Ownership
How to Read a Tire Date Code—and What Tire Age Cannot Tell You
Decode the DOT tire date code, separate manufacture from installation, and record every tire. Includes a clear diagram and manufacturer age guidance.
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Ownership
How to Check Car Recalls by VIN
Check open safety recalls by VIN, understand a zero result, and prepare the dealer call. A practical U.S. guide with official tools and a decision table.
Ownership
A Pre-Purchase Inspection: What to Agree Before You Pay
Book a used-car inspection with clear scope, access, fees and a written report. Seven questions to ask, including what an EV battery check actually covers.
ownership / The useful drive
Five Things to Check on Your Next Test Drive
A practical five-part test-drive checklist to help you compare fit, everyday driving, and the questions a used car still needs to answer.
News & Context
Ford Recall 26V653: F-150 and Super Duty Analog Gauge Fault
Ford recall 26V653 covers certain F-150 and Super Duty analog gauges. See the affected years, planned repair timing and what to ask the dealer.
News & Context
Honda Tire Repair Kit Recall 26V663: Why Some Vehicles Need Another Nozzle Check
Honda recall 26V663 concerns tire repair kits linked to an earlier campaign. Check the affected hybrid models, why replacement parts matter and the dealer inspection.
The ownership desk
A little more clarity. A better next decision.
Ownership
How to Identify a Car’s Model, Trim and Engine
Identify a car’s model, trim and engine using its VIN, equipment records and manufacturer specifications. Know what a VIN decoder can and cannot confirm.
Ownership
How to Read Your Car’s Maintenance Schedule
Turn a maintenance chart into a clear plan by checking the exact vehicle, the action required, the timing and the conditions that change it.
Ownership
What a Repair Estimate Should Actually Tell You
Read a repair estimate with confidence: separate diagnosis from repairs, compare parts and labor, and make the approval process clear before work begins.
Ownership
What a Used Car’s Service History Can Actually Prove
Turn invoices, dealer records and vehicle history reports into a useful timeline, without mistaking missing entries for proof of neglect or good condition.
Ownership
How to Describe a Car Problem Before Paying for Parts
Build a useful symptom log with dates, conditions, warning messages, and observations to help a repair shop investigate your car's problem.
Ownership
What It Really Costs to Run Your Car: A Worksheet
Build a useful car budget with a simple worksheet for fuel, charging, maintenance and ownership costs—without counting your loan twice.
Ownership
Which Tire Pressure Should You Use? Read the Placard Before the Sidewall
Find the right cold tire pressure for your car, read front and rear settings, and avoid common mistakes with warm tires, TPMS and changed wheel sizes.
Ownership
Choosing Engine Oil: Viscosity, Specifications and Approvals Explained
Learn how to match engine oil viscosity, API or ILSAC specifications and manufacturer approvals to your car's manual before buying or booking a service.
More from the journal
Driving & Engineering
Peak Charging Power vs the Charging Curve
Why an EV’s maximum charging power cannot tell you the length of your next stop, and which numbers make a fairer comparison.
News & Context
Geely’s 2,250 kW Charging Claim: The Questions Buyers Should Ask
A new charging announcement puts another enormous power figure in the headlines. Your next road trip depends on the complete charging session, and where you can actually use it.
Driving & Engineering
Horsepower, Torque and Gearing: What Actually Moves the Car
Engine torque is only the start. Understand how rpm, gearing, tires and traction turn an impressive specification into useful acceleration.
Driving & Engineering
Bigger Wheels: What Changes, What Does Not
A larger wheel can leave the tire's overall diameter almost unchanged. Learn the sidewall, comfort, mass and fitment questions worth asking.
Driving & Engineering
Why a Car Can Feel Light Without Being Light
Separate mass, steering effort and body response to understand what a car's light-on-its-feet feeling actually tells you.
Driving & Engineering
Steering Ratio vs Steering Feel: What the Numbers Miss
A quick steering ratio describes angle changes. It cannot tell you how natural, informative or comfortable the steering will feel.
News & Context
VW and Audi Steering Recall: Check the VIN Before Waiting for a Letter
A U.S. recall covers certain Atlas, Tiguan and Q3 SUVs. Here is how to check your vehicle and prepare for the dealer conversation.
News & Context
BMW’s New i3 Battery-Cell Carbon Claim: Read the Unit Before the Percentage
BMW reports lower production emissions per unit of battery capacity. Here is how to separate a component improvement from a whole-car comparison.
News & Context
Genesis G80 and Hyundai Genesis Recall 26V664: Park Outside While a Remedy Is Developed
Certain 2015–2016 Hyundai Genesis and 2017–2020 Genesis G80 sedans have a power-seat fire recall. Check the VIN and the official park-outside instruction.
News & Context
Ford F-150 Recall 26V655: Front-Seat Bolts and the Available Repair
Certain 2025–2027 F-150s need a front-seat bolt check under recall 26V655. Ford's owner notice says the repair is available. Check your VIN.
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