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Testing Autos: Know your car - Car care explained

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Leaf spring

Why do leaf springs squeak?

It's the problem many truck owners are well aware of. Leaf springs are known to squeak when driving over bumps and it's not always possible to get rid of the noise completely. Whether you are taking your truck to a repair shop of fixing it yourself, the key is to find the exact source of the noise.

Heating system in a car

How the heating system works in a car.

The heating system is connected to the engine cooling system and uses heat from the engine to warm up the cabin. There is a heat exchanger called a heater core built inside the vehicle HVAC system. The heater core is a small 'radiator' that is connected to the engine cooling system.

Car Care

Reviews

Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma 2005-2015: problems, engines, 4WD maintenance

2009 Ford Ranger

1998-2011 Ford Ranger: problems, engines, 4WD, what to look for

Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner 2003-09: problems, gas mileage, maintenance

Toyota FJ Cruiser

Toyota FJ Cruiser: problems, gas mileage, maintenance

Car Care

Engine Maintenance:

4-cylinder enginel

How often should you change oil in your car?

Fuel induction service

Fuel Induction Service: does your car need it?

Checking oil

How to check the oil level in your engine and read the dipstick

Air filter

What are the signs that your air filter needs replacing?

Drive belt

Signs that a drive belt needs replacing?

Timing belt

When does the timing belt need to be replaced?

Non-interference engine

Interference versus Non-Interference engine

Water Pump

When does the water pump need to be replaced?

Heating system in a car

How the heating system works in a car

Timing chain

When does the timing chain need to be replaced?

Spark plugs

When do spark plugs need to be replaced?

Throttle body

When does a throttle body need to be serviced?

Valve cover gasket

When does the valve cover gasket need to be replaced?

Tune-up

How often does a car need a tune-up?

Battery and Electrical

Car battery

When does a car battery need to be replaced?

Car alternator

Alternator: when to replace, symptoms of a weak alternator.

Starter

When does the starter motor need to be replaced?

Side mirror

Broken side mirror: What are the repair options and cost?

Broken taillight assembly

Broken or failed taillight: What are the part options and replacement cost?

Key fob battery

When does the key fob battery need replacing?

Phone pairing

Why a phone won't pair with a car Bluetooth

Transmission and Drivetrain

Transmission fluid

When to change your automatic transmission fluid?

Wheel bearing

What are the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing?

CV axle

When does a CV axle need to be replaced?

axle seal

When does the axle seal need to be replaced in a car?

Rear differential

How often should gear oil be changed?

Chassis, Suspension, Steering

Struts

When should struts and shock absorbers be replaced?

Control arm

Control arms: when to replace?

Tie rod end

When does the tie rod end need to be replaced?

Coil spring

Coil springs: problems, when to replace?

Leaf spring

When do leaf springs need to be replaced?

Leaf spring

Why do leaf springs squeak?

Sway bar link

Sway bar links: when to replace?

Wheel alignment

How often should the wheel alignment be done?

Undershield

When to replace engine splash shield and fender liners?

Ball joint

When do the ball joints need to be replaced?

Top strut mount

Top strut mounts and upper shock mounts: when to replace?

Rusted car

Should you rust proof your vehicle?

AWD, 4WD

Transfer Case

When should the transfer case oil be changed?

FWD vs AWD diagram

Are AWD cars more expensive to maintain than FWD?

AWD car diagram

What is the difference between FWD and AWD? Pros and Cons

Wheels and Tires

Tires

When should tires be replaced?

Balancing Tires

When do tires need to be balanced?

Wheel locks

What to do if a wheel lock nut key is missing or broken?

Brakes

Disc brakes

When do disc brakes need to be replaced?

Drum brakes

How often do drum brakes need to be replaced?

Brakes

Why does the steering wheel shake when braking at high speed?

Brake service

How often do brakes need to be serviced?

Parking brake cables and system

When do parking brake cables need replacing?

More Articles

BMW

Buying a used BMW: models, ratings, common problems

Nissan GT-R

What makes Nissan GT-R so fast – technology explained

Technician explaining repairs

How to spend less money on car repairs - insider tips

Test driving a used car

10 tips on how to spot signs of problems when test driving a used car

Top 10 lists:

BMW 3

Top 10 sporty cars for under 15K

Adding oil

Top 10 fast cars for under $10,000

Subie WRX

Top 10 sports cars under $20,000

Dodge Charger

Top 10 V6 sedans for under $10,000: Updated for 2020

Toyota Prius c

Top 10 cars with best MPG for under $10,000 to buy in 2020