Maintenance 101

How Often Should I Change Engine Coolant?

By Rick Popely on June 2, 2017


CARS.COM — For some vehicles, you're advised to change the coolant every 30,000 miles. For others, changing the coolant isn't even on the maintenance schedule. For example, Hyundai says the coolant (what many refer to as "antifreeze") in most of… Read More

How Often Should I Change Engine Coolant?

By Rick Popely on June 2, 2017

CARS.COM — For some vehicles, you're advised to change the coolant every 30,000 miles. For others, changing the coolant isn't even on the maintenance schedule. For example, Hyundai says the coolant (what many refer to as "antifreeze") in most of… Read More

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

By Rick Popely on May 26, 2017

CARS.COM — A good time to rotate your tires is when you get the oil changed, assuming you do that at least once a year and more often if you drive, say, more than 10,000 miles annually. Most vehicle manufacturers… Read More

When Do You Need to Replace Your Brakes?

When Do You Need to Replace Your Brakes?

By Rick Popely on May 22, 2017

CARS.COM — Just as your gas mileage will vary depending on where and how you drive, so it goes with the life of brake pads (or linings), the friction material that gets pressed against a metal disc or drum to… Read More

How Long Do Tires Last?

How Long Do Tires Last?

By Rick Popely on May 18, 2017

CARS.COM — When do you need to replace your tires? We would expect at least 50,000 miles from the tires that come with any new vehicle, but tire life depends on many factors. Here are some broad guidelines. Among the… Read More

Is Oil for High-Mileage Engines Worth the Extra Cost?

Is Oil for High-Mileage Engines Worth the Extra Cost?

By Rick Popely on May 8, 2017

CARS.COM — Most major oil brands market oil made specifically for engines that have more than 75,000 miles of wear, claiming that additives help reduce engine wear and provide anti-aging benefits. They are often a blend of synthetic and petroleum-based… Read More

Do You Really Need to Change the Transmission Fluid?

Do You Really Need to Change the Transmission Fluid?

By Rick Popely on May 3, 2017

CARS.COM — Yes, though how often this service should be performed varies by manufacturer and vehicle, and it's open to debate. The manufacturer's maintenance schedule for many automatic transmissions doesn't call for fresh fluid until 100,000 miles or, with some… Read More

How to Properly Check and Fill Tires

How to Properly Check and Fill Tires

By Robby DeGraff on October 1, 2016

CARS.COM — While it may seem like a mundane task, inflating tires is much more crucial to your car than you may think, and it results in a safer and more economical experience on the road. Your vehicle's handling also… Read More

How Often Do I Need to Change My Brake Fluid?

How Often Do I Need to Change My Brake Fluid?

By Rick Popely on October 1, 2016

CARS.COM — The recommended intervals for changing brake fluid are all over the board depending on the manufacturer, from as often as every two years to never. Really. For example, Chevrolet says to change the brake fluid on most models… Read More

How Often Should Tires/Wheels Be Balanced?

How Often Should Tires/Wheels Be Balanced?

By Rick Popely on October 1, 2016

Smooth driving is a balancing act that requires getting the wheels and tires to rotate at high speeds without vibrations. That's not a slam dunk; a dirty little secret about wheels and tires is that they usually aren't perfectly round,… Read More

How Often Should I Replace My Accessory Drive Belt?

How Often Should I Replace My Accessory Drive Belt?

By Rick Popely on October 1, 2016

CARS.COM — Most vehicles have a rubber belt on the front of the engine that drives accessories such as the air-conditioning compressor, power steering pump and alternator. If this accessory drive belt (also called a V or serpentine belt) breaks,… Read More