Get the latest auto industry news and car information

Check Engine’ Indication Lamp goes ON

‘Check Engine’ Indication Lamp which is also known as ‘Malfunction Indicator Lamp’ (MIL) is a safety device for the vehicle’s user (driver) that something is not right under the hood. The only way to detect the fault and finally reset the fault is by using a diagnostic OBD2 scanner. All cars from 1996 onwards use the second generation OBD2 software system (On-Board Diagnostic II system). Today’s cars are all controlled through a Powertrain Control Module (PCM), also known as the electronic Engine Management System (EMS) – which is your engine’s computer. Europeans refer to this as the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) – which is the same thing. Continue reading ‘Uses of a Diagnostic OBD2 Scanner and Information on 'Check Engine' Faults’ »

Many first time jeep owners don’t realize that a stock jeep is not designed for the heavy of road use often seen in magazines and on TV. If you want to have the ability to take your jeep on those rocky trails and steep hills, you’re going to need an aftermarket lift kit. Suspension kits can drastically influence the way your vehicle handles and performs. For that reason it’s important to choose a kit that best fits your specific needs, whether it is for function or style. There are two basic ways to lift your jeep; Body kits and Suspension kits.

Off road enthusiasts will benefit from the extra ground clearance suspension these kits offer, giving them the ability to climb over large rocks and trail obstacles. If you plan to drive your jeep on off road trails, than a suspension kit is essential. Continue reading ‘Wanna Go Off-Roading in Your Jeep? Not Without a Lift Kit!’ »

When hopping on your ATV, it’s important to have respect for the trails and lands on which you ride. As in most areas of life, a few bad apples can affect the reputation of recreational ATV riders. There have been stories in the press about 4-wheelers tearing up the trails with poor riding etiquette, littering, and a general disregard for the land and environment. This makes it harder for all the respectful riders to be welcomed in utilizing trails.

The first and most important rule of riding is to get permission of you are going to ride on private property. And when you do have permission from land owners, use safe and proper driving techniques, clean up after yourself, and try to repair any damage you might do to the land or property (or at least let the owner know there is possible damage). Continue reading ‘ATV Etiquette’ »

It’s taken a while, but Honda have finally shaken off their image as the preserve of the cautious old duffer (and let’s face it, what’s wrong with choosing a car that’s renowned for reliability and safety?). Now there are a variety of sprightly models tootling about the highways and byways, leaving mouths agape in their wake thanks to rather gorgeous styling and completely revamped bodywork that stands up to the competition.

But some things never change, and Honda are stuck in their ways in one respect; they will never make a car that is anything less than reliable. And for this we should be thankful, because despite all the ribbing that Honda drivers have had to endure there would be uproar if the Japanese powerhouse suddenly started churning out vehicles that were all style and no substance. Instead Honda have managed to marry the two, and with remarkable results. Continue reading ‘Be Cool in a Honda Jazz’ »

When buying a new car, aspects that we consider before purchasing include fuel efficiency, safety features and drivability. For many of us however, the quality of the car sound systems that we test is just as important. Listening to music while we drive is soothing for some and liberating for others, as it takes the boredom out of traffic jams and never ending highways. Here we look at some of the most high tech (and expensive) sound systems and match them to their equally prestigious cars.

Car sound systems are rated on the quality of their audio as well as their ability to impress. Some of the most highly regarded motor vehicles in the world have the sound systems to match. Their impressive abilities relate to the quality and range of their sound as well as their easy accessibility and extensive features. Here are two of the top ranking luxury car audio systems according to askmen.com Continue reading ‘Car Sound Systems That Will Blow You Away’ »