Browse these original car care and maintenance topics of current and seasonal interest, from iCARumba’s staff automotive writers and contributors.

Car Care Q&A

Here are the most commonly asked car care and repair questions, with a quick answer and links to more extensive information on the subject.

Are my tires properly inflated?
How long should wiper blades last?
When should I change my engine oil?
How can I tell if my coolant is OK?
Why is heat coming from my A/C?
What can I do if my car overheats?
How can I find a good mechanic?
How often should my car get a tune-up?
Why are my brakes making noise?
Does my transmission ever need service?

Safety

Get educated about safety issues, restraints and airbags, and safety legislation.

Watch Out For Fall Driving Hazards -- Clear days and colored leaves look great but they often hide danger. Here’s how to stay safe.
How well do you know your brakes? -- Having good brakes and knowing how long it takes your car to stop are vital for safety. This article tells you the important facts about your brakes.
Fill Cans Carefully -- Summertime heat raises the risk of an explosion when filling and handling fuel cans. Read these tips to stay safe.
Ford Recalls Millions of Firestone Tires -- Nation's number two automaker is recalling 13 million Firestone Wilderness AT tires installed its trucks and SUVs because of safety concerns.
Roadside Emergencies -- Knowing what to carry in your vehicle to help you cope with roadside emergencies can help keep a minor catastrophe from becoming a major hassle.
Choosing Tires for Wintertime Driving -- Winter's inclement-weather conditions mean that traction tires are probably necessary -- but which type are best?
Fall Behind -- The switch back to standard time means extra driving caution is needed
Airbag Hazards: Pro and Con -- Practice has proven airbags save lives – but drivers should be aware of their possible risks.

Driving and Ownership

Learn more about driving, driving tips, and driving costs.

A Little Good Reading -- Your tire's sidewalls can tell you a lot, if you know how to read the code
Don’t Be Fuelish -- As gasoline prices inch toward record levels, these fuel conservation tips will help keep your gas bill down.

General Car Care

Seasonal and topical information to help you keep your car in top condition.

Gettting Your Car (And You) Ready for Autumn -- Cold weather is just around the corner; here’s what you need to do to get ready for cold weather driving.
DIY at the Self-Service Pump -- Doing underhood checks at the gas pump is vital to your car's well being. Here's a checklist.
Doing the Straight & Narrow -- Proper wheel alignment improves both handling and tire life. Here's a primer on front end problems.
Car Care Resolutions For a New Millennium -- Start the new millennium right by resolving to keep your car running well through proper preventive maintenance
Tires Last Longer With Proper Care -- Tire care starts where the rubber meets the road
Put the Squeeze on Your Cooling System -- Make sure your belts and hoses can handle the demands of summer.
Automatic Transmission Care -- Regular fluid changes are key to a healthy transmission.
A Bit of Prevention … -- Get your car ready for winter driving with these easy tips to keep your wheels reliable -- and help the environment, too.

Guide to Good Repair Work

If you’ve ever felt like you and your mechanic speak different languages, this collection of articles will give you tips on how to work effectively with service centers.

Visit to a Good Service Center -- Take a walk through a well-run service center.
Shopping for Service Centers -- Use these tips for finding reliable service centers.
How to Speak Mechanic -- Good service begins with good communication.