Automotive Repair & Tips
Drive Smart Blog
Keeping Your Warranty Valid at an Independent Shop
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer generally cannot void your warranty just because an independent shop did the work.
Understanding Your Repair Estimate: What Those Line Items Mean
Parts, labor, shop supplies, diagnostic time. Seeing these separated out is a good sign, because it means the shop is being transparent.
Caring for a Car That Sits: Seldom-Driven Vehicle Tips
A weekend car, a classic, a work truck used now and then. Vehicles that are rarely driven face their own set of challenges.
Does Your AWD or 4WD Need Special Service?
Transfer cases and extra differentials each have their own fluid that needs changing. Neglecting them can be an expensive mistake.
Differential and Driveline Service: The Maintenance Drivers Forget
Fresh fluid at the right intervals is inexpensive insurance for parts that are very expensive to replace.
Throttle Body Cleaning: Smoothing Out a Rough Idle
Carbon deposits build up on the throttle plate so gradually that many drivers get used to a rough idle without realizing a simple service could help.