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A machine to check emissions on a car.

Passing Car Smog Check (California)Last year, one of our cars did not pass smog the first time around. We had to pay the regular smog fees, then a retest fee when the car passed the second time around. It would have passed if we knew the basic knowledge so this year, we made sure our car will passed before going.

 

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Auto Registration Didn't Come In The Mail?Auto registration stickers should be on vehicles before they expire. Mine is due by November 7th, 2021. It's not here. What should I do? I've only ever had 2 tickets in my 63 years of driving. I don't want another.

 

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Removing Grain Dust Residue on Car?I work at a feed mill and almost every day I come out I have grain dust on my car. Now it seems like it is embedded into the glass and paint. When I wash my car either by hand or by machine it looks clean unless you look at it side ways then you can still see the film. Any suggestions on a car wash?

 

A free state road map from the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Free Road Maps and Other Travel InformationNo need to buy a road map from the gas station convenience store. Go to the website for the Department of Transportation for your State. Request a free state road map and it will be mailed to you. You will receive the map very quickly in the mail. I live in Michigan and this was my experience to receive the map. Or, if you are a AAA member, you can request maps as well, free of charge.

 

A parking sign that states "No Parking Both Sides"

Check Street Signs ThoroughlyHere is my lesson learned that resulted me in paying a $60 ticket that I wanted to share with you all. Be sure to check street signs carefully, especially street signs on both sides of the road even if you plan to park on just one side.

 

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Ford Escape Hesitates When Accelerating?I have a 2008 Ford Escape with 124.000 original miles. The vehicle performs great on highway driving, but when in stop and go traffic for any length of time, it starts this hesitation. When traffic clears out, I accelerate and the maximum speed tops off at 40 mph and the tach reads 4rpm. It is very rough sounding. No check engine lights on and there are no lights blinking.

 

driver texting about to hit pedestrian

How to Avoid Texting While DrivingTexting while driving is dangerous and illegal in many places. Even texting at a traffic light can net you a ticket. Check to see if you phone offers the a "Do Not Disturb While Driving" setting. This is a page about how to avoid texting while driving.

 

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Removing Auto Paint Oxidation?Will cleaning with vinegar remove oxidation from auto paint? Will it damage the paint on a car? Does peanut butter really work?

 

foam erasers

Removing Paint Transfer on Vehicles With a Magic EraserRemoving paint transfers on your car may be something you can do yourself. The Magic Eraser has been used by some vehicle owners successfully. Always test in an inconspicuous spot to ensure that your paint will not be damaged. This is a page about removing paint transfer on vehicles with a Magic Eraser.

 

Close up of a VW emblem on a car grill.

Volkswagen Golf GT Having Electrical Malfunctions?Electrical issues can be traced through the wiring or could be a burned out fuse. This page contains advice for Volkswagen Golf GT is having electrical malfunctions.

 

Wet Fiat emblem.

Troubleshooting Intermittent Warning Lights on Fiat Stilo?This is a page about troubleshooting intermittent warning lights on Fiat Stilo. Intermittent warning lights can be caused by a number of issues. It is best to take it in to a repair shop, to confirm whether it is caused by faulty wiring or a computer issue.

 

Elderly couple outside their RV looking at a map

RV Warranty Repair TipsIt's important to take advantage of any necessary repairs before your warranty runs out. This is a page about RV warranty repairs tips.

 

The word Recall painted in yellow on a street.

Finding Information on Auto RecallsIf you are not the original owner of a vehicle, you will need to periodically check for recalls, especially prior to taking it in for repairs. This is a page about finding information about auto recalls.

 

The fuel tank indicator in a car, with the arrow pointing to the side with the gas cap.

Which Side of the Car Has the Gas Cap?If you drive different cars or rent one it may be difficult to remember which side the gas cap is on. In some vehicles, the icon on the dash showing a gas pump may have a triangle pointing to cap side of the car. This is a page about, "Which side of the car has the gas cap?".

 

Calculator, cup of coffee, pencil, toy car and a notepad with "Loans?" written on it.

Avoid Rolling Existing Car Loans Into a New Car PurchaseMany dealerships will try to encourage you to trade in an unpaid for car and buy a new one, by rolling the remaining balance into the new loan. There are some good financial reasons to avoid this practice, as it benefits the dealer more than the consumer. This is a page about avoiding rolling existing car loans into a new car purchase.

 

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Car broken down on the side of the road with hood open.

Buying a Car vs. Repairing a CarMany consumers and experts agree that often it is more economical to repair a car than to take on the expense of a new one. There are exceptions and you may need to do some research as part of the decision making process. This is a page about buying a car vs. repairing a car.

 

Closeup of a dashboard airbag.

How to Fix a Peeling Airbag Cover?If the cover on your airbag begins to peel a trip to the dealer is the best first step. There may be a recall, and even if not, they can assess whether the damage is cosmetic or structural. This is a page about how to fix a peeling airbag cover.

 

A car parked with a sun reflector in the window.

Cooling the Inside of a Hot Parked CarThis is a page about quickly cool a hot car. There is nothing worse then getting into a hot car. Getting some of the hot air out, will make it easier to cool off the inside with the fan or a/c.

 

Man Looking at His Keys Locked In the Car

Using AAA When Keys Are Locked In the Car?When your keys are locked in the car, AAA will call a locksmith to help you retrieve them. Hopefully there will be no damage to your automatic window. This is a page about using AAA when keys are locked in the car.

 

new red car

Maintaining Your Car's Paint JobThis is a page about maintaining your car's paint job. Keeping your car's paint job looking new is easy.

 

Large parking Lot

How to Protect Your Car in a Parking LotParking lots can be an easy place to pick up small dents and scratches on your vehicle. Here are some ideas on how to protect your car in a parking lot.

 

A purse being stored in a passenger seat.

Don't Store Anything on Your Car's Passenger SeatYour car will sense the weight on the seat. If you are in an accident, the passenger airbag will deploy. It is expensive to replace airbags. This can make the difference in your insurance company deciding whether or not to total your car or repair it.

 

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Check your License Plates RegularlyIt is very important to be familiar with your license plate number, or at a glance, know your license plate. Sometime last year, we had our rear license plate stolen and replaced with a different license plate. We noticed because when we went to close the trunk, the license plate rattled because a screw was loose.

 

An orange umbrella in the rain.

Umbrella Tips and TricksUmbrellas are handy to have around if you get caught in a sudden rain storm. This is a page about umbrella tips and tricks.

 

Car Broken Down on Side of Road

Automobile Safety TipsWhen you are traveling in an automobile, it is good to be aware of many safety tips to keep safe during your trip. This is a page about automobile safety tips.

 

A person adjusting a car's windshield wiper.

Making Windshield Wipers Last LongerTry these ways to help extend the life of your wiper blades. This is a page about making windshield wipers last longer.

 

A person cleaning a windshield with a blue cloth.

Cleaning Wax Buildup on a Windshield?If you take your car through a car wash and choose the wash and wax option, you may end up with wax residue on the windshield. This is a page about cleaning wax buildup on a windshield.

 

A man pushing a car that is stuck in the snow.

Solutions for a Car or Truck Stuck in the Snow?Being stuck in the snow is similar to having your car stuck in sand or mud. You need to use something under your tires to improve traction. This is a page about solutions for a car or truck stuck in the snow.

 

A line of tires for sale at a tire store.

Buying Blemished TiresThis is a page about buying blemished tires. Great tips for when you are in the market for new tires but don't care about a scuff or two.

 

A dog with his head out the window of a car.

Removing Saliva from a Car's Exterior?This is a page about removing saliva from a car's exterior. Saliva can leave noticeable spots on your car's exterior, requiring cleaning.

 

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Three girls sitting the back seat of a car.  One is holding a map.

Renting Cars for Long TripsThis is a page about renting cars for long trips. Using a rental car for travel may give you peace of mind, and will save wear and tear on your own vehicle.

 

Man wiping car exterior with a cloth

Removing Permanent Marker from a CarThis is a page about removing permanent marker from a car. Vandals sometimes choose to graffiti on cars using permanent markers.

 

Dirty car covered in water marks

Cleaning Water Spots From a CarThis is a page about cleaning water spots from a car. The minerals in water can leave spots on your car's finish.

 

Opening a Frozen Car Door

Opening a Frozen Car Door?This is a page about opening a frozen car door. It is cold out and you are in a rush to begin your day. It is not the time to find the car door frozen shut.

 

Checking Your Tire Pressure

Checking Your Tire PressureThis is a page about checking your tire pressure. Accurately checking your tire pressure is important to ensure that your tires are properly inflated.

 

Cleaning an 18 Wheeler

Cleaning an 18 Wheeler?Semi trucks can get pretty dirty and some of the road grime that they pick up can be hard to remove. This is a page about cleaning an 18 wheeler.

 

Glue used to repair a saggy headliner in a car.

Repairing a Saggy HeadlinerThis is a page about repairing a saggy headliner. If the headliner in your vehicle comes loose and gets saggy, it can make the interior very unattractive.

 

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Car Air Conditioner Blows Hot Air?Our Jaguar 2005 model has lost the air conditioner. We've checked out everything. It just blows out hot air. In the winter it just blew out cold air. We have added coolant.

 

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Finding the Keyless Entry Code to a Crown Victoria?I Just bought a 1998 Crown Victoria, locked it and don't know the access code.

 

mother and children in car

Removing Stains on a Car Headliner?This is a page about removing stains on a car headliner. Kids, pets, and routine use of your car and result in accidental stains on the upholstery and headliner.

 

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Getting Diesel Fuel Off Your Headlamps?How do you get diseal fuel off your headlamps? I went to the gas station someone on the staff put diesel fuel in the washer.

 

Using a Keyless Remote

Using a Keyless RemoteThis is a page about using a keyless remote. Car entry remotes and key fobs let you lock, unlock and set off the alarm of your car from afar. A key fob can be very handy.

 

Wheel Chair Van

Buying a Used Wheel Chair Van?This is a page about buying a used wheel chair van. When you need to purchase a wheel chair accessible van, you want to make sure the chair lift and the vehicle work well.

 

Car Upholstery

Removing Ink on Car Upholstery?This is a page about removing ink on car upholstery. Ink stains on your car's upholstery are a common occurrence. Finding the best product and method can help clean it off.

 

Car Radio

Repairing a Car Radio?This is a page about repairing a car radio. You may be able to save money by making some repairs to your car radio.

 

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Car Seat Belt

Cleaning Car Seat Belts?This is a page about cleaning car seat belts. Because they are handled frequently and are in the direct path of accidental spills, car seat belts can get pretty grimy.

 

Grey car with a scratched bumper.

Fixing a Scratched Car Bumper?This is a page about fixing a scratched car bumper. Car bumpers can be damaged in an accident or even in the mall parking lot.

 

An "as is" car for sale.

Getting a Diminished Value Auto Appraisal?This is a page about getting a diminished value auto appraisal. A vehicle loses some of its value after it is damaged in an accident, storm, etc. despite repairs made to fix the damage. This diminished value is separate from normal depreciation.

 

Free Auto Services

Using Free Auto ServicesThis is a page about using free auto services. Auto parts and repair shops often offer free services, some of which are not widely advertised.

 

Buffing marks from a Car's Exterior

Removing Stains and Marks from a Car's...Your car's exterior is subject to stains, spills, scuffs, and unfortunately sometimes vandalism. This is a page about removing stains and marks from a car's exterior.

 

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Truck Heater Blower Doesn't Work?I have a 2006 Chery 3500. My blower motor didn't stop after I shut my truck off, so I thought the resistor was bad. I changed it and now my blower motor doesn't run at all unless I wire both resistors in series. Is my blower motor bad?

 

Man Yawning While Driving

Staying Alert While DrivingA major cause of accidents, particularly on longer drives, is drowsiness or not being alert to road conditions and other vehicles. This is a page about staying alert while driving.

 

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2005 Silverado Truck Overheating?I have changed the thermostat, radiator cap, and water pump. The heater blows cold air. When the truck heats up, then the heater blows hot when truck is reg temp. Please help.

 

Man Looking at Radiator

Fixing Auto Radiator LeaksThis is a page about fixing auto radiator leaks. Replacing a radiator is expensive. Sometimes a minor leak can be repaired.

 

Man Looking Keys Locked in Car

Solutions for Keys Locked in CarThis is a page about solutions for keys locked in car. When keys are left inside the car, there are ways to have an extra key close at hand or good services to help you get in.

 

Woman Dealing with Broken Down Car

Buying an Extended Car Warranty?This page is about buying an extended car warranty. When you buy a new or used car there may be an extended warranty available. It is important to read this carefully before you make this purchase to make sure you will benefit from this.

 

Car Radiator

Troubleshooting Car Heater ProblemsThis is a page about troubleshooting car heater problems. The weather is cold and of course your heater is not working properly. Determining the cause of the problem can be time consuming and frustrating.

 

Tires in Shopping Cart

Saving Money on TiresThis page is about saving money on tires. Keeping your vehicle safe by having good tread on your tires can be expensive, but there are ways to save on your purchase.

 

Tennis Ball for Pulling Into the Garage

Ping Pong Ball for Pulling Into the GarageTake a ping ping ball and pierce a hole in it on each side. Thread a string through it and tie in your garage against the car windshield to the exact place where you need to pull in the garage for a perfect fit.

 

Closeup of a tire.

Rotating Your TiresThis page is about rotating your tires. Moving your tires from front to back can extend the life of your tire tread, which saves you money.

 

Indian Chief

Indian Chief Motorcycle PhotosIndian Chief motorcycles are some of the most well crafted and recognizable bikes on the road. Share your favorite photos of these beautiful motorcycles here. This is a page about Indian motorcycle photos.

 

nail polish spill

Removing Nail Polish on Car Upholstery?This is a page about removing nail polish on car upholstery. Car upholstery can become dirty and stained from daily usage and accidental spills.

 

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Troubleshooting a Car That is Overheating?My '98 Buick Century started overheating. My husband put in a new water pump, new hoses, and a new thermostat. We thought it was fixed, but now it's losing water somewhere, not on the ground.

 

seat belt

Finding a Comfortable Seat Belt For Short PeopleThis page is about finding a comfortable seat belt for short people. Depending on your size, a seat belt can rub against you wrong.

 

Snow Covered Truck

Troubleshooting Truck Heater ProblemsWhen your vehicle's heater is not blowing hot air, you need to figure out why not. This page is about troubleshooting truck heater problems.

 

Travel trailer in the snow.

Winterizing a Travel Trailer?This page is about winterizing a travel trailer. Making sure your recreational vehicle is ready for cold temperatures and not inviting to rodents is very important.

 

Car's Carpet

Removing Salt Stains from Your Car's Carpet?This is a page about removing salt stains from your car's carpet. Winter, in many areas, means salt on the roads and unfortunately also on the carpet inside your car.

 

Road with freshly painted yellow lines.

Removing Road Paint From Your Car?This is a page about removing road paint from your car. Driving through an area where road work is being done often can not be avoided. This can result in oil, paint, and other construction materials being deposited on your car.

 

Car Battery

Car Battery TipsThis is a page about car battery tips. In many ways the battery in your car is one of the most important components. If it is not working properly it doesn't start.

 

2006 Nissan Altima

2006 Nissan Altima Reviews?This page is about 2006 Nissan Altima reviews. It helps to find out as much as you can about a car you are interested in buying.

 

Gray Smoke Coming From a Tailpipe

Gray Smoke Coming From a Tailpipe?This is a page about gray smoke coming from a tailpipe. Smoke coming from your tailpipe is generally not a good thing. The different colors of smoke can help narrow down the possible problem.

 

Bumper Sticker

Removing a Bumper StickerThis is a page about removing a bumper sticker. Removing a bumper sticker can be difficult to do without damaging the paint underneath.

 

New Tires

Buying TiresThis is a page about buying tires. Tires are an important and expensive auto maintenance purchase. Knowing how to select the best tires for your vehicle and its usage will make this a more positive experience.

 

Removing Lug Nuts

Removing Stubborn Lug NutsThis is a page about removing stubborn lug nuts. Having a flat tire is bad enough, but then if the lug nuts won't loosen the situation can escalate into down right frustrating.

 

Photo of a someone checking their oil.

Keeping Track of Your Car's Maintenance RequirementsThis page is about keeping track of your car's maintenance requirements. Keeping good records of your auto maintenance will help you keep your car running well.

 

Repairing a Car

Repairing a Car's Transmission?This is a page about repairing a car's transmission. The transmission in your car is a very essential part of the engine. Keeping it in good working order and recognizing the onset of problems may save you money in the long run.

 

Windshield Wipers

Cleaning Windshield WipersThis is a page about cleaning windshield wipers. You can improve the effectiveness of your windshield wipers by periodically cleaning the wiper blades.

 

Windshield Wipers

Fixing Squeaky Windshield WipersThis is a page about fixing squeaky windshield wipers. You may be able to easily get rid for the annoying squeak coming from your windshield wipers.

 

Gas Gauge

Improving Gas MileageThis is a page about improving gas mileage. You may not be able to buy a new, more fuel efficient car, but there are things you can do to improver gas mileage.

 

old car

Painting Vinyl Car Trim?This is a page about painting vinyl car trim. The trim on your car can fade or be damaged by debris kicked up from the road. Painting it can improve its appearance.

 

Buying a New Car

Buying a New CarThis is a page about buying a new car. Buying a new car is an important and likely expensive decision.

 

bottle of super glue

Removing Super Glue from a Car's Exterior?This is a page about removing Super Glue for a car's exterior. Removing something like super glue from your car's exterior needs to be done with care to prevent damaging the paint.

 

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Keep Sun Hat in CarI am often driving into the late afternoon sun, and since I am short, the sun visor is not much help. Now I keep a hat with a floppy brim in the car so I can just pull the brim down on my face where I need it.

 

Cleaning the residue from a window.

Removing Window Tint from Car Windows?This page is about removing window tint from car windows. You may want to remove the factory tinting from your truck or car windows.

 

Buying a Car for $2000

Buying a Car for $2000 (or Less)?This page is about buying a car for $2000 (or less). Finding a good, inexpensive car that won't soon need repairs or parts is challenging.

 

Selling Your Car

Selling Your Car on CraigslistWhen selling a vehicle, it is important to be safe and thorough to avoid learning lessons the hard way. This page is about selling your car on Craigslist.

 

Selling a Car

Tips for Selling a CarThis page contains tips for selling a car. When it's time to sell your vehicle there are a number of things to keep in mind to get the value you deserve and maintain your personal security.

 

A child eating ice cream in a car.

Preventing Spills in the CarThis page is about preventing spills in the car. Planning ahead to keep beverages and groceries from tipping over can help keep your auto clean.

 

A girl trying to drive on snow and ice.

Getting Traction When Driving on IceThis is a page about getting traction when driving on ice. It is easy to lose traction on icy roads or driveways.

 

The rear license plate of a red car from California.

Discouraging Auto Tag TheftThis is a page about discouraging auto tag theft. Thieves may try to steal auto license tags to put on stolen vehicles.

 

Hybrid Car

Buying a Hybrid Car?This is a page about buying a hybrid car. Hybrid cars are more common on the roads; do your research before choosing the hybrid for you.

 

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Electronic Key ReplacementWho knew it would be so difficult to replace my car keys? Electronic keys are not as simple to replace as other car, home or other keys. If you don't already have a spare, you might want to get one before you need one.

 

Foggy Windshield

Remedies for a Foggy WindshieldThis page contains remedies for a foggy windshield. Sometimes you need a little help to keep your windshield free of fog.

 

A garage door being opened by a remote.

Parking In Your GarageThis is a page about parking in your garage. Sometimes it can be difficult to stop in just the right spot when parking in your garage.

 

Clean Car Interior

Leasing A CarThis page is about leasing a car. For some drivers leasing a car makes more sense than owning a vehicle.

 

Disposing of Old Cars

Disposing of Old CarsThis page is about disposing of old cars. When automobiles are no longer worth fixing, there are ways to recover some value.

 

Parking Meter

Saving Money on ParkingThis page is about saving money on parking. You may have to do a bit more walking, but there are ways to save on parking fees.

 

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Area Under RV Decal Different Color?I removed an old RV decal. The area under it is now white compared to rest of side. What can be done to make the area uniform in color? It shows what and where the decal was. We want to put on a new decal, but the new one is not as large as the old one and the white area will show on the edges. Can anything be done short of covering the whole area with a new larger decal?

 

A leopard print memory foam mat used as a car seat cover.

Homemade Car Seat CoversThis is a page about homemade car seat covers. Looking for a way cover worn car seat upholstery or just a fun way to dress up your interior, homemade car seat covers might be the answer.

 

Woman Driving in Summer

Summer Driving TipsThis page contains summer driving tips. Although the road conditions and visibility are usually good, there are other things to keep in mind when driving in the summer.

 

Thief Breaking into Car

Preventing Auto TheftThis is a page about preventing auto theft. There are several simple things you can get into the habit of doing that can help in preventing auto theft.

 

Repairing a Flat Tire

Repairing a Flat TireIt can be very frustrating to get a flat tire, especially if you have to fix it yourself. This is a page about repairing a flat tire.

 

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