Tips and Advice

It’s Fall, a dreaded time of year for classic and sports car owners living where the mercury drops and the white stuff threatens.

The route to car ownership is filled with many options and leasing can be one for those who do not want to commit to a long-term purchase.

New car shoppers choose their rides based on an array of factors almost as numerous and unique as shoppers themselves.

Are you stupid rich? Do you like writing big cheques?

The alternator is a device that keeps your car’s electrical system running once the engine is on. It’s essentially a small generator that converts mechanical energy into electricity, bolted to the engine and driven by a belt connected to the engine’s crankshaft.

Chaos ensues at local tire shops when the snow belt states get their first flurries of the season.

The vast majority of the fuel currently sold in North America – with a few notable exceptions, such as Shell V-Power in Canada, and a number of independent gas station chains in the United States – is blended with up to 10% ethanol.

Gasoline marketing strategies are problematic, at best, when it comes to figuring out what ‘grade’ of fuel you should be running in your car.

As evidenced by recent consumer trends and sales figures, the crossover is all the rage.

Like our parents always told us, it's better to see a situation from other perspectives. That's true in the world of dash cams too.

Spring is super busy for most folks. You probably already have a to-do list that’s ready to burst like a vigorously shaken soft drink.

Your guide to changing your oil at home and all the tools you'll need to make it easier.

Spring is finally here, and with sports car season in the air, thousands of shoppers are hitting the used car market in search of an exciting new ride.

After the purchase of any new car, an opportunity to rust proof arises. Should you do it, or is it just a waste of money?

Shopping for engine oil can be daunting, with numerous brands and options available in today’s marketplace. How do you choose from all the different companies offering motor oil when they all sound the same? Well, truth be told, most reputable brands will offer similar products, and in the case of this list, you really can’t go wrong with any of the options. Some oils are better quality than others, offering more performance and working harder to keep your engine clean. But many would argue that the general consumer won’t even notice the difference between Quaker State or Pennzoil. In fact, there have been studies conducted that show most oil brands have similar products.

Buying used cars is an experience that can be tricky to navigate for someone who hasn’t done it before. 

You might want to drive all year long on winter tires to save money, time, or both, but you shouldn’t do it—here's why.

So, you’re in the market for a used car. Congratulations. Whether trading up or acquiring your first car, car-shopping is one of life’s biggest milestones.

Some drivers see their car’s fuel gauge as a nagging parent; it lights up urging you to refuel like your mom or dad would remind you to clean your room. But don’t ignore your car’s insistence on refueling, because you can damage your car by running it on empty.

The people have spoken, and overlanding is one of the hottest automotive trends of the last few decades.

Maybe you got a flat tire that one time, or maybe you wondered if winter tires are really necessary (they are, depending on where you live). Often, though, with the exception of situations like these, many drivers forget about their tires until there’s an obvious issue.

Maybe you’ve been in this situation: stuck on the side of a road, a punctured tire needing to be changed out for the spare one in the trunk. You have a pair of options, do you choose to change the tire yourself, or do you call for roadside assistance. Both options can take a while to get you back on the road, especially if you’ve never changed a tire yourself before. And even if you have, sometimes it can take some serious elbow grease.

Before we get too far into this festival of definitions and hair-splitting, it is important to know that – absent of all other considerations – power to all four wheels simply gets you up to crashing speed more quickly. Four- (or all-) wheel drive does nothing to improve stopping distances and does very little if your vehicle is equipped with worn tires that resemble party balloons.

Four-wheel-drive Low (4WD Low) is an integral feature in many off-road vehicles that offers drivers enhanced torque and control in challenging terrain.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N captured the hearts of many automotive enthusiasts last year, including ours.

Choosing the right mud-terrain (M/T) tire for your 4x4 is essential for optimizing performance, safety, and off-road ability. The right tires can dramatically improve your vehicle’s traction, durability, and handling on a variety of surfaces.

If your car or truck’s check engine light is on, there’s a stumble when accelerating, or if the transmission just isn’t shifting the way you think it should, it’s a good idea to get these potential issues looked at before something major fails and you’re left with a huge repair bill.

Jumper cables and portable jumper boxes are both tools used to revive a vehicle with a dead battery, but they have distinct differences despite sharing a similar end-goal. And with a plethora of purchasable options in both camps, it can be difficult to decide which way to spend your pretty pennies. Let’s dive in and compare the two common types of vehicle jumpers, which hopefully helps you reach a conclusion as to which is better for your usage case.

Should you run winter tires on your car or truck?

Uh-oh, your car’s battery is dead, the brakes are squealing or a taillight bulb just burned out.

With the Holidays approaching faster than a Bugatti Tourbillion at full blaze it's time for the AutoGuide Editor's Gift Guide. Perfect for the procrastinators out there, you're sure to find something for that car lover on your list whether they're toddlers, teenagers, or adults themselves.

Overlanding is an adventurous and self-reliant form of travel, typically in remote areas, where the journey is just as important as the destination.

The car enthusiast in your life can be notoriously tough to shop for, but eBay might just have you covered.

Dash cams have become quite a fixture for motorists recently. They can capture clear-cut evidence of a road incident, taking away the issue of whose story should the authorities believe. For many drivers, a quality dash cam gets installed permanently in their vehicle. 

Kinda cold outside, isn’t it? Depending on where you live, of course, winter is here or knocking on the door, and that means it's time to put away the automotive toys.

Cars are so expensive now—with average new vehicle transaction prices creeping towards $50,000 and the used market still obscene and absolutely full of grifters, looking for a good cheap car can seem an impossible task.

Functionally, the cabin filter cleans the air entering your vehicle through the heating and air conditioning system. Airborne dirt, dust, pollen, and debris are trapped in the filter so they can’t enter the cabin area. It’s important to change them regularly, particularly for those with allergies or breathing sensitivities. Most automakers recommend changing your cabin filter at least once annually, or every 12,000 miles.

As new vehicle prices continue to creep ever higher, used cars remain a practical option for saving money on your next vehicle. However, the excitement of snagging a bargain can quickly fade if and when repairs and maintenance costs start to pile up.

The 2024 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list features a variety of powertrains, offering something for every type of car enthusiast. From turbocharged engines to hybrid systems, this year's winners come from a diverse range of manufacturers. Let's take a look!

According to the latest study from iSeeCars.com, the average vehicle has an 8.6 percent chance of lasting 250,000 miles or more.

After picking up my Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in June, I reached out to the pros at Meguiar's to get some tips on how to care for matte paint. The team provided me with their product recommendations and a wealth of knowledge on how to keep my matte paint in pristine condition. Over the past couple of months, I've been testing numerous products and decided to compile a collection of my recommended products for matte paint care.

One of the best ways to do this is to create your own crash structure for your dog. After all, your car provides the same to you. Arguably the best way to tackle this is with a crash-tested dog crate. The Center for Pet Safety is a nonprofit that tests dog-friendly restraints, crates, and other travel accessories to keep your dog safe in the car. They recommend a number of crate options for various sizes of dogs.

Skid plates are protective metal plates or panels installed on the undercarriage of a vehicle that are designed to shield important components from damage caused by rocks, debris, and rough terrain.

Overlanding combines the spirit of adventure with the practicality of road travel, allowing you to explore remote locations with the comfort and autonomy of your own vehicle. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a novice explorer, planning an overlanding trip requires careful consideration and thorough preparation. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure a successful and memorable journey.

Going back to my youth growing up on a farm, my grandfather would always say that having the right tools was very important, and having those tools be good quality was a vital part of being successful. He never saw the value in having a tool that wouldn’t last and/or could get the job done. One thing he always had handy was a good, high-quality battery charger. As an adult with a small hobby farm of my own, and a lot of stuff like ATVs, boats, vehicles, and yes, even tractors around my place, I can attest that having a quality battery charger is a must. When I decided to test out the TOPDON TB6000 Pro, I thought, why rush it. Let’s see if it can handle some serious usage. What I found surprised me.

For years now, I've been mainly using a pressure washer to take care of my cars. Oftentimes, when friends or family ask me how to best take care of their brand new car, the first thing I always recommend is getting a pressure washer and a foam cannon. Not only does it make washing your car much easier, but it also provides a better and safer wash. Up until now, though, I've always just used the wand and pressure gun that came with my pressure washer—including the recent Chemical Guys ProFlow PM2000 I recently tested.

Being a car enthusiast on a budget can be tough. I know as I’ve firmly been a member of the limited funds for automotive fun camp since I got my license. But not having endless cash to throw at a weekend toy doesn’t mean it’s impossible to have fun.

As electric vehicles become more popular, so does the demand for quality home chargers or EVSEs. The latest charger to cross our path at the AutoGuide.com garage for testing and evaluation comes from TOPDON, with the PulseQ AC Portable EV Charger. We opted for the 32A model with a NEMA 14-50P at the end so that we could evaluate its Level 2 charging capabilities. The unit also comes with a 5-15P adapter if you need to do Level 1 charging off a standard household outlet. My test vehicles for this evaluation were a 2022 Toyota Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid) and a 2023 Polestar 2.

When overlanding, it's crucial to be prepared for any situation that may arise.

Owning a dog is a lot of fun, especially if you live somewhere that allows you to get out and do things with your pet. Whether it’s heading out to the backcountry for some camping or down the street for a drink, you probably need a car to get there. Thing is, some cars are better for dog owners than others. That’s exactly what this list is for, so take a look at the best new cars for dog owners.

The decision to invest in a Level 2 home electric vehicle (EV) charger depends on various factors and personal preferences. This type of charger isn’t for everybody, but it can be a very beneficial way to improve the convenience of owning an EV. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:

The 2024 Jaguar F-Type Convertible offers a luxurious and high-performance driving experience. Available with powerful engine options, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, it ensures exhilarating acceleration and responsive handling. Its lightweight aluminum structure and advanced suspension provide agility and smoothness. Inside, the F-Type features premium materials, an updated infotainment system, and a digital instrument cluster. The soft top operates efficiently, enhancing the open-air driving experience. The exterior boasts sleek lines, a distinctive grille, and modern LED headlights. Safety is prioritized with advanced driver-assistance features, making the 2024 Jaguar F-Type Convertible a compelling choice for enthusiasts.

Starting overlanding is an exciting and rewarding endeavor that requires a thoughtful approach to preparation, gear acquisition, and skill development. The journey begins with understanding the essence of overlanding, which is an adventurous blend of off-road driving and camping, often undertaken in remote and challenging environments. This form of travel allows you to explore the great outdoors and experience the freedom of self-sufficient travel.

If you’ve set out to do a bit of at-home auto maintenance, you’ve probably noticed some of the parts commonly found online can vary greatly in price.

Recently, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. While I had an internal debate on which paint color to get, I ultimately decided on Performance Blue Matte. I was hesitant at first because owning and caring for matte paint seemed a bit daunting to me. But as a friend said, choosing another color for the Ioniq 5 N is like buying a Type R and not getting Championship White. Yeah, Phoenix Yellow is cool and all, but we all know Championship White is where it's at.

All-terrain tires are the best of both worlds when it comes to a tire for a truck or SUV. They offer increased traction off-road over standard highway counterparts while minimizing on-road detriment that usually comes in the form of ride quality, performance, noise, and fuel efficiency. We’ve tested a substantial array of A/Ts over the years, and a stretch of testing the Toyo Open Country A/T III on our do-it-all Lexus GX460 build project tells us it very well might be a contender for the absolute best all-terrain tire available today.

A winch stands is an indispensable tool for off-roading. It serves a multitude of purposes in various work scenarios, too, but gains our appreciation for the ability to extract a stuck vehicle. While the process of selecting an appropriate winch is already a challenging endeavor, the decision about the type of line to use adds another layer of complexity. The traditional steel cable, a tried-and-true option, is contrasted with the modern synthetic line, each presenting distinct advantages and drawbacks. In this exploration, we delve into the pros and cons of both, shedding light on the considerations that users should weigh when making this crucial decision.

Being the so-called "car expert" to all my friends and family means I'm often the one fielding questions about car care.

When considering whether a pickup truck or an SUV is better for overlanding, several factors need to be taken into account, including cargo capacity, passenger comfort, off-road capability, durability, modifications, and fuel efficiency.