When we think about DIY, we usually think of our home first. That’s certainly fair because we spend a lot of time there, so why not improve it? Well, it turns out we can do a lot for our car too! How much time does the average person spend in their car? Obviously, it depends on the person, but a study by OnePoll found that the answer was over eight hours per week.

Why not do some DIY to make your car a better place to spend time? There’s actually a ton of DIY you can do over the weekend with a bit of elbow grease and a few supplies. We’re going to list 10 that you can easily do today. Not only will it improve your driving, but it could also increase your vehicle’s value! Talk about a win/win.

1. Install Interior Car Lighting

LED interior lighting has become incredibly popular lately. Fortunately, it’s something very simple to install in your car, truck, or SUV. While it’s possible to install LED lighting with regular strips, that requires things like a soldering gun. Instead, opt for a kit.

2. Clean Headlights with Toothpaste

Are your headlights a bit cloudy? This can make the light diffuse, making it harder to see at night. The solution is quite simple: toothpaste! You can use toothpaste and an abrasive brush (like a toothbrush) to remove the cloudy dirt.

3. Add a Car Door Warning Light

Worried that someone might hit your door because they didn’t see it open? This DIY is for you. Whether it’s daylight or nighttime, adding a flashing light to your door could save you tons of trouble and money.

4. Reupholster Car Seat Fabric

Torn or ugly car seat? You can swap it out yourself! First, you’ll need to buy a reupholstery kit. It depends on the type of fabric you’re replacing. The hardest part is removing the seat, which can be found online for most vehicles.

5. Install an Elastic Cargo Net

Need extra cargo space? Who doesn’t! Whether you have three kids or just need more space for essential items, you can get more cargo space by installing an elastic cargo net. They’re quite cheap and can be installed very easily.

6. Fix Some Dents

Plungers are a godsend! Not only can they remove that clog from your sink, but they can also remove dents from your vehicle. Since professional removal of small dents can cost over $200, it’s definitely worth a try.

7. Add a Backseat Organizer

Going on a road trip? It’s no fun storing all your snacks on your passenger’s lap. Alternatively, you can put them in the back and reach for them whenever you want a snack, but there’s a better way. Instead, install a backseat organizer.

8. Repair Holes in the Dashboard

If you haven’t heard of Sugru, we’re about to change your life. Sugru is a moldable glue that can be used like moldable clay (but better). You can use this stuff to get rid of unsightly holes in your dashboard or other hard plastic areas of your car.

9. Make Air Fresheners

You don’t have to pay top dollar for air fresheners for your car. There are some really good ways to make air fresheners for your car. The first is to apply essential oils to an existing air freshener that has lost its scent. This is great if you like a particular design.

10. Remove Rust

Rust is dangerous for your car and also quite unsightly. Fortunately, you can remove it yourself with a bit of elbow grease. For this DIY, you can keep your car in good condition a bit longer with less than $40 in supplies. Keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution, and the rust will eventually come back.

Cleaning a car is never fun and going to the car wash can be expensive. Let’s not even start with the cost of a detailed car. It’s so much easier and better to save time, money, and energy at home by using these car cleaning hacks.

If you’re one of those people who love super shiny, sparkling, and spotless cars, then this list is for you. We’ve gathered 40 car cleaning hacks that are worth trying. These simple solutions are designed to make windows spotless, cars completely dust-free, and eliminate unpleasant odors that might be hiding.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to clean your car. With all these alternative cleaning solutions we’re offering you, why would you want to? Unless you just don’t want to clean your car, you’re going to love these cleaning tips.

These tips cover everything from upholstery to hard-to-reach areas, removing stickers, repairing hairline cracks, low-clutter solutions, and much more! Cleaning your car has never been easier or more fun! Many of these cleaning hacks use items you can find in your kitchen, so you might not even need to go to the store to find good ways to clean your car.

If you want to discover a multitude of ways to quickly, easily, and inexpensively clean your entire car from the inside, keep reading. Having a car that looks like it just left the dealership lot is just a few swipes away!

1. Toothpaste for Cloudy Headlights

Don’t waste money on expensive headlight cleaning kits, do it yourself. Grab some toothpaste, rub it on the headlight, let it sit, and wipe it off. That’s all it takes!

2. Vaseline for Shine

Cleaning the inside of your car can start to feel like a losing battle over time. To ensure your car maintains its freshly cleaned shine, you can simply apply a small amount of Vaseline. This little touch can leave a lasting shine for less money.

3. Charcoal Bag for Odors

Charcoal is nature’s toxin absorber and is a great tool for removing unpleasant odors. You can buy a small bag that already contains charcoal pieces or make your own.

4. Car Wash Solution

You can use items you already have in your home for this easy cleaner! Just mix about a quarter tablespoon of baking soda and a quarter tablespoon of dish soap in a large bucket of water.

5. Regularly Clean Air Vents

You need to clean your air vents to really get rid of the dust, dirt, and odors hiding in them. Grab an old toothbrush or a can of compressed air to make this job quick and easy.

6. Vinegar and Linseed Oil Mixture

Linseed oil is an easy way to quickly get spotless and moisturized upholstery. Make a mixture of one part vinegar with two parts linseed oil, shake it, and apply it to the inside of your car with a cloth.

7. Scrub Floor Mats

It’s important to clean your floor mats to remove the dirt, debris, and stains you might track into your home. Just use dish soap and water with a stiff-bristled brush, and everything should be perfect.

8. Squeegee for Pet Hair

Anyone who has traveled with their pet knows that pet hair can be nearly impossible to get completely out of your car’s interior. Lightly spray the area with water and scrub them with a rubber squeegee. Voila!

9. Sprinkle Some Cornstarch

The worst is accidentally spilling drinks or food in your car, as those smells and stains are almost impossible to remove. Sprinkle cornstarch on grease or oil stains, let it sit for about ten minutes, and wipe with a damp cloth!

10. Roll Your Windows Down

Having completely spotless windows is such a good feeling. To achieve that look when cleaning your windows by hand, make sure to roll them halfway down to remove all the built-up dirt that’s at the top.

11. Mayo for Stubborn Stains

Those horrible crusty stains on the outside of your car never seem to go away, no matter how many times you go through a car wash. To get rid of them, put a little mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip), let it sit for five or 10 minutes, and rinse with a clean, damp cloth.

12. Club Soda for Stains

Even stubborn stains like embedded dirt on a window and coffee splashes on a seat aren’t impossible to get out, even if it seems that way. Just put club soda on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then dab with a towel!

13. White Vinegar for Windows

Ultra-clear and sparkling windows are every driver’s dream. To do this, mix a few tablespoons of white vinegar with water and wipe with a newspaper for a streak-free shine.

14. Razor Blade for Stickers

This one must be used with caution. A razor blade can be a handy tool for removing stickers

Ever since the very first cars hit the road, people have been trying to steal them. So, to stop these sticky-fingered car lovers, inventors worked their way to developing a proper anti-theft system.

The thing with anti-theft systems is: they’re great – until they’re not. Of course, no one wants their car stolen while they’re away, but what’s the point of having a car if you can’t drive it at all?

But how exactly do anti-theft systems work and how do you fix them if they start acting up?

Keep reading about the anti-theft system Car won’t start and we’ll break down everything you need to know to get back on the road in no time!

Anti-Theft Systems – A Brief History

Believe it or not, electronic immobilizer devices have been used in vehicles for over 100 years. According to Jalopnik, the state-of-the-art anti-theft system was invented by two men from Portland, St. George Evans and Edward Birkenbuel, who patented the device in 1919. A relatively identical system used in cars today.

Before the invention of the immobilizer, anti-theft systems consisted of removable steering wheels and wheel locks that kept car thieves away. While electronic immobilizer technology has been around for over a century, this anti-theft system only became standard for vehicles in the late 1990s. Several countries – including Germany and the United Kingdom – required automakers to sell all new cars equipped with anti-theft systems.

But while electronic immobilizer technology has been around for over 100 years, it only became standard in vehicles in the late ’90s. Indeed, in 1998, several countries – including Germany and the United Kingdom – required manufacturers to sell all new vehicles with their installation.

So, instead of producing several vehicle lines for those without the system, most manufacturers chose to install the approximately $50 anti-theft system in all their new vehicles.

What is an Anti-Theft System?

Modern cars are all equipped with an anti-theft system – but the one that will prevent your vehicle from starting is the electronic immobilizer anti-theft system.

Several countries required manufacturers to install immobilizer devices on all new vehicles in 1998 – and since then, they have become standard on pretty much every vehicle.

The Economic Journal reports that they have reduced car thefts by 40 percent since 1995. Nowadays, they are so common that every new car in the United States has one.

How Does an Anti-Theft System Work?

The system itself is relatively simple and easy to use. Your car key is equipped with a transponder. This transponder emits a signal picked up by a receiver in your car when you turn the ignition to start your vehicle. If the signal matches, the car will start.

If the signal does not match, you will not be able to start the vehicle, even if all the tumblers fit. Each vehicle has its own signal – so even if you have a different key from the manufacturer in the car, it won’t work.

Although the system is very effective at preventing car theft, it is not foolproof. Signals can be spoofed – or copied – and then used later to steal your car. For cars equipped with remote start systems, all you need is that signal!

The Car Alarm Vs. The Anti-Theft System

While technically, the car alarm is an “anti-theft” system – it’s not what we’re talking about here.

Car alarms can be loud and useful for scaring off burglars, but they work best at preventing the theft of things inside the car than the car itself. In fact, even if the car alarm goes off, you can still start it, provided you have the proper key and the electronic immobilizer anti-theft system is working correctly.

Meanwhile, the immobilizer anti-theft system won’t make a sound, but it will prevent a potential thief from driving off with your car. On the other hand, the system tends to act up, so it might prevent you from starting the engine.

Troubleshooting a Faulty Anti-Theft System

Just like all components of your vehicle – if it works now, at some point, it may break; the same goes for an anti-theft system. Although anti-theft systems are quite reliable, they sometimes act up, and it’s important to know what to do if something like that happens to you.

How to Identify a Faulty Anti-Theft System

Before diving into the anti-theft system to understand what’s wrong, you need to check what exactly the problem is!

If your anti-theft system is working, you won’t be able to start your car. Additionally, you’ll notice a light with a lock or a key on your dashboard (depending on what you’re driving). This is your security/anti-theft light. Sometimes, your vehicle’s ECU will turn on this light along with your check engine light.

This light may appear even if the key is the problem – because it’s not picking up the transponder code. It will light up when you try to start the car – even if everything in the system is working correctly!

Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshooting Your Anti-Theft System

Always Start with the Battery

Whenever you troubleshoot an electrical problem, start with the battery. Your vehicle may trigger the security light because the receiver isn’t getting enough power – and that’s probably also why your car won’t start.

Faulty or depleted batteries are one of the most common reasons for a “faulty anti-theft system.” It’s also one of the most manageable problems to solve, but also one of the most overlooked. You can spend days chasing your tail if you don’t start with the simple things!

Reset the System

If you’ve checked the battery and everything seems normal, the next thing to do is reset the system. This may sound difficult, but it’s actually one of the simplest things you can do.

All you have to do is disconnect the positive terminal of the battery and leave it off for about 15 minutes before reconnecting it. This resets all the electronic components of your vehicle, including your anti-theft system.

It may not seem like it does much, but if your vehicle’s anti-theft immobilizer is triggered, it sometimes won’t reset unless you reset the entire system.

Check if the Steering Wheel is Locked

If you’re inside the car and can’t turn the key at all, it might be because the steering wheel is locked. Typically, this happens after the steering wheel, someone or something slightly turned the steering wheel after the key was removed from the ignition.

This problem is more annoying than anything else and is relatively easy to solve, even if it requires a bit of persistence.

All you have to do is jiggle the steering wheel a bit until it loosens. You’ll feel the noticeable difference. Sometimes, you may need to turn the key in the ignition while trying to turn the wheel to get it to loosen.

Take a Closer Look at Your Key

This is the easiest component to see and the easiest to check for obvious defects. Every key has a transponder – and if that transponder is broken or missing, you won’t be able to start your car.

If you find a problem with the key, you’ve probably found your issue. If you have a spare key, this is extremely easy to check.

Just try starting the vehicle with a spare key after resetting the system. If it starts, you’ve found the problem!

You’ll need to replace the key – as most manufacturers won’t repair just the transponder chip.

Read the Code!

If you’ve completed the previous steps and are still struggling with the anti-theft system, it’s time to read the code.

Just like a check engine light, a code reader will tell you why the light is on. It could be that the receiver isn’t getting a signal from the key or that your receiver isn’t powered.

A code reader won’t tell you what you need to replace, but it will point you in the right direction.

Troubleshoot and Replace the Highlighted Component

This is where things get a bit complicated – as there are tons of different codes, you can follow tons of troubleshooting trees.

But when troubleshooting, keep the basics in mind. If you know how the system is supposed to work, you can’t explain why it’s not working based on the code data. If the receiver isn’t getting a signal, it’s one of two problems: the receiver or the transponder.

In either case, you’ll need to get a key matching the new receiver – might as well save some time and replace both components.

However, if a lack of power is your problem, you’ll need to dive into your electrical troubleshooting – or hand it over to a mechanic.

Summary

While electronic immobilizer anti-theft systems can give you a few headaches here and there – it’s worth it – given how many car thefts they prevent each year.

In fact, car theft has become so tricky without a key in recent years that it’s almost exclusively done by professionals. Carjackers are a thing of the past – and professionals need a ton of training.

You might be cursing the system while your car won’t start – but once everything is back to normal, you’ll be glad you have it!

Almost all motorists understand the true value of a properly functioning braking system. However, few are as aware of this as those who have had to deal with brake failure of any kind during their daily travels.

We too often take the proper functioning of brakes for granted. After all, it seems natural for our vehicle to stop smoothly and concisely with little more than a second thought when we press the brake pedal.

However, brake-related issues do occur occasionally. Among these problems, unexpected brake lock-up can be particularly concerning. When a vehicle’s brakes suddenly lock and do not seem to release, a number of more serious issues can arise.

Read on to learn more about the causes of a vehicle’s brakes locking up while driving, as well as what can be done to address these issues.

What Does It Mean When Your Brakes “Lock Up”?

“Brake lock-up” can be most simply defined as any situation where a vehicle’s brakes are applied but do not release as expected. This is a serious situation in any case, but it can be particularly severe when it occurs while driving. In the worst cases, a wreck can result.

Contrary to popular belief, brake lock-up does not always mean that a vehicle’s brakes have remained engaged to the point of causing complete wheel lock-up.

By definition, the term brake lock-up can be used to describe any situation where a vehicle’s brakes do not return to their “resting” position following pedal actuation.

What Can Cause Brakes to Lock Up?

Although brake lock-up is far less common than it was in the days before the use of modern ABS brakes, such problems still occur occasionally. The vast majority of these issues are caused by severely worn or otherwise compromised braking system components.

Here are the most common causes of a vehicle’s brakes locking up while driving.

• Use of inappropriate brake fluid
• Overheated braking system components
• Damaged or excessively worn brake pads, calipers, and rotors
• Damaged or excessively worn brake drums, shoes, and wheel cylinders
• Seized/stuck brake caliper or wheel cylinder

What To Do When Your Brakes Lock Up While Driving

Brake lock-up while driving can be a distressing ordeal. However, there are several key steps to follow to prevent a bad situation from worsening. These steps are as follows.

#1 – Do Not Panic

The most important thing to remember during brake lock-up is that it is imperative not to panic.

Although this is certainly easier said than done, you also bear the responsibility of doing everything in your power to protect your passengers, as well as other motorists around you.

Panicking robs you of your ability to think through the additional steps to take.

#2 – Find a Place to Stop

The next point to consider involves locating a safe place to stop. Quickly analyze your surroundings to determine what is at your disposal.

Parking lots, wide driveways, or even an empty shoulder make suitable locations for this purpose.

#3 – Carefully Exit the Roadway

Once you have determined the point at which you intend to stop, exit the roadway as cautiously as possible. Although a bit difficult to do at the moment, take into account all the traffic around you.

If you must merge between lanes, signal if possible. Remember that poor decision-making at this stage can lead to a much more disastrous situation.

#4 – Come to a Stop, Set E-Brake if Necessary

After leaving the roadway, stop your vehicle as carefully as possible. If your vehicle seems to pull to one side or the other, setting your emergency brake may provide some level of stabilization.

However, it is important to remember that setting a vehicle’s emergency brake at high speed can present its own risks.

#5 – Have the Vehicle Towed For Repair

After experiencing brake lock-up, a vehicle should under no circumstances be driven until proper repairs have been made. A vehicle should be towed to its intended point of repair, even if that location is only a short distance away.

How to Fix Locked Up Brakes

Following a brake lock-up incident, it is imperative to determine the root cause of such a failure. This often comes down to performing a thorough visual inspection.

A vehicle’s front and rear brakes should be inspected for signs of irregular wear, as well as damage to components. Any anomalies discovered during this inspection must be repaired before putting the affected vehicle back into service.

In many cases, the faulty brake assembly can be identified by a burning smell, the presence of excess brake dust, or bluing of the corresponding brake rotor or drum of the assembly. If signs of this nature are discovered, all brake components at that wheel end should be replaced.

Additionally, one may also wish to replace the same components at the opposite wheel end of the same given axle. At the very least, brake pads on a single axle should always be replaced in pairs.

In extreme cases, overheating due to brake lock-up can actually compromise the wheel bearing of the affected wheel end. When this occurs, subsequent replacement becomes necessary.

Once all repairs have been made, an initial brake test should be conducted in an isolated location, such as a parking lot or driveway, whenever possible.

If everything seems to be in proper working order, a more thorough road test can be conducted on a nearby road. If, at any time, further issues become apparent, interrupt your road test for further assessment.

If, for any reason, you are unsure about your ability to repair your vehicle’s brakes following a lock-up, seek advice from a professional. There is no shame in asking for a second opinion or opting for professional repair.

After all, your life literally depends on the functionality of your vehicle’s braking system.

When buying a new vehicle (especially a truck), you’ll often have more than one engine option. Right up there with the 4-cylinder vs. 6-cylinder debate is the V6 vs. V8 argument.

Should you go for the extra power of a V8 or the better fuel economy of a V6? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.

The V6 vs. V8 debate has been argued for decades. Keep reading to learn more about the history of each engine and how they compare in nine different metrics to help you answer the question of which engine is the best option for you.

V8 Engine History

1932 Ford Flathead V8

The V8 engine had its humble beginnings in France, as a man named Léon Levavasseur filed the first V8 patent in 1902. By 1904, he was building these engines for early airplanes and motorboats. In 1906, the British manufacturer Rolls Royce built V8s for only three of its expensive sedans.

Modern V8 block

Henry Ford’s company had limited experience with large V8s during the Roaring Twenties. In 1932, Ford made its biggest contribution to the V8 world. The famous Ford flathead engine appeared in a newly designed coupe, the Model 18 to replace the popular Model A.

In just one year, Ford delivered nearly 300,000 copies of this model, although the 221 cu. in. V8 had many startup problems. Ford persevered with the basic engine configuration and continued to be produced with significant improvements until 1953.

V6 Engine History

V6 engines first appeared on the Italian Lancia Lambda in 1924. These inauspicious beginnings were short-lived. It wasn’t until 1950 that Lancia placed a new V6 engine design in its Aurelia model. The Aurelia was produced until 1958 and took the checkered flag in several prestigious European car races.

In the United States, Buick took note of the Lancia V6 design and introduced its first V6 model in 1962, the Buick Special. This was the first mass-produced V6 in the automotive world.

Modern V6 block

In Japan, Nissan (then Datsun) released a V6 engine in 1983. In the United States, this engine first appeared in the 1984 240Z, which replaced the inline-six engine that first came with this two-seater.

V6 development has remained very active to this day, keeping pace technologically with the more powerful and larger V8s. Today, the V6 is second in popularity only to the smaller inline 4-cylinder engines; V8s come in a distant third.

What Does the “V” Stand For in a V8 or V6?

The “V” simply represents the geometric arrangement of the cylinders if you look along the engine parallel to the crankshaft.

Nowadays, all 8-cylinder engines produced are V8s. But not all 6-cylinder engines are V6s, as inline-six (straight-six) and flat-six cylinder orientations are made by some car manufacturers.

V8 vs. V6 Comparison

In this comparison, we will discuss car engines available for road use and costing less than $125,000. Racing car offerings and derivatives of these cars can produce engines with much higher horsepower and torque. Due to the purchase price, these cars rarely grace our garages.

#1 – Engine Size

V8 engines, having two more cylinders than V6s, will typically exceed V6 engines in size. And this includes physical size, displacement, and engine weight. What are the main design attributes of these two engine types?

• V8 engines, due to the cylinder arrangement (4 cylinders aligned in each row), are inherently easy to balance. Well-balanced engines run smoothly. The absence of vibration is essential for the high RPMs required when seeking maximum power.
• V6 engines are fundamentally unbalanced due to the odd number of cylinders in each bank. There are very limited ways to reduce vibrations due to the sequence of piston power strokes occurring in each bank.

Vibration issues limit the size of V6 engines to less than about 4.0 liters (L). Two fine examples close to this limit come to mind:

• Nissan’s world-class 3.7L V6 is typical of the smoothness possible with proper design. This non-turbocharged engine can deliver up to 350 hp.
• The Chevrolet Camaro’s 3.6L V6 is another elegant design that offers vibration-free operation and excellent power. It is rated at 332 hp.

To smooth out larger V6 engines, balance shafts are required. One or more of these can help mitigate vibrations. But balance shafts add weight and complexity and cannot always provide optimal smoothness across the entire RPM range of an engine.

Winner: V8 Engine

#2 – Power

In these most basic considerations, V8 engines win hands down. The reason is that V8 engines can comfortably exceed the V6 displacement limit of 4.0L with little detrimental effect on engine smoothness.

V8

Coupled with the relative ease of engine balancing, large V8 engines like the 6.4L Hemi in the Dodge Charger produce 485 brake horsepower (hp). And this is without a turbocharger.

With some internal modifications and a supercharger, the Hemi in the Dodge Challenger offers horsepower numbers above 800. V6 engines can hardly compete with that.

The Mustang’s 5.0L V8 comes close to the 6.4L Hemi with less displacement for a power output of 480 hp. By adding a supercharger, the slightly larger Ford 5.2L V8 jumps to 760 hp.

V6

Nissan’s 3.7L V6 develops a maximum power of 350 horsepower. A twin-turbocharged 3.8L version of this engine in the Nissan GT-R produces 565 hp. This almost race-ready car just pushes our $125,000 price limit.

Lincoln will offer a Lincoln Aviator this year with a 3.0L V6 producing 400 horsepower. This is accomplished with two turbochargers.

With the use of turbochargers, a V6 can come close to and even, in some cases, surpass a naturally aspirated V8 in power. But there will be a significant cost for this kind of power.

Although possible, turbocharged V6 engines over 400 horsepower are complex to build. The cost factor limits their use to high-end sports cars and sedans or SUVs like the Lincoln Aviator.

Example Comparison

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio offers 505 hp from a 2.9L twin-turbo V6. The car is a gem in every respect, but the base sticker price starts at around $76,000.

On the other hand, a fully loaded 485 hp Dodge Charger will have a sticker price of around $45,000. The 480 hp Mustang GT is offered in this same range.

If you’re looking at the Alfa Quadrifoglio’s price, you might also consider an 807 hp Challenger Hellcat or a 760 hp Mustang GT 500. Both are offered in the same range as the Quadrifoglio.

Winner: V8 Engine

#3 – Handling

Car handling can be a very subjective discussion. The feel, steering, cornering, acceleration, and braking of a car can be measured and summarized in a report.

With little argument, V8 automobiles will generally weigh more than V6s. V8 engines are heavier than V6s. Heavier cars generally perform worse than their lighter siblings.

So, considering the weight factor alone, V6 automobiles will generally handle better than V8s. But let’s add designer intelligence to the mix. Here we will see that many larger V8 sedans and sports cars handle remarkably well.

I’m thinking of the Chevrolet Corvette. Yes, it has a V8 with a lot of power but with excellent handling too. Mustangs and Chargers are both heavy cars but still handle well despite the large engines.

More powerful turbo V6 engines add money to the sticker price, which can also translate into surprisingly good handling and fast V6 cars.

But for automobiles that share the same price range, V6 offerings in terms of handling will only exceed this attribute compared to V8s at the same price.

Winner: V6 Engine

#4 – Towing and Payload Capacity

In this regard, power is king. None of the V6 offerings, even with turbos, will out-tow a V8 car, SUV, or light truck. V6 platforms will also not carry a larger payload than an equivalent V8 vehicle, although some van ratings might argue otherwise.

For high loads and greater maximum towing capacity, slower-revving V8 engines remain in the driver’s seat.

Winner: V8 Engine

#5 – Fuel Economy

An essential element for keeping your car’s engine in good working order is to regularly change your motor oil and ensure that the new oil you install is the best your car can get. The oil keeps the internal engine parts lubricated, preventing moving parts from rubbing against each other and causing damage, and also keeps it cool, ensuring it doesn’t overheat.

If your oil is not changed frequently, dirt, grime, and sludge can build up inside the engine compartment and around moving parts, and the old dirty oil will not allow parts to slide smoothly against each other. If the oil is dirty and full of impurities, it can cause serious damage, and you may even need to replace your engine in the future. Some oils also contain additives, such as detergents, to keep surfaces clean at high temperatures and antioxidants that prevent oxidation (which can lead to rust) and prevent motor oil from thickening. Additives also capture dirt and other contaminants to prevent buildup on engine parts.

But it’s not always easy to choose the right motor oil. To ensure you’re not left staring blankly at someone when they ask you what type of motor oil you want, in this article, we will go over the top 10 motor oil brands and products to make sure you get the best to keep your engine running.

TYPES OF MOTOR OIL

Before diving into the details of each brand and product, here is a brief description of the different types of motor oils you’ve probably heard about in the past.

• Conventional oil comes from refined crude oil. It works well in most everyday vehicles, but it’s the cheapest oil. It’s the standard oil for new cars. Almost all major brands will sell conventional oils, available in several viscosities.
• Synthetic blend oils, on the other hand, are designed almost specifically for “high-performance” engines. They are made in a laboratory and are often more expensive but offer a longer lifespan and more lubrication for your engine due to maintained viscosity. They are made for slightly heavier engines that run at higher temperatures. Typically, they are therefore less volatile, meaning they evaporate less, which reduces oil loss and increases the car’s fuel consumption.
• Fully synthetic oils, however, contain absolutely no mineral oil. They have exceptional longevity and are often used in the industry. They tend to be the most expensive oil but also offer what might be the best option for older cars due to the type of additives they contain, which will prevent the oil from thinning and losing its viscosity, meaning there will be less wear and tear on the parts.
• High-mileage oils contain ingredients to take care of older engines, such as antioxidants and detergents. Seals, gaskets, and non-metallic parts begin to break down and loosen as the engine ages, and high-mileage oils are formulated with seal conditioners that increase flexibility and restore shape, which can help prevent leaks in the long term. If a car is beyond its warranty and has 60,000, 80,000, or even 150,000 miles, high-mileage oil could do a lot for it.

Before choosing an oil, it is of course essential that you take your car into account; different cars require different types of motor oil. A new car may work perfectly fine with mineral oil, but an older car with a high-performance engine could benefit from a synthetic oil. You want to get the best quality but avoid spending money on an oil that won’t improve your car’s performance.

TOP MOTOR OIL BRANDS

• Castrol. Castrol is perhaps one of the oldest motor oil brands, having been first founded in 1899 and entered the British market in 1909. Now owned by BP and based in the UK, it has great expertise and offers a wide range of oils, mainly focusing on fully synthetic or synthetic blend oil and have a lot of experience with high-performance automobiles: they have been involved in NASCAR and F1 for many years.
• Mobil. Mobil has been hailed as one of the early innovators of synthetic motor oil, and this legacy continues today with its Mobil 1 product line. Their fully synthetic motor oils claimed to keep engines in excellent condition over 250,000 miles, and they offer products for everything from performance sports cars to cars well beyond their prime.
• Liqui Moly. Liqui Moly GmbH is a German company specializing in oils, lubricants, and additives that offers over 4000 products for cars worldwide as well as for motorcycles, ships, and industrial machinery.
• Motul. Motul is a French company, now operating globally, that develops lubricants for the automotive industry and other industries. Motul are true innovators in the motor oil industry, producing the first semi-synthetic oil in 1966 and the first fully synthetic oil in 1971.
• Shell. Perhaps better known as an oil and gas supplier, the Dutch-British company Shell also produces and distributes lubricants, including motor oil, and delivers its market-leading lubricants to consumers in over 100 countries. In 2013, it was ranked the world’s top lubricant supplier.
• Elf. Formerly owned by the French government, Elf became a private company in 1994; today, after merging with Total, it is the fourth-largest oil company in the world and an expert in lubricants. Some of its latest products include fuel-saving lubricants and low SAPS lubricants for modern engines.
• Comma Oil. Focusing exclusively on vehicles, whether passenger or commercial, and now based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Comma Oil prides itself on its approaches to technical innovation and training that lead to quality products for all seasons and all types of engines.
• Valvoline Oil. Almost everyone has heard of the Model T car, one of the first affordable mass-produced automobiles. Fewer people, however, will have heard of Valvoline, even though it was the oil used in some of those early Model T cars, as the company has been around since 1866, originally designing lubricants for steam engines. It has a serious history behind it.
• Ravenol. Is a German lubricant producer that emphasizes synthetic lubricants created by industrial processes and prides itself on technical innovation.
• Fuchs Oil. Fuchs is a global company of German origin that has been developing, producing, and selling lubricants and related products for 85 years – for virtually all areas of application and sectors from automotive to industry and beyond. With 62 bases and over 5,600 employees worldwide, the FUCHS Group is one of the leading independent companies in the supply of lubricants.

BEST MOTOR OILS OF 2020

• Castrol Edge Professional, Longlife III. Castrol Edge is a synthetic oil suitable for diesel and gasoline engines and guarantees excellent performance and reliability even at sub-zero temperatures. It is also highly resistant to oxidation and lasts its entire lifespan.
• Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30. Another synthetic oil, Mobil 1 ESP oil has an SAE viscosity of 5W-30 and is highly compatible with most vehicles. It is designed to provide excellent cleaning power and to prevent engine wear. It is also suitable for diesel and gasoline automobiles.
• Shell Helix HX7 5W-30. This Shell synthetic oil was designed to meet the demanding requirements of some high-performance engines, including Ford and those requiring API SJ, ILSAC GF-2, or ACEA A1/B1.
• Comma XTech 5W-30. This is a fully synthetic high-performance oil designed for Ford DuraTec, DuraTorq, or Zetec vehicles and offers users all the fuel economy benefits of an ACEA A5/B5 oil. In addition to being suitable for diesel and gasoline engines, it can also be used with fuel-injected, multi-valve, and turbocharged engines.
• Valvoline SynPower 5W-30. SynPower 5W-30 is a low-viscosity fully synthetic motor oil, formulated with a combination of premium synthetic base oils and advanced additive technology. Designed for modern gasoline engines, SynPower 5W-30 meets the ILSAC GF-5 fuel economy performance specification and the GM dexos1™ GEN 2 specification.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30. This is a high-tech, low-friction motor oil based on synthetic technology. It offers motorists exceptional protection against wear, reduces oil and fuel consumption, and ensures rapid oil penetration into the engine. According to manufacturer specifications, oil change intervals of up to 30,000 or 50,000 km or every 2 years for low-mileage drivers are thus possible.
• Motul X-Clean 5W-30. X-Clean is a 100% synthetic high-performance gasoline and diesel motor oil for powerful and recent cars equipped with large-displacement engines. This versatile product has many car manufacturer approvals and is particularly recommended for vehicles still under warranty. Compatible with catalytic converters.
• ELF Evolution Motor Oil, 900 SXR. Elf Evolution 900 SXR offers exceptional protection against wear as well as thermal stability and oxidation resistance. This stops the degradation of engine components, even under very severe conditions. It is suitable for all types of driving (city, highways, and motorways) and particularly in severe conditions.
• RAVENOL VMP 5W-30. Ravenol VMP is a universal fuel-saving motor oil, specially distilled for modern gasoline and diesel engines with and without turbochargers in passenger cars and vans with extended oil change intervals. Extends the life of the particulate filter.
• Fuchs Titan GT1 5W-30. This Fuchs oil was specially developed for VW gasoline and diesel engines with and without long-life service and is approved according to VW 504 00/507 00. Currently, it can be used with backward compatibility for older VW specifications as well as in hybrid models.

Top 5 Hydrogen Cars from Honda and Toyota

Honda and Toyota are two Japanese car manufacturers that everyone in the developed world has heard of. They are also among the leading manufacturers of vehicles with hydrogen fuel cell technology. Since the beginning of the 21st century, Honda and Toyota have experimented with hydrogen fuel cell vehicle models. Most of them remained in Japan while some were introduced in the United States as mere concept cars. This hydrogen technology took time to become popular since hybrid electric cars attracted more attention at the time. But now, the hydrogen fuel cell concept car is back and consumers seem to be interested in it.

Top 5 Honda Hydrogen Cars

Here are the top 5 Honda Hydrogen cars.

1. 2007 Honda FCX Clarity – The 2007 Honda Clarity fuel cell experience was the company’s new fuel cell vehicle that was introduced in Europe, Japan, and Southern California. Europe had already begun to have hydrogen fueling stations at this point.
2. 2016 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell – The 2016 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell was introduced to the Southern California U.S. market since the last Clarity model in 2008. Now, with more hydrogen refueling stations and dealerships to sell this vehicle, it allowed more people to become interested in buying it.
3. 2002 Honda FCX – The 2002 Honda Fuel Cell (FCX) experience was one of the first fuel cell vehicles produced by Honda. When it was released in 2002, it was actually a hybrid vehicle, but it was still the first to show the true power of a hydrogen tank.
4. 2014 Honda FCV Concept – The 2014 Honda Fuel Cell Vehicle concept showed American Californians what Honda was working on and what their fuel cell technology could do. It was only a concept car, but it led to the creation of their Clarity models in 2016 and 2017.
5. 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell – The 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is Honda’s latest fuel cell vehicle. In California, only 12 Honda dealerships are authorized to sell this vehicle model. Six of them are located in Southern California.

Top 5 Toyota Hydrogen Cars

Here are the top 5 Toyota Hydrogen cars.

1. 2015 Toyota Mirai – The 2015 Toyota Mirai is one of Toyota’s most popular hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Priced at just $57,000, it is considered a luxury car and has since been sold in the northeastern United States.
2. 2014 Toyota FCV – The 2014 Toyota Fuel Cell Vehicle was a concept car that was first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show before being sold in the United States. It was only sold in areas where there were hydrogen refueling stations.
3. 2005 Toyota Fine-X – The 2005 Toyota Fine-X, also known as the Fuel Cell Innovation Emotion-eXperiment, debuted as a concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show and then at the Geneva Motor Show.
4. 2005 Toyota Fine-T – The 2005 Toyota Fine-T is actually another name for the Toyota Fine-X that was used in Europe and Japan. Both vehicles had very similar features and were among the first to introduce four-wheel steering in a fuel cell vehicle.
5. 2002 Toyota FCHV – The 2002 Toyota Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle was the first hydrogen vehicle presented by Toyota. It was only available through a lease to a limited number of American drivers. The response was encouraging but it would only be sold years later.

Please Note

If you wish to purchase a hydrogen vehicle, you will need to research the locations of the nearest hydrogen refueling station. Since you can only drive in these areas, you will not be able to take your hydrogen car on long trips without a gas station. This is why Honda and Toyota have only selected certain dealerships to sell and lease these cars. They wanted to be sure that consumers could access these nearby service stations.

Differences between hydrogen fuel cell and traditional cars

The use of alternative energy for cars is becoming increasingly popular in the modern era. While most people have heard of electric vehicles, many do not think about the available energy sources that can power them. Among all the available electric car options, hydrogen fuel cell cars have proven to be the cleanest on the market. They do not use an electric battery like other electric vehicles do. Furthermore, the emissions coming out of the exhaust pipe are only water vapor and heat. This makes them the most environmentally friendly of all the other options.

Working Principle of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars

Hydrogen fuel cell cars produce electricity through the conversion of hydrogen gas. Once this happens, heat and water are the only two things emitted from them. You will not see toxic carbon emissions coming out as with traditional vehicles. There are high-pressure fuel tanks in the vehicle that store the hydrogen gas. Instead of burning the gas as you do with regular fuel, the hydrogen gas flows into the fuel cells which contain oxygen. The hydrogen gas mixes with the oxygen and forms the electrical current needed to power the electric motors. This, in turn, provides power to the wheels and allows the vehicle to move.

The 3 Main Differences Between Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars and Traditional Cars

If you are considering getting a hydrogen fuel cell car, you need to understand the fundamental aspects of the vehicle. While hydrogen vehicles have many advantages, there could also be major drawbacks for you.

Besides hydrogen producing cleaner emissions, below are the 3 main differences between hydrogen and ordinary vehicles. This will help you better understand the working principle of hydrogen fuel cell cars and how they might affect your lifestyle.

1. Small Battery – All vehicles have batteries, but they serve different purposes depending on the type of vehicle. A hydrogen fuel cell car has a small battery that is solely responsible for boosting acceleration. It is not the main source of power for propulsion as in hybrid vehicles. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell car batteries are capable of recharging themselves using energy from the hydrogen fuel cells. This allows the batteries to last a very long time.
2. Less Noise – Hydrogen fuel cell cars are much quieter because there is no roaring petroleum engine emitting exhaust fumes. Furthermore, the power delivery is quite quick as it is fast for electric motors to achieve full torque. This means you can lightly press the accelerator pedal and make the car accelerate quickly. Again, there will be no engine noise when the car accelerates either. The only sounds you are likely to hear come from the outside winds blowing against it.
3. Limited Fueling Stations – The only major drawback of hydrogen fuel cell cars is that you cannot simply go to a traditional gas station to refuel. You will need to go to a hydrogen fueling station to fill up the cells. Unfortunately, there are not as many hydrogen fueling stations as there are regular gas stations. In fact, there are only 39 hydrogen fueling stations throughout the United States and the majority of them are located in California. But, as the technology expands to other states, there will likely be more hydrogen stations opening very soon.

The Outlook

You might be wondering why more hydrogen vehicles are not produced if they are so good for the environment. The main argument on the other side is that hydrogen still causes emissions when it is produced. This is technically true because hydrogen currently comes from natural gas. But we have the technology to produce hydrogen from cleaner renewable energy sources. California has currently started this process at 6 of its hydrogen fueling stations. The state requires that any hydrogen station receiving public funding use renewable sources for at least 33% of its hydrogen production. Hopefully, this percentage will increase in the future and expand to other states.

How hybrid cars work

Most drivers around the world have never driven a hybrid vehicle before. All they know about these hybrid vehicles is that they operate with an internal combustion gasoline engine and a battery-powered electric motor. But few of them know how this combination actually makes the car work. The truth is that drivers have a choice regarding how much electricity from the electric motor they can use for their driving and how much gasoline they get from the internal combustion engine.

Normally, a driver would use both the engine and the electric motor in order to save both battery power and gasoline. The battery inside a hybrid vehicle is much larger than the battery in your conventional classic car. Not only does the hybrid battery need to power basic accessories like the air conditioner and radio, but it also needs to power some of the vehicle’s movement. This requires it to be a much more massive battery that costs thousands of dollars and lasts about 100,000 miles.

The 6 Main Features of a Hybrid Vehicle’s Internal Structure

To understand how a hybrid vehicle works, you basically need to understand its internal structure. Here are the 6 main features of its structure.

1. Fuel Tank – You will always have a fuel tank to store your gasoline as in a conventional vehicle. Due to the advanced technology of hybrid cars, gas will not need to be used as much. This will give you better fuel efficiency and produce fewer emissions.
2. Transmission – Most hybrid vehicles will still use a conventional transmission that you would find in an ordinary gasoline car. However, new transmissions are built specifically for certain hybrid cars, like the Toyota Prius.
3. Batteries – The batteries are what power the electric motor of a hybrid car. Not only that, but the batteries can also take back power from the electric motor. This is one way to preserve their lifespan.
4. Generator – If you have a series hybrid vehicle, they have a generator that is powered by the gasoline engine. From there, the generator can then generate power for the electric motor and help recharge the battery. It is essentially a way to convert gasoline into electrical energy for the motor and battery.
5. Electric Motor – This is the feature that makes the hybrid vehicle particularly special. The electric motor has the ability to accelerate the vehicle by taking power from the battery. However, it can also give power back to the battery if you slow the vehicle down.
6. Gasoline Engine – The hybrid vehicle still has a gasoline engine. This remains the main source of power for the vehicle since 1 gallon of gasoline has the same energy as half a ton of battery energy.

Additional Information

Some hybrid vehicles can be plugged in to recharge the battery while others do not have this capability. Plug-in hybrids are considered electric vehicles while those you cannot plug in are not electric vehicles. Those you can plug in typically have an “electric-only drive” function that allows you to power the movement entirely with the electric motor. The only problem is that you can only drive at low speeds between 10 and 30 miles per hour. The electric motor is not powerful enough to accelerate the vehicle faster without drawing on the gasoline engine for more power. If you try to drive over 30 mph in “electric-only drive” mode, you will quickly deplete your battery power and will then be forced to drive on gasoline only as in a normal car.

What is DSC? Definition, Functions and Benefits

DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) is a system that has been installed on BMW, Jaguar, Ford, Mazda, Land Rover, and MINI vehicles. It is based on the anti-lock braking system and improves vehicle stability during driving. It also prevents wheels from slipping. The system enhances handling and safety during maneuvers.

DSC analyzes readings from the yaw rate sensor, lateral and longitudinal acceleration sensors, wheel speed sensors, and the brake pressure sensor. This allows it to calculate the actual direction of the vehicle’s movement. The steering wheel angle and accelerator pedal position are used to assess driver intervention.

If the actual direction of the vehicle’s movement differs from the intended one, the system activates the hydraulic unit. This increases pressure in the brake circuit. The rotational speed of one or more wheels is reduced, allowing the car to return to the intended path. Engine torque can also be adjusted if necessary.

DSC turns on automatically. If needed, it can be deactivated by pressing the button on the center console or in the display settings. This is recommended when driving on loose or soft ground or if snow chains have been installed.

POPULAR CARS EQUIPPED WITH DSC

• BMW X5 E53, 6 Series E63, E64, 5 Series E39, E60, E61, 3 Series E90, E91, E92;
• Jaguar X-Type X400, XJ X351, XF X351;
• Ford Falcon FG, Focus Mk3;
• Mazda 3 BL, 6 GH, 5 CR19;
• Land Rover Discovery III;
• MINI Cooper S Mk I.

REASONS FOR MALFUNCTION

• Loss of electrical power to ABS sensors.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Installation of tires with different tread patterns.
• Use of a small spare tire.
• Low brake fluid level.