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, ...

Today’s cars and trucks are literally rolling test beds of technology, which has tended to make the days of the so-called shade tree mechanic and eyeball diagnoses of what ails a given model a distant ...

The costs of buying a new or used car have climbed in recent years, and so has the average repair bill. If a vehicle purchase or major repair isn’t in the cards (or budget), maintaining the health of ...

Most people understand that motor oil is a vital component for the internal combustion engines that power most of our cars. Not only does oil act as a lubricant, allowing internal moving parts to ...

When it comes to automotive service facilities, Consumer Reports members prefer independent shops—and, in some cases, chains—over dealerships, according to our annual survey. The survey results show ...

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

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 ...

The engines that power our cars — even the smallest ones — are extremely heavy. While smaller engines like four-cylinders and V6s can weigh between 200 and 450 pounds, larger motors like heavy-duty ...

Safety, performance, aesthetics, noise, comfort, reliability, and durability are the goals that keep automotive engineers up at night, and the miracle solution has, so far, been "more plastic." ...