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.
Is a 2.4 a 4-cylinder? Often—but not always. A “2.4” typically refers to a 2.4‑liter engine, which in many modern cars is a four‑cylinder. However, 2.4 liters is a measure of displacement, not cylinder count, so there are also 2.4‑liter five‑cylinders and six‑cylinders on the market and in the used/classic car world. Here’s how to …
What Size Wrench Do You Need for a Car Battery? Most car battery terminal clamp nuts use a 10 mm wrench; some vehicles use 8 mm or 12–13 mm. GM-style side-post batteries typically take an 8 mm (5/16 inch) wrench on the terminal bolt. Battery hold-down brackets are commonly 10 mm or 13 mm (or …
Who is the world’s best car racer? There isn’t a single definitive “world’s best,” but the most defensible all-time pick across global motorsport is Lewis Hamilton for his record-setting Formula 1 career; on current form over the last few seasons, Max Verstappen has been the benchmark. In rallying, Sébastien Loeb is the career standout, and …
Where to put water in your car The only place most drivers should add “water” themselves is the windshield washer reservoir; for the engine, use premixed coolant in the overflow tank and only add plain water in an emergency when you can’t get the right coolant. Modern vehicles have specific fluid systems, so knowing what …
Where Is the Brake Light Switch Typically Located? In most cars and light trucks, the brake light switch is mounted on the brake pedal assembly under the dashboard, where a plunger or sensor contacts the pedal arm; some vehicles instead use a pressure switch on the master cylinder or brake hydraulic line. Motorcycles typically have …
Are lowrider cars illegal? No—lowrider cars are not inherently illegal. In most places, it’s legal to own and drive a lowrider, but specific modifications and behaviors can violate local vehicle equipment and traffic laws. In California, lowriding and cruising are legal statewide as of 2024 after lawmakers repealed anti-cruising rules and a decades-old restriction on …
What “Condition” Means for a Car Condition refers to a car’s overall state—mechanical, cosmetic, structural, and legal—which signals how well it runs, how it looks, whether it’s been damaged or repaired, and how it’s been maintained. In practice, a vehicle’s condition summarizes wear and tear, service history, accident/flood exposure, and title status, and it is …
What Is the Main Function of the Camshaft? The camshaft’s main function is to open and close an engine’s intake and exhaust valves at precisely timed intervals relative to the crankshaft, controlling how the engine breathes and, therefore, how it produces power, efficiency, and emissions. In modern engines, the camshaft’s role is coordinated electronically and …
How Traffic Lights Get Programmed Traffic lights are programmed by traffic engineers who define timing plans—sets of parameters for green, yellow, and red phases—inside dedicated signal controllers that use sensors, schedules, and sometimes adaptive algorithms to respond to real-time conditions. In practice, signals run predesigned plans for different times of day, coordinate with nearby intersections …
Who are the most popular NASCAR drivers right now Chase Elliott remains the sport’s most popular active driver, with Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney close behind; other widely followed and frequently searched names include Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, William Byron, and Christopher Bell. Popularity is reflected by the multi-year …
Do Any Cars Still Use a Rotary Engine? Yes—but only in a supporting role. Mazda’s MX-30 e‑Skyactiv R‑EV, sold in select markets, uses a compact rotary engine as a generator to extend driving range. No current mass‑production car uses a rotary engine as the primary drive unit; the last mainstream rotary-driven sports car, Mazda’s RX‑8, …
How a Differential System Works A vehicle’s differential lets the left and right wheels rotate at different speeds while still receiving engine torque; it uses a set of gears (or clutches) to split power, enabling smooth turns, reducing tire scrub, and maintaining control. In practice, the differential transmits torque from the driveshaft to the axle …
How Much Are Dead Cars Worth? In most of the United States, a non‑running “dead” car is typically worth $200–$1,500, depending on weight, scrap and parts value, towing, title status, and current metal prices; repairable late‑model vehicles can fetch $1,000–$5,000, while stripped or very light hulks may bring only $100–$400. That range reflects 2025 market …
What Is an ABS Braking System? An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a safety feature that prevents a vehicle’s wheels from locking during hard braking, helping the driver or rider maintain steering control and stability. By rapidly modulating brake pressure through sensors, valves, and a control unit, ABS keeps tires at the edge of traction, …
How Much Does Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) Cost? PDR for a typical small dent in the United States generally costs about $100–$300 per dent, while more complex dents can run $200–$600, and full-vehicle hail repair commonly ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on severity. Prices vary by dent size and location, vehicle material (steel vs. …
Types of Odometers: Mechanical, Electronic, and GPS-Based Explained Odometers generally fall into four main types: mechanical (analog), electromechanical, fully electronic/digital, and GPS-based. Most modern cars use electronic/digital odometers driven by wheel-speed sensors, while older vehicles relied on cable-driven mechanical units; specialized forms like hub odometers (for trailers), bicycle computers, and rally tripmeters serve niche needs. …
Who was at fault for the 1955 Le Mans disaster? No single driver was found legally at fault for the 1955 Le Mans disaster; official inquiries in France ruled it a racing accident caused by a chain of factors including a hazardous track layout, inadequate crowd protection, and split-second maneuvers by Mike Hawthorn, Lance Macklin, …
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Lowrider? In the U.S. in 2025, building a custom lowrider typically costs $35,000 to $150,000, depending on the base car, level of customization, and how much work you do yourself; entry-level driver builds can be done from about $15,000 to $30,000 if you start with a …
Regaining Power Steering: What to Do and How to Fix the Cause If your steering suddenly feels heavy, safely pull over, keep the engine running, and determine whether you have hydraulic or electric power steering; top up fluid and look for leaks on hydraulic systems, or check battery/charging health, fuses, and try an ignition cycle …
How Much Does a Rack and Pinion Replacement Cost? Expect to pay roughly $1,100 to $2,900 in the U.S. for a rack-and-pinion (steering rack) replacement, including parts, labor, and a wheel alignment. Many mainstream cars land closer to $900 to $1,800 with a remanufactured rack, while luxury, performance, AWD, or vehicles with electronic power steering …
How Much Will My Oil Change Cost? For most cars in the U.S. in 2025, expect to pay about $70–$130 for a full-synthetic oil change at a national chain, $50–$85 for conventional (where applicable), and $90–$160 at dealerships; specialty European models and diesel pickups commonly run $120–$250. Actual price depends on oil type, engine oil …
Biofuels: Key Disadvantages (GCSE) Biofuels can drive deforestation and habitat loss, compete with food crops, are not fully carbon neutral once farming and land-use change are considered, can pollute water and air, use lots of land and water, have lower energy density than fossil fuels, and may require engine or infrastructure changes. This article explains …
How to Use Jumper Cables Step by Step Attach the red clamp to the dead battery’s positive (+), the other red clamp to the donor battery’s positive (+), the black clamp to the donor battery’s negative (−), and the final black clamp to an unpainted metal ground on the dead car; start the donor, then …
Automotive Engines Explained Automotive engines are machines that convert stored energy into mechanical power to propel vehicles; today that includes internal combustion engines burning fuels like gasoline or diesel, and electric motors powered by batteries or fuel cells. In industry language, “engine” traditionally means a fuel-burning machine, while “motor” refers to an electrically driven unit, …
Can You Drive a Car If the Transmission Is Out? Generally, no—you can’t safely drive a car if the transmission is “out.” If the unit has failed completely, the engine’s power will not reach the wheels. In a few edge cases, a vehicle may limp along briefly in one gear or “limp mode,” but doing …
CVT vs. Automatic Transmission: Which Is Better? For most everyday commuters and many hybrids, a well-executed CVT (continuously variable transmission) is better for fuel efficiency and smooth, stop‑and‑go driving; for performance, towing, high-load use, and long-term durability under stress, a modern torque‑converter automatic is usually the better choice. The “best” option depends on how you …
Does a taxi meter go up in traffic? Yes—most taxi meters continue to rise in traffic because fares are typically calculated using a mix of distance and time. When a cab is moving slowly or stopped, the meter switches from charging per mile/kilometer to charging for “waiting time,” so the fare increases even if you …
How to Know If Your Carburetor Is Bad If your engine is hard to start, idles roughly, stumbles on acceleration, runs only with the choke on, or emits black smoke and a strong fuel smell, the carburetor is likely dirty, misadjusted, or worn. Quick checks—like partially closing the choke to see if performance improves, spraying …
Signs of a Bad Transmission: What to Watch For If your car’s transmission is failing, you’ll often notice slipping or delayed shifts, harsh or grinding gear changes, shuddering on acceleration, whining or clunking noises, a burning smell, warning lights, and red or brown fluid leaks. These symptoms indicate the gearbox isn’t transmitting power correctly and …
Where Seatbelt Pretensioners Are Located Seatbelt pretensioners are typically located in one or more of three places: inside the belt retractor (usually in the B‑pillar or within the seat), inside the buckle assembly at the seat base, and sometimes at the outboard lap-belt anchor near the vehicle’s floor or sill. Exact placement varies by vehicle …