Cracked block? There aren't many two-word combinations that send a shiver up a car guy's spine. In most cases that means the block is DOA, and it's worth its weight in scrap only. Sometimes there is ...

Among the many pesky issues that can confound do-it-yourself mechanics, one of the most simple yet elusive that impacts overall drivability is the common vacuum leak. This is especially true if you're ...

If you've ever seen a port by your car's dashboard that can't charge your phone or provide auxiliary power from your vehicle's battery, there's a good chance that it is an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) ...

Engine knocking, or detonation, occurs when fuel in the cylinders ignites unevenly, causing metallic pinging sounds, reduced power, and potential engine damage. Key causes include low-octane fuel, ...

As a certified shadetree motorcycle mechanic, I've seen some pretty wild field expedient repairs attempted by previous owners. Typically these are hack jobs so embarrassing — we're talking things like ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Jim Gorzelany is a veteran automotive journalist. This article is more than 4 years old. According to CarMD.com, the national ...

Whether it’s traveling to work, getting your kids to school or heading to an important appointment, your car is a necessity — not a luxury. So it’s scary to see your check engine light come on or hear ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Among the many pesky issues that can confound do-it-yourself mechanics, one of the most simple yet elusive that impacts overall ...

Car owners dread few things quite as much as a vehicle's "Check Engine" light. However, the dreaded signal doesn't always foretell a worst-case scenario for motorists. They can even help prevent ...