Maintenance
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Most defrosters rely on the heat from a car’s engine, but some vehicles have electrically heated windshields, while EVs rely on electric sources for their heating and cooling systems.
By Rick Cotta
September 28, 2025

Conventional wisdom typically sets no time or mileage interval to replace drive-axle boots, but that's the simplified answer.
By Rick Cotta
September 14, 2025

If your car is making a squealing or squeaking sound when you turn the steering wheel, there could be any of several culprits at play.
By Rick Cotta
August 24, 2025

Using regular gas in an engine that requires premium could void your warranty if it causes severe engine knock or pinging.
By Rick Cotta
August 10, 2025

EGR stands for exhaust gas recirculation, and the EGR valve is part of a system that recirculates exhaust gas back into the engine’s intake manifold for a return trip to the cylinders it just left.
By Rick Cotta
July 27, 2025

Airbags cannot do their job if the sensors are not working properly, so if the SRS light on the dash illuminates, don’t ignore it.
By Cars.com Editors
July 18, 2025

A misfire means that a cylinder in your engine isn’t producing the power it should because the air-fuel mixture in it didn’t properly ignite and burn.
By Rick Cotta
July 13, 2025

Everyone knows cars cost money, but what’s less known is how much that car will keep costing you after its initial purchase.
By Robert Duffer
July 8, 2025

While not an immediate threat, sap can etch through the paint's clear coat after some time, leading to discoloring and staining.
By Robby DeGraff
July 7, 2025

A catalytic converter is part of your car’s exhaust system that converts harmful engine-exhaust pollutants into something less harmful to the environment.
By Nick Kurczewski
June 24, 2025