Under the Hood

Most people don't have to buy tires too often, nor do they realize that tires are a key part of their car's safety and performance. But have you ever wondered how tires are made?

By Jamie Page Deaton

Tires come in an array of sizes and constructions. Given the countless factors affecting tire life, it's a guarantee a car's tires will wear unevenly. But will rotating your tires make them last longer?

By Eric Baxter

Having improper or unsafe tires on your car is like wearing the wrong shoes -- only with consequences that can be much more serious. Are some tires really safer than others?

By Jamie Page Deaton

Fuel-efficient tires aren't anything new. In fact, car manufacturers often install tires that improve a car's fuel efficiency ratings. But until recently, tire shops didn't sell them. What are fuel-efficient tires, anyway?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Buying new tires can be a confusing (and often expensive) experience. It seems like everyone gives you advice about how to handle it. But, do you really need to replace all four tires at the same time?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Tire failure while you're driving can be disastrous. It's always best to buy new ones before something goes wrong on the road. But do you know the warning signs that indicate you need new tires?

By Christopher Lampton

It's inevitable. If you drive your car on a regular basis, your tires are going to wear out. Sooner or later you're going to have to shop for new ones. But do you know what to look for in a new tire?

By Christopher Neiger

To put it in layman's terms, tire traction is how your car's tires transfer energy to the pavement. Most people know that. But how much do you know about tire traction ratings or tire traction enhancers?

By Akweli Parker

Spark plugs play a critical role in your car's engine. Of course, they don't last forever, so it's important to replace your spark plugs from time to time. Do you know how long spark plugs typically last?

By Patrick E. George

Mechanics and manufacturers have a loosely agreed upon mileage range for most brake pads. Yet the lifespan of a brake pad depends on a set of variables ranging from driving style to the laws of physics.

By Eric Baxter

Crankshaft bearings support the crankshaft, one of the components that makes your car's engine rotate. For such an important part, you want to be sure they're working properly. But how long do they last, and how can you tell if they need replacing?

By Cherise Threewitt

As the system tasked with getting gas to the engine, fuel injectors are an important part of your car. How long can you expect yours to last, and how do you know if they need replacing?

By Cherise Threewitt

It's good to know the approximate lifespan of your headlights. If one happens to fail, you can be ready with a replacement bulb when you need it most. But how long do headlights typically last, anyway?

By Eric Baxter

Your car's tie rods don't go bad because they were built on a specific date and their time has merely expired -- tie rods go bad due to wear and tear. But how long will a set of tie rods typically last?

By Christopher Neiger

Blurb: Your windshield wiper blades are one of the hardest working -- yet least durable -- parts of your car. They endure extreme temperatures and hours of nonstop use. Do you know the lifespan of your car's wiper blades?

By Christopher Lampton

Your car's air filter is the first line of defense against the dust, dirt, and debris that can quickly foul up the engine, causing poor performance and shortening the life of the car. How long does a car's air filter last?

By Akweli Parker

Without a radiator to remove the heat from the coolant, your car would quickly overheat and the engine would begin to destroy itself. But how long can you expect your radiator to continue doing its job?

By Christopher Lampton

Your car's catalytic converter scrubs air-polluting byproducts from the engine's exhaust before they can escape into the atmosphere. But how do you tell if your catalytic converter is out of whack?

By Akweli Parker

Treat your clutch with respect and it'll reward you with years of motoring enjoyment. Treat it poorly and the lifetime of your clutch is greatly reduced. Do you know the average lifetime of a clutch?

By Christopher Lampton

Your car's timing belt is responsible for maintaining the precision that's crucial to your engine's functions, keeping valves and pistons in sync. It's made of synthetic rubber, though, and won't last forever. Why should you have the timing belt in mind when your car's scheduled for service?

By Cherise Threewitt

A water pump circulates coolant throughout your car's engine to keep everything running cool. It endures constant use -- if your engine is on, the water pump is working, too. But how long does it last?

By Christopher Neiger

An exhaust system helps your car run smoothly and quietly, and it tries its best to keep the environment clear of nasty pollutants. Because it's such an important part of the vehicle, you'd think it would be built to last. How long does an exhaust system putter away for, and what can go wrong with it?

By Cherise Threewitt

While it's difficult to determine the lifetime of any one specific component, there are some factors that help determine how long your car's A/C compressor will be able to do its job.

By Christopher Neiger

Changing your car's oil is messy and inconvenient when you do it yourself. A quick-lube shop makes the process slightly less difficult, but wouldn't it be great to prevent all unnecessary oil changes?

By Akweli Parker

Yes, the price on your new car's window sticker is important; however, that's just the beginning of your automotive expenses. There are plenty of other costs associated with owning a car.

By Jamie Page Deaton