Autos

Clear, unbiased information on owning, maintaining, and understanding vehicles.

Updated daily  ·  96 stories
Battery, Alternator, and Starter: Telling Apart Three Common Electrical Failures
Car Maintenance

Battery, Alternator, and Starter: Telling Apart Three Common Electrical Failures

When your car won't start, the cause isn't always the battery. Understand how each component works and what specific symptoms point to which part.

By Autos Editorial Team · Sep 15, 2025 · 8 min read

Latest In Autos

Before You Skip That Service Appointment: The Real Costs of Deferred Maintenance
Car Maintenance

Before You Skip That Service Appointment: The Real Costs of Deferred Maintenance

Autos Editorial Team · Oct 22, 2024 · 5 min read
Brake Wear: What the Sounds and Sensations Are Telling You
Car Maintenance

Brake Wear: What the Sounds and Sensations Are Telling You

Autos Editorial Team · Apr 29, 2024 · 8 min read
Brakes 101: How Disc and Drum Braking Systems Work
Car Maintenance

Brakes 101: How Disc and Drum Braking Systems Work

Autos Editorial Team · Aug 5, 2024 · 8 min read
Car Fluids Every Driver Should Know: A No-Jargon Reference Guide
Car Maintenance

Car Fluids Every Driver Should Know: A No-Jargon Reference Guide

Autos Editorial Team · May 8, 2026 · 6 min read
Car Maintenance from Oil to Timing Belts: The Complete Overview
Car Maintenance

Car Maintenance from Oil to Timing Belts: The Complete Overview

Autos Editorial Team · May 5, 2025 · 7 min read
Car Ownership and Maintenance: Everything You Need to Keep Your Vehicle Road-Ready
Car Maintenance

Car Ownership and Maintenance: Everything You Need to Keep Your Vehicle Road-Ready

Autos Editorial Team · Aug 7, 2024 · 8 min read
Car Ownership for Beginners: What Maintenance Actually Involves
Car Maintenance

Car Ownership for Beginners: What Maintenance Actually Involves

Autos Editorial Team · Nov 19, 2024 · 8 min read
DIY Car Maintenance vs. Taking It to a Shop: Knowing Where the Line Is
Car Maintenance

DIY Car Maintenance vs. Taking It to a Shop: Knowing Where the Line Is

Autos Editorial Team · Nov 2, 2025 · 6 min read
DIY Car Maintenance vs. Taking It to a Shop: When Each Makes Sense
Car Maintenance

DIY Car Maintenance vs. Taking It to a Shop: When Each Makes Sense

Autos Editorial Team · Mar 4, 2026 · 6 min read
Dashboard Warning Lights: A Quick-Reference Lookup for US Drivers
Car Maintenance

Dashboard Warning Lights: A Quick-Reference Lookup for US Drivers

Autos Editorial Team · Dec 12, 2024 · 5 min read
Debunking Persistent Car Maintenance Myths That Cost Drivers Money
Car Maintenance

Debunking Persistent Car Maintenance Myths That Cost Drivers Money

Autos Editorial Team · Feb 19, 2024 · 6 min read
Fluid Checks Every Driver Should Know How to Do
Car Maintenance

Fluid Checks Every Driver Should Know How to Do

Autos Editorial Team · Dec 28, 2024 · 6 min read
Habits That Make a Car Last Longer
Car Maintenance

Habits That Make a Car Last Longer

Autos Editorial Team · Feb 12, 2026 · 7 min read
High-Mileage Vehicles: What Changes About Maintenance After 100,000 Miles
Car Maintenance

High-Mileage Vehicles: What Changes About Maintenance After 100,000 Miles

Autos Editorial Team · Jun 1, 2025 · 6 min read
Keeping a Maintenance Log: Why the Paper Trail Matters More Than Most Drivers Realize
Car Maintenance

Keeping a Maintenance Log: Why the Paper Trail Matters More Than Most Drivers Realize

Autos Editorial Team · Aug 19, 2024 · 7 min read
Oil Change Intervals: What the 3,000-Mile Rule Gets Wrong
Car Maintenance

Oil Change Intervals: What the 3,000-Mile Rule Gets Wrong

Autos Editorial Team · Jul 17, 2023 · 6 min read
Pre-Road-Trip Vehicle Checklist
Car Maintenance

Pre-Road-Trip Vehicle Checklist

Autos Editorial Team · Sep 29, 2025 · 6 min read
Reading a Mechanic's Estimate: What Those Line Items Actually Mean
Car Maintenance

Reading a Mechanic's Estimate: What Those Line Items Actually Mean

Autos Editorial Team · Feb 14, 2025 · 7 min read
Seasonal Car Care: Preparing Your Vehicle for Changing Conditions
Car Maintenance

Seasonal Car Care: Preparing Your Vehicle for Changing Conditions

Autos Editorial Team · Apr 6, 2025 · 6 min read
Synthetic vs. Conventional Motor Oil: What Drivers Should Know
Car Maintenance

Synthetic vs. Conventional Motor Oil: What Drivers Should Know

Autos Editorial Team · Aug 10, 2025 · 5 min read
Synthetic vs. Conventional Motor Oil: Which One Belongs in Your Engine?
Car Maintenance

Synthetic vs. Conventional Motor Oil: Which One Belongs in Your Engine?

Autos Editorial Team · Feb 12, 2025 · 6 min read
The Maintenance Tasks First-Time Car Owners Most Often Overlook
Car Maintenance

The Maintenance Tasks First-Time Car Owners Most Often Overlook

Autos Editorial Team · Jun 13, 2024 · 5 min read
The Real Tradeoffs of Extending Maintenance Intervals Beyond the Owner's Manual
Car Maintenance

The Real Tradeoffs of Extending Maintenance Intervals Beyond the Owner's Manual

Autos Editorial Team · May 29, 2023 · 7 min read
The Seasonal Car Maintenance Checklist Every Driver Should Keep in the Glove Box
Car Maintenance

The Seasonal Car Maintenance Checklist Every Driver Should Keep in the Glove Box

Autos Editorial Team · Jul 11, 2024 · 5 min read
The Warning Signs in Your Dashboard Lights, One by One
Car Maintenance

The Warning Signs in Your Dashboard Lights, One by One

Autos Editorial Team · Feb 4, 2023 · 6 min read
Tire Pressure and Wear: What the Numbers on Your Sidewall Actually Mean
Car Maintenance

Tire Pressure and Wear: What the Numbers on Your Sidewall Actually Mean

Autos Editorial Team · May 10, 2026 · 5 min read
Tire Pressure, Tread Depth, and the Numbers on Your Sidewall
Car Maintenance

Tire Pressure, Tread Depth, and the Numbers on Your Sidewall

Autos Editorial Team · Sep 2, 2023 · 6 min read
What Your Check Engine Light Is Actually Telling You
Car Maintenance

What Your Check Engine Light Is Actually Telling You

Autos Editorial Team · Jul 24, 2023 · 8 min read
Why Ignoring Your Check Engine Light Is a Gamble
Car Maintenance

Why Ignoring Your Check Engine Light Is a Gamble

Autos Editorial Team · Apr 8, 2023 · 8 min read
Why Skipping Oil Changes Costs You Far More Than the Service Itself
Car Maintenance

Why Skipping Oil Changes Costs You Far More Than the Service Itself

Autos Editorial Team · Dec 3, 2023 · 6 min read
Your Car's Maintenance Schedule, Explained
Car Maintenance

Your Car's Maintenance Schedule, Explained

Autos Editorial Team · Oct 14, 2025 · 8 min read
A Practical Breakdown of the Car-Buying Process from Search to Signature
Buying & Owning

A Practical Breakdown of the Car-Buying Process from Search to Signature

Autos Editorial Team · Nov 23, 2023 · 8 min read
Auto Loans Explained: Interest Rates, Terms, and What Lenders Look At
Buying & Owning

Auto Loans Explained: Interest Rates, Terms, and What Lenders Look At

Autos Editorial Team · Jul 3, 2024 · 8 min read
Buying a Car From a Private Seller: A First-Timer's Walkthrough
Buying & Owning

Buying a Car From a Private Seller: A First-Timer's Walkthrough

Autos Editorial Team · Sep 20, 2025 · 8 min read
Buying vs. Leasing a Car: Which Path Makes More Sense?
Buying & Owning

Buying vs. Leasing a Car: Which Path Makes More Sense?

Autos Editorial Team · Jan 28, 2023 · 5 min read
Car Depreciation Explained: Which Vehicles Hold Their Value and Why
Buying & Owning

Car Depreciation Explained: Which Vehicles Hold Their Value and Why

Autos Editorial Team · Dec 12, 2023 · 7 min read
Car Depreciation: Why It Matters More Than Most Buyers Realize
Buying & Owning

Car Depreciation: Why It Matters More Than Most Buyers Realize

Autos Editorial Team · Nov 3, 2025 · 8 min read
Car Insurance 101: Coverage Types Every Owner Should Understand
Buying & Owning

Car Insurance 101: Coverage Types Every Owner Should Understand

Autos Editorial Team · May 30, 2023 · 8 min read
Certified Pre-Owned vs. Regular Used Cars: What the Label Actually Means
Buying & Owning

Certified Pre-Owned vs. Regular Used Cars: What the Label Actually Means

Autos Editorial Team · May 4, 2025 · 6 min read
Common Misconceptions About Car Dealership Financing
Buying & Owning

Common Misconceptions About Car Dealership Financing

Autos Editorial Team · Jan 2, 2026 · 6 min read
Dealer Add-Ons That Often Cost More Than They're Worth
Buying & Owning

Dealer Add-Ons That Often Cost More Than They're Worth

Autos Editorial Team · Jul 16, 2025 · 6 min read
Financial Missteps That Make Car Ownership Far More Expensive
Buying & Owning

Financial Missteps That Make Car Ownership Far More Expensive

Autos Editorial Team · Jul 1, 2024 · 5 min read
Financing Through a Dealership vs. Your Own Bank or Credit Union
Buying & Owning

Financing Through a Dealership vs. Your Own Bank or Credit Union

Autos Editorial Team · Jun 13, 2026 · 6 min read
Financing vs. Paying Cash for a Car: What the Numbers Actually Show
Buying & Owning

Financing vs. Paying Cash for a Car: What the Numbers Actually Show

Autos Editorial Team · Mar 22, 2025 · 5 min read
Gap Insurance: What It Covers and When It's Worth Carrying
Buying & Owning

Gap Insurance: What It Covers and When It's Worth Carrying

Autos Editorial Team · Sep 6, 2023 · 6 min read
Getting Upside Down on a Car Loan: What It Means and How It Happens
Buying & Owning

Getting Upside Down on a Car Loan: What It Means and How It Happens

Autos Editorial Team · Jun 25, 2023 · 7 min read
How Auto Loan Interest Works — And Why It Matters More Than the Monthly Payment
Buying & Owning

How Auto Loan Interest Works — And Why It Matters More Than the Monthly Payment

Autos Editorial Team · Apr 3, 2024 · 7 min read
Leasing a Car: What You're Actually Agreeing To
Buying & Owning

Leasing a Car: What You're Actually Agreeing To

Autos Editorial Team · Jun 12, 2023 · 8 min read
Leasing vs. Buying: Why Neither Is Universally the Right Answer
Buying & Owning

Leasing vs. Buying: Why Neither Is Universally the Right Answer

Autos Editorial Team · Jan 4, 2026 · 5 min read
Managing the Ongoing Costs of a Car You Already Own
Buying & Owning

Managing the Ongoing Costs of a Car You Already Own

Autos Editorial Team · May 16, 2025 · 6 min read
New Car vs. Used Car: Breaking Down the Financial Trade-Offs
Buying & Owning

New Car vs. Used Car: Breaking Down the Financial Trade-Offs

Autos Editorial Team · Feb 19, 2026 · 6 min read
New Car vs. Used Car: What the Numbers Actually Tell You
Buying & Owning

New Car vs. Used Car: What the Numbers Actually Tell You

Autos Editorial Team · Mar 20, 2023 · 5 min read
Questions Worth Asking Before You Sign a Car Purchase Agreement
Buying & Owning

Questions Worth Asking Before You Sign a Car Purchase Agreement

Autos Editorial Team · Jun 27, 2025 · 5 min read
Reading a Vehicle History Report Without Getting Confused
Buying & Owning

Reading a Vehicle History Report Without Getting Confused

Autos Editorial Team · May 29, 2024 · 7 min read
The True Cost of Car Ownership Beyond the Sticker Price
Buying & Owning

The True Cost of Car Ownership Beyond the Sticker Price

Autos Editorial Team · Mar 20, 2026 · 8 min read
The True Cost of Owning a Car Beyond the Sticker Price
Buying & Owning

The True Cost of Owning a Car Beyond the Sticker Price

Autos Editorial Team · Jul 7, 2025 · 7 min read
Trade-In Myths That Cost Car Owners Money
Buying & Owning

Trade-In Myths That Cost Car Owners Money

Autos Editorial Team · Oct 9, 2025 · 6 min read
Understanding Your Vehicle Registration, Title, and Lien: A Plain-Language Reference
Buying & Owning

Understanding Your Vehicle Registration, Title, and Lien: A Plain-Language Reference

Autos Editorial Team · Sep 24, 2024 · 5 min read
Vehicle History Reports: What They Reveal and What They Miss
Buying & Owning

Vehicle History Reports: What They Reveal and What They Miss

Autos Editorial Team · Mar 27, 2026 · 7 min read
What a Pre-Purchase Inspection Actually Covers — and When to Insist on One
Buying & Owning

What a Pre-Purchase Inspection Actually Covers — and When to Insist on One

Autos Editorial Team · Nov 12, 2023 · 5 min read
What to Verify Before Signing a Used Car Purchase Agreement
Buying & Owning

What to Verify Before Signing a Used Car Purchase Agreement

Autos Editorial Team · Oct 15, 2025 · 5 min read
Why Your Credit Score Affects Your Auto Loan — and by How Much
Buying & Owning

Why Your Credit Score Affects Your Auto Loan — and by How Much

Autos Editorial Team · Dec 4, 2025 · 6 min read
Why Your Monthly Payment Isn't the Right Number to Focus On
Buying & Owning

Why Your Monthly Payment Isn't the Right Number to Focus On

Autos Editorial Team · May 31, 2024 · 5 min read
Defensive Driving: What It Actually Means and How to Practice It
Safe Driving

Defensive Driving: What It Actually Means and How to Practice It

Autos Editorial Team · Nov 4, 2024 · 7 min read
Defensive Driving: What It Actually Means and How to Practice It Daily
Safe Driving

Defensive Driving: What It Actually Means and How to Practice It Daily

Autos Editorial Team · Jun 12, 2023 · 8 min read
Distracted Driving vs. Impaired Driving: Understanding Two Distinct Road Risks
Safe Driving

Distracted Driving vs. Impaired Driving: Understanding Two Distinct Road Risks

Autos Editorial Team · May 2, 2024 · 6 min read
Distracted Driving: How Divided Attention Leads to Dangerous Gaps
Safe Driving

Distracted Driving: How Divided Attention Leads to Dangerous Gaps

Autos Editorial Team · Aug 27, 2024 · 8 min read
Driving With Passengers vs. Driving Alone: How Social Dynamics Affect Risk
Safe Driving

Driving With Passengers vs. Driving Alone: How Social Dynamics Affect Risk

Autos Editorial Team · Mar 9, 2023 · 6 min read
Driving in Rain, Ice, and Snow: Adjusting for Each Condition
Safe Driving

Driving in Rain, Ice, and Snow: Adjusting for Each Condition

Autos Editorial Team · Feb 6, 2026 · 6 min read
Highway Driving Habits That Separate Safe Drivers from Risky Ones
Safe Driving

Highway Driving Habits That Separate Safe Drivers from Risky Ones

Autos Editorial Team · Dec 24, 2024 · 7 min read
Highway Driving vs. City Driving: How the Risk Profile Changes
Safe Driving

Highway Driving vs. City Driving: How the Risk Profile Changes

Autos Editorial Team · Jan 30, 2026 · 6 min read
How Fatigue Affects Your Driving (Even When You Feel Fine)
Safe Driving

How Fatigue Affects Your Driving (Even When You Feel Fine)

Autos Editorial Team · Feb 26, 2024 · 8 min read
Merging, Yielding, and Right-of-Way: Where Most Drivers Go Wrong
Safe Driving

Merging, Yielding, and Right-of-Way: Where Most Drivers Go Wrong

Autos Editorial Team · Oct 3, 2024 · 6 min read
Navigating Intersections Safely: Rules, Risks, and Situational Awareness
Safe Driving

Navigating Intersections Safely: Rules, Risks, and Situational Awareness

Autos Editorial Team · Apr 15, 2023 · 9 min read
Navigating Roundabouts, Merges, and Other Intersections That Trip Drivers Up
Safe Driving

Navigating Roundabouts, Merges, and Other Intersections That Trip Drivers Up

Autos Editorial Team · Apr 27, 2026 · 5 min read
Night Driving Demands and the Habits That Keep You Safer After Dark
Safe Driving

Night Driving Demands and the Habits That Keep You Safer After Dark

Autos Editorial Team · Jan 17, 2025 · 7 min read
Night Driving Is More Dangerous Than Most People Realize
Safe Driving

Night Driving Is More Dangerous Than Most People Realize

Autos Editorial Team · Oct 25, 2023 · 8 min read
Pre-Drive Vehicle Checks Every Driver Should Know
Safe Driving

Pre-Drive Vehicle Checks Every Driver Should Know

Autos Editorial Team · Nov 30, 2025 · 6 min read
Pre-Trip Vehicle Safety Walkthrough
Safe Driving

Pre-Trip Vehicle Safety Walkthrough

Autos Editorial Team · Apr 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Rain, Snow, or Fog: Adjusting Your Driving for Every Weather Condition
Safe Driving

Rain, Snow, or Fog: Adjusting Your Driving for Every Weather Condition

Autos Editorial Team · Sep 18, 2025 · 7 min read
Road Rage: What Triggers It, How It Escalates, and How to Stay Out of It
Safe Driving

Road Rage: What Triggers It, How It Escalates, and How to Stay Out of It

Autos Editorial Team · Dec 15, 2024 · 7 min read
Road Rage: What Triggers It, What It Costs, and How to Respond When It Happens
Safe Driving

Road Rage: What Triggers It, What It Costs, and How to Respond When It Happens

Autos Editorial Team · Oct 7, 2025 · 8 min read
Safe Driving at Every Life Stage: New Drivers, Commuters, and Older Adults
Safe Driving

Safe Driving at Every Life Stage: New Drivers, Commuters, and Older Adults

Autos Editorial Team · Apr 28, 2024 · 8 min read
Sharing the Road with Cyclists, Pedestrians, and Motorcyclists
Safe Driving

Sharing the Road with Cyclists, Pedestrians, and Motorcyclists

Autos Editorial Team · Jul 11, 2025 · 6 min read
Situational Awareness on the Road: Reading Traffic Before Problems Develop
Safe Driving

Situational Awareness on the Road: Reading Traffic Before Problems Develop

Autos Editorial Team · Mar 16, 2026 · 7 min read
Situations Where New Drivers Are Most Likely to Make Dangerous Errors
Safe Driving

Situations Where New Drivers Are Most Likely to Make Dangerous Errors

Autos Editorial Team · Nov 6, 2024 · 5 min read
Speed Limit Myths That Drivers Still Believe
Safe Driving

Speed Limit Myths That Drivers Still Believe

Autos Editorial Team · Apr 26, 2024 · 7 min read
Speed Limits, Right of Way, and Other Traffic Laws Drivers Routinely Misunderstand
Safe Driving

Speed Limits, Right of Way, and Other Traffic Laws Drivers Routinely Misunderstand

Autos Editorial Team · Apr 17, 2025 · 6 min read
The Pros and Cons of Relying on GPS Navigation While Driving
Safe Driving

The Pros and Cons of Relying on GPS Navigation While Driving

Autos Editorial Team · Feb 20, 2024 · 6 min read
The Science Behind Stopping Distances (And Why Speed Matters More Than You Think)
Safe Driving

The Science Behind Stopping Distances (And Why Speed Matters More Than You Think)

Autos Editorial Team · Apr 20, 2025 · 8 min read
The Science Behind Stopping Distances (And Why Speed Matters More Than You Think)
Safe Driving

The Science Behind Stopping Distances (And Why Speed Matters More Than You Think)

Autos Editorial Team · Jan 13, 2026 · 7 min read
Traffic Signs and Road Markings That Drivers Frequently Overlook
Safe Driving

Traffic Signs and Road Markings That Drivers Frequently Overlook

Autos Editorial Team · Jan 20, 2025 · 6 min read
What Happens to Your Body During Driver Fatigue (And When to Pull Over)
Safe Driving

What Happens to Your Body During Driver Fatigue (And When to Pull Over)

Autos Editorial Team · Feb 9, 2026 · 8 min read
What the Road Signs You Ignore Are Actually Telling You
Safe Driving

What the Road Signs You Ignore Are Actually Telling You

Autos Editorial Team · Mar 11, 2025 · 5 min read
Why Tailgating Is More Dangerous Than Most Drivers Realize
Safe Driving

Why Tailgating Is More Dangerous Than Most Drivers Realize

Autos Editorial Team · Sep 28, 2024 · 5 min read

Top Writers In Autos

Autos Editorial Team
Autos Editorial Team
Staff Writer