Our general FAQ section provides clear answers to the most common automotive questions that apply to all vehicles, regardless of make or model. From understanding routine maintenance schedules and oil change intervals to learning about warning lights, smog checks, brakes, tires, and general car care tips, this category is designed to help every driver. Whether you’re new to car ownership or just want reliable advice, our general FAQs give you the knowledge to keep your vehicle safe, reliable, and road-ready.
How to Raise a Car Off the Ground Park on level ground, chock the wheels, engage the parking brake, locate the manufacturer’s jack points, lift with a correctly rated jack, and always support the vehicle with jack stands before working—never rely on a jack alone. This guide explains safe methods for lifting one wheel, one …
Are Members of the Ford Family Still Alive? Yes. Several prominent “Ford” families still have living members today—notably the descendants of automaker Henry Ford, the family of U.S. President Gerald R. Ford, and Canada’s Ford political family—many of whom remain active in business, public service, and philanthropy. Below is a guide to who’s who and …
What kind of engines do NASCARs use? NASCAR Cup Series cars use naturally aspirated 358‑cubic‑inch (5.86‑liter) pushrod V8 engines producing roughly 510–670 horsepower, built by Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota under tightly controlled rules. These engines are bespoke, iron‑block, two‑valve V8s with electronic fuel injection and dry‑sump lubrication, designed for durability at sustained high RPM while …
Which type of fuel is most polluting? Coal—especially lignite (brown coal)—is the most polluting fuel overall, producing the highest greenhouse-gas emissions per unit of energy and the greatest loads of harmful air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and mercury; oil is next, while natural gas is lower but can be climate-worse than coal if …
How to Tell an Open Differential from a Limited-Slip The fastest practical check: safely lift both driven wheels, place the transmission in neutral, release the parking brake, and spin one wheel by hand. If the opposite wheel turns the same direction or resists strongly, you likely have a limited-slip differential (LSD); if it turns freely …
What Will Replace Fuel? The Emerging Mosaic of Clean Energy Carriers There won’t be a single replacement for fossil fuel; instead, most end uses will switch to electricity from renewables and nuclear, backed by batteries and other storage, while hard-to-electrify sectors rely on hydrogen and its derivatives, sustainable biofuels, and synthetic e-fuels. In practice, that …
How to Tell if Your Rack and Pinion Is Going Bad You can often spot a failing rack and pinion by watching for power-steering fluid leaks at the rack boots, new steering play or wandering, clunks through the wheel, stiff or uneven steering effort, a steering wheel that doesn’t self-center, or (on EPS vehicles) a …
What are your brake lights? They’re the red lights on the rear of your vehicle that illuminate when you press the brake pedal—or when the car decelerates hard—warning drivers behind you that you’re slowing or stopping. Beyond that simple function, brake lights are a critical safety system governed by regulations, increasingly powered by LEDs, and, …
What are the three types of clutches? The three primary types of clutches are friction clutches, positive (dog/jaw) clutches, and fluid/hydraulic clutches. These categories describe how torque is engaged and transmitted between rotating shafts in vehicles and machinery. While modern systems also employ electromagnetic clutches and blended designs, most textbooks and industry references group clutches …
How a Front-End Alignment Is Done A front-end alignment is performed by measuring the vehicle’s steering and suspension angles and adjusting primarily the front toe—and, where adjustable, camber and caster—so they match the manufacturer’s specifications; in modern practice, shops typically perform a four-wheel alignment to ensure the front wheels are set relative to the vehicle’s …
Removing a Speed Limiter: What the Law, Safety, and Your Warranty Say in 2025 You can often remove or raise a speed limiter from many vehicles, but doing so may be illegal where you live, can void insurance or warranty coverage, and carries significant safety and liability risks. The details depend on your jurisdiction and …
Which is the smartest car in the world? The most accurate answer is: there isn’t a single universally “smartest” car right now. If you want the most advanced, legally certified automated driving, Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class and EQS models with Drive Pilot (Level 3) are the current benchmark. For the most ambitious AI‑driving capability under driver supervision, …
Is it okay to mix coolant and water? Yes—with important caveats. Most antifreeze concentrates are designed to be mixed with distilled or deionized water, typically at a 50/50 ratio. If your vehicle uses pre-mixed (ready-to-use) coolant, don’t add water. In an emergency, you can top up with plain water to reach a safe place, but …
How to Properly Use a Merge Lane Approach the merge lane with your signal on, accelerate to match the speed of traffic, identify a safe gap, and merge smoothly using a one-for-one “zipper” pattern in congestion—while remembering that traffic already on the main road typically has the right of way. In practice, that means planning …
How Supercharging Works: The Mechanics Behind Forced-Induction Power Supercharging works by mechanically or electrically compressing the engine’s intake air before it enters the cylinders, allowing more oxygen into each combustion cycle and producing significantly more power without increasing engine size. In practice, a supercharger—driven by a belt, gear, or electric motor—spins rotors or an impeller …
Who is the best racing driver in the world right now? Max Verstappen is the best racing driver in the world right now, based on sustained dominance at the highest level of single-seater racing, Formula 1, since 2021. While “best” is inherently subjective and varies by discipline, Verstappen’s combination of pace, racecraft, adaptability, and relentless …
Replace the Catalytic Converter or Buy a New Car? How to Decide in 2025 In most cases, replacing a failed catalytic converter is more economical than buying another car—especially if the vehicle is otherwise reliable and not facing costly engine, transmission, or rust issues. The decision turns on repair cost versus the car’s remaining life …
What Parts to Replace on Drum Brakes Typical drum brake service replaces the brake shoes, the complete hardware kit (return springs, hold-downs, shoe-to-anchor spring), the self-adjuster assembly, and often the wheel cylinders; drums are replaced or machined only if within spec, and all work is done on both sides of the axle. In practice, a …
Will 2026 F1 cars be lighter? Yes—under the regulations announced for 2026, Formula 1 cars are set to have a lower minimum weight by roughly 30 kg compared with today, alongside smaller dimensions and narrower tyres. That said, whether teams actually hit the minimum early on will depend on packaging the new, more powerful hybrid …
What Happens When You Have a Bad Stabilizer (Sway) Bar A bad stabilizer (sway) bar or its related parts typically causes extra body roll in corners, clunking over bumps, and a less stable, less predictable feel—especially in sudden maneuvers; it’s usually drivable at low speeds, but safety is reduced and emergency handling can be compromised. …
How Much Should You Pay for a Salvage Car? You should expect to pay roughly 30–50% of the comparable clean-title market value for an unrepaired salvage car and about 60–75% for a well-repaired, well-documented rebuilt title, with prices pushed lower (0–40%) for flood, frame, or airbag-deployed histories. The right price depends on damage type, repair …
What Cruise Control Is For: Purpose, Benefits, and Safe Use Cruise control is designed to automatically maintain a set vehicle speed, reducing driver workload on steady roads and helping keep pace on highways. In practice, it promotes consistent speed, can improve fuel efficiency on long stretches, and enhances comfort on trips. Modern variants—especially adaptive cruise …
Are All Oil Pan Drain Plugs the Same? No—oil pan drain plugs are not universal. They vary by thread size and pitch, sealing method (washer vs. O‑ring vs. taper), length, material, and torque specification. Using the wrong plug can cause leaks or strip an oil pan, especially on aluminum pans. Choosing the correct part requires …
What to do if your alternator warning light comes on If your alternator (battery/charging) warning light illuminates while driving, reduce electrical load immediately, avoid shutting the engine off, and head directly to a safe location or repair facility; if the temperature rises or steering suddenly becomes heavy, pull over at once and stop the engine. …
Is It Expensive to Replace a Differential? Yes—replacing a differential is typically expensive. In the U.S., expect a total bill between $1,500 and $4,000 for most vehicles, with luxury, performance, AWD/4WD, and integrated units often running $3,500 to $6,500 or more. Costs vary widely based on vehicle type, whether you choose a new, remanufactured, or …
How much horsepower does a supercharger add to a V8? On a typical modern V8, a bolt-on supercharger at 5–8 psi usually adds about 150–300 horsepower (roughly 40–65% over stock) at the crank on pump gas; with supporting mods and 10–14 psi, gains of 250–500+ horsepower (about 70–120%) are common. The exact increase depends on …
What is the advantage of a crossover? A crossover, in most fields, offers the advantage of combining strengths from different systems to improve performance, flexibility, and outcomes. Whether referring to vehicles, audio equipment, genetics, finance, networking, clinical research, sports, or entertainment, crossovers typically enhance efficiency, expand capabilities, and deliver a better experience by bridging distinct …
How much does it cost to replace brake disks? Expect to pay roughly $200–$700 per axle in the U.S. to replace brake disks (rotors) on a mainstream car, and $600–$1,500+ per axle for luxury, performance, or heavy-duty vehicles. Many shops will recommend doing rotors together with pads; that combined service typically runs $300–$900 per axle …
The Anatomy of the Automatic Transmission: Components, Function, and Modern Variations An automatic transmission is built around a torque converter, hydraulic pump, planetary gearsets, multi-plate clutches and one-way clutches, a valve body (or mechatronics unit) with solenoids, a transmission control module (TCM) and sensors, plus a lubrication/cooling system—all housed in a rigid case that routes …
Who is the greatest American race car driver? Mario Andretti is widely regarded as the greatest American race car driver, with A.J. Foyt the strongest rival to that title. Andretti’s unique combination of a Formula 1 World Championship, Indianapolis 500 victory, and Daytona 500 win—paired with multiple IndyCar titles and major sports-car triumphs—sets a versatility …