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, ...

When I attended technical school studying automotive service technology many years ago, among the first things my instructor taught us was the basic principles of how an engine works. These principles ...

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 ...

Finding a trustworthy repair shop is one of the most important parts of keeping your vehicle properly serviced. It can be a challenge, but CR’s expert guidance can help you size up service facilities ...

We’ve all been there: your car makes a weird noise, and your wallet starts sweating […] ...

Jeff Somers is a freelancer who has been writing about writing, books, personal finance, and home maintenance since 2012. When not writing, Jeff spends his free time fixing up his old house. He has ...

Tariffs are driving up prices, but that’s only part of the story — aging cars, complex technology, and a worker shortage are all fueling record repair bills. Repair costs are climbing at record speed.

Abbe Herzig took her college-age daughter’s 2006 Honda Accord to a local repair shop for its yearly state safety inspection. The car failed the test, and the shop recommended a staggering $3,300 of ...

Learn which repairs cause many drivers to cut their losses instead of completing the fix. A service technician works under the hood of a customer’s vehicle at a Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Auto ...

Automotive diagnostic data firm CarMD has released its annual report on repair costs in the U.S., and the news is mostly good — with some precautions, including higher labor costs and the potential ...

Looking for an affordable car that lasts? These budget-friendly models have proven engines known for reliability, low maintenance costs and long life.