Owner Tips
Owner Tips: All Articles

The Higher Costs of Owning a Car and What You Can Do About It
Why car ownership costs are rising and tips on how to cope.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 Reliability, Common Problems and Maintenance Guide
Learn about Hyundai IONIQ 5 reliability, including common problems, maintenance needs and expected ownership costs.

Hyundai Sonata Maintenance Cost, Reliability and Common Problems
Hyundai Sonata maintenance cost comes down to the service schedule you follow, the warranty left on the car and the model year's recall history. A newer Sonata carries a 5-year/100,000 km powertrain warranty that transfers to the next owner, and recall repairs cost nothing.

1997 Honda CR-V AWD Guide: Winter Performance, Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs
Nearly 30 years on, condition matters far more than the badge.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD Guide: Winter Performance, Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD is the 2023-and-newer van with an automatic system that can send up to 50 per cent of torque to either axle.

Suzuki Jimny AWD Guide: Winter Performance, Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs
Is the Suzuki Jimny AWD? No, it's part-time 4x4. See how it handles snow, its fuel figures and when you can import one to Canada.

Truck Features to Look for if You’re Towing
The towing features that make the job easier. And the ones that might not.

Windshield Washer Fluid Guide: Types, Winter Ratings and When to Refill
Learn about windshield washer fluid guide, including common causes, repair options, expected costs and when professional service is needed.

What Insurance Experts Say You Should Do if Your Vehicle is Damaged by a Storm
Hail, flooding, and fallen trees will all become more common as weather worsens.

AutoTrader Answers: How to Check Your Tire's Tread Depth
Tread depth is a helpful indicator of when you should replace your tires.

AutoTrader Answer: What to if You Get a Flat Tire
It’s not as scary as it might sound!

AutoTrader Answers: What to Do If Your Car’s Key Fob Battery Dies
Most modern vehicles still have an old school key, even if it doesn’t look like it.

These Were Canada's Most Stolen Vehicles in 2024
Is your vehicle on the list?

Is It Normal for a Car to Leak? Some Leaks Need Attention, Others Can Be Ignored
Liquid dripping from your car can be alarming, but it isn’t necessarily a cause for concern.

Honda Announces Classic Car Parts Program – Which Other Automakers Are Keeping Past Glory Alive?
Many automotive brands are offering more support for classic car owners.

Will Quebec’s Class Action Lawsuit Force Automakers to Get Serious About Car Theft?
There’s almost always a cost for convenience when it comes to cars.

Ontario's Pandemic-Era G Driver’s Licence Test Changes Are Here to Stay: Is That a Good Thing?
Double-checking certain driving skills has been axed to speed up testing.

What Needs to Be Serviced on an EV?
Maintaining an electric vehicle is simpler and more cost-effective than a gas car.

How Do You Teach Your Teen About Responsible Driving?
It takes a lot of trust, but here are some tips and tricks.

Don't Waste Your Money on This Useless Car Stuff
Some unnecessary car products that are never worth your hard-earned cash.

Why Do EVs Trigger Motion Sickness and How Can I Stop It?
Electric vehicles can make people carsick, but there are ways to overcome it.

Why Do Electric Vehicle Tires Wear Out More Quickly?
And some tips to help your EV’s tires last longer.

What Happens if a Leased Car Gets in a Collision?
Just as with owning a car, you’ll need to report the collision, seek medical attention, and have the vehicle repaired.

When and How to Talk to Your Senior Parents about Giving Up Their Keys
It could be a difficult conversation if the safety of your senior relative is at risk.

Cyberattacks at EV Charging Stations Are on the Rise
Hackers are finding more ways to illegally access the growing EV infrastructure.

9 Simple Steps for Cleaning Your Car This Spring
This is the time of the year to rid your vehicle of its winter cosmetic blues.

Will Tariffs Make Car Insurance More Expensive?
New trade levies could cause your car’s coverage to increase.

Is it Illegal to Reverse in an Intersection?
Backing up on the road is almost never the answer.

10 Tips That Could Save Your Life This Winter
Winter driving can pose many risks, but here’s how to prepare.

Own the Road with AutoTrader, Episode 51: Road Rage Rants, Part 2
Dan and Jodi return with a follow-up to the popular road rage rant episode.

What Non-Tesla EV Owners Need to Know About Using Tesla Superchargers
Here’s what it means, what it will cost, and when it will happen.

Answering 9 Questions About Winter Tires
Before you ask: Yes, you need winter tires.

Own the Road with AutoTrader, Episode 48: Classic Wisdom for Winter Driving
Dan and Jodi help demystify winter driving and share some classic wisdom that you wouldn’t have learned in driving school.

How to Do a Winter Road Trip With an EV
EVs are totally capable of long winter trips, especially with a bit of extra planning.

7 Useful but Hidden Automotive Features
You don’t need to hire an investigator to discover these secret but valuable automotive features.

What to Do With Your Vehicle at the End of Its Life
A dead vehicle still has a lot of value, but only if you know who is willing to buy it.

Cybersecurity in Cars: The Risks and How to Protect Yourself
Modern vehicles can be targeted by hackers, but there are tactics we can use to protect ourselves.

How to Jump Start a Car by Yourself
Never worry about getting stranded with a dead battery by keeping an emergency booster pack in your car.

How to Clean Snow and Ice From Your Car
Clearing your car off is essential to keep yourself and others safe and avoid hefty fines.

Own the Road with AutoTrader, Episode 42: Car Theft Prevention Tips
Dan and Jodi run through the list of most stolen vehicles in Canada and share some tips on how you can keep your car safe.

What Is No-Fault Insurance?
Don’t let the name confuse you. It has nothing to do with who causes an accident.

Why Your Car Insurance Company Might Cover the Costs of Anti-Theft Devices
There’s a lot you can do to keep your car safe and your insurance company might pay for it.

9 Ways to Lose Your Car Insurance
Honesty is the best policy when dealing with your insurance provider.

What Happens to My Car if I Die?
Lawyer answers your most popular questions about the car you leave behind.

Experts Answer Your Top Questions About Car Insurance
Understanding how you and your car are covered is vital.

How to Protect Your Car from Increasingly Common Catalytic Converter Thieves
With a huge spike in catalytic converter theft, your vehicle could be a target.

Do Pickup Trucks and SUVs Need Specialized Tires?
We explain the difference between light truck and passenger tires so you can figure out which one is right for you.

Pros and Cons of Run-Flat Tires
Run-flat tires promise convenience and peace of mind, but get all the facts before you commit to a set.

Parking Somewhere Sketchy? Use These 3 Tips to Protect Your Car
With car theft on the rise and thieves getting smarter, here’s how to protect your car if you’re leaving it for an extended period.

Do EVs and Hybrids Need Special Tires or Will Regular Tires Work?
Here are the pros and cons of specialized tires for electric vehicles.