your car has a ‘slave cylinder’—similar to a brake master—instead of linkage to disengage the clutch,” says Kirkpatrick. Inspect the gear shifter to be sure it operates smoothly, check for fluid leaks and change transmission fluid as required.

• PRO TIP: Not all manual transmission fluids are the same. The same as motor oil, manual transmission fluid comes in different types of weights, contains different additives and comes as conventional or synthetic. It’s always a best practice to check your owner’s manual for the correct fluids your vehicle needs.

Experts

• Bill Kirkpatrick has over 50 years in the auto repair industry and vocational education. He is an ASE and Volkswagen aficionado and Master Technician, was a shop owner, and a dealership service manager. Bill retired as a Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certified automotive technology and small engine instructor and is also a PA-certified emissions and safety inspection instructor and inspector.
• Kye Grisham has been in the auto service and maintenance industry for over 25 years and currently serves as Vice President of Procurement and Automotive Technology at Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation.
• Melanie Musson is an auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org, a published insurance and finance expert, and is the fourth generation in her family to work in the insurance industry. She specializes in the auto industry trends, consumer analyses, and finance.
• Tom Ham is an automotive service specialist with over four decades in the automotive industry and has owned and operated the highly rated Auto Centric repair shop since 1978.
• JulieAnna Petrosky has over fifteen years of experience in the automotive repair industry. She owns and operates Southwest Auto, a 15,000 square foot advanced automotive facility specializing in European vehicles, located in Dallas, Texas.

Resources

• Joe Giranda, Director of Sales and Marketing for CFR Classic, specializing in international car shipping and relocation. Electronic communication
• Bobby Grammatis is a certified automotive technician and has been the owner of MR Automotive in Ontario, Canada, since 2013. Electronic communication
• Edmunds: “Manual vs. Automatic Pros and Cons: Which Is Better? Debunking 5 myths about stick shifts“
• Global Market Insights: “Manual Transmission Market Size – By Vehicle, By Transmission, By Propulsion, By Distribution Channel, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast“
• Amsoil, Manual Transmission Fluid

The post How the Stick Shift Went Extinct appeared first on Family Handyman.

What Are Car Crumple Zones?

Crumple zones are portions of your car that are designed to buckle during an accident. This may seem counterintuitive at first-why would you want your car to crumple during a crash? But it’s a solution to a physics equation. Force is equal to mass times acceleration. In a car accident, there’s a lot of force generated due to the large masses of the vehicles involved and the acceleration of them both. And all of that force has to go somewhere.

Why Are Car Crumple Zones Important?

Volkswagen says that “crumple zones are designed to absorb impact energy during a collision.” By doing this, “most of the energy is dissipated across these zones, and not in your passenger compartment.” If the force is absorbed by these zones, you won’t feel it as strongly. So a safer vehicle is one that has adequate crumple zones designed to protect the occupants. Inadequate crumple zones render a vehicle unsafe.

Mike Gagliardi of NBC News references this concern in an interview he did with Michael Brooks, an automotive expert. In discussing the Tesla Cybertruck, Brooks said “the vehicle’s stainless-steel construction makes him question whether it has sufficient crumple zones…the lack of which would increase the force upon occupants in the event of a crash.”

This increase in force will manifest in more severe injuries and even potential deaths. Your car is much larger and can absorb the impact much better. Comparatively, you’re much smaller. If your car doesn’t crumple, something else will need to absorb that impact. And with your body being so much smaller that a car, the force will be much more concentrated on you. That kind of force is not something you easily walk away from. You’re much more likely to be badly injured or even die if your car cannot take the brunt of the impact for you.

Source

Crumple Zones, Volkswagen.

Pedestrians, already dying at record levels, now face Elon Musk’s Cybertruck, NBC, 2023.

The post Why It’s a Good Thing Your Car Crumples appeared first on Family Handyman.

Learn About New Features

Newer cars have more and more eco-friendly features than older ones. And you can take advantage of these-if you know how to use them properly. Many manufacturers nowadays are equipping their vehicles with an automatic start-stop feature. When the vehicle stops, like in traffic jams or at red lights, the engine turns off. Auto manufacturers say that this boost fuel economy and reduces emissions. But if you don’t read the owner manual, you might not know what this feature is. If you’re only used to driving much older cars, you may even worry that something is wrong with yours the first time you notice the engine shut off while running errands around town.

You might also miss out on some of the functionality of your vehicle if you don’t read the owner manual. If you’re planning a camping trip and you’ve got a vehicle equipped with a sport mode, you may have several more options available than you think. This is especially true if you’re used to driving a two-wheel drive car with low clearance. Or, if you’ve already got your heart set on an off-road adventure, you can save money on a rental vehicle.

Troubleshooting Before the Mechanic

If you read your owner manual, you can also save yourself several maintenance headaches. From putting the right kind of gas in your vehicle to knowing what the ideal tire pressure is, there are a plethora of pitfalls you can stumble into if you’re not careful. This is especially true if you’re switching over from, for example, a small sedan to a large pickup truck. These vehicles have different weights and are designed for different tasks, so it makes sense that they have different needs.

The post Why You Should Read Your Car’s Owner Manual appeared first on Family Handyman.

Luckily, there is an easy way for drivers to prevent making this mistake, and that’s by using the “Dutch Reach” method.

“Drivers, passengers and even rideshare users should make it a habit,” says Monica Garrison, founder and Executive Director of Black Girls Do Bike. “It only takes a second, but it can prevent a life-changing accident.”

Here’s more about dooring and how to use the Dutch Reach method.

What Is “Dooring”?

Dooring happens when a driver or passenger opens their car door into the path of a cyclist, causing the cyclist to crash into it or swerve into traffic to avoid it. “It’s a serious and preventable hazard that can lead to severe injuries,” says Garrison. Depending on your municipality, it can also result in hefty traffic fines.

The “Dutch Reach” Method

An easy way to prevent dooring accidents is to use the Dutch Reach method, which simply entails opening the door using your far hand. If you’re in the driver’s seat in the U.S., that means using your right hand, and if you’re in the passenger seat, using your left hand.

“This naturally turns your body, forcing you to look over your shoulder and check for approaching cyclists before opening the door,” says Garrison.

Also, always open the door slowly, then exit your vehicle quickly to get out of the path of traffic.

Does the “Dutch Reach” Method Really Work?

Absolutely! “This method is widely taught in places like the Netherlands, where cycling is a major part of daily life, and it has been shown to significantly reduce dooring incidents,” says Garrison. “It’s a small habit that can make a big difference in keeping cyclists safe.”

About the Expert

• Monica Garrison is founder and Executive Director of Black Girls Do Bike, where she fuels 100+ chapters worldwide. She believes that the simple act of riding a bike can be a catalyst for wonderful, life-changing experiences for women of all ages.

Sources

• Metropolitan Transportation Commission, “Using the Dutch Reach When Opening Doors.”
• Descriptive Analysis of Cyclist Dooring Events Using Data from the National Electronic Injury
  Surveillance System (NEISS).

The post Have You Been Opening Your Car Door Wrong This Whole Time? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Automobile manufacturers have been touting the auto start-stop feature in newer cars as a fuel-saving feature. Many of them bill this feature as better for both you and the environment. Because of this, in many of these cars, the default setting for this feature is “on”. You have to manually switch the setting off if you don’t wish to utilize it.

It certainly makes it easy to save fuel and reduce your emissions while driving. You don’t have to remember to opt into this setting; it just comes on when you turn your car on. But there’s a flip side. Without this feature, you only utilize the starter in your car once per trip. When this setting is on, however, your vehicle will use it every time you accelerate from a stop.

You may find yourself wondering if this exponential increase in the usage of your starter has any downsides. We spoke to Kye Grisham, the vice president of Procurement and Automotive Technology for Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation, and Thomas Diamond, an automotive technology specialist at Father Judge High School, to find out if this feature lives up to its advertising.

Does This Feature Decrease the Lifespan of Your Starter?

According to Grisham, it does not. “These starters are built differently from traditional starters and can handle the increased quantity of starts,” the vice president says. The exponential increase in use was incorporated into the design for this feature. He explains that most of the starters in cars with an auto on-off feature “are designed to turn slower as well so they do not wear out.” So you can rest assured that leaving it on isn’t a recipe for an expensive starter replacement earlier than if you’d turned it off.

Diamond agrees. He explains that newer starters are quite “beefed up” compared to ones in cars without this feature. He says that every facet of these automotive parts has been prepared for the exponential increase in usage. These newer ones are the “heavy-duty” version of a traditional starter.

Is it Better to Toggle This Setting Off?

About the Experts

Kye Grisham is the Vice President of Procurement and Automotive Technology for Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation.

Thomas Diamond is an automotive technology specialist with Father Jude High School.

The post Should I Turn Off the Auto Start-Stop In My Car? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Use Sawdust to Soak Up Spills

Brush Out the Air Vents

Truck Bed Reach Stick

Pipe Insulation in Crevices

Cardboard Drop Cloth

Lubricate Window Tracks

Also, learn how to clean the inside car windows.

Compressor Creeper

Saltwater for your Car

Hands-Free Light

Use a Toothbrush for Detailing

A simple little household item that cost a couple of bucks can be a mighty tool for cleaning the crevices inside your car. Just like your toothbrush loosens stuff between your teeth, it does the same thing for your car. Once the gunk is loosened up and brought to the surface, it’s easy to vacuum it up or wipe it off. It can be used to clean the rims and headlights too.

The post 10 Handy Car Maintenance Tips appeared first on Family Handyman.

Plan Out the Wash

The key to a successful DIY car detailing job is to set yourself up for success from the start. Before you actually start washing your car, you should gather the right tools for the job and plan out your strategy to optimize your time and effort.

Opt for Microfiber Tools

Sponges capture and hold dirt and grit in their large pores. You can wring yours out, but the grit will stay put when car cleaning. Once grit is embedded, you may as well wash your car with sandpaper. Detailers use a microfiber car wash mitt because the grit falls out when you rinse, it’ll make a do it yourself car wash that much better.

Chamois soak up water, but they don’t pick up any grit that’s left after rinsing. Instead, they just grind those particles into your paint. A microfiber towel, on the other hand, collects the particles. Rinse the towel in clean water to remove the grit. Then wring and keep drying.

Wash With the Right Suds

Even though hand dish washing liquid is a great degreaser, it’s not the thing to use on your vehicle’s finish. Yes, it removes dirt, grease and old wax. But it also sucks important oils right out of the paint’s finish. Use it repeatedly and you shorten the life of your paint job. Car detailing professionals use a different soap, and you should to if this is on your DIY list.

Instead of dish soap for a do-it-yourself car wash, use a cleaner formulated for vehicles. Once you’ve mixed the suds, fill a second bucket with clean rinse water. Use it to rinse your wash mitt often. That’ll remove most of the road grit from the mitt to prevent scratches.

Rinse Before Washing

If you hit your dry paint with soapy water, you’ll just grind the surface dust and road grit into your paint finish. Professional detailers always start with a clear water rinse to remove as much dust and dirt as possible.

Slide Seats Forward and Clean Out the Junk

You’ll be surprised by what you find behind the seats. We found a lost cell phone, enough pens and pencils to equip a small office, and enough change for several vending machine lunches. Vacuum the seats, remove the mats and vacuum the carpet. Use a brush attachment for the dash and door panels. Don’t forget to clean out and vacuum those handy door pockets as well.

Vacuum As You Go

Most DIYers start cleaning the interior by shampooing the carpet. That’s a mistake—you’ll just get it dirty again as you clean the upper surfaces. Instead, start at the top and work your way down. Vacuum the headliner, dash, console and door panels. Then clean all the glass, and dust the nooks and crannies. Sweep the dust out of the cracks with a detailing brush.

Finish With the Glass

If you cleaned the inside of your windows before you cleaned the dash and applied vinyl protectant, you’ll just have to clean them again. That’s why detailers save glass cleaning until the very end. Cleaning the windows at this point removes all cleaning and vinyl treatment overspray and leaves you with sparkling clean windows.

Take Care of Your Leather

Leather interiors need special attention; they are one of the more meticulous aspects of DIY car detailing. You’ll want to clean yours regularly and repair it as needed to elongate its life as much as possible.

Clean the Leather

This may sound extreme, but if you’ve got leather upholstery, buy a leather-cleaning kit and keep it in the vehicle. If you clean spills right away, you increase your chances of a complete cleanup. If you wait, lipstick, ink and dye transfers from clothing and plastic shopping bags can set permanently in as little as 24 hours.

Pretreat the leather with a conditioner before you start the stain removal process. Wipe the ink lifter directly on the pretreated leather and rub it in. Let it sit for 30 seconds, and wipe it with a clean cloth. Then apply leather cleaner and the leather protection cream.

Fix Tears in Leather Seats

Bad tears require the attention of a professional. But if your tears are small, and you want to save some money, you can repair them yourself. A leather/vinyl repair kit is inexpensive, and the repair takes only an hour. But don’t expect perfection. You’ll still see the tear, and you probably won’t get a perfect color match. However, this fix will contain the tear and look better than a gaping hole.

Plastic and Vinyl

The plastic and vinyl in your car needs attention during your DIY car detailing process too. A little elbow grease goes a long way to keeping these materials looking fresh and clean.

Washing

Apply SEM Soap to vinyl and plastic surfaces and scrub with a scuff pad. Put extra effort into textured and recessed areas. Wipe the surface with a clean, damp, lint-free cloth and let dry.

Colorant

Spray on several light coats of colorant, allowing 5 to 10 minutes between coats. Let the colorant dry for 24 hours before using.

Brush Out the Air Vents

Louvers are a real magnet for dust, and a vacuum with a brush attachment just won’t get it all. Take an inexpensive artist’s paintbrush and give it a light shot of furniture polish. Work the brush into the crevices to collect the dust. Wipe the brush off with a rag and move on to the next one.

Remember to Clean Nooks and Crannies

When you’re doing a DIY car detailing job, finding and dealing with all the trim lines and recesses that a quick once-over cleaning job misses is part of the description. Wrap a cloth around an old, worn screwdriver (without sharp edges) and spray an all-purpose cleaner on the cloth. Move it gently along the trim lines to pick up the gunk. Keep refreshing the surface of the cloth. Go around all the buttons and controls as well; then follow up with a rejuvenator.

Clean The Carpet, Upholstery and Velour

Your carpet and upholstery take quite a beating. Dirt, stains, even sometimes odors all collect in that fabric. Cleaning these surfaces will keep your car looking, smelling, and feeling fresh.

Wash Carpet and Velour

Spray Plastic & Leather Prep on the carpet or velour and scrub lightly with a nylon bristle brush. Let dry and vacuum.

Carpet and Velour Colorant

Apply colorant to the carpet or velour and immediately brush in all directions with a nylon bristle brush to keep the fibers separated. Let dry. Then brush again and vacuum.

Brush and Vacuum Your Carpet

Automotive carpet doesn’t like to let go of dirt when you’re car cleaning. Vacuuming is a great start, but if that’s all you do, you’ll leave plenty behind. To remove more dirt, detailers use a stiff brush and scrub the carpet as they vacuum. You’ll see the dirt particles bounce to the surface so you can suck them up with your shop vacuum as part of your auto detailing.

Deep-Clean Carpet and Upholstery

If the vacuum and brush combination doesn’t cut it, don’t worry. Use a carpet cleaning machine to get the deep dirt that settles into the fibers of the carpet and cloth seats. It sprays the carpet with a solution of water and cleaner and then sucks the dirt and grime into a reservoir. A machine like this pays for itself after just a few uses. You can also rent one from a rental center or use a spray-on cleaner and a scrub brush instead.

Replace the Carpet in Your Vehicle

In some cases, like if you bought a “preowned” vehicle, the carpeting in the car is simply a disaster. If it’s too far gone for stain removers, new carpeting is the best solution. You can buy preformed carpet specifically for your car’s make, model and color and install carpet yourself.

Replace Seat Covers

Whether you fill your vehicle with construction materials, haul kids and grandkids around or just spill lots of coffee, you know how easy it is for factory seat covers to get grungy. And just like the carpet, there are times when the upholstery in your car is too far gone. If they’re beyond rescuing with an upholstery cleaner and you want to spruce up your vehicle’s interior, you have only three car detailing options: pay a professional automotive upholsterer to reupholster your seats, buy used seats from a junkyard, or buy and install seat covers yourself.

Aftermarket seat covers are the cheapest of these three options. The installation is similar across makes and models. The job takes about two hours for front and rear seats. The only tools you’ll need are a wire coat hanger and some tape to fish the straps under plastic trim pieces. Everything else is included with the seat covers.

Refinish Wheels

Sometimes a middle-aged car can still look fine except for wear and tear on the wheels and wheel covers. Fortunately, you can fix this yourself for little cash. Removing the rust and painting your wheels take a full day—mostly you’re waiting for paint to dry. Then the wheels must dry for 24 more hours after painting before you remount them.

Repair Paint Chips and Protect the Finish

Drive your vehicle for long enough and you’re sure to get caught in a windy area or behind a vehicle kicking up dirt and rocks. Now you’ve got several tiny chips in your paint finish that could grow to quarter-size rust spots in a few years. This is one of those tasks that immediately springs to mind when discussing car detailing, and believe it or not you can DIY this one too.

Pluck the Finish

Your vehicle’s clear coat deflects some of the debris but can hold the sharper grit. Washing removes the surface dirt, but clay-barring is the only way to pluck out the embedded stuff.

Buy a clay bar kit that includes a lubricating spray and several pieces of synthetic clay. Prepare the clay by tearing a piece into four sections. Flatten one section into a small pancake in the palm of your hand and rub it over the paint with a back-and-forth motion. Fold the clay against itself, knead it and reflatten until the clay turns gray. Then toss it and use a fresh piece until you remove the “darts” and get a glass-like finish.

Repair Small Paint Chips

Take care of this problem right away and you’ll save yourself big money later on, not to mention the embarrassment of driving a premature clunker. With the right primer and touch up paint, you can fill in these chips yourself. Be sure to clean and then de-grease the spot first so that your primer and paint stick correctly.

The fix we discuss here is for fresh chips that haven’t started to rust yet. If you see a rust spot, or have a dent along with your chip, you’ll need to do a more challenging fix. Keep in mind that this repair will be visible under close scrutiny, but if you buy the right touch-up color, it’ll be unnoticeable from a few feet away.

Polish the Finish

Many car owners confuse polishing with waxing. But they’re separate steps. Polishing removes small surface imperfections and scratches and buffs the finish to a shine. Waxing adds more gloss and protects the finish from the elements.

Most DIYers skip polishing because they don’t want to invest the money for a polisher or the elbow grease for a hand polish. But polishing your vehicle’s finish is the key to getting the best gloss. Apply a dollop of polish to the pad and wipe the pad across a 2 x 2-ft. area. Run the polisher at a slow speed to spread the compound over the entire area for the best car cleaner. Then boost the speed and let the polisher do the work for you.

Remove Minor Paint Scratches

Pick up 3,000-grit sandpaper, rubbing and polishing compound, and polishing pads. You’ll also need a portable drill or dual action (DA) polisher unit. You can buy most of the components off-the-shelf at any auto parts store.

Apply a Protective Film

The low-slung hoods and aerodynamic side mirrors on new cars are extremely vulnerable to paint chips from flying road debris. To protect the paint, dealers apply a thin, clear, rubbery paint film over those surfaces. The film really reduces paint chip damage, but dealers charge quite a bit of money for it. You can buy the film online and install it yourself in a few hours for much cheaper. It’s not complicated, but it does take practice. So purchase an extra set of film for your mirrors and try it with them first. Once you get the hang of wetting, stretching and squeegeeing the film around your mirror, you’ll find the hood much easier.

Apply Paint Sealant

Paint sealant is a good idea as well, but you can easily apply it yourself and save the cost of a dealer or detailing specialist application.

Scrape Off Those Annoying Stickers

All of your national and state park stickers may call to mind great memories, but they can be a visual hazard as they accumulate. The high-quality stickers will pull off if you can get under a corner and carefully pull them free at a 90-degree angle. Others will leave a gummy residue and require a bit more attention. Cover your dash with an old towel and dab on a degreaser, then scrape and wipe it off.

Lubrication

When your doors and windows start to move more slowly or creak, that’s a sure sign that it’s time to lubricate them. This is one of the easier car detailing tasks to DIY; all you need is some lubricant and clean rags.

Hood Hinges

Wipe the hinge area with a clean rag and spray it with white lithium grease or a few drops of ordinary motor oil. Move the hinge several times to work the grease into the hinge. Be sure to get it into both sides of each hinge. Wipe away the excess to keep it from collecting debris.

Trunk Hinges

Lubricate the trunk hinges using the same method you used for the hood hinge. Don’t lubricate the gas struts that slow the trunk movement though. you could ruin them.

Window Tracks

Spray window tracks with silicone spray or dry Teflon. Silicone stays slick even in cold weather, so windows slide smoothly, lessening the wear on your window motors.

Door Weatherstripping

Spray silicone on all weather stripping. Silicone will keep ice from bonding the rubber to the metal doors. That’ll make doors open smoother and may even prevent tears in the weather stripping.

The Gas Tank Lid

The gas tank lid really takes abuse, especially in salty environments. Give it a squirt of WD-40 a few times a year to keep it from rusting. Wipe away any excess to keep it from dripping onto your car’s finish to prevent further car detailing work.

Add Graphite to Door Locks

We don’t think much about our door locks until the key breaks off in the cylinder. Keep these delicate mechanisms moving freely with a blast of dry graphite powder. You may need to push the dust protector flap back slightly with a small metal nail file to get at the lock. A quick pump of the tube will dispense enough graphite. Move the lock cylinder with your key several times to work the graphite into the mechanism. Do this to your trunk lock as well.

Clean the Hood Latch

Wipe the grime and dirt away with a clean cloth. Try to get any bits of sand that may be embedded in the existing grease. If you see rusted or stuck parts, give the latch a spray of WD-40, then move the mechanism several times. Wipe it again and give it a liberal coating of white lithium grease.

Eliminate squeaky doors

If the door squeaks every time you open it, the hinges could be bound by corrosion. If so, squirt the hinges with WD-40 to free them, and move the door several times to work in the lubricant. Once the hinges are in working condition, just squirt them with white lithium grease or motor oil, operate the door several times and then wipe any excess away. Check the door latch for corrosion. Many door latches now have a nonmetallic composite mechanism, which should be lubricated with a shot of silicone spray.

Replace Wiper Blades

It’s easy to tell when your blades need replacing. Simply press the washer button and see if your blades wipe clean. If they streak, they’re toast. The auto parts store will have lots of economy blades, but go with a name brand instead for your car detailing project. They cost more than economy blades, but their higher-quality rubber wipes better, has better UV protection and lasts longer. Opting for the higher quality blades may make this step of DIY car detailing a little more comparable to what a professional would charge, but you’ll still save on labor.

Use a Non-Silicone Matte Finish Dash and Vinyl Protectant

Silicone dashboard protectant sprays leave a slick film on your dash that actually attracts more dust, so you’ll have to clean it more often. Plus, a shiny dash reflects into your windshield. That reflection and glare can reduce your vision, especially at night. That’s why professional detailers use non-silicone matte finish protectants when detailing cars. They still look great and they reduce glare. Check this best car dashboard cleaner too.

Waxing

Another one of the quintessential aspects of car detailing is waxing, and you can very easily DIY this one too. Some people swear by carnauba wax. It produces a deep, warm shine. But we prefer the wet-gloss look of the newer synthetic polymer waxes, also known as paint sealant. It’s pricier than other synthetics, but it doesn’t leave a white film on plastic or trim—which is a real advantage. Plus, it’s really easy to apply. Apply the wax to the foam applicator and rub it into the finish with a swirling motion. Then wipe off the haze with a microfiber towel. Swap in a clean towel as soon as the first one loads up.

Glass

Ever notice that line of grime on the tops of windows when they’re partially rolled down? Most people overlook this detail when giving their vehicle a quick wash. But this is another one of the easiest parts of DIY car detailing, and it will make your glass look exponentially better once you do it. A few minutes with Windex and a clean rag is all it takes.

The post 13 Tips for DIY Car Detailing appeared first on Family Handyman.

While no faulty vehicle component is a good thing, car part malfunctions related to the engine are certainly high on the list of dangerous ones. If you’re a Volkswagen driver, you need to take this recall seriously. Confirm whether or not your vehicle is one of the ones with this engine issue. And if it turns out that it is, you need to get the problem remedied at your earliest possible convenience.

Why Is Volkswagen Recalling These Vehicles?

According to the NHTSA brief, the impacted Volkswagen vehicles have faulty engine covers. These covers “may have been improperly installed after vehicle service,” which means they cannot do their job properly. Rather, there’s a chance these covers can “come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.”

A loose engine cover is a fire hazard. The NHTSA warns that if the engine cover comes into contact with hot surfaces in the engine, it can melt. Until you know for sure that your Volkswagen isn’t one of the nearly 180,000 on the recall list, exercise extreme caution.

Which Volkswagen Vehicles Have Faulty Engine Covers?

The NHTSA report states that 177,493 Volkswagen vehicles have these faulty engine covers, including the:

• 2024 Atlas
• 2024 Atlas Cross Sport
• 2025 Atlas
• 2025 Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen mailed out owner notification letters on March 7, 2025. If you own one of the above Volkswagen models, keep an eye on your mailbox. If you receive one of these letters, you’ll need to get the problem remedied as soon as possible.

Is There a Fix For This Problem?

Volkswagen says that “dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge.” If you receive an owner notification letter, schedule your repair as soon as possible. The risk of an engine fire is not something to brush off. The repair will be free so there’s no reason to put it off.

If you have further questions after reading your letter or don’t want to wait, you can call Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298 and ask about recall number 10X5. Alternatively, you can call the NHTSA at 888-327-4236. If you call the NHTSA, be sure to reference recall number 25V100000.

Source

Loose Engine Cover May Melt and Cause Fire, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.

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