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.
Can I Still Drive With the Red Battery Light On? Yes—but only briefly and with caution. A red battery light means your vehicle’s charging system isn’t working properly, so the engine is running on the remaining charge in the battery. You may have a few minutes to reach a safe place or repair shop if …
What makes your wheels turn on a car Your car’s wheels turn because torque from a power source (engine or electric motor) is transmitted through the drivetrain—clutch/torque converter, transmission, driveshaft or axles, differential, and CV joints—to the wheel hubs, where bearings let the wheels spin; the tires’ grip on the road then converts that rotation …
What Is the Main Purpose of a Thermostat? A thermostat’s main purpose is to keep an environment at a chosen temperature by sensing current conditions and automatically switching heating or cooling equipment on or off to hold that temperature within a set range, promoting comfort, efficiency, and equipment protection. In practice, thermostats act as the …
The Best-Selling Car of the 1960s The Volkswagen Beetle was the most-sold car model worldwide in the 1960s. While yearly and regional rankings varied, industry production data and historical records consistently show the Beetle dominating global demand throughout the decade, with cumulative production surpassing the 10-million mark by the mid-1960s—an indicator of its unmatched popularity …
Do any hybrids qualify for a tax credit? Yes—but only plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) can qualify for U.S. federal tax incentives, while conventional (non-plug-in) hybrids do not. New PHEVs may be eligible for the federal Clean Vehicle Credit if they meet strict sourcing, assembly, price, and income rules; used PHEVs can qualify under a separate used-vehicle …
Do you turn the thermostat up or down for cold? If you feel cold and want the heating to warm the room, turn the thermostat up (choose a higher temperature). If you want to save energy when you’re away or asleep, turn it down. In cooling/air-conditioning mode, turning the thermostat down makes the home colder; …
Does the USA have left-hand traffic? No—the United States uses right-hand traffic, meaning drivers keep to the right side of the road and most vehicles have left-hand-drive. The main exception within U.S. jurisdiction is the U.S. Virgin Islands, where people drive on the left. Below is a detailed look at the national rule, the notable …
Is it good to wash the undercarriage of your car? Yes—regularly washing your car’s undercarriage is one of the simplest ways to prevent rust, extend component life, and maintain safety, especially if you drive in winter road salt, coastal air, or off-road conditions. While most modern vehicles are designed to handle water exposure underneath, using …
Do any countries in the Americas drive on the left? Yes. While most of the Americas use right-hand traffic, several Caribbean and Atlantic islands, two mainland South American countries (Guyana and Suriname), the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Falkland Islands drive on the left. This pattern reflects colonial histories—particularly British influence—and regional coordination. The landscape …
Does a salvage title go away? No. A salvage title does not “go away.” After repairs and a state inspection, many vehicles can be retitled as “rebuilt,” “reconstructed,” or “prior salvage,” but the salvage history remains on record and usually on the new title. In most states, a car branded salvage can’t be legally driven …
How much does it cost to replace a gearbox in a car? In 2025, replacing a car’s gearbox (transmission) typically costs $2,500–$6,000 for a manual, $3,500–$8,500 for a conventional automatic, $3,500–$9,000 for a CVT, and $4,500–$12,000 for a dual‑clutch—though luxury and performance models can exceed $10,000–$15,000. Final price depends on transmission type, whether you choose …
Car vs. Motorcycle in 2025: Which Is Better to Own? It depends on your needs: for most people prioritizing safety, all-weather reliability, family transport, and cargo space, a car is the better choice; for solo riders in dense cities who value lower up‑front costs, easier parking, and an engaging commute, a motorcycle can be better. …
What “crossover” means in cars A crossover is a vehicle that blends car-like construction and driving manners with SUV-style height and versatility, typically built on a unibody (car) platform rather than a body-on-frame truck chassis. In practice, crossovers deliver higher seating position, flexible cargo space, and available all-wheel drive while prioritizing comfort, efficiency, and on-road …
How a Car Lock System Works A modern car lock system uses electronic control units to authenticate a key or phone and then drive small actuators in each door latch to secure or release the locks; most vehicles combine radio-frequency remotes, passive keyless entry sensors, and a separate immobilizer that prevents the engine from starting …
The Main Purpose of a Car The main purpose of a car is to provide safe, efficient, and on-demand transportation for people—and small amounts of cargo—between locations. Beyond simply getting from point A to point B, cars offer personal mobility, schedule flexibility, and access to places or times where public transport is limited, while also …
Can you put a speed control on a car? Yes—most modern cars already offer some form of speed control, and you can add aftermarket solutions to cap or manage speed, but the best approach depends on your goals, the vehicle’s existing features, and local law. In practice, “speed control” can mean cruise control, an adjustable …
The Structure of a Muffler A muffler (exhaust silencer) is typically a metal canister with an inlet and outlet that contains chambers, perforated tubes, and sometimes sound-absorbing packing; these elements are arranged to reflect, cancel, and absorb pressure waves from the engine, reducing noise while allowing exhaust gases to flow out. In more detail, a …
How the Clutch System Works A clutch temporarily disconnects the engine from the transmission so you can start, stop, and change gears smoothly; pressing the pedal releases spring pressure and separates friction surfaces, and releasing it re-applies pressure to restore torque flow. This article explains the components, the step-by-step operation, common variations, symptoms of trouble, …
What Is a 4×4 System? A 4×4 system is an automotive drivetrain that can send power to all four wheels, improving traction and control on challenging surfaces; while the term most commonly refers to off-road-capable four-wheel drive (4WD) with a transfer case and selectable modes, it is sometimes used more broadly alongside all-wheel drive (AWD), …
Three Types of Line Drawings, Explained Three widely taught types of line drawings are contour drawing, gesture drawing, and blind contour drawing. These approaches use line in distinct ways to capture edges, movement, and observation, respectively, and they form the foundation of many drawing curricula. Below, we outline what each type involves and why they …
Which Jumper Cable Goes on First? The first connection should be the red positive (+) cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Then attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery, the black clamp to the negative terminal of the good battery, and finally the remaining black clamp …
How Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) Works in Cars EBD uses the car’s wheel-speed sensors and the ABS/ESC hydraulic modulator to automatically vary brake pressure across the front and rear (and sometimes side-to-side) so that no wheel is over-braked, especially the lighter-loaded rear wheels. In practice, it monitors wheel slip and deceleration, trims rear brake pressure …
Is a twin‑turbo faster than a turbo? Not necessarily: a twin‑turbo isn’t automatically faster than a single turbo. Actual performance depends on turbo sizing, engine design, tuning, and how power is delivered. Twins can improve response and widen the torque band, while a single, properly sized turbo can match or exceed peak power. In practice, …
How a Vehicle Behaves When the Fuel Pump Is Failing A vehicle with a failing fuel pump typically hesitates under load, loses power at highway speeds, struggles to start, may stall without warning, and can emit a high-pitched whining noise from the fuel tank; symptoms often worsen when the engine is hot or the fuel …
How to Become a Repo Tow Truck Driver To become a repo tow truck driver, you typically need a clean driving record, any state-required towing and repossession credentials, industry training (such as CARS certification), employment with or licensure as a repossession agency, compliant equipment and insurance, and strict adherence to “no breach of the peace” …
Can a car run with a bad alternator? Yes—briefly. A car with a failing or failed alternator can continue running on the battery alone for a short time, typically minutes to under an hour, depending on battery charge and electrical load. However, it’s unsafe and unreliable: voltage will drop quickly, critical systems will shut down, …
Can You Drive With the Transmission Light On? Yes—briefly and cautiously—to reach a safe place or repair shop, but it’s risky. A steady transmission warning may indicate a manageable issue, while a flashing light, high transmission temperature, limp mode, harsh shifting, slipping, or burning smells are red flags to stop and arrange a tow to …
How much does a BelAZ 75710 cost? The BelAZ 75710 typically costs about US$7–9.5 million per unit as of 2025, depending on configuration, options, and contract terms. Because pricing is quote-only and varies with exchange rates, logistics, and service packages, actual transaction prices can fall slightly below or above this range, with most buyers also …
How Windshield Wipers Detect Rain Most modern cars detect rain using an optical sensor mounted behind the windshield that measures how water changes light reflection; newer models increasingly rely on the forward camera and software to recognize droplets and streaks, then automatically adjust wiper speed and frequency. Beyond this core approach, vehicles blend signals—from speed …
What Is the $5,000 AC Rule? The $5,000 AC rule is a common repair-versus-replace guideline: multiply your air conditioner’s age by the quoted repair cost; if the product exceeds $5,000, replacing the unit is usually more cost-effective, while a result below $5,000 often favors repairing. In practice, this quick test helps homeowners and property managers …