Dashboard and Diagnostics
How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Changed?
How often should brake fluid be changed? Examples range from 12 months to three years, while some schedules call for inspection.
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TunedDrive
Vehicle technology and diagnostics. TunedDrive covers new cars, in-car technology, gear and the fixes that keep vehicles running, with model-specific context and clear stop points where a mechanic takes over.
Stories by TunedDrive
24 stories
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
How to Add Transmission Fluid
To add transmission fluid, find the right fluid and check the level before pouring through a dipstick tube. Leave other fill methods to a mechanic.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
How Much Does Strut Replacement Cost?
A conventional front strut pair costs $580 to $1,150 with alignment at an independent shop. Compare the parts, labor and alignment on your quote.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
How Much Is a Front End Alignment?
Budget $50 to $100 for a front-end alignment, or $100 to $200 for four-wheel work. Get a written total that separates repairs and calibration.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
Why Does My Car Shut Off While Driving?
If your car shuts off while driving, get to a safe place first. The warning lights and what happens when you try to restart help narrow the cause.
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Starting and Battery
What Are the Signs of a Bad Starter?
A bad starter may click once, stay silent, grind, or spin without turning the engine. Test the battery and cables before buying one.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Is a Serpentine Belt?
A serpentine belt powers engine accessories. If the charging light comes on or the engine overheats, pull over safely and switch off.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
Plan on about 50 miles total at no more than 50 mph on a compact spare. A lower limit on the tire or vehicle takes priority.
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Buying and Ownership
Winter Tires vs All-Season Tires
Compare winter tires vs all-season tires by the cold and snow you drive through, then plan the fit, four-tire purchase and seasonal swap.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Does the P0420 Code Mean?
A P0420 code flags low Bank 1 catalyst efficiency. Learn the possible causes and what should be checked before you approve replacement parts.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay?
A bad fuel pump relay can cause a no-start or a sudden stall. Here’s how to read the symptoms and what to have checked before replacing parts.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Brake Booster?
A bad brake booster can cause a newly hard pedal, longer stops, and hissing when you brake. If braking changes while driving, stop and arrange a tow.
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Buying and Ownership
How to Read a Tire Date Code
Read the final four digits of the complete DOT tire code: 2524 means week 25 of 2024. Check the other sidewall if the visible code stops early.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
How to Know What Your Tire Pressure Should Be
Use the recommended cold PSI on the vehicle’s tire label, usually inside the driver’s door. Match each tire to its front, rear, or spare value.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Is Tire Balancing?
Tire balancing uses rim weights to help a mounted tire and wheel spin smoothly. A speed-related shake calls for a check, but balancing cannot repair damage.
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Climate
Why Is My Car AC Blowing Warm Air?
Car AC blowing warm air? Check whether airflow is weak, cooling fades, or one side stays warm before choosing the next repair step.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
5 OBD2 Scanners That Can Run Active Tests
These five scanners can command vehicle components during diagnosis. Two offer free ongoing updates, while gateway access and activation requirements differ.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Does It Mean When Your Steering Wheel Shakes?
A shaking steering wheel can point to different problems depending on when it happens. Start with the timing, then check the tires while parked.
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Cameras and Security
6 Dash Cams That Keep Recording While Your Car Is Parked
Parking mode needs power that outlasts the ignition. Two of these six ship with it, four need a cable you buy separately, and one wants a subscription too.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Does Anti-Lock Brake System Mean?
ABS helps you steer while braking hard. Learn what pedal pulsing means, when an ABS light needs diagnosis, and when a brake warning means stop.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Is a Vehicle Alignment?
An alignment sets your wheel angles to your car's specifications. Learn what the shop checks, what the report shows and which symptoms to mention.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Is Tire Alignment?
Tire alignment measures and corrects wheel angles so your car tracks straight and wears its tires evenly. Check cold tire pressure before paying for it.
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Dashboard and Diagnostics
What Are ABS Brakes on a Car?
ABS brakes help keep wheels rolling so you can steer during a hard stop. A pulsing pedal can be normal; an ABS light that stays on needs attention.
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How we testDashboard and Diagnostics
What Does ESC Mean on a Car?
ESC means Electronic Stability Control. See what a flashing, steady or OFF light means, and when another brake warning changes your next step.
