Under the Hood

Most new car buyers finance a vehicle's purchase with a loan from a bank, a credit union or through a program offered by the dealership. But what will those monthly payments really include?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

The average annual cost of auto insurance varies by state, the insurance company you choose, your deductible, the community you live in and a few other factors, too. So, what does all of that truly cost?

By Nicholas Gerbis

You don't need a new car or new technology to tell you how "green" you're driving. It's easy to calculate your vehicle's average miles per gallon (and your fuel cost) each time you fill up.

By Patrick E. George

There's no doubt about it: Routine auto maintenance is a pricey endeavor. But will a little simple preventative maintenance really save you money in the long run? How much should you expect to spend?

By Patrick E. George

Whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, your car has an average life expectancy. But is it cheaper to fix the car you already have or simply buy a new one? How much is too much to spend on repairs?

By Nicholas Gerbis

So you're buying a new car? Congratulations! But in addition to paying for tags and registration, you'll also have to pay taxes. Depending on your state and local tax rates, it can really add up.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

There's a lot more to the cost of owning a car than just paying the sticker price. But do you know the additional six factors that make up the total cost of ownership? How does your car rank?

By Nicholas Gerbis

It's a bad feeling when you're pulled over by the police for speeding. You're probably getting a ticket and your wallet is going to feel the sting, too. Do you know the average cost of a speeding ticket?

By Patrick E. George

Anyone who drives in a crowded city knows a good parking space is worth paying for. And if you don't feed the meter, you're in for an expensive ticket. Do you know the average cost of a parking ticket?

By Eric Baxter

Roadside assistance programs offer a variety of services and are available from a wide range of providers -- even Wal-Mart is getting in on the action. But do you know the cost of roadside assistance?

By Patrick E. George

If you've ever bought a new car from a dealer, chances are it came with some kind of warranty protection. But what happens when your car's original warranty expires? Is it worth shopping for a new warranty?

By Akweli Parker

If you pay attention to what's going on in the automotive market and watch for incentives offered by dealers, you can save a lot of money on your next car. Rebates and incentives work to your advantage.

By Jamie Page Deaton

Auto accidents are bad enough on their own. And when you consider the threat of a lawsuit or a massive payout to other victims, your bad situation can get much worse. How much liability car insurance do you need?

By Nicholas Gerbis

Hanging onto your older car for as long as you can makes solid economic sense. As long as your ride isn't costing more than your car is worth and is relatively reliable, you're in good shape. But if your car just won't cooperate, it may be time to upgrade.

By Sara Elliott

Without frequent oil changes, dirt and sludge can build up in your car's engine. But when it's "time" for an oil change, why is it important to select a high-quality motor oil?

By Patrick E. George

There's a popular belief that switching between mineral oil and synthetic oil in your car's engine is a no-no. Some say it'll cause leaky seals and internal engine damage. So is it a myth or a reality?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

It took researchers years to create quality synthetics that outperformed conventional oils, but there's little doubt that synthetics are now superior in most scenarios. What makes synthetic oil better?

By Nathan Chandler

You may think your dreams of fuel economy can be fulfilled only by a car with a diesel engine, but direct injection engines offer another option for high efficiency and performance. How do they differ from standard gas engines?

By Akweli Parker

Fred Flintstone had a car that he had to power with his own feet; by that standard, all of today's cars are pretty easy to use. But cars are becoming even more user-friendly -- so user-friendly, in fact, that they may not even require a user at all.

By Molly Edmonds

Hybrid manufacturers tend to keep their focus on gas mileage and power, but that's starting to change as eco-plastics debut in some of the market's most popular cars. Where might you find eco-plastic in your hybrid?

By Julia Layton

It's probably safe to assume that everyone knows car tires eventually wear out. But is there any way to determine how long your car tires will last?

By Akweli Parker

Car tires take plenty of abuse when they're in service. But is it possible that time is as much of a factor as tread wear? Should tires have sell-by dates?

By Christopher Neiger

Transmissions are complex components that often contain hundreds of smaller parts. But just how long do transmissions last, anyway? And does a so-called "bullet-proof" transmission really exist?

By Eric Baxter

Automotive engine longevity depends on several factors. But wouldn't it be nice to know exactly how long you could expect the engine in your car or truck to last?

By Jamie Page Deaton

With fewer moving parts and components that often last the life of the car, it's no wonder that modern ignition systems are often trouble free. But how long do car ignition systems really last?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler