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Cars & Driving?

Oil, tires, warning lights, and the premium gas question. 23 questions and counting.

What does the check engine light actually mean?Steady light: get the code read soon, free at most auto parts stores, and check your gas cap first. Flashing light: an…
How long does a car battery last?Three to five years typically, less in hot climates, which kill batteries faster than cold. Cold weather just exposes a weak…
How long does an electric car battery last?Longer than early fears suggested. Most lose roughly 1 to 2 percent of capacity per year, and federal law requires at least…
How much should you put down on a car?About 20 percent on a new car and 10 on a used one, enough to stay ahead of depreciation. New cars lose a large share of…
How often do you really need an oil change?The 3,000-mile rule is a quick-lube marketing relic. Modern cars on synthetic oil go 7,500 to 10,000 miles; the real answer…
How do you jump start a car?Red to dead positive, red to donor positive, black to donor negative, black to bare metal on the dead car, not its battery…
What is the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?A hybrid charges its own small battery from the engine and braking and never plugs in. A plug-in has a much larger battery…
Does premium gas do anything for a regular car?If your car specifies regular, premium buys you nothing: AAA tested it and found no gains in power, mileage, or emissions…
Is it better to buy a new car or a used one?Used, for most people. A new car loses roughly 20 percent of its value in the first year and around half within five, so a…
Do you need to warm up your car in winter?Not for the engine. Modern fuel-injected cars need about 30 seconds before driving gently. Extended idling wastes fuel, adds…
Why do brakes squeak, and does it mean they are bad?Not always. Morning squeal from overnight moisture is harmless and clears after a few stops. A persistent high squeal…
Why do tires need to be rotated?Because tires wear unevenly by position, front tires handle steering and most braking load. Rotating every 5,000 to 8,000…
Why does my car shake at highway speeds?Usually tire balance, which shows up as steering wheel vibration starting around 50 to 60 mph and is a cheap fix. Vibration…
Are extended car warranties worth it?Usually not. Consumer Reports surveys consistently find most buyers spend more on the contract than they get back in…
How far can you drive on a spare tire?A donut spare is rated for about 50 miles at no more than 50 mph. It exists to reach a tire shop, not to finish your week…
How long do tires last?Figure 25,000 to 50,000 miles or six years, whichever comes first: rubber ages even in a garage. Test tread with a quarter…
Is it bad to drive on a low gas tank?Mostly a myth for modern cars. The old worry about the fuel pump overheating or sucking up sediment applies far less to…
What do the numbers on a tire mean?A code like P225/65R17 gives type, width in millimeters, aspect ratio, construction, and wheel diameter in inches. The…
What is the difference between AWD and 4WD?AWD is usually automatic and always on, tuned for traction on wet or snowy roads. 4WD is typically driver-selectable with a…
What is a salvage title, and should you ever buy one?It means an insurer declared the vehicle a total loss. The car may be repairable and cheap, but expect difficulty insuring…
What is the difference between horsepower and torque?Torque is twisting force, how hard the engine pushes. Horsepower is how fast it can do that work, torque times engine speed…
How often should you replace windshield wipers?About every six to twelve months, and by performance rather than the calendar. Streaking, chattering, or missed patches mean…
What does towing capacity actually mean?The maximum trailer weight the vehicle can pull under ideal conditions, and it is not the number that limits you in…