Latest news with #carMaintenance
Top Gear
08-08-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Report: GTA 6 mission to include replacing subframe bush on Mafia Sentinel
Satire Incoming game to allow player impossible task of boring car maintenance Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Here's roving correspondent, Cory Spondent, with his mostly incorrect exclusives from the world of motoring A mission in upcoming videogame Grand Theft Auto VI will be focused entirely on replacing a worn rear subframe bush on a Mafia Sentinel, insiders have revealed. Advertisement - Page continues below Despite its billing as a hugely complex, multifaceted crime drama, the game's designers were keen to marry the narrative-rich, explosive gameplay with the extraordinarily mundane world of car maintenance. As such, players will be offered side quests that not only involve replacing rear subframe bushes on classic GTA cars, but also in dealing with snapped bolts, impossibly tight nuts, rusty sills and parts shipping delays. You might like 'When we said GTA 6 will set a new benchmark for all entertainment, we meant it,' the insider said. 'And that includes the mind-numbingly dreary but inexplicably satisfying act of replacing a worn rear subframe bush on a fictional executive limousine. 'Sure, this blockbuster game will feature expertly-crafted dialogue, shoot-outs, wild helicopter sequences, speedboats blowing each other up and the kind of storyline that'd sweep up every Oscar going. But at its heart, Grand Theft Auto has always been about cars. Advertisement - Page continues below 'And cars break down. They rust. Their bushes perish and their water pumps give out and their bolts seize and their air-conditioning compressors fail and their cabin pollen filters require a degree in engineering to replace. We will enter this grey world of automotive drudgery, and we will make it sparkle.' The insider later admitted that attempting to source the replacement subframe bush would involve a complicated pre-mission involving a 520mph mid-air heist on a cargo aircraft transporting the parts while shooting down rival car maintenance garages in F-15 fighter jets during a thunderstorm. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
ArabGT
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Learn How to Check Your Oil Dipstick Properly and Protect Your Car
At first glance, using your oil dipstick might seem like a basic part of car maintenance—but it's often misunderstood and easy to get wrong. Many drivers simply pull out the oil dipstick, glance at the level, and decide whether to add more oil or leave it alone. But those tiny marks on the end of the stick aren't random—they are carefully engineered to help you avoid two of the most common engine-damaging mistakes: driving with too little oil or accidentally overfilling. The oil dipstick is more than a simple measuring tool. Misreading it, checking it at the wrong time, or ignoring best practices can all lead to serious mechanical issues over time. What the Oil Dipstick Is Really Telling You Every oil dipstick is marked to show two critical points: a top line indicating the 'full' level and a bottom line showing the 'low' level. These markings might appear as lines, dots, holes, or a crosshatched zone. The space between these two points generally represents about one quart of engine oil. If the oil level is closer to the bottom, you're about a quart low. If it's above the top mark, you may have added too much—which can be just as risky as being low. Getting an accurate reading from your oil dipstick requires a proper method, not just a quick glance. How to Check Your Oil Dipstick the Right Way To get a reliable reading: Park on flat ground. Any slope can distort the reading. Let the engine rest. Wait at least 5 to 15 minutes after turning it off so the oil can settle into the pan. Clean and recheck. Pull the oil dipstick, wipe it with a clean cloth or paper towel, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again for the real reading. That first check may show splashes or leftover oil and can easily mislead you. If the oil film sits between the two marks, your oil level is safe. If it's below the low mark, top up. If it's above full, you'll need to remove the excess to prevent potential damage. Why Proper Oil Dipstick Use Matters Oil levels directly affect engine health. Running too low means inadequate lubrication, which increases friction and internal heat. That can wear down vital parts like camshafts, bearings, and cylinder walls. If your oil warning light flickers when you brake or turn, it might mean the oil is so low it's sloshing away from the pickup point. Too much oil is no better. Overfilling causes aeration—air bubbles mixing into the oil—which breaks down its ability to lubricate and cool. This foamy oil increases internal pressure and puts stress on seals and gaskets, accelerating wear and inviting leaks. What If Your Car Doesn't Have an Oil Dipstick? Some newer vehicles no longer use a traditional oil dipstick, replacing it with electronic sensors and digital displays. While that technology offers convenience, it's still essential to monitor oil health and respond quickly if your system warns of low or high levels. Your oil dipstick is more than a relic of old-school maintenance—it's a frontline tool in keeping your engine healthy. Read it the right way, trust what it tells you, and never underestimate how a simple stick can prevent major repairs. Done correctly, checking your oil dipstick takes just minutes—and could save you thousands.
Motor 1
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'That's One Way to Get a Free Rental:' Mechanic Calls Out Customers Who Get Their Car Serviced Just Before a Road Trip
This mechanic says you shouldn't bring in your car right before a big road trip. Here's why commenters think he's wrong. It's a common instinct. You're going on a big trip and want to make sure your car can withstand the miles, so you take it to the mechanic a few days before to play it safe. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . You probably feel so responsible for doing this instead of taking a chance on the road. But this mechanic is here to burst your bubble because he claims this is the exact wrong thing to do. Why You Shouldn't Go to the Mechanic Right Before a Trip In a viral video with more than 433,000 views, mechanic Billy ( @toytecc ) shared a hot take on when you should take your car to the mechanic. 'This would happen to be the reason why you do not take your car to the shop right before your trip to wherever the [expletive] you're going,' Billy says, half joking and half serious. He explains that a person came in and said they were going on a 900-mile road trip the next day and wanted to get the car serviced to make sure their car could withstand the trip. 'Well, you're not going in this vehicle anymore,' he says with a cartoon villain laugh. In the video, there's a snapped wire hanging, seemingly indicating that it's a part from the car or from the machine used to hoist the car up during repair. Trending Now 'It Overheats Slightly:' Man Says This Happens When a Northstar V-8's Head Gasket Fails. Then He Shows the Car 'Toyota Tacoma. Chevy Tahoe:' Car Salesman Can Tell the Make And Model By the Sound Of The Hood Closing. Then He Proves It Commenters Had Mixed Reactions 'Or we find out something is wrong and it won't make it that far,' a top comment read. 'I swear as soon as they say that they are going on a trip or that they need the car by a certain time, everything is jinxed,' a person said. 'If it's not stuck on the lock, it'll still go down,' another pointed out. 'The real reason is if we find stuff wrong, there won't be time to fix it,' a commenter stated. How to Get Your Car Road Trip Ready Here are some tips from AAA to help get your car ready for a long-haul drive and prevent any roadside issues: Check all tires (plus the spare) for cuts, bulges, and good tread. Make sure to fill them up to the recommended air pressure. Get a brake inspection, especially if you hear any sound or vibration when applying the brakes. Don't forget to get the belts and hoses looked at, too. Get your battery checked. Make sure fluids—like the engine oil and coolant—are at the correct levels. Replace your wiper blades if they're worn out. Check to make sure the windshield washer reservoir doesn't have debris and has an appropriate amount of wiper fluid. Run your A/C to make sure it works. No one wants to be stuck in a hot car for hours. Make sure you have a solid emergency kit with things like first aid supplies, water, snacks, a car battery booster cable, and emergency flares. Motor1 reached out to Billy via email and TikTok direct message. We'll be sure to update this if he responds. More From Motor1 'What in the World Should I Do?': Woman Takes Her Chevrolet Into the Body Shop to Fix a Dent. Then She Gets It Back 'We Never Did That at My Shop:' AutoZone Worker Says it 'Hurts His Soul' Whenever a Customer Requires Him to Do This. Why? Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Car
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
How to get a Mini on your drive for £2000
Overall the Mini is a reliable, well built small car that shouldn't cause you any major problems. Indeed, it is not totally free from mechanical gremlins, but by now any recalls will have been addressed and dealers, as well as independent specialists, are familar with the issues that might afflict them. For more peace of mind, the Mini Hatch ranked fifth out of 19 cars in the small car class in the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, with an impressive overall rating of 97.9%. Engine: Be wary of Cooper S Minis built between 2014 and 2015: a recall was issued to repair a defective crankshaft bearing and engines were either rebuilt or replaced. Check that the whole engine has been replaced because other parts may have been damaged by the faulty crankshaft. High oil consumption is common on hotter models so check oil levels and make sure the car is serviced every year. Exhaust: Ensure the Pro exhaust on the JCW cars is fitted properly. You'll know it isn't if the heat shield is rattling underneath the car. Suspension: Listen out for a knocking noise from the front suspension as the control arm bushings like to make a racket when they're worn. A new bushing is around £30. Body: Door seal rubber can rub away the paint on the inside so check for any damage. You can buy door-shut paint protection film to stop the issue from recurring. Check for clouding in the wing mirrors. New glass is around £20. Interior: Don't be surprised if the dashboard rattles, especially on higher-mileage cars. A creaky sunroof isn't uncommon either and some lubricant around the seal can assuage the issue. Check that the heated seats work and that the light doesn't go out on the dashboard when they're switched on. If they're faulty, then it could be either the heat element or control module that's to blame. An owner's view Rachel Lowe: 'I was looking for a step up from my 2013 'R56' Cooper and the F56 model was what I was hoping for in terms of reliability and performance. In the end, I bought a 2016 JCW from Scotland and the seven-hour drive home proved that this was the right car for me. It's very responsive, handles superbly and is surprisingly economical on longer journeys. I've added a few modifications, including a wrap, JCW Pro exhaust, front splitter/side skirts and the JCW Pro suspension kit. It's been very reliable and easily the most fun car I've ever owned.' Also worth knowing If you want the fastest version of the F56-gen Mini, your best bet is the John Cooper Works GP, launched in 2020. This track-focused hot hatch is an absolute riot to drive thanks to its lowered suspension, larger brakes and 302bhp turbocharged motor. There are plenty of special editions to choose from, such as the 1499GT, a play on the 1275GT of the original car. There's also the 1to6 Edition, a limited-run version of the JCW that was the last Mini to feature a manual gearbox.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Can You Trust The Oil Life Monitor In Modern Cars?
As the auto industry gets more digital and high tech, we have to ask ourselves the question -- is all of this going to work as intended? Technology is always a mixed bag in that it can improve safety and convenience, but it can also create unforeseen complications. So when it comes to new tech in cars like oil life monitors, we have to wonder if it actually works. This is especially important since these days a lot of new cars don't have a dipstick to check oil level. However, a lot of consumers have already encountered problems. For instance, the oil level monitor could suggest adding a quart of oil, only for that to be too much. In a world where automakers are going digital, we wonder how accurate those new digital oil life monitors really are. Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto are one thing, but replacing reliable systems just to seem modern doesn't always help. Read more: These Are The Worst Transmission Recalls Of The Last 5 Years As the name says, this is a device or system that monitors the oil life expectancy of a vehicle as it degrades. Many oil life monitors use sensors that collect real-time data that is then put into an algorithm to compute an estimate of the oil life. This data covers several factors, such as your driving habits, operating conditions, and in some cases, vehicle mileage. All of these can affect how quickly your motor oil degrades. However, the oil life monitor is only providing an estimate based on the data it collects. When it comes to oil life and the quality of motor oil, we don't love the idea of taking a guess. Still, there are some benefits to oil life monitors. They can help prevent the needless throwing away of oil, which is good for the environment. This also means less oil changes and maintenance visits. If anything, oil life monitors are a safeguard for those of us who may be a little forgetful. So how accurate are those sensors, really? Well, they can certainly malfunction and degrade over time as well. This can lead to premature oil changes or driving with bad oil. Most can't detect oil levels, oil quality, or the condition of the oil. Instead, the algorithm is based on the data collected about driving habits and the vehicle's operating conditions, but driving conditions like harsh environments or weather are not accounted for. So, all-in-all, can we trust oil life monitors? Don't bet your car on it. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
