Many people have different preferences with regards to whether or not they prefer to stud their tires for the winter. This video discusses how tires are studded and the pros and cons of studding tires. Should you stud your own tires? It depends. Watch the video and check out this blog post to help you weigh your options and see if studding is the best decision for you and your vehicle this winter.

Mid-size sedans are most-often described with words like “ho hum” or “boring,” with appropriately “dead” handling and “appliance-like” performance. Still, drivers find it hard to simply rubber-stamp the 2018 Honda Accord with those same epithets, all thanks to Honda engineers’ determination to put some enjoyment back into the ride. Add in some new technology and safety packages, and the 2018 Honda Accord makes for a more-than-acceptable stepping-stone, something interesting to do after stepping [...more]

Most would not mistake an economy car for a luxury car, but they might be mistaken if they see you driving the 2018 Acura ILX sporty compact premium sedan. This luxury car is a great way to get into something comfortable, quiet, powerful, and agile without spending more money on larger premium sedans in the segment. It’s exactly the reason luxury automakers keep making their vehicles smaller, and you’ll put this vehicle against the likes of the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Mini Clubman, and Lexus [...more]

The tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS, is designed to alert you when a tire’s pressure has become significantly low. Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical to safe driving and fuel economy. On select models, the multi-information display will indicate which tire is low, along with a check tire pressure message. On all models, a low tire pressure indicator, in the shape in the tire cross-section will light on the instrument panel. In either case, you should stop and check the tires [...more]

Did you know that checking your oil level immediately after you switch the engine off won’t give you an accurate reading? This is how you do it, the right way. The dipstick, which has an almost keyring-like handle is used to check the oil level. Pull it our and wipe it clean with a lint-free piece of cloth. You’ll notice that it has a level indicator on it. Reinsert the dipstick back into the engine. Pull it out again and check the level on the indicator. If the car has been running, make [...more]

What relationship to Formula One, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Corvette, Jaguar, Land Rover, Smart, Lexus, and trucks have in common? This might take you a minute, but we’ll save you some time and come right out and say it: They’ve all had wheels designed and manufactured by Tiger Sports Wheels. Founded by Formula One driver Eddie Keizan, in 1960s South Africa, Tiger Sports Wheels would go on to produce OEM (original equipment manufacturer) wheels for many of the most important car companies in [...more]

Welcome Sparky Q & As Q: What is the tire pressure for a Ford Focus? A: Need a little more info to answer this correctly. Earlier Ford Focus used 30-32 PSI, newer Focus use 35 PSI. I strongly recommend you check what the door sticker says to use, or owner’s manual. Thanks, subscribe.

In 1958, Harold Coker started Coker Tire Company, in Chattanooga, TN, but there was a problem: It was nearly impossible to find the right tires for classic cars from the 30s and 40s. Already well-versed in automotive restoration, Coker envisioned producing his own vintage-style tires for classic and antique cars, and so Coker Tire Company was born. Still, antique tire production wasn’t particularly profitable at the time, the main business coming from tires put on daily drivers of the day. The s [...more]

Nothing says cool, suave, sexy and so very British like James Bond.  His cars have been just as cool as James himself. 1962 Dr.No Car model-Sunbeam Alpine 1963 From Russia With Love Car model- Bentley 3.5L Drophead 1964 Goldfinger Car model-Aston Marton DB5 1965 Thunderball Car model-Lincoln Continental 1967-You Only Live Twice Car model-Toyota 2000GT 1969-On Her Majesty’s Secret Service Car model-Aston Martin DBS 1971-Diamonds Are Forever Car model-Ford Mustang Mach 1 1973-Liv [...more]

Trucks can be a great economic buy or they can come fully loaded with a hefty price tag.  Depending on your needs check out this cool video which from Sept 2016 showing the top 10 most expensive trucks. Prices $$$$ “Top 10 Most Expensive Trucks in the World” 10.) Name: GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Denali Price: $52,860 Engine specs: V8 Engine with 355hp 9.) Name: Ford F-250 Platinum Price: $54,077 Engine specs: V8 Engine with 385hp 8.) Name: Chevrolet Silverado 2500 4WD High Country Price: $56 [...more]

Since 1971, when Hank Feldman founded Performance Plus Tires, he’s stocked and installed Nitto Tire, but what is Nitto Tire? Founded in 1949, Nitto Tire has never been a very big company, but niche companies have often proven that enthusiasm can lead to success. Nitto is part of the ninth-largest tire company in the world. By focusing on high-performance tires, Nitto has branded itself an enthusiast tire company, producing performance tires for cars and trucks around the world. Though Nitto T [...more]

Whether you’re looking for cheap tires online, to upgrade your ride, or for wheel and tire packages for off-roading or Winter, you have a lot of choices. In fact, search “tires online” or “rims for sale,” and you’re sure to be bombarded by online retailers and private sellers across the country or even overseas. Now, you could just do some quick calculations – wheels and tires online plus shipping and handling gives you and quick and dirty way to compare prices from different vendors, but Perfor [...more]

Don't let the rain stop you from riding your motorcycle. There are lots of options and accessories out there. This video explores a few of the different possibilities. Remember to understand what it takes to ride safely in the rain!

Some tips or riding a motorcycle in the rain. Wear the appropriate gear for the weather conditions. Ride smoothly and use caution at intersections. Watch out for debris and cracks in the road which may be hidden by water. Follow dry areas of the road - avoid water. Keep your tires well maintained.

Here is a video showing some of the biggest engines around. These include a car engine, aircraft engine, rocket engine, train engine, marine engine etc. Check out the size of some of these monsters! Welcome to the Top 10 biggest engines video! 10. The biggest car engine was built in 1911, incorporated into the Fiat S76, codename: the beast of turn. It was a racing car, which had a 28 liter, four-cylinder, 300 horsepower engine. Only two of these great cars have been produced and each engine [...more]

For driving enthusiasts, “fuel economy” might as well be a four-letter word. After all, we know what fuel economy improvements did to our favorite sports cars in the 1980s. The price of fuel has always driven people to economy cars, but most enthusiasts consider a plain-Jane Camry or Smart Fortwo a death sentence. Still, better fuel economy and fewer emissions is something most of us can agree on, considering we all breathe the same air. Do you have to give up driving pleasure or a “cool car” f [...more]

https://youtu.be/zHrdqaWHWiE

It will be a few decades before electric-powered vehicles take over from those run on internal combustion engines. Manufactures are taking steps to ensure that existing gas and diesel engines are more efficient and less polluting. This video shows how a company based in the US is using an old technological concept to build a power train that is 50 percent more fuel-efficient and just as powerful as conventional engines.

Your tires are the only connection between your car and the road, but as robust as they are, wear and damage are common. Over time, tread wears out, so tires should be replaced before they get to 2/32” tread depth. Going beyond this, the thinner tread can easily be punctured by road debris. Abnormal wear or belt damage can cause part of the tire tread to wear out faster, and could even wear right through the belts. An impact with a pothole or curb could cause a flat tire. Finally, just normal se [...more]

The wheels on the bus go round and round.... Most children know this rhythm. But how did buses evolve? Check out this video history of the bus. The first bus was designed in 1830 in Great Britain. It was driven by a steam engine. In 1895 an eight-passenger bus with an engine was built in Germany. There were buses in use in the US for sightseeing in New York City during the early part of last century. In 1921 the first vehicle with a chassis specifically designed for bus service was made in the U [...more]

In one form or another, taxis have been around for maybe millennia, or at least since the invention of chariots and wagons. Even before the wheel, royalty and people of merit were borne on litters, usually carried by the strongest and best-looking slaves. In modern times, we typically think of a taxi as a car for hire, usually paid by distance, time, or destination. Regarding this latest form of the taxi, how long has this been around? Here’s a brief history of the taxis of the past, present, an [...more]

This is an installation video for wheel covers/hubcaps - note this is for steel wheel only. Also note that lug nuts are cosmetics only - and do not function. This video includes the installation of a set of four hub caps along with four metal wire retention rings.

A nice video showing you how to change your tire when a flat occurs. Information includes using the jack, hubcap removal, unfastening the nuts, removing the old tire, installing the new tire, tightening the nuts, lowering the jack and more.

Check out a classic 1981 checker taxi cab in this video. They were once the most famous taxis in the USA. The model featured in the video is the A 11 which was in production from 1963 to 1982. Made famous in numerous movies and TV shows the yellow color and checkered pattern are familiar the world over.

This video shows you how to pull parts from your local junkyard. This is a great way to find parts at a reasonable price or if you are searching for a hard to find item. Bring your tools and start searching!