Features
Is AWD Actually Better In The Snow?
All-wheel drive has become one of the biggest selling points for vehicles that can defeat the winter. Put an AWD badge on an SUV, add a picture of it powering through a snowy road, and the message seems obvious: AWD…
Your Car’s AC Stinks When You Turn It On. Here’s Why
That first blast of cold air on a hot day should be refreshing. Instead, sometimes it smells like wet socks, mildew, vinegar, or a damp basement. The good news is that a funky smell doesn't necessarily mean your car's air-conditioning…
Is Auto Start-Stop Bad For Your Engine? Here’s What You Need To Know
If your car suddenly goes quiet when you stop at a red light, don't panic. It's probably doing exactly what the automaker designed it to do. The feature is called automatic start-stop, and it shuts the engine off when the…
What Actually Happens If You Shift Into Neutral While Driving?
It's one of those things drivers occasionally do without thinking: you're cruising down the road, you move the shifter into Neutral, and suddenly the engine revs freely while the car keeps rolling. So what actually happens? Contrary to some long-running…
Why Your Brakes Squeak And When You Should Actually Worry
That high-pitched squeak every time you hit the brake pedal can be one of the most annoying sounds a car makes. But does it mean your brakes are worn out? Or is your car simply being noisy? The answer is…
The Driving Habit That Slowly Damages Your Transmission
Most drivers have done it without thinking. You're backing out of a parking space, the car is still rolling backward, and you shift from Reverse into Drive. Or you're pulling into a spot and switch from Drive to Reverse while…
That Little Shark Fin On Your Car Has A Much Bigger Job Than You Think
That little fin sitting on the roof of your car looks like a styling flourish, but it has a much more important job. The shark-fin antenna is essentially a compact communications hub. It's a far cry from the long metal…