Reading Time: 4 minutes Summary A tow strap can be used to tow a vehicle. Meanwhile, a recovery or snatch strap is  specially designed for recovery situations like pulling a vehicle out of mud or snow. When shopping for a tow strap, you must consider your ride’s weight and the strap’s quality, attachment points, and storage. Basic tow straps cost anywhere between $50 and $100. Special straps, like recovery straps, are more expensive. If your car breaks down, you must rely on a towing service to reach the nearest auto repair shop. That can mean waiting hours for assistance. And if your ..read more

Reading Time: 4 minutes Summary Vehicle snorkels are aftermarket modifications that prevent water from entering the engine and help the air intake system get clean air. Installing a vehicle snorkel improves performance and fuel efficiency. Dust and water are also blocked out of the air intake system. Setting up a vehicle snorkel is a lengthy, difficult process. Having one installed also doesn’t mean your vehicle can work underwater. A vehicle snorkel is a pipe that runs along the side of a vehicle’s windshield. Aesthetically, they resemble the snorkels that swimmers use to breathe underwat ..read more

Reading Time: 4 minutes Summary The powertrain control module uses the MAP sensor to sense engine load on speed-density-type fuel injection systems. MAP sensor cleaning is a fairly straightforward process that requires simple items like a MAP sensor cleaner, soft rag, and brush. A failing or dirty MAP sensor can cause your vehicle to exhibit symptoms like misfiring, stalling, and rough running. Vehicle maintenance is more than a car wash, tire change, or an oil change. For dedicated drivers, maintenance means dealing with the nitty-gritty, including popping the hood and cleaning every dirt ..read more

Reading Time: 4 minutes Summary The transaxle is a combination of the transmission and differential in one assembly. It’s in any vehicle where the engine and drive wheels are on the same side. Driving with a bad transaxle is not recommended because it can make the transmission malfunction. Some signs of a bad transaxle include a burning smell, difficulty shifting gears, a noisy transmission system, and a slipping transmission. Not all vehicles have transaxles. Those that do are usually front-wheel drives. But why is that the case, and why are they considered a crucial part of the transmiss ..read more

Reading Time: 4 minutes Summary Cylinder deactivation is a feature found in many multi-cylinder engines that lets the powertrain control module (PCM) disable a number of cylinders during low-load conditions. With a cylinder deactivation system, some engines can operate on four of eight cylinders or three of six cylinders. This system can help reduce an engine’s displacement and improve fuel economy. Several automakers have adopted the concept of cylinder deactivation systems, with General Motors calling it Active Fuel Management and Chrysler using the term “multiple displacement system.” A ..read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes Summary The PowerStop front and rear rotor (Geomet-coated) and brake pad kit fit like the original, and they work and look great. If you’re a DIYer, you shouldn’t have any problem installing the kit yourself. The rubber inserts for the caliper bolts are a little tough to switch, but that’s the only challenging part of the job. The kit is about $50 less expensive than similar products in the reviewer’s local parts store. That’s not even for the better coated rotors, which cost more. Key Information Product: PowerStop Front and Rear Genuine Geomet Coated Rotor and Lo ..read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes Summary Side pipes, or side exhaust pipes, let fumes from the exhaust exit through the side rather than the rear. Side pipes provide easier access to the rear suspension, move the vehicle’s weight forward, and give the vehicle a more unique look. Side pipe disadvantages include costly installation, increased air and noise pollution, and a higher risk of getting hurt by the hot exhaust pipe. The exhaust system, and by extension the exhaust pipes, give combusted gas outlets to escape from the engine. While most vehicles have an exhaust pipe at their rear, some models ..read more

Reading Time: 4 minutes Summary Your car battery can bulge or swell due to several reasons like overcharging, extreme temperature, short circuit, natural wear, and battery case damage. A swollen battery can explode, so it’s better to replace it than try fixing it. Keep your battery well-maintained and protect it from extreme temperatures to prevent bulging. Your car battery provides the initial energy needed to start your engine. But over time, it can develop issues like swelling or deformation, which can affect the performance of your vehicle. Here is some information that could help if y ..read more

Reading Time: 5 minutes Summary The most dangerous highways in America include the I-95, US-1, I-20, Dalton Highway, and I-5. Some of the most dangerous highways in America are perilous specifically because they’re so widely used – especially by truck drivers. When taking on dangerous highways, it’s important to drive predictably, keep your distance from other vehicles, and focus on the road. Highway driving can be incredibly dangerous for the unprepared. A lot can go wrong when driving at high speeds over long distances, and it doesn’t help that you’ll need to share the road with other dr ..read more

Reading Time: 4 minutes Summary Brake-checking happens when a driver abruptly applies the brakes, causing the car behind to swerve or brake suddenly to avoid collision. Some of the reasons why people brake-check include road rage and insurance fraud. Once you notice that the driver in front of you is intentionally hitting the brakes repeatedly, stay alert and do not engage in an argument. Safety should be every driver’s top concern. Unfortunately, there are times when some people forget or disregard it. For example, some drivers hit their brakes abruptly even when (or especially when) ther ..read more