Our advice articles are designed to inform our consumers about their cars; how they work, are repaired, pricing, signs of malfunction, and more. Our most popular articles of the past year dive into these categories with detail and a mind to what information the reader is seeking. At YourMechanic, we aim to provide a superior car repair service through our transparency in actual car servicing and available online information.
We want our readers to understand what their car needs and what their mechanic does when diagnosing and repairing their vehicle. These articles were our most popular throughout 2018, and show us what our customers have the most significant interest in. Thank you for seeking out YourMechanic for your car questions and concerns.
1. The Most and Least Expensive Cars to Maintain
On average, Americans spend 5% of their income on buying a car, and another 5% on regular maintenance and car insurance. Luxury cars are luxurious for a reason — and cost-effective vehicles have their drawbacks. This article will help you calculate the price of the car you own or your next vehicle purchase.
2. The Top 8 Things That Will Drain Your Car Battery
The car battery is the most critical component to starting and driving your car. When the battery proves unreliable, it may be draining for many reasons, including human error, age, alternator issues, and more. Read this article to find the source of your car’s battery drain.
3. How to Diagnose an Ignition Key That Won’t Turn
While frustrating when it occurs, a key refusing to turn in the ignition, and ensuing locked steering wheel, is easy to fix. This article goes over three reasons your key may be stuck, and what parts to check to get it running in a few short steps.
4. Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Water Pump
The water pump is the primary component responsible for pumping coolant from the radiator to the engine to maintain optimal engine temperatures. Included in this article are five signs of a bad water pump, and what to do when you notice them.
5. How to Start a Car in Cold Weather
Cold-weather times of the year tend to have the most car-starting problems. This article tells you how to get the car going on a cold day as well as preventative measures to avoid starting issues in the first place.
6. How to Shut Off the Anti-Theft Device in Your Car
Car alarms are incredibly helpful, but should they go off accidentally, shutting them off can be a pain if your immobilizer chip isn’t working. This article reveals how checking your key fob, turning your car on, or manually unlocking your vehicle can stop the activated anti-theft system.
7. Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Throttle Position Sensor
The throttle position sensor (TPS) works to ensure the correct mixture of air and fuel enters the engine. If it fails, it results in poor fuel economy and potentially dangerous performance problems. This article goes over four signs of a bad throttle position sensor and why such symptoms necessitate immediate TPS replacement.
8. Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Starter Relay
Highly important to vehicle ignition systems, the starter relay redirects battery power to the starter solenoid, activating the starter to spin over the engine. This article explains several car-starting issues that could signify a faulty starter and what repair or replacement work each requires.
9. Top 5 Reasons Your Windshield Wipers aren’t Working
Windshield wipers are crucial to safe driving in inclimate weather. This article discusses why they may not be working, and what to do to fix each problem. Torn wiper blades, a blown fuse, or heavy snow are just a few possibilities to consider.
10. Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Crankshaft Position Sensor
The crankshaft position sensor monitors the position and rotational speed of the crankshaft and sends the information to the engine control unit for operating condition adjustments. This article lists six signs of its potential failure and how it affects overall car performance.
