Owner Tips
Owner Tips: All Articles

Anatomy of a Recall: How and Why are Vehicles Recalled?
The vehicle recall process is more complicated than it seems.

Dieselgate from the Driver’s Seat, Part 1
Will Daniel’s beloved Golf TDI face the crusher?

Goof of the Month: You Put Gas in My Diesel!
This month’s contributor made a little mistake, then a much bigger one, which cost thousands.

Electronic Rust Protection Isn’t Magic: A Body Man's Verdict
This month’s contributor wants to save you money by shedding light on a commonly overrated product.

Goof of the Month: Well, Tire's Your Problem
This month’s frightening story illustrates the importance of a circle check of your ride before setting off.

Rites of Spring Maintenance
The traditional tune-up may be a thing of the past, but that doesn't mean you should ignore your car this spring.

Claiming Automotive Expense: Reminders for Tax Season
It’s important to do your tax homework when deciding between buying or leasing a new or used vehicle.

How to Get Your Motorcycle Ready for Spring
A checklist for your first ride of the season.

Goof of the Month: What’s That Smell?
Usually, it’s a sound that gets drivers taking their rides into the shop – but it’s important to be aware of unwelcome smells, too.

Detail Therapy: Giving Your Car Essential Spring TLC
Six products face the ultimate challenge.

Goof of the Month: Spark it Up!
Spark plugs need loving, too! Poorly maintained spark plugs can deteriorate, fall apart, and damage engine internals if left unchecked.

Goof of the Month: Timing Belt Denial
If your ride is overdue for its timing-belt change, you’ve got a ticking time bomb under your hood.

Goof of the Month: A Wheel Bad Repair
Another month, another $100 dollar repair bill turned into a $1,200 repair bill.

Pre-Winter Checks You’ll Probably Forget
Five simple checks you’ll probably miss.

Goof of the Month: Loose Nuts
Winter is coming – meaning it’s time to be on the lookout for loose nuts

Goof of the Month: Dead Air
Another month, another big repair bill averted by easy maintenance.

Where Should I Get My Car Serviced?
A look at three popular options on where to take your ride for fixin'.

How To Drive in Winter’s First Snowstorm
We get some pro tips from our winter driving guy about how to be safe and confident, and how not to be a total dumb-ass when driving in...

Getting hosed at the pump
What you need to know before your next trip to the gas station.

Goof of the Month: Pop the Hood
This month’s culprit learned that a little maintenance can prevent a lot of electronics problems.

Goof of the Month: A Tow for a Tow Truck
This month’s culprit made a dangerous judgment call that could have caused an accident.

Goof of the Month: What's That Noise?
Originally published on Autos.ca on May 11, 2015 (Goof of the Month: Stories of the Mechanically Declined - What's that...

Tackling Summer Setbacks at the Wheel
Sometimes, all the preparation in the world can’t prevent a setback at the wheel.

Auto Advice: Scrapping That Dirty Old POS
A few tips to consider when it comes time to scrap your dirty old POS.

Springtime Car Cleaning Hacks
A list of tips to get your ride big-time clean and shiny, with minimal time and money.

Pothole Apocalypse Survival Guide
Potholes aren’t just a sign of spring motoring: they’re dangerous and could cause a fatal accident.

Driving with Dogs - Safety Tips That You Should Know About
I figured I’d talk to my local vet for some more information and tips and share my findings with my dog-loving readers.