Articles about Car Ownership

I learned that with a small, rugged multi-cab

What's the most memorable car for you? Is it the one that's been with you for a few decades now? Is it the family car you grew up with? Is it the hand-me-down you got back in college?

Should you pay attention to these?

The other day, I was at a tire shop and was watching as tires were being mounted for another customer. I noticed that the technician doing the mounting wasn't paying attention to the alignment of the dots on the sidewall

A potentially dangerous problem

I started noticing a faint fluttering noise coming from my Miata's engine bay whenever the engine was under load, but only at very low revs. At engine speeds above 4,000rpm the annoying sound disappeared. It was a very soft clicking

These parts don't last forever

Knowing your car intimately will help prolong its life. Be aware of wear items like belts and hoses. These components are often overlooked and if they fail, you will be left stranded by the side of the road. These parts don't

It's easy to keep it water-free

As tough and reliable as a diesel engine is, it does require extra attention when it comes to maintenance. Here's a simple procedure that anyone can do, and it will come in handy if your diesel motor won't start.Super

Because rainy season is in full swing

If you are able to catch rust early, you can remedy it yourself without having to resort to extensive body repair. You just need to know what to look for and have the right tools for the job.Medium. You need some

Be smart about it

This is something that we don't wish on anybody, especially during a heavy deluge. But it can and does happen. On an older car, the cause can be a broken or worn-out wiper linkage. On a more modern car, the

Don't take driving position for granted

I have a 1996 Mazda Miata that I adore to bits, but for taller drivers like me (I'm 5ft 11in), the driving position is kind of off with that car. Unlike most newer models with almost infinite steering wheel and seat

It's the little things that count

Every morning right after I clock into the office, there's one routine I never fail to follow: I buy a P17 cup of Robusta coffee in our pantry, pour in some creamer, and watch the white powder sink into its abyss.

It's a handy skill

It depends

We hardly ever stray from the maintenance advice that manufacturers give for their respective cars. You just can't go wrong with it. After all, they did build the thing.However, manufacturer advice, for the most part, only takes into consideration ordinary

Are you eyeing any of them?

So far, 2018 has been a hell of a year for the local auto scene. Car after car, launch after launch--it just seems like there's no end to the number of new arrivals. And it isn't just limited to

What's your preference?

Here's a question we're sure will draw a variety of opinions: "Where do you prefer to have your personal car serviced?" Your choices are as follows:a) The casab) At a talyerc) At a branded specialist shopd) At a gas

A reader asks for help

How do I properly open and close the hood of our car?MarkHi, Mark. Cars have gotten very reliable these days that opening and closing the hood (engine cover) is something that many owners might rarely think of. It's entirely possible

These could save you a lot of trouble

Taking care of the four rubber things that keep your car on the ground is important. But it's just as vital you look after the spare tire that's in place in case one of those four goes flat. Here's

There are plenty of ways to save money

Here's a common misconception when it comes to car ownership: "Your expenses will rack up faster than the kilometers on your odometer."It's not a completely false statement though. Owning a car costs fuel, money, responsible financing and the willingness

Leave it to the pros

So you just bought your first car. Great! And now, you're excited about the prospect of tinkering and fixing up your ride to your heart's content. Who needs to go to a shop, you think to yourself. You've read

Some things are more important than your ride

Pictured above is my first-gen Mazda 3, a car that I'll continue to cherish for the rest of my life. There's nothing quite like your first, right? I bought it used back when I was living in Australia, and

Should you invest in them?

Many cars have disc brakes on all four wheels these days. But let's say your car came with drum brakes in the rear, or you have an older car with drum brakes in every corner. Is it a worthwhile investment to

And how to avoid killing them

Cats may be Instagram superstars, but they're vulnerable creatures outside social media. When they're not getting run over by vehicles, they turn into feline ground meat when they hide inside car engine bays (okay, sometimes, they survive and get out